Federico’s Mexican Food menu with prices is what you need if you are looking for real Mexican food that does not cost a fortune. The menu is built around portion size, so you can match your order to your hunger level and your wallet. Most people find that the half-order option is the best way to stretch your dollar further while still getting a full meal.
This guide breaks down the current menu, the price ranges, and how to order like a regular. We will look at the tacos, burritos, and the famous nachos. You will also learn how to navigate the menu board if you are visiting for the first time.
Federico’s Mexican Food Menu With Prices
Federico’s is a regional chain that started in the Southwest. They are known for their fresh tortillas and big portions. The menu is simple, but the combinations are endless. You order at the counter, and they bring the food to your table.
The pricing structure is unique because it is based on the size of the tortilla or the container. You are not paying for fancy ingredients. You are paying for volume. This makes it a great spot for students, families, or anyone who wants leftovers.
Understanding The Portion Sizes
Before you look at the prices, you need to understand the sizes. The menu uses “Regular” and “Half” for most items. The Half order is not a kids meal. It is a full-size tortilla with half the filling. For many people, the Half is actually the perfect lunch size.
- Half Order: One tortilla, less meat and beans. Perfect for a light meal.
- Regular Order: One large tortilla, fully stuffed. This is a heavy meal.
- Super Nachos: These are served on a tray. The size refers to the tray dimension.
You can also order “wet” style. This means they pour red or green chile sauce on top of your burrito. It costs a little extra, but it adds a lot of flavor. Most people order the green chile because it has a nice kick.
Burrito Prices And Options
The burrito is the star of the show here. You pick your meat first. The standard options are Carne Asada (steak), Pollo (chicken), Carnitas (pork), and sometimes Lengua (beef tongue). You also have the option of beans and cheese only, which is the cheapest route.
Here is the general price breakdown for burritos. These prices can vary slightly by location, but this is the average range you will see on the board.
- Half Bean & Cheese Burrito: Around $4.50
- Regular Bean & Cheese Burrito: Around $6.50
- Half Meat Burrito: Around $6.00
- Regular Meat Burrito: Around $8.50
- Add Guacamole: Around $1.50 extra
- Add Sour Cream: Around $0.75 extra
If you want the best deal, order the Half Carne Asada burrito. It is still large enough to fill you up. You can ask for it “red” or “green” if you want the sauce on top. The sauce is free if you ask for it on the side, but it costs a small fee if you want it smothered.
Taco Pricing And Styles
Federico’s does not serve hard-shell tacos. They serve soft tacos on their handmade flour or corn tortillas. The tacos are simple: meat, onions, and cilantro. You add the salsa yourself from the bar.
The tacos are priced individually. This is where the cost can add up if you are not careful. Two regular tacos are usually enough for a meal. Here is what you can expect to pay.
- Single Carne Asada Taco: Around $3.25
- Single Pollo Taco: Around $3.00
- Single Carnitas Taco: Around $3.00
- Half Order of Tacos (2 pieces): Usually priced as a combo, around $6.50
You can also order a “Taco Plate.” This comes with two tacos, rice, and beans. It is a better value than ordering everything separate. The plate usually runs around $9.00. It is a lot of food.
Nachos And Quesadillas
The Super Nachos are famous. They are not like the nachos you get at a movie theater. These are loaded with a pound of meat, liquid cheese, beans, and fresh jalapenos. They are served on a flat tray and are meant to be shared.
The price depends on the tray size. The “Individual” order is actually enough for two people. The “Large” order is enough for a group of four.
- Individual Super Nachos: Around $8.00
- Large Super Nachos: Around $12.00
- Half Quesadilla (Meat): Around $5.50
- Full Quesadilla (Meat): Around $8.00
If you are on a budget, the Half Quesadilla is a solid choice. It comes with a side of sour cream and guacamole if you ask. The quesadillas are grilled until the cheese is melted all the way through.
Combination Plates And Dinners
If you want a sit-down dinner feel, look at the combination plates. These come with rice and beans on the side. You can mix and match items. For example, you can get one taco and one enchilada.
These plates are the most expensive items on the menu, but they offer the most variety. The price usually includes a drink or not, depending on the location. Check the board carefully.
- Two Item Combo: Around $10.50
- Three Item Combo: Around $12.50
- Chile Relleno Plate: Around $9.50
The Chile Relleno is a poblano pepper stuffed with cheese. It is battered and fried. It is a great vegetarian option if you skip the meat. The plate comes with a generous helping of rice and beans.
Breakfast Menu And Prices
Federico’s serves breakfast all day. This is a huge plus for people who work odd hours. The breakfast burrito is a massive flour tortilla filled with eggs, potatoes, cheese, and your choice of meat. You can also get chorizo, which is a spicy Mexican sausage.
The breakfast prices are slightly lower than the lunch prices. You can get a filling breakfast for under $6.00 if you stick to the basics.
- Half Breakfast Burrito (Bacon/Egg): Around $5.00
- Regular Breakfast Burrito (Bacon/Egg): Around $7.00
- Regular Chorizo Breakfast Burrito: Around $7.50
- Side of Hash Browns: Around $2.00
Do not forget to grab the red salsa from the bar. It is very hot. The green salsa is milder and has a tangy taste. The breakfast burrito is best when you add a little bit of both.
Extras, Sides, And Drinks
You can keep the bill low by skipping the drinks and making your own at home. However, if you want the full experience, they offer Mexican sodas like Jarritos and Mexican Coke. These are made with real sugar.
The sides are cheap. You can add rice or beans to any order for a small fee. The chips and salsa are not free here. You have to buy a bag of chips if you want to snack while you wait.
- Small Drink: Around $2.50
- Large Drink: Around $3.00
- Side of Rice: Around $2.50
- Side of Beans: Around $2.50
- Bag of Chips: Around $1.50
You should also ask for the “Federico’s Sauce.” It is a creamy, spicy sauce they keep in the back. It is not on the menu, but they will give it to you if you ask. It is excellent on tacos and burritos.
Tips For Ordering On A Budget
If you want to eat here without spending too much, you need a strategy. Do not just walk up and order the first thing you see. Look at the board and think about the size.
- Always order the Half size unless you are sharing or very hungry.
- Stick to Pollo (chicken) instead of Carne Asada to save a dollar.
- Skip the combo plates and order a la carte items instead.
- Drink water to save on the drink cost.
- Ask for extra salsa to add flavor without paying for extra cheese.
You can easily eat for under $7.00 if you follow these rules. The Half Chicken Burrito is the best value on the menu. It is big enough to fill you up and it leaves room for a cookie later.
How To Read The Menu Board
The menu board can be confusing because there is a lot of text. The prices are listed next to the item, but the “Half” and “Regular” columns might not be right next to each other. Take your time to look at the whole board before you step up to the counter.
If you are unsure, just ask the cashier. They are usually very helpful. Tell them it is your first time and ask what they recommend. Most of them will tell you to get the Carne Asada fries, which are not on the main menu but are available at most locations.
These fries are a load of french fries covered in carne asada, cheese, and guacamole. They are around $9.00 and are meant for sharing. They are not listed on the main board, so you have to know to ask for them.
Location Variations In Pricing
It is important to know that the prices we listed are averages. A location in a wealthy neighborhood will charge more than a location near a college campus. The franchise owner sets the final prices.
You should call ahead if you are on a strict budget. The menu prices also change with inflation. The prices we listed are accurate as of this year, but they might go up by 25 or 50 cents in the coming months.
Check the receipt before you leave the counter. Sometimes they charge for extra sauce if you ask for a lot of it. The cashier should tell you if there is an upcharge before you pay.
Nutritional Considerations
This is not health food. The portions are large and the food is heavy. If you are watching your calories, the Half order is your best friend. You can also ask for no cheese to cut down on the fat.
The beans are cooked with lard, so they are not vegetarian. If you are a vegetarian, you should ask if the rice is cooked in chicken broth. At many locations, it is. This is important to know before you order.
You can ask for extra lettuce and tomatoes on the side to add some freshness. The salsa bar has pico de gallo, which is a fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Load up on that to balance out the heavy meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the pricing and the menu.
Is The Half Order Really Half The Size?
No, it is not half the size. It is a regular size tortilla with less filling. It is usually about 60% of the size of a regular order. It is the perfect amount for one person.
Do They Accept Credit Cards?
Yes, most locations accept credit cards and mobile payments. Some older locations are cash only. It is best to have cash on hand just in case.
Are The Prices On The Menu The Final Price?
No, there is usually a sales tax added at the register. There is no tipping required since you order at the counter, but you can leave a tip in the jar if you want.
Can I Order Just The Meat By The Pound?
Yes, you can order Carne Asada or Pollo by the pound. This is great for parties. The price is usually around $15.00 per pound. You can ask for tortillas on the side.
What Is The Best Time To Go To Avoid The Rush?
Lunch rush is from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Dinner rush is from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Go at 2:00 PM or 8:00 PM to avoid the line. The food is always fresh because they cook in batches.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
Federico’s is a great spot for a quick, filling meal. The menu is not fancy, but the food is consistent. You know exactly what you are getting every time. The red salsa is spicy, so start with a small amount.
Remember to look for the daily specials. Many locations offer a discount on Tuesdays for tacos. You can get a taco for a reduced price if you buy a drink. These specials are not advertised heavily, so you have to ask.
Bring cash if you want to move through the line faster. The cashiers are fast, but the line can get long. If you are ordering for a group, send one person to order and another to grab the drinks and napkins.
The parking lots can be tight at peak hours. If you are getting takeout, call your order in ahead of time. This saves you from waiting in line. You can just walk in, pay, and walk out with your food.
Overall, the value is hard to beat. You get a lot of food for a reasonable price. Just make sure you understand the portion sizes before you order. The Half option is usually the smartest choice for most people. It saves you money and prevents food waste. Go ahead and try the Half Carne Asada burrito with green chile. You will not be dissapointed.