Where to Find the Best Tacos in Raleigh (As voted for by Raleigh locals)

If you’re on a quest for the ultimate taco experience in Raleigh, you’re in for a treat. Raleigh and Wake County have the largest Latino population in North Carolina, so you can be sure to find some of the tastiest tacos in the City of Oaks.

Whether you’re a seasoned taco aficionado or just looking to spice up your lunch, we’ve got the scoop on where to find the best tacos in Raleigh as voted for by the Raleigh locals (and us)!

Our Raleigh community has come together to pull out the top taco spots in the whole of Wake County, and these spots will have you screaming “Holy guacamole!” with every bite.  Now let’s taco ‘bout tacos!

26 Best Taco Spots in Raleigh

13 Tacos & Taps

• Address: 10511 Shadowlawn Dr, Raleigh
• Website: 13tacosandtaps.com 

You can taco me back to 13 Tacos & Taps any day of the week for their creative tacos! Some of their inventive flavors that we loved are the El Massaman (beef Massaman), Red Bird (chicken adobado – their award-winning taco), and Moo Moo III (seared filet Mignon). Their tacos were unique and innovative, tasted bold and flavorful, and were made fresh to order. We walked away full, and tacos never usually fill me up!

They are a bit hidden though in their North Raleigh location, but it’s worth the drive for their traditional tacos. They also make their own guac in-house every day, and their margaritas wash it down a treat.

Bartaco 

• Address: 4121 Main at North Hills
• Website: bartaco.com/location/raleigh

Although Bartaco is a chain, its tacos are hard to beat, and we feel are very good value for money! Known for its delicious offerings, some of the most popular taco dishes include the glazed pork belly, which is perfectly seasoned and topped with a spicy arbol chili sauce, and the crispy shrimp, served with a tangy remoulade sauce and paired with a zesty lemony cabbage slaw.

Vegetarians can enjoy the roasted pistachio cauliflower taco, a crowd favorite, featuring a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Bartaco is a casual restaurant in the North Hills neighborhood of Raleigh and has a laid-back atmosphere with a modern flare. 

You order by via their QR code so you can easily customize your order and create mix-and-match tacos. With its chilled vibe and commitment to quality, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

We love bartaco and visit them often. We always have people complaining that they’re not good. We think the food and margaritas are delicious, at a reasonable price, and with a fun ambiance. PLUS, we have insider info that sports stars and celebs eat here all the time. Katie Ledecky did three nights in a row – right before she went to the Olympics. Taco Power!

Gringo A Go Go 

• Address: 100 N Person St, Raleigh
• Website: gringoraleigh.com 

Gringo A Go Go is one of Raleigh’s most beloved Mexican restaurants, with a low-key feel and relaxed dining atmosphere. Many of our Raleigh community suggested this was one of their top picks for tacos, and we have to agree, they are some of the best tacos we’ve tasted this side of Mexico!

The shrimp tacos are perfectly seasoned with a garlic-chili rub and then grilled. The chipotle sauce on the side is a flavor bomb. They also have vegan tacos for those looking for plant based.

• Address: 3600 Junction Blvd, Raleigh
• Yelp reviews

The service is friendly and attentive, and we love the outdoor patio on a warm summer’s day. I absolutely loved their Sunday brunch special: al pastor chicken tacos 3 chicken tacos marinated in our homemade three-chili paste, grilled to perfection! Served with a side of traditionally made Pinto Charro Beans! Our friend visiting from Australia also called it “sensational!” Read more: Brunch at Gringo a Go Go.

Taqueria El Toro 

A taqueria highly recommended and worth adding to the ‘must-try list’ is Taqueria el Toro, which has some of the most authentic tacos outside of Mexico. The menu is written in both Spanish and English and has a lot of options to choose from. Vegetarians may be sad to see only one veggie option, however, so this is definitely a place for the carnivores.

One of the most popular items on the menu is the Tacos Al Pastor (marinated pork), and one of our Raleigh locals recommended their Chicharron Prensado (pressed pork in a red sauce). 

Gym Tacos

• Address: 3701 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: gymtacosnc.com

It started as a food truck, and now has a full brick-and-mortar establishment in not just one location, but three locations across the city – including on our favorite street, Hillsborough Street! With an expansion that big, you got to ask what are they doing right? Well, if you ask me, it’s the tortillas. They are one of the few places that make homemade corn tortillas, and they are piled high with meat and filling. 

You can choose your own filling; marinated pork, rose meat, pulled pork, grilled steak, Mexican sausage, chicken, flank steak, or beef head. Each portion comes with three tacos, and while they do look small on the surface, the fact that they’re stuffed makes them a good meal.

Taco Bamba 

• Address: 3518 Wade Ave, Raleigh
• Website: tacobamba.com 

Taco Bamba is a taco chain with several locations across the USA, but their branch on Wade Ave is a popular go-to place for tacos for Raleigh locals, especially their catfish tacos which are unique and interesting in flavor. 

There are many flavor combinations on the menu that you could sit there all day deciding. What’s fun about Taco Bamba is if you’re watching your carb intake, you can swap the shell for a cabbage cup instead. All ingredients are organic, and everything is made fresh to order. Come by on a Tuesday for Taco Tuesday deals! If you need a coffee after, you are right near Drift Kitchen, who makes a great cup!

El Rey Del Taco 

• Address: 3600 Capital Blvd, Raleigh
• Website: elreydeltaconc.co 

If you’re looking for the Oaxacan style tacos, head to El Rey Del Taco! This may only be a food truck, but it has some of the most authentic tacos in the Triangle. 

Their tacos have been described as “blue-collar” by the local community, and are stuffed with meat, onions, and cilantro, and paired with salsa. The tortillas are homemade, and everything is prepared fresh each day. It’s takeaway only, but don’t worry, your tacos will still be intact when you get home.

Chido Taco Mercado Style Taqueria

• Address: downtown Raleigh, north Raleigh, Cary
• Website: chidotaco.com

Chida Tacos is one of Raleigh’s best-kept secrets for affordable, delicious tacos with quick, no-fuss service. This casual taco joint is a go-to spot for those craving authentic flavors without breaking the bank. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite on a busy day or looking for a satisfying meal that won’t slow you down, Chida Tacos always delivers.

My daughter and I both love the braised beef birria tacos – and since we have one near our home, she requests it frequently. Other favorites are the al pastor pork taco with pineapple, the shrimp tacos, and the Baja fish tacos. I also love their salsa bar so you can choose your own toppings and sauces. Be brave enough to taste the spicy one -delicious. I tend to pour all three on my tacos.

This relatively new taqueria in downtown Raleigh offers street-style tacos, vegetarian and vegan friendly, homemade tortillas fresh-squeezed margaritas and aguas frescas. With a variety of flavorful taco options, fresh ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this spot has become a favorite for locals who want tasty tacos fast.

Their central downtown location makes it easy for you to grab an affordable bite while attending a festival or exploring Downtown. We will usually choose to go here rather than a festival food truck.

Paco Taco (Apex) 

• Address: 556 E Williams St, Apex
• Website: pacostacoscatering.com 

Another food truck to look out for, Paco Taco is said to have the most amazing shrimp tacos that are to die for! They are parked in the shopping center parking lot in Apex, and have a small seating area outside, making it the perfect lunchtime spot on a sunny day. Their prices are also good for the size of the portion you get. 

Salt & Lime Cabo Grill

• Address: 6006 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh
• Website: saltandlimecabo.com 

Salt & Lime is a more upscale Mexican restaurant in North Raleigh and is noted for its braised short rib tacos and pork belly tacos, which have been hailed as consistently good. 

The tacos are so loaded you can barely close them, ensuring you leave full and satisfied. They also make homemade salsa and everything is made fresh to order. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, with warm lighting and a cozy ambiance – perfect for a date night!

Mamacita’s (Raleigh & Western Wake)

Mamacita in Raleigh has quickly become a local favorite for its vibrant atmosphere, bold flavors, and creative taco combinations. It’s really hard not to fall in love with the floor to ceiling murals, the hanging flower arrangements, grammable swinging chairs, and the robot delivering your food. It’s a firm favorite for our daughters, not just for these reasons, but for their delicious food.

Known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and authentic preparation, the menu offers a delicious fusion of classic Mexican street food with a modern twist.

• Address: Raleigh, Apex, Morissville
• Website: mamacitanc.com

My eldest rated her favorite taco dish Quesabirrias highly, and my short ribs mole verde was delicious. I was also thankful our youngest could not finish her steak tacos as it became my lunch the next day. Of all the taco places in Raleigh I have tried so far, Mamacita’s probably serves the largest – but that comes with a higher price.

While here, be sure to order guacamole made fresh at your table, and their unique cocktails are an Instagram pleaser! Everything about this place is for the gram!

Whether you’re craving traditional tacos al pastor or something more adventurous like their unique vegan options, Mamacita always delivers an unforgettable taco experience that keeps locals coming back for more. With Mamacita’s you’ll be well served over Wake County with their locations in North Raleigh, Apex and Morrisville. I prefer the Apex location so far!

Broncos Tacos 

• Address: 3434 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh
• Website: broncotacosnc.com 

Broncos Tacos is another top spot that beckons taco lovers with its irresistible charm and mouth-watering flavors. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by friendly staff and casual diner-style decor, which wouldn’t feel out of place down the side streets of Oaxaca. 

The menu boasts a tantalizing array of taco flavors, from the shredded chicken with chipotle to the crispy fried shrimp topped with a zesty bang bang sauce, each bite bursting with flavor.  A popular favorite is the special “quesabirra” taco, which has a delightful fusion of shredded beef and mozzarella and is served with a beef consomme on the side.

La Santa Modern Mexican Food

• Address: 222 Glenwood Ave #107, Raleigh
• Website: lasantanc.com 

La Santa Modern Mexican Food has been hailed as one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in Raleigh. The chicken tacos (de tinga) have come highly recommended, with tender meat and the most delicious guac in the Triangle! They also do the occasional “Taco Tuesdays,” where everything is half off tacos. This is definitely a good time to go as they are a bit on the pricey side usually ($14-$19 for 3 tacos).

They even have a vegan taco for those looking for a plant-based option. And their tacos are Mentioned as one of the best, with one user saying it has some of the “most Mexican tacos” in Raleigh. On a side note, their margaritas are also one of the best in Raleigh – the perfect beverage to wash down those tasty tacos with. We need to give this taco joint another visit, as we weren’t raving fans, but we know many of you are, so we might have just had a bad day!

Rancho Grande (Cary) 

Address: 1401 SE Maynard Rd, Cary

Over in the nearby town of Cary is Rancho Grande, a haven for taco enthusiasts, where every meal feels like a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture. The restaurant is no-frills, with a simple and clean decor, which could use some modernizing, but the number of Latino customers who come here tells you that you should never judge a book by its cover.

In fact, it’s so authentic that the menu is in Spanish and you may need to use a bit of Spanish to order. The portions are huge, much larger than anywhere else in the Triangle, and the flavors are bold and wonderful every time. The hot sauce is also exceptional, especially if you like to bring the heat! They also give you free fresh-cut vegetables and sauces on the side.

Gonza Tacos Y Tequila

• Address: 7713 Lead Mine Rd #39, Raleigh
• Website: gonzatacosytequila.com 

You won’t find any restaurants with as many accolades as Gonza! Praised as the WRAL Out and About Voter’s Choice for the BEST tacos in Raleigh for six years in total, you know they have got to be good – our community specifically praised their shrimp tacos. They are a little pricey, but the flavors are on point, and they are stuffed with filling, so you won’t leave hungry!

We also love the decor of Gonza, with colorful fairy lights draped across the ceiling, “Day of the Dead” skull murals on the walls, and colorful tabletops. It instantly feels like stepping into a Mexican or Colombian taqueria. We were sad when their Hillsborough St location recently closed. But don’t worry, they’re also in Cary and Wake Forest.

Carajillo’s Mexican Kitchen 

• Address: 4205 Fayetteville Rd, Raleigh
• Website: carajillosnc.com 

Carajillo’s Mexican Kitchen is a lively restaurant with a Mariachi band and an eccentric atmosphere. They have an open-plan dining space and attentive servers who serve you with a smile.

The food is authentic and delicious. As soon as you walk through the door the smells of spices and sizzling meat hit you like a ton of bricks – just like walking into a Mexican taqueria in Mexico! Some standout options on the menu are the street tacos and the birra tacos, which can all be customized with a meat of your choosing.

Mezcalito (Apex)

• Address: 3675 Green Level W Rd #103
• Website: mezcalitogrill.com 

Another popular spot over in Apex is Mezcalito, an authentic Mexican joint serving traditional tacos in a warm and welcoming environment. As you step through the doors, the enchanting decor — complete with a central bar, backed by a colorful drinks display, rustic wooden accents, and twinkling hanging lights — creates an inviting atmosphere that you could easily feel at home on a date night, or lunch with friends. 

The Mahi tacos (Pescado Tacos) are a standout on the menu, with many Raleighites coming back time and time again for them. Another highlight is the shrimp and chorizo tacos, which are paired perfectly with pineapple and a refreshing drizzle of chipotle mayo. 

Each bite is a celebration of authentic Mexican cuisine, crafted with fresh ingredients and prepared by a chef who has a passion for flavor! We have not eaten at Mezcalito in Apex, but we did in Beaufort, NC. We loved their massive margaritas and loved their ACP and burritos. We did not have their tacos however!

Los Tacos de Garcia

• Address: 4924 Leigh Dr, Raleigh
• Website: lostacosdegarciaorder.com 

If you want authentic tacos jam-packed with filling and cost less than $4 each, then look out for the Los Tacos de Garcia food truck, which is parked in the parking lot outside a Wells Fargo Bank! 

Choose between shredded beef, steak, chicken, marinated pork with pineapple, shrimp, spicy Mexican sausage, or chorizo and steak. All tacos come with melted cheese, cilantro, onion, radish, and green or red sauce.

There’s no seating available, but Durant Nature Preserve is only a short drive away which would be a lovely nature spot to sit in and tuck into some tacos! They don’t have any veggie or vegan options though, sorry folks! 

Taco Addicts (Cary) 

• Address: 131 Crossroads Blvd, Cary
• Website: taco-addicts.com 

Taco Addicts is a very simple and clean restaurant noted as a solid option for street food tacos. The Lengua and Quesabirria tacos have been particularly well received by our Raleigh community and have been highlighted as having consistently good quality. The Vampiro taco, with crispy and crunchy handmade corn tortilla, also comes highly recommended. They also make their own diablo salsa and guacamole salsa.

Leroy’s Taco Shop  

Address: 900 Park Offices Dr, Durham

Leroy’s Taco Shop is located inside the Lawrence food court in Durham and is known for its fresh and tasty tacos. They are a bit expensive for what they offer, but the birria tacos are said to be the best in the Raleigh/Durham area. The avocado salsa is also delicious! If you want something flavorful and made with love and care, then this local eatery is worth stopping by.

Standard Beer & Food 

• Address: 205 E Franklin St, Raleigh
• Website: standardbeerandfood.com 

A great place for some quick and easy tacos is at Standard Beer + Food and one of our favorite local breweries in Raleigh. Located off the vibrant N Person Street, this contemporary brewery is smart yet casual and has a lovely outdoor beer garden with a family-friendly atmosphere. The steak tacos are a particular favorite amongst the community. They are not authentic, but they are pretty good for brewery fare!

Torchy’s Tacos

• Address: 1110 Mercantile Dr Bldg. 6, Suite 120, Raleigh
• Website: torchystacos.com 

Torchy’s is a chain restaurant known for its street food-style tacos. Their breakfast tacos are a noted favorite, so if you’re looking for breakfast spots in Raleigh, add this one to your list! The brisket taco and green chili pork are also popular items on the menu. What makes Torchy’s a local favorite is they are consistent each time. Every time you go back there you will get excellent service and high-quality meals.

Cantina 18

• Address: 433 Daniels St, Raleigh
• Website: 18restaurantgroup.com/cantina-18-raleigh 

Cantina 18 is a relaxed Mexican restaurant in the Village District serving soft-shell and hard-shell tacos. The spicy short rib and the pork belly tacos are *chef’s kiss.* They are both smokey and tasty.  

If you’re stuck on choice, you can mix up your meal by selecting three different tacos instead of three of the same.

Tacos Oaxaca (Fuquay-Varina) 

Tacos Oaxaca in nearby Fuquay-Varina feels like Mexico as soon as you walk through the door. The artwork, the paper luminarias hanging from the ceiling, and the “Day of the Dead” statues sitting on the counter transport you to the mountain region of Oaxaca. The lengua tacos and the birria tacos are noted favorites, and the salsa is homemade and full of flavor. Tacos Oaxaca is a hidden gem on the rise – go there before everyone else does!

• Address: 1324 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina

G’s Tacos 

Address: 709 W Peace St, Raleigh

Another food truck that’s turning heads is G’s Tacos, which is a lovely small business serving yummy and filling tacos. Their tacos are stuffed with filling and love – the owner is super friendly and clearly passionate about his business. There’s also a nice seating area outside where you can eat your tacos, so you don’t have to take it home to eat it.

Taqueria La Capital 

Address: see schedule here.

Another highly recommended food truck that makes an appearance in downtown Raleigh is Taqueria la Capital. They are praised not just for their tacos, but for specific dishes, authenticity, and lively ambiance. Our community said they love their shrimp, braised short rib, and chicharron prensado tacos.

Now it’s your turn. What is your favorite place for tacos in Raleigh? Where should we try next? Please share in the comments section down below!