The Mad Taco in Waitsfield, Vermont: Come Hungry, Leave Happy

I’ve been eating at The Mad Taco Local favorite: Mad Taco – Waitsfield in Waitsfield for years, and it remains one of my favorite casual restaurants in the Mad River Valley. The original location isn’t much to look at. It’s tucked into a little strip mall along Route 100, with a smoker outside, a relatively cramped dining room and an interior that’s a little dingy around the edges.

And I wouldn’t change much about it. It’s a locals’ spot through and through – and the ambiance is part of the charm.

The Mad Taco has never been about beautiful decor or a polished dining experience. It’s about smoky meats, seriously flavorful Mexican-inspired food, a fantastic selection of Vermont craft beer and margaritas that can make an afternoon in Waitsfield considerably more entertaining.

For years, driving over the Appalachian Gap into the Mad River Valley has been one of my favorite ways to spend a day. Sometimes it’s for the Waitsfield Farmers Market, sometimes for a hike or a stop at Lawson’s Finest Liquids. And quite often, lunch at The Mad Taco is part of the plan.

The Original Mad Taco in Waitsfield

Before The Mad Taco expanded to other Vermont towns, there was the original location in Waitsfield. And for me, it’s still the OG.

The menu is posted above the open kitchen, the music is playing, and you’re probably going to have to squeeze into whatever seat is available.

Waitsfield has long been one of my favorite Vermont towns to spend an afternoon. I love driving over the Appalachian Gap, stopping at the farmers market during summer or spending time exploring the Mad River Valley’s back roads.

And a visit to The Mad Taco has been part of that routine for years.

Smoked Meats Are the Star of the Menu

What sets The Mad Taco apart from many other Mexican-inspired restaurants in Vermont is its commitment to smoking meats in-house.

The pork shoulder for the carnitas is smoked low and slow, developing a deep, smoky flavor before being incorporated into tacos, tostadas and burritos.

You’ll also find smoked pork belly, chicken and other meats, along with house-made sauces and locally sourced ingredients.

The menu has plenty of variety, but I’d encourage you to start with one of the smoked pork dishes. And don’t forget the hot sauces.

The Mad Taco makes its own selection of hot sauces with varying levels of heat, from relatively mild to seriously spicy. Pay attention to the heat ratings before adding too much to your food. Or don’t, and find out the hard way.

What to Order at The Mad Taco

I’ve eaten my way through a good portion of The Mad Taco’s menu over the years, but there are three dishes I’d recommend starting with.

The Sweet Potato Burrito

The sweet potato burrito has long been one of my favorite vegetarian options in Vermont.

Roasted sweet potatoes, rice, beans, cheese, salsa and guacamole are wrapped into a substantial burrito that’s flavorful and filling without relying on meat.

The sweet potatoes add a little sweetness that works beautifully with the smoky sauces and spices. And even if you’re not vegetarian, I’d recommend giving it a try.

The Carnitas Tostada

The carnitas tostada is another longtime favorite of mine.

It starts with a crispy fried tortilla layered with refried beans, smoked pork shoulder, salsa, guacamole and fresh cilantro.

I love the contrast between the crunchy tortilla and the tender, smoky pork.

It’s messy, so grab plenty of napkins before sitting down. And if you’re planning to share a few dishes, this would be one of my first choices.

The Pork Belly Big Daddy Fatty

If you’re hungry, order the Big Daddy Fatty with smoked pork belly.

This oversized creation combines meat, cheese, guacamole, slaw, onions and cilantro inside house-made pita bread. The pork belly is rich and smoky, and the fresh vegetables and sauces help balance everything out.

It’s not exactly a light lunch, particularly if you’re pairing it with a beer or margarita.

But after a morning skiing at Sugarbush or mountain biking in the Mad River Valley, I can’t think of many better ways to refuel.

Don’t Overlook the Margaritas & Vermont Craft Beer

The Mad Taco has always been one of my favorite casual places in the Mad River Valley to enjoy a great Vermont beer.

Over the years, I’ve found beers from Hill Farmstead, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, The Alchemist and other highly regarded breweries on the tap list.

And the selection goes well beyond the usual IPAs.

The beer list changes regularly, so I’d check what’s available before ordering.

But if I’m not in the mood for beer, I’m ordering a margarita.

The Mad Taco makes a fantastic classic margarita with tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice and agave. The Waitsfield location also offers mezcal margaritas, premium tequila options and seasonal variations.

I love a good margarita with smoky Mexican-inspired food, particularly when there’s a little heat involved. And after a day outdoors, a margarita and a plate of carnitas sound pretty fantastic.

The Mad Taco Beyond Waitsfield

The original Waitsfield location remains my favorite, but The Mad Taco has expanded to several other Vermont towns.

You’ll now find locations in Montpelier, Middlebury and Essex Junction.

Each offers the same general approach to food, with smoked meats, tacos, burritos, house-made sauces and a strong selection of Vermont craft beer.

The Middlebury location is particularly convenient if you’re exploring downtown or visiting Middlebury College. It’s located in the historic Stone Mill building along Otter Creek.

In Montpelier, The Mad Taco is right on Main Street, making it an easy lunch or dinner stop while exploring Vermont’s capital.

And the Essex Junction location is part of The Essex Experience, alongside several other local businesses.

I’m glad the restaurant has expanded, particularly because it means I don’t have to drive over the Appalachian Gap every time I’m craving a sweet potato burrito.

But the original Waitsfield shop will always have a little extra personality for me.

Make The Mad Taco Part of a Mad River Valley Day

One of the reasons I’ve returned to The Mad Taco so often is its location.

Waitsfield sits in the heart of the Mad River Valley, with Sugarbush Resort and Mad River Glen nearby, along with beautiful hiking trails, swimming holes and scenic back roads.

In summer, I’d recommend visiting the Waitsfield Farmers Market, taking a drive through Warren Village or stopping at Lawson’s Finest Liquids for a beer.

In winter, The Mad Taco is a great place to grab lunch or dinner after skiing.

And during foliage season, driving over the Appalachian Gap is one of my favorite ways to take in the changing colors.

I’d plan a few hours to explore the valley rather than simply stopping for a meal.

What to Know Before You Go

Original Location

The Mad Taco, 5101 Main Street, Waitsfield, VT 05673.

Hours

The Waitsfield location is currently open daily from noon to 8 p.m.

Other Locations

Montpelier at 72 Main Street, Middlebury at 3 Mill Street, and Essex Junction at 21 Essex Way, Suite 213.

What to Order

My favorites are the sweet potato burrito, carnitas tostada and Big Daddy Fatty with smoked pork belly.

Drinks

A rotating selection of Vermont craft beers, margaritas, cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages.

Hot Sauces

House-made sauces are available in several heat levels. Start small if you’re sensitive to spice.

Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Options

Vegetarian and vegan choices are available. The restaurant states that its tacos are gluten-free and that most dishes can accommodate gluten-free diners, excluding flour tortillas and sandwiches. Always mention allergies when ordering.

Ordering

Order at the counter and find a seat. Online ordering is available for pickup, although the online menu is more limited than the in-person menu.

Parking

Parking is available in the Village Square shopping area.

Nearby Attractions

Sugarbush Resort, Mad River Glen, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Warren Village and the Waitsfield Farmers Market.

Phone

802-496-3832

The Mad Taco has been part of my Mad River Valley routine for years, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

I’ll take the slightly grungy dining room, loud music and a seat overlooking the parking lot if it means a plate of smoky carnitas and a local Vermont beer. And if I’m particularly hungry, make that a pork belly Big Daddy Fatty. And likely an appetizer order of guacamole too….