Finding a Del Taco on the East Coast is basically like spotting a unicorn in your backyard. Seriously. If you’ve ever lived in California or Arizona, you know the drill: Crinkle-cut fries and bean burritos at 2:00 AM. But when Del Taco finally touched down in Virginia, specifically with the Chesapeake location on Sam’s Circle, the local food scene shifted. People were confused. Is it a burger joint? Is it a taco stand? It’s both, and that’s exactly why the Del Taco Chesapeake menu keeps people coming back despite the heavy competition from Taco Bell and Chipotle nearby.
Most folks walk in expecting a standard taco menu. They’re usually wrong.
Why the Del Taco Chesapeake Menu Isn't Your Average Fast Food
Honestly, the sheer variety is overwhelming if you aren't prepared. You’ve got the 20 Under $2 Menu, which is a lifesaver for college students or anyone watching their wallet, but then you’ve got these massive Epic Burritos that weigh about as much as a small brick. The Chesapeake location specifically handles a high volume of traffic because it's situated near major shopping hubs. This means the freshness of the ingredients—like the hand-grated cheddar cheese and the lard-free beans made from scratch—actually matters more here than at a slower location.
Have you ever had a burger at a taco place? It sounds like a bad idea. It’s not. The Double Del Cheeseburger is a sleeper hit on the Del Taco Chesapeake menu. It’s got that old-school cafeteria-style charm but with better meat quality.
The Real Stars: Tacos and Beyond
Let’s talk about the "Del Taco" itself. It’s their signature. It’s got more beef and more cheese than the crunchy tacos you’re used to at other chains. The shell stays crispy, which is a minor miracle in the humidity of a Virginia summer. But if you want to eat like a regular, you go for the The Del Taco (Crunchy or Soft).
Then there are the Street Tacos. These are smaller, served on corn tortillas with cilantro and onions. They’re surprisingly authentic for a drive-thru. If you’re looking for something lighter, the Chesapeake branch serves up Grilled Chicken Taco Del Carbon. It’s simple. No fluff. Just meat, onions, and cilantro.
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- The Epic Burrito Lineup: These are the heavy hitters. The Epic Loaded Queso Burrito is exactly what it sounds like—messy, salty, and incredibly filling.
- The Fresh Flex: Unlike some competitors, they actually slow-cook their beans for 3 hours every day. You can taste the difference. It’s less "mush" and more "food."
- The Burger Secret: They use a proprietary sauce on the burgers that tastes like a mix of thousand island and something slightly smokier.
Crinkle-Cut Fries: The Weirdest (and Best) Part
Why are there fries here? Nobody really knows the "official" corporate origin story other than Del Taco wanted to be a one-stop shop for American and Mexican cravings back in the 60s. Now, it’s a cult classic.
In Chesapeake, the "Machu Fries" are the move. They take those crinkle-cut fries and douse them in beef, beans, and queso. It’s a cardiovascular nightmare, sure, but it’s delicious. If you’re just getting a snack, the standard crinkle-cut fries are surprisingly salty and crisp. Pro tip: dip them in the hot sauce. Not the mild stuff. Go for the "Inferno" if you’ve got the nerve, though "Del Scorcho" is the sweet spot for flavor.
Breakfast in Greenbrier
Most people forget that the Del Taco Chesapeake menu includes a full breakfast spread. Since this location opens early, you can snag a Breakfast Roller or an Epic Scrambler Burrito. The Scrambler is basically a full breakfast plate wrapped in a tortilla. It’s got eggs, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese, hash browns, and your choice of bacon or sausage.
It’s way better than a greasy breakfast sandwich from a burger chain. The hash brown sticks are a bit oily, but they have a satisfying crunch that works well when shoved inside a burrito.
Navigating the 20 Under $2 Value Menu
Inflation is real. We all feel it. But the Del Taco Chesapeake menu has managed to keep a massive section of their board dedicated to items under two bucks. This isn't just one or two sad items.
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- Snack Tacos: Small, simple, and cheap.
- Chicken Cheddar Rollers: These are essentially flour tortillas rolled with chicken and sauce. They’re addictive.
- Bean and Cheese Burritos: You get to choose between Red Sauce or Green Sauce. Choose Green. Always Green.
The Green Sauce is tangy and has a slight kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese. It’s the superior choice, and any regular will tell you the same.
What You Should Know Before Driving to Sam's Circle
The Chesapeake location is busy. It just is. Because it’s one of the few Del Tacos in the region, the drive-thru line can get backed up during the lunch rush (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM) and late at night.
Wait times can vary. On a Friday night, you might be sitting there for 15 minutes. Is it worth it? Probably. But if you’re in a rush, use the app. The Del Taco app actually works pretty well for the Chesapeake site, and you can often find "Buy One Get One" deals on tacos or free shakes with a purchase.
Milkshakes and Desserts
Speaking of shakes, the premium shakes at Del Taco are thick. Like, "break your straw" thick. The Real Strawberry Shake actually has bits of fruit in it. Then there are the Caramel Cheesecake Bites. These are little fried pockets of dough filled with cheesecake and caramel. They come out piping hot. Don't eat them immediately unless you want to lose the roof of your mouth. Wait two minutes.
The Nuance of the "Del" Way
There’s a certain complexity to the menu that escapes the casual observer. For instance, the distinction between "Del Taco" meat and "Turkey" meat. Yes, you can sub ground turkey into almost anything. It’s a decent option if you’re trying to be slightly healthier while still eating a burrito the size of a football.
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Also, the vegetarian options are actually robust. Because they don't use lard in their beans, almost any burrito can be made vegetarian by swapping the meat for extra beans. They even partnered with Beyond Meat for a while, though availability can be spotty depending on supply chain shifts.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you want to master the Del Taco Chesapeake menu, don't just wing it at the speaker box.
- Download the Del Yeah! Rewards app: You get two free Grilled Chicken Tacos just for signing up.
- Go for the "Go Bold" hack: For a small upcharge, you can ask them to "Go Bold" on any item. This means they add secret sauce and crinkle-cut fries inside your taco or burrito. It’s a game-changer for the Bean and Cheese burrito.
- Check the hours: While many locations are 24/7, the Chesapeake hours can fluctuate on holidays or due to staffing. Check Google Maps real-time data before making the trek.
- Mind the sauces: Grab a handful of "Del Scorcho" packets. They have more flavor than the standard hot sauce and aren't just pure vinegar.
The beauty of this specific location isn't just the food; it's the rarity. In a sea of identical fast-food options in Hampton Roads, having access to a West Coast staple feels like a win. Whether you're there for a $1.50 snack or a $12 Epic Burrito meal, the menu offers a weird, wonderful hybrid of American and Mexican flavors that shouldn't work, but absolutely does.
Next time you’re near the Greenbrier area, skip the usual burger spots. Head over to Sam's Circle. Get the green sauce. Go bold. You won't regret it.
Expert Tip: If you are ordering for a group, the "Fiesta Pack" is the most cost-effective way to feed four to six people. It usually includes a mix of several The Del Tacos and several Bean and Cheese burritos for a flat price that beats ordering them individually. Check the current price on the digital board as it frequently updates based on local promotions.