Kansas City is known for a lot of things. At the top of the list is usually barbecue, along with jazz, hundreds of historic fountains, sports teams, and a few traditions that make KC unique and feel like home.
But after recently hopping on the Kansas City Kansas Taco Trail Bus Tour, I think tacos deserve a spot in that conversation too.
With more than 60 locally owned taquerias, restaurants and food trucks across KCK, there is no shortage of places to explore. From smoky carnitas to crispy quesabirria the options seem endless. But knowing exactly where to start, or even where to go, can feel a little overwhelming.
That is where the Red Machine Party Bus comes in.
The idea started when friends Robert Galicia and Mark Coronado used one of their buses to shuttle a group out for dinner. "The conversation led to who truly has the best tacos in KC," Robert explained. "We visited three different local spots, and the idea was born."
What began as a friendly debate has since transformed into the KCK Taco Trail Bus Tour. Today the tour gives KC locals and visitors a chance to experience a handful of the many taquerias that make KCK such a destination for tacos.
"Each of our tours is different. Normally, a tour offers one type of taco. So you might only have al pastor tacos but visit four different taquerias that serve al pastor," Robert said.
The restaurant was recently on The New York Times' list of the 41 Greatest Mexican Restaurants in the United States.
For our experience, we took the "Pick Your Own Taco" tour, giving us a chance to choose between two different tacos at each destination. In total, we hit four local taquerias: A&J Molcajete, Tacos El Tio, Taqueria El Poblano, and El Torito Grill. Between each stop, the Red Machine Party was filled with music, laughs, conversation and, of course, the opportunity to vote for your favorite taco at the end of the night.
Whether you consider yourself a taco connoisseur or you're looking for a fun way to explore the metro, the tour offers far more than just a great meal. It's a chance to discover places you may not have known about and experience more of the culture and flavors that make KCK such a destination for tacos. By the time the tour is over and you hand in your voting ballot, you'll leave full and with a few new favorite local spots to revisit.
To learn more about the Taco Trail, upcoming tours and buy tickets for your tour, visit redmachinepartybus.com.