Des Moines Tacos La Familia Earns National Recognition

The local favorite was recently named one of the best taco restaurants in the country by USA TODAY.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Mexican Food

Bold vector editorial illustration of artisanal clay taco plates with corn tortillas on a wooden table, representing local culinary success. — Tacos La Familia, a staple of Des Moines' River Bend neighborhood, has earned national recognition from USA TODAY for its culinary excellence. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Does national recognition make you more likely to visit a local restaurant?

Tacos La Familia has been recognized by USA TODAY as one of the best taco establishments in America. The Des Moines restaurant, located in the River Bend neighborhood, is now planning a move to a larger space on Sixth Avenue.

Why it matters

This national recognition highlights the restaurant's growth from a small operation into a staple of the local culinary scene. The planned expansion aims to accommodate rising demand for its offerings while introducing new amenities to the area.

The original restaurant space occupies 1,200 square feet and currently offers street tacos starting at $3, fried tacos at $3.50, and tacos ahogados at $4.

The players

Tacos La Familia

This Des Moines-based restaurant is a local culinary staple known for its street tacos and traditional recipes.

Ricardo Arana

He oversees the daily operations and management of the restaurant.

Jose Luis Laja

He serves as the menu developer for the establishment.

USA TODAY

This national media organization publishes news, analysis, and lifestyle rankings.

Des Moines Register

This Iowa-based newspaper covers local news, politics, and the state's dining scene.

The details

Founded in 2016, the restaurant has grown significantly despite early challenges, including a three-month closure after a missed city inspection. Ricardo Arana currently manages daily operations while Jose Luis Laja handles the menu, with a new expansion set to feature a full bar, live entertainment, and expanded catering services.

Tacos La Familia opened its doors in 2016.
The restaurant earned a spot on the Des Moines Register's Essential Restaurants list in 2025.
USA TODAY named the restaurant one of the best in the country on October 16, 2026.

Culture Shift

The restaurant's expansion reflects the growing success of authentic neighborhood eateries in mid-sized markets like Des Moines. This shift marks a departure from traditional dining models by prioritizing hyper-local favorites over large-scale national chains.

Residents can expect continued access to the restaurant's menu, with future plans for a larger location promising an expanded dining environment. The planned move across the street will provide more space and new amenities, including a full bar and live entertainment.

The takeaway

This recognition underscores the success of local businesses that overcome early operational hurdles through community support. Diners should look for updates regarding the move to the new Sixth Avenue site to enjoy the upcoming full bar and live entertainment features.