**Re-Post Note: This was one of the very first feature stories shared in The Buckeye Buzz, way back in Issue No. 2, sent on September 19, 2024. In reflecting on the last (the first) 30 issues, I wanted to share this again now because (1) It’s the one place I return to again and again (pretty much every week!); and (2) Tacos are life! Although, I’ve now branched out and have a new favorite menu item. 😉 I’ve updated the article at the end to share about that…

Doesn’t everyone make portraits of their tacos?

My love language is tacos. I love tacos so much that if that was the only thing I had to eat for the rest of my life, I would, gladly. Tacos for breakfast, lunch & dinner? Fine with me!

The trouble is, finding a good taco in Buckeye has been a 3-year-long quest. And this is a very big problem if you have a taco addiction, like I do.

True Story

Finding tacos was on my list (along with finding a high school and a town to live in) when we made our 2-day scouting trip to Arizona back in May 2021, a short 30-days before we were forced (blessing in disguise) to flee Orange County. Moving away, would mean I would no longer have easy access to a Baja Fish Taco. I was as equally distraught about leaving my gramma and my family, as I was those tacos. I’m not even kidding. I told you, I’m addicted!

My husband was elated when he told me there was in fact, a “Baja Fish Taco” here, he could see it on the map. So, the first night of our scouting trip we set out to find it.

And, then we almost got divorced in the car.

At the time, we were not used to driving in Arizona at night - it’s so dark, there was (is!!!) road construction everywhere (that is not shown on Google maps) and we kept going in circles and getting lost.

A Taco Shop Mirage

By the time we found “Baja Fish Taco,” it was a truck in parking lot of a gas station and it was 5 minutes to closing. It wasn’t the same Baja Fish Taco. 😥 [I have no idea where that taco truck was but it is not the same one that comes up now on Google Maps. That one [in El Mirage] is temporarily closed but has good reviews!]

A Hole in My ❤️ 

We returned back to California, still married (going on 24 years now!), and I attempted to make peace with the fact that I was going to have to live without Baja Fish Tacos in my life. Yes, we can make them at home, and my husband does sometimes (lucky me), but it’s not the same as dialing my phone and picking them up whenever my little heart desires.

Hope Restored

When we moved here (to Verrado), I immediately noticed that a little shop on Main Street had a “Coming Soon” sign in the window - an indication that a taco shop would be occupying that space. I felt like it was opening just for me! I later found out pretty much everyone else felt the same way…

Taco Tease

It took about two years for my local taco shop dream to materialize. I still remember the day I noticed that the “Coming Soon” sign in the window had been taken down and it looked like construction had begun. There was a buzz in the air, everyone was talking about it! Everyone was trying to find out when it would open! Everyone was just as excited as I was! People started circling like sharks…

When Rosie’s opened, the neighborhood went muy loco!

Suffering is Optional

I was still pining away about my ex-taco though and wasn’t easily swayed to trying something new. By this time, I had sampled a few other places around Arizona and it just wasn’t the same. Every time I tried a new taco, I would be reminded how much I missed my old one. Eventually, I stopped trying. I couldn’t handle the disappointment.

Until One Day…

I had been without tacos for probably longer than I ever had been in my life and my craving (see a pattern here?) got the best of me.¹  

That craving hit while I was in the pick-up line at school. I whipped out my phone, quickly and easily placed my order online, and prepared to pick it up on the my way home. I love how easy it is to park right in front and run right in!

Tacos So Good I Cried

Back at home, I took one bite of that taco and I’m not kidding, I shed a tear. I don’t just cry over any taco either. The only other time I ever shed a tear for a taco, was when we went back to OC about a month after moving here. I was as surprised by that reaction then, as you probably are now, but oh how I missed them!

If you don’t like tacos (or Mexican food), you’ll think I’m muy loco. But if you have a taco addiction like me, I know you understand. 😉

Beehind the Business

It was my goal to connect with the owners and thank them for my new addiction, but sadly, due to time constraints, I wasn’t able to personally interview/meet them prior to writing this article. Hopefully I can connect with them in the future.

You can however, read all about their inspiring backstory here and here!

👋 As always, I will leave you with my order, lovingly framed in the portrait above.

🌮 🌮 Quesa Birria Tacos (no au jus) with a side of creamy chipotle sauce.

😋 My family orders, and we also recommend the:

• Carnitas Tacos

• Fish Tacos

• Shredded Beef (Crispy) Tacos

All are fantastic, huge portions and super fresh!

What are you waiting for? Whip out that 📱 and place your order today!

Update 04-03-25

Tacos Are Life

If you know me — and you’ve been around The Buzz for a bit — then you already know I live for Mexican food. That’s why I feel so lucky that Rosie’s Taco Shop is just a phone call (and 15 minutes) away. Their food is consistently good — no matter who’s cooking, my order always comes out just the way I love it. And it’s always fresh and always correct! To me, that’s a very big deal!

Rosie’s Secret Ingredient

Because I go so often, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know one of the shining stars behind the register: Anissa. This girl has been one of The Buzz’s biggest cheerleaders since Day 1. She’s got the hugest smile and a giant heart! Any time I’m in her presence, I feel blessed. I’m not just saying that — she’s truly special. And if you’ve met her, I know you know what I mean.

A few months ago, I ran into her at Bashas’. She came running down the aisle toward me, her big smile lighting the way. I actually thought she might’ve mistaken me for someone else because she was so excited to see me! What she didn’t know was, I was having a rough day. That encounter with her was was pure sunshine and nudged me right back onto my path of purpose. Just thinking about it now, still brings a tear to my eye.

Earlier today (okay, yes... my second Rosie’s run this week, shhhhh, I needed pictures 😅), and luckily Anissa was there. She was just as excited as ever when I told her I was featuring Rosie’s again. Hopefully now she knows: she’s a big part of what makes Rosie’s so special.

Frequent Flier

Before I go, here’s a pic of my current favorite: 5 rolled tacos (not pictured: the side of chipotle sauce that is 100% necessary). I don’t even like tomatoes and I think they are one of the best parts of this meal, along with crunch of the fresh lettuce.

Lastly, The Value

I don’t think you’ll find this quality for this value anywhere else — seriously! Where else can you get a meal this good for under 10 bucks?! The flavor, the portions, the consistency... All served with a smile! 💗 

Thank you Rosie’s for always filling my stomach (and my heart) with so much love! I will see you again soon! Actually, probably today! 😉 

When you visit, be sure to tell them The Buckeye Buzz sent you! ❤️ 

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1  In the old days, I could quash the cravings by swinging through a local drive-thru chain and “making a run for the border.” Now that I’m older, I’ve developed numerous food sensitivities, and 5 minutes of pleasure isn’t worth 3 days of pain. Clean, fresh food is what I can eat. Luckily, I can get Rosie’s fresh food in 10 minutes!!!