It seems like most people love Mexican food all over the world, and especially here in America. But depending upon what state you live in, some regions are better than others. Fortunately, 12.7% of Raleigh’s community are Hispanic or Latino, so if you’re looking for Mexican restaurants in Raleigh, you’ll be pleased to know the quality is top-notch as we have the best critics in the world – our community!
Believe it or not, we have never visited Mexico (I don’t call a cruise ship shore excursion to Cozumel as having really visited), and we obviously didn’t grow up in places like Houston or Southern California, so our exposure has been limited. But, fortunately we have an active community of followers who tell us what’s what, and so we’ve pulled together some of the best places to eat Mexican food in Raleigh based on our own research and our local community reaching out to us.
The following restaurants are my favorite Mexican spots in Raleigh that we have personally tried so far. Of course, my list is subjective and not extensive, so please let me hear about any more restaurants you’ve discovered in the comments at the bottom of this post! If you are on your phone searching for “Mexican near me” they are a good place to start.
Mexican Restaurants in Raleigh
Centro (Downtown Raleigh
We love this quirky cantina that brings the vibrant colors of Mexico to downtown Raleigh. The lively, art-filled space, complete with Mexican folk-art murals and bright decor, reflects the energy of a traditional Mexican fiesta. Craig and I only dined here recently, and while we haven’t really explored Mexico, I definitely felt like I was whisked away somewhere unlike Raleigh.
Must-Try Dishes: Don’t miss their fish tacos, mole enchiladas, followed by tres leches for dessert. They really shine with their mole sauce here so make sure to order a dish with it. I had a special chicken with mole, and it was sensational. They also offer a fantastic mezcal selection and some tasty margaritas for a flavorful journey to Mexico.
- Address: 106 S Wilmington St
- Website: centroraleigh.com
Gringo a Go Go (downtown Raleigh)
For Mexican restaurants in downtown Raleigh, this is my current fave. I love the vintage vibe of this former ESSO gas station turned restaurant on the edge of Historic Oakwood, and if you’re looking for Mexican restaurants in downtown Raleigh it is hard to go wrong here! It’s a place I enjoy for their colorful outdoor patio surrounded by plants, the cool and interesting interior, and real Mexican food that all adds up to offering a lovely neighborhood atmosphere.
Popular menu items include their tacos, chorizo con queso, quesadillas, guacamole ed chilaquiles with carnitas, spinach empanadas, plus delicious vegetarian options and vegan options. And, they have great margaritas and a full bar including Mezcal.
Sitting outside is where I like to be and they have large umbrellas to protect you from the glaring sun. But do step inside and glance over the welcoming interior of the restaurant with vintage photographs, Day of the Dead masks, Mexican décor and artifacts, and fedoras lining the walls – there is plenty to look at.
Gringo A Go Go offers seasonal hand-crafted Margaritas ranging from watermelon to mango habanero – you can also stick with a traditional Margarita and the salt rim if that’s what you like. Now open for brunch on Sunday’s, so if you’re looking for a unique and relaxing way to slowly open up Sunday with a Mexican twist, go here.
The menu is a tribute to Fredy’s family Central Mexican heritage, and the most popular items on the menu are Huevos Con Chorizo, Chilaquiles Rojos, and Heuvos Rancheros.
- Address: 100 N Person St, Raleigh
- Website: GringoRaleigh.com
Bartaco (North Hills)
Let’s taco ’bout Bartaco in North Hills. If you like unique and tasty tacos, fresh ingredients, and delicious Margaritas, and cool vibes that make you feel like you’re in coastal Carolina, and gluten free restaurants, you’ll love this spot. One of the most popular restaurants in North Hills,Bartaco is not only home to our favorite tacos in Raleigh but it’s more than just a place to eat, it’s an experience to savor.
Yes, it is a chain, but with locations mostly over the East Coast (including Raleigh and Chapel Hill), I feel it’s a worthy Mexican restaurant to visit again and again. As I enter I’m swept up into the fun tempo. A sprawling bar sits at the center, and high tops that ring the bar help spread out the energy till it reaches the tables lining the walls and those out on the beach-shack style patio.
Of course tacos are their specialties and they range from your traditional Baja Fish to the more innovative falafel, seared chorizo, or crispy oyster and combine flavors from a variety of cultures such as Asian, Spanish, Mediterranean, and Mexican.
There are 13 proteins to choose from, with Bartaco’s most popular being the glazed pork belly that has a spicy arbol sauce that you’ll want to put on all the things. Look around bartaco and you won’t find any one particular type of person dining here, and in keeping with being a place for all, cauliflower, mushrooms, and chickpea are on offer for our vegans. And yes, it is also dog friendly!
My favorite other dish has to be the fried plantains tossed in salt + cayenne pepper from the ‘not-taco” taco menu and a quesadilla that is absolutely sensational (you could add an AF there for extra emphasis). And the Key Lime Pie in a Jar is a hit, too! For drinks. I recommend a spicy Mezcal Margarita paired perfectly with the creamy guacamole. The salsa roja and verde accompanying it also vie for top dipping spot. Read our full review of Bartaco.
- Address: 4121 Main at North Hills
- Website: Bartaco.com
Campo Taco Co
New to the Raleigh Mexican restaurant scene and quickly becoming one of our favorites is Campo Taco Co in the Rockway development across from Dix Park. This is fresh vibrant and casual Mexican food and drinks inspired by the land. We enjoyed spring warmth on their outdoor patio for lunch and were impressed with the huge portion of the meals and the reasonable prices. The inside is sleek as well with floor to ceiling windows, beautiful, designed bar and interior.
The menu boasts over 20 different taco varieties with favorites being sweet and spicy pork belly, birria, and blackened cod. I loved my quesabirrias. They also offer craft cocktails and popular margarita towers and pitchers – next time!
- Address: 1001 S Saunders St, Raleigh
- Website: campotaco.co
13 Tacos & Taps (North Raleigh)
Looking for Mexican restaurants in North Raleigh? You can taco me back to 13 Tacos and Taps anytime for their delicious and creative tacos! We’ve had the pleasure of dining at this restaurant in North Raleigh and were blown away by their unique offerings, taste, and freshness and walked away full – tacos never usually fill me up!
Located in North Raleigh off Durant Rd in the Falls River Town Center towards Wake Forest direction, they are a bit of a hidden gem and have a “Taco Fusion Menu” with unique and interesting fillings, and the tacos we ordered were:
- El Massaman (I love beef Massaman at a Thai restaurant, and their take on it is unique).
- Red Bird (chicken adobado – their award winning taco)
- Moo Moo III (seared filet Mignon)
They also have traditional tacos, and their guac is made in-house fresh daily and possibly the best we’ve had in North Carolina. All of this can be washed down with some excellent Margaritas. Chef and owner David has been in the industry for a long time, and his passion and personality shine through – tell him Craig & Caz from This Is Raleigh sent you.
Definitely one of the best restaurants in Raleigh for tacos, and consider their “Chefs Corner”, an intimate semi-private spot tucked away in the corner.
- Address: 10511 Shadowlawn Dr, Raleigh
- Website: 13 tacosandtaps.com
El Rodeo
If you’re looking for Mexican food in downtown, El Rodeo is a great place to go for a friendly vibe and affordable prices. The service here is really attentive – they greet you as soon as you walk in the door. The menu is typically Mexican, with tacos, ceviche, and other staples you’d expect. People rave about their fajitas and super strong Margaritas (they’re great)! This is a favorite of ours to stop in at when a festival is on Downtown, like the Hopscotch Festival.
- Address: 329 S Blount St, Raleigh
- Website: elrodeorest.com
Lobera Tacos & Tequila
Located on Hillsborough St, it’s no wonder Lobera Tacos & Tequila is a favorite among NC State students. It’s the place to go if you’re a fan of a full taco and tequila experience! One of the things I love about Lobera is how you can see the iconic NC Belltower from the windows. In fact, Lobera is Spanish for Wolfpack!
Dishes are packed with flavor and portion sizes are big enough to fill you up (something I have always struggled with when ordering tacos!). It also serves delicious cocktails, and has a laid-back but festive vibe.
The menu focuses on contemporary versions of traditional Mexican dishes, from hearty burritos to Mexican pizza. I personally love the chicken bacon nachos and birria tacos and plantains. If you’re visiting for lunch, it has a lunch deal for $10.99 with choices like the big bad wolf burrito, enchiladas de mole, and quesadilla fajita, and sweet tea is included!
- Address: 2100 Hillsborough St UNIT 110, Raleigh
- Website: loberaraleigh.com/
Little Rey
Little Rey is located in Raleigh’s Iron Works. Helmed Atlanta chef Ford Fry, Little Rey is the sister restaurant to Superica, a Northern Mexican–inspired restaurant designed to offer fast, casual dishes focused on wood-roasted chicken al carbon.
Expect to find Mexican favorites such as tacos and fresh salsas, as well as homemade tortillas. It serves fresh salads using locally sourced ingredients, and on the weekend, it has a Texas-style breakfast on the menu featuring items such as migas tacos. Savannah and I also popped in before a concert at the Ritz to fill up on yummy queso dip, tacos and nacho chicken wings with fried peanuts and a burst of great heat!
It’s a casual, counter-service restaurant that’s popular with families, friends and anyone looking for an easy, all-day energy.
- Address: 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd Suite 102, Raleigh
- Website: littlerey.com/raleigh
La Mala
In the heart of Glenwood South, La Mala Mexican Inspired Cocktails is like walking into a fiesta. It has a lovely, breezy patio, and an indoor dining space that’s as bold and colorful as the menu. It serves up classic street food-style bites like tacos, esquites and shareable snacks, but it’s most well known for its cocktails and vibe.
We were very impressed with the lunch we had here and can’t wait to return for dinner. We love the beautiful design, the outdoor patio and the delicious food. The guacamole was fresh and delicious and the quesabirrias so good! My mescal margarita was also fantastic with the fresh lime juice!
Come nightfall, the place comes alive with Latin beats, neon-lit cocktails, and a crowd that came for a margarita, but stayed for the vibe. La Mala has the same ownership as La Santa, but we prefer this one. It’s also on a quieter street a block back from Glenwood Ave.
- Address: 126 N West St, Raleigh
- Website: lamalamx.com/home
La Santa
One of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Raleigh and located in the lively Glenwood South District, La Santa serves up authentic and traditional tasting Mexican food using recipes from Guadalajara. Here you’ll find a fun atmosphere and vibe with interesting and colorful decor, friendly and helpful service, and music that keeps the mood light and energetic.
Popular dishes include their signature burrito (Burrito Momia – a burrito wrapped with bacon), the guacamole, the ceviche, and Queso on the side – great chips and salsa too! We would say they offer the best burrito in Raleigh, hands down.
Their Margaritas are popular and made with fresh fruit and organic Agave nectar, and they have some excellent Mezcal cocktails. All lunch specials are $10 on Monday-Friday, from 11:00am-2:30pm. They also have a dedicated vegan menu. Fun spot to eat with a group of friends, on a date night, or with your spouse!
- Address: 222 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: Lasantanc.com
Gym Tacos
What started as just a food truck in 2019 has now turned into a brick and mortar. The original truck at 220 E Six Forks Rd is still there, but there’s also now a restaurant on Hillsborough Street not far from NC State University. We’ve known about Gym Tacos for a while due to others sharing it online, and drive past the location on Hillsborough often, but only just stopped there this past weekend for our first experience.
It always seems busy, and the vibe inside was upbeat, inviting and clean with plenty of seating, but we grabbed one of the tables outside in the warm sunshine.
Placing my order, the staff was friendly and helpful and I initially ordered three tacos for myself and the Gym Tostada (Fried corn tortilla, shrimp, homemade avocado cream, spring mix, Pico de Gallo, roasted corn) for Caroline.
After seeing that the tacos were a bit on the small side, and me being hungry, I added a steak burrito to my order and I’m so glad I did. The tacos are hand-made corn tortillas and I added onion and cilantro on top of my chosen proteins:
- Pollo (chicken)
- Cecina (flank steak)
- Suadero (rose meat) the suadero cut is taken from the middle of the cow.
I did enjoy the taco shells, and my favorite filling was probably the Pollo (chicken), while the others were a little on the drier side and underwhelming for the hype – they do have a variety of sauces you can add. But for a taco joint, I actually preferred the Burrito more which was very good, tasty and filling, and for now I do prefer the tacos at 13 Tacos & Taps and Bartaco. But I do want to go back and try their signature shrimp taco, and the nacho tower which they are known for.
- Address: 3701 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: gymtacosnc.com
Chido Taco
For an easy grab and go restaurant, you can’t beat the tacos at Chido Taco, which are so flavorful and unique. Our daughter, Kalyra, and I love their quesabirria tacos, which come with a beef consumé to dip them in. The portion size is actually pretty good too!
Guests also love that there’s a sauce and salsa bar, with a range of options. The salsa is also freshly made and has a nice kick to it. They have three locations in Raleigh, one on Fayetteville Street, one on Bale Street, and one in Cary. We prefer the Bale St branch in North Raleigh. However, if you’re in Downtown Raleigh for an event, a festival, a concert, show or conference, Chido’s is an excellent choice for a quick bite. We typically go there rather than battle with food trucks out on the street at festivals!
- Address: 2330 Bale St #100, Raleigh
- Website: chidotaco.com
Mamacitas
Fringing on the borders of the Raleigh area in the Falls River district, Mamacitas has some of the best Mexican food in the Triangle. We love the fun vibe, instagram worthy murals and decor, and modern technology. They have a cool robot that brings your food to the table, like they do in Japan – I don’t think there are many restaurants in Raleigh with one of these! As well as the robot, which is also accompanied by a server, Mamacitas also makes its delicious guacamole straight at your table – talk about great service!
We think their tacos are delicious and come with a generous amount of filling. They also have fantastic margaritas and a variety of unique cocktails. They also have a location in Morrisville and Apex. Our eldest daughter always requests a visit to Mamacitas!
- Address: 1540 Dunn Rd
- Website:mamacitanc.com
Gonza Tacos y Tequila
Featuring Colombian-Mexican cuisine, hand crafted Latin cocktails, an extensive variety of tequilas and regional spirits, and a carefully selected list of Latin wines and beers, this place has a fun, upbeat atmosphere and vibe.
As you enter your attention quickly pans to the cool decor of lanterns that make for a unique ambiance, and Gonza is a solid option for Mexican food in Raleigh with friends, on a fun date night, or family gatherings – our kids really enjoy it here too! Popular dishes at Gonza Tacos include the El plátano, Nachos Gabachos, beef short rib, the fajitas, the burritos, Talega Del Platano, the tacos, the Mexican flag, and delicious Margaritas.
Don’t sleep on their desserts. Our kids love the Churros and the Talega de Platano ice cream dessert, but it is phenomenal.
They have three locations in total, including an awesome location in Cary (Waverly Place) that is open for lunch and has a kids playground out the front – perfect for mom and dad who want to sit outside and have a Margarita as the kids play! Unfortunately, their location on Hillsborough St closed last year, but Lobera Tacos & Tequila took it’s place.
- Address: Various locations
- Website: GonzaTacosyTequila.com
Final Thoughts
We are yet to try several of the highest-rated Mexican restaurants in Raleigh, but plan on dining at them. Other Raleigh Mexican restaurants that come highly recommended include Taqueria El Toro (just south of Raleigh), and Salt & Lime Cabo Grill, and Dos Taquitos. Oh, we did enjoy the tacos at Standard Beer + Food. I’m sure you’re wanting more taco goodness, well click right here to discover where to find the best tacos in Raleigh (as recommended by locals)
Now it’s your turn, what do you think is the best Mexican restaurant in Raleigh? Where should we go next for authentic Mexican food in Raleigh? Let us know in the comments.
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So glad you liked it. I guess lunch an be a good time as it’s quieter and you may get special deals. Otherwise, you’d have to check with each restaurant for best times as I’m not sure when each is busy or not/
An unknown but some of the best tacos can be found at Chilango on New Hope Church road. Try the salsas and cucumber mint drink too!
Thank you for this insider tip on where to find the best tacos in RAleigh! Can’t wait to taste them!