Just a stone's throw from the famed Mission Inn Hotel, proudly home to an old chair once graced by President William Taft – a boast and detail I find strangely delightful – you'll encounter one of Riverside's quirkiest and most legendary taco joints. Here, amid the cultural richness of the city, stands Tio's, an epic taco joint that defies culinary norms and embraces the wild side of artistic madness.
What began as a modest eatery offering Mexican staples like burritos, tacos, and tamales has metamorphosed into an expansive and highly creative art garden, a testament to the genius of a mad visionary. And when I say "mad," I mean it in the most complimentary way possible.
At Tio's, the food takes a backseat to the visual extravaganza that unfolds before your mesmerized eyes. Don't get me wrong; the food is fantastic – top-tier, even. But your senses are swiftly whisked away from the delicious smells from the kitchen and into a whimsical realm of colossal sculptures crafted from discarded treasures and recycled odds and ends. All of this makes food ordering decisions, like pondering over the crucial "guac or no guac?" dilemma, a Herculean task, akin to navigating a culinary wonderland while riding a rollercoaster – an entertaining and dizzying experience.
Once inside this hoarder's creative paradise, the kaleidoscope of wonder unfolds before your very eyes. Towering men and women crafted from tin cans, houses built from bottles, and pyramids made from bathroom tiles – it's a masterpiece of recycled treasures. Every household item you can fathom – bikes, sinks, stuffed animals, toy cars, and even old tractors – is Frankenstein-ed together in the name of art. The result? A visual symphony so overwhelming that you could easily lose track of time, wandering through this recycled shangri-la for hours, days, perhaps even a year or two... or three. At least you won’t go hungry.
Most creations are a little bizarre, others are quite inspiring and some are downright terrifying.
Sweet dreams, kiddies.
As you meander through the whimsical world of Tio's Tacos, don't be surprised if some of the sculptures start giving you the side-eye or, heaven forbid, attempt a casual stroll alongside you. Maybe it’s the margaritas taking effect? Or maybe it’s something far more sinister. Picture it: a tin-can man slowly rising from his metallic slumber, a bottle house sprouting legs and wandering about, and a pyramid of bathroom tiles doing the cha-cha. Just imagine the chaos: an army of recycled warriors marching down the streets, traffic jams caused by mobile tractor sculptures, and a synchronized dance routine. Move over zombies; it's time for recycled Armageddon! They might even steal President Taft’s old chair, god forbid. It's the stuff of nightmares – or perhaps just another day at Tio’s?
But amidst this surreal art extravaganza, don't overlook the food – it's more than just an afterthought. Tio's Tacos serves up legit classics that would make any LA foodie proud: succulent carnitas, sizzling fajitas, crispy chips, flavorful salsas, fish tacos, hearty burritos, cheesy quesadillas, and a juice bar that's almost as epic as the sculptures themselves. The juiciness of the tacos might just match the vibrant colors of the recycled art. Almost…
HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN?
The brainchild of Martin Sanchez, Tio's has been a passion project for many years.
Born in a small village in Mexico, Sanchez has credited his childhood poverty as the driving force behind his art and collecting. Growing up in a household where things "were never thrown away," Martin began to infuse discarded items he'd find around the neighborhood. Car parts, toys, and bicycles were some of the earliest materials he worked with, often creating statues and murals with the items.
After arriving in Riverside in 1984, Sanchez sold oranges and peanuts under the freeway ramps until he was able to buy a hot dog cart and start selling tacos outside of Tio's. He quickly gained a following and ended up renting the place in 1990, eventually buying the property in 1995. The coming years would bring purchases of the adjacent restaurant and parking lot next to it, turning it into a garden and home for his family. Now, Tio's basically monopolizes the entire city block.
Remembering that "never throw away" motto from his childhood, Sanchez finally set out to build his sculptures. With no real background in art, Sanchez spent years collecting and creating. Now, his family (and even the occasional customer) helps with the bigger projects, and Tio's Tacos continues to grow and astound every day.
