I tried Stanislaus County’s best taco truck on a $25 budget. Is it worth the hype?
As part of The Modesto Bee’s Best in Stanislaus series, readers voted Ricky’s Tacos in Modesto the best taco truck in Stanislaus County.
The truck claimed first place in the contest, earning 9,144 of 14,454 votes.
Readers praised the truck’s flavorful meats and owner Ricardo Serrano’s strong ties to the community, The Bee previously reported.
Serrano opened Ricky’s Tacos in November 2022 at just 20 years old, saying the venture offered “the best of both worlds” and the chance to connect with customers while starting a business without the “huge costs of a traditional restaurant.”
For this month’s On A Budget stop, I visited Ricky’s Tacos to see how far $25 goes at Stanislaus County’s top-rated taco truck.
Here’s what I was able to order on a $25 budget:
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhy we did this story
Let’s face it, living in Modesto and going out can be expensive. That’s why Modesto Bee service journalism reporter Angela Rodriguez is bringing you along on her budget-friendly adventures. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Angela wants to help her fellow residents navigate life in the region (and have fun) without breaking the bank.
Where can I find the best taco truck in Stanislaus County?
Ricky’s Tacos is at 1800 East Hatch Road in Modesto, tucked away in a parking lot between SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service and an America’s Tire shop.
The taco truck is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
What’s on the menu at Ricky’s Tacos?
When I arrived at Ricky’s Tacos in Modesto, the parking lot was nearly empty. It was about 2 p.m., well past the lunch rush.
I was greeted warmly and encouraged to take my time with the menu.
With no line behind me, I had the chance to look everything over — and I was impressed by the variety.
The menu at Ricky’s Tacos includes a wide selection of drinks, from canned and bottled sodas to water and aguas frescas. Prices start at $1.50 for a canned soda and go up to $5 for a 32-ounce agua fresca.
Ricky’s Tacos also serves up tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas and loaded fries.
Tacos start at $2.50 and come topped with meat, onion, cilantro and salsa. On the higher end, the $12 asada fries are piled high with meat, cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream, grilled onions and jalapeños.
Extras such as additional meat, salsa, sour cream or guacamole can be added for 50 cents to $3, depending on what you choose.
Side dishes include fries or chips and salsa for $3.50, or rice or beans for $3. You can get churros for $2.
Compared with other taco trucks I’ve visited around Stanislaus County, Ricky’s Tacos stood out for offering some of the most budget-friendly prices.
How I spent my $25 budget at Modesto taco truck
Serrano previously told The Bee that tacos are the most popular item on the menu. One reader specifically recommended ordering the tripas tacos “crispy.”
Taking that advice, I ordered a crispy asada taco for $2.50.
Readers also raved that Ricky’s Tacos has “the best” aguas frescas, so I ordered a 32-ounce horchata for $5.
My go-to order at any taco truck is an asada burrito supreme, so I had to try one from Stanislaus County’s top-rated truck. That came in at $11.
To sample a little more of the menu, I finished my order with a side of fries for $3.50.
My food arrived in under 10 minutes, steaming hot and freshly made.
Since it was my first visit, I received a complimentary keychain — a small gesture that made my stop feel extra special.
The horchata was picture-perfect, with cinnamon lining the cup. It was sweet without being overpowering.
Readers weren’t exaggerating about the tacos, either. They were packed with flavor, and each bite left me wanting more. I paired them with the fries, which were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
As good as everything was, the burrito supreme was the standout. It was one of the best I’ve had in Stanislaus County.
The ingredients were evenly distributed from end to end, so every bite was just as satisfying as the last. The meat, rice, beans and cheese all came together for a burrito bursting with flavor.
I brought my two daughters along to my visit — and the order was more than enough food to feed all three of us.
Is Modesto taco truck affordable?
Ricky’s Tacos offers all the classic taco truck favorites — from tacos and burritos to loaded nachos and fries — with prices starting at $2.50 and topping out at $12.
The menu also features a wide range of drinks, ranging in price from $1.50 to $5, while sides cost $2 to $3.50.
During my visit, I ordered a taco, an asada burrito supreme, a side of fries and an agua fresca for $22. After tax, the total came to $23.84.
Overall, Ricky’s Tacos lives up to the hype — and its title as Stanislaus County’s best taco truck.
It’s an easy spot to enjoy flavorful, budget-friendly bites. I’ll definitely be back.
Where should I go next?
Have any ideas for where I should go next in or around Modesto? I’m exploring the area on a $25 budget.
Send your suggestions to arodriguez@modbee.com or fill out the form below.
Can’t see the form? Go to tinyurl.com/3euwab47.
This story was originally published January 24, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
