For most fast-food fans, Del Taco’s schedule is the difference between a late-night Crunchtada and an empty stomach. Knowing the exact Del Taco Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours can save you from a wasted trip, especially when you are running on fumes or celebrating a holiday. Let’s break down the daily routine, the weekend shifts, and what happens when the calendar flips to a federal holiday.
Del Taco is unique because they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the transition times are not always obvious. You might walk in at 10:45 AM expecting a breakfast burrito, only to find the grill has already switched to lunch mode. Here is the simple breakdown of how the day flows.
Standard Daily Operating Windows
Most corporate and franchise locations follow a similar pattern, though local managers have some control over the exact switch. The key is to know the three distinct service periods.
Breakfast Service Hours
- Starts at 7:00 AM sharp (some locations open at 6:00 AM).
- Ends at 11:00 AM daily, without exception.
- If you arrive at 10:59 AM, you can still order the Epic Scrambler.
- Do not ask for breakfast at 11:01 AM—the system will reject it.
Breakfast is the shortest window, so plan accordingly. If you are an early riser, you have the full menu available. For the rest of us, the alarm clock matters.
Lunch And Dinner Hours
Lunch begins immediately after breakfast ends. There is no gap, which is good news for shift workers. The lunch menu runs continuously until closing time, which is usually midnight or 1 AM on weekdays.
- Lunch starts at 11:00 AM.
- Dinner is the same menu, just later in the day.
- Grilled chicken and steak are available all afternoon.
- Late-night hours (after 10 PM) often have a limited menu at some stores.
You can order a quesadilla at 3 PM or 3 AM at most locations. The only difference is the crowd and the freshness of the fries.
Del Taco Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours
Holidays are where things get tricky. Del Taco does not close on major holidays, but they do adjust the schedule. Christmas Day and Thanksgiving are the two exceptions where hours are significantly shortened.
Holiday Schedule Breakdown
On New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, most locations open at their normal time. However, some drive-thru only operations might open an hour later. The real changes happen in late November and December.
- Thanksgiving Day: Open from 10 AM to 6 PM (varies by franchise).
- Christmas Eve: Usually closes at 8 PM instead of midnight.
- Christmas Day: Many locations are closed entirely, but some highway stops stay open.
- New Year’s Eve: Normal hours, but expect a rush after midnight.
Do not assume your local store follows these rules. Franchise owners have the final say. The best move is to call ahead or check the app, which updates holiday hours in real time.
Why The Schedule Changes
Staffing is the main reason for holiday adjustments. With fewer employees available, managers shorten the shift. Also, the breakfast-to-lunch switch happens at the same time even on holidays, so do not expect a late breakfast on July 4th.
If you are traveling on a holiday, use the Del Taco app to locate stores that are open. The app filters by “Open Now” and shows the adjusted hours. This is more reliable than Google Maps, which often shows regular hours.
How To Confirm Your Local Hours
You have three reliable methods to check the schedule before you drive. Do not rely on memory or old receipts.
- Use the official app: It shows the exact hours for your chosen location, including holiday changes.
- Call the store directly: Ask for the manager. The crew often knows the schedule for the next two weeks.
- Check the door sign: Most locations post a small holiday schedule near the entrance.
One common mistake is checking the website’s general hours page. That page only shows the standard times, not the holiday exceptions. Always use the store locator with your specific zip code.
What About 24-Hour Locations?
Some Del Taco stores, especially in California and Nevada, operate 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. On holidays, these stores revert to a normal schedule. So a store that is usually open all night might close at 2 AM on Christmas Eve. Do not assume the 24-hour sign means 24 hours on a holiday.
Also, the breakfast menu is not available at 24-hour stores during the overnight period. The overnight menu is limited to the core items like tacos and burritos. Breakfast starts at 7 AM, even if the store has been open all night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Del Taco serve breakfast all day?
No. Breakfast ends at 11:00 AM. The only exception is some 24-hour locations that might have a limited breakfast item, but this is rare and not guaranteed.
What time does Del Taco open on Sunday?
Most locations open at 7:00 AM on Sunday, same as weekdays. However, some stores in low-traffic areas open at 8:00 AM. Check the app for your specific store.
Is Del Taco open on Christmas Day?
It depends on the franchise. Many corporate stores are closed, but travel plaza locations are often open with reduced hours. Call ahead to confirm.
Can I order lunch at 10:45 AM?
No. The system locks the lunch menu until 11:00 AM. You can only order breakfast items during that time.
Do holiday hours affect the drive-thru only?
Yes. On holidays like Thanksgiving, the dining room might close earlier than the drive-thru. The drive-thru usually stays open one hour longer.
Keep this guide handy for your next visit. The schedule is predictable on normal days, but holidays require a quick check. A two-minute phone call can save you from a disappointing drive. And remember, the app is your best friend for real-time updates, especially during the winter holidays when hours change without much warning.