Twenty-Five Years Have Made Yankee Clipper Tacos 'Ankeny Famous' (VIDEO)

Once you've tried one taco, you've tried them all, right?

Not so fast.

Not all tacos are created equal. Just ask the people who chow down nearly 500 of them each Tuesday at the Yankee Clipper in Ankeny.

So what makes these so special? Well, they've been around the Clipper for nearly 25 years, which means owner and cook Mike Sawatzky has had plenty of time to perfect the recipe.

The difference between Clipper tacos and ordinary tacos is simple. Instead of a traditional tortilla, the essential meat, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes are packed between a piece of Indian frybread – just after the bread is deep-fried until it's crispy. Top it off with sour cream and salsa and you're ready to enjoy.

"A cook we hired back in the day introduced them to us," Mike said. "We just took it from there."

Over the years, Terri Sawatzky said Mike has definitely developed a technique for making the tacos.

"Pretty sure I couldn't do it," she said.

One tip from this editor: don't bother with table manners. There's no delicate way to eat these tacos due to their massive size. No worries, though – they taste just as good with your fingers.

"There's nothing else like it in Ankeny," Terri said.

Clippers tacos are served every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. One taco is $4.75, or $5.25 if you prefer sour cream.

They also offer an "American" version of the taco, with ham, cheese, lettuce and ranch dressing.