Tacos arguably embody the most simple, versatile, and satisfying food you’ll find anywhere.
We spent a recent Friday in Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs sampling an impressive assortment of the portable provisions. Here are five local spots to help you get your taco fix.
Tacos Oaxaca Taqueria
Fuquay-Varina
Must-try item: Al pastor de trompo, which involves seared marinated pork with shaved charred pineapple and tomatillo morita salsa. “The pork is prepared on a vertical rotisserie and is absolutely delicious,” says owner Jose San Juan.
Synopsis: Tucked away in a busy strip shopping center between Planet Fitness and Food Lion, this cozy full-service outpost is a hidden gem. You’ll find a baker’s dozen standard taco options — including carne asada, birria, chorizo, and barbacoa — plus authentic street tacos on corn or flour tortillas.
Distinctiveness: The suadero beef brisket confit taco represents the signature taco from Mexico City. Extraordinary Baja tempura fish tacos come topped with pickled cabbage, chipotle and crema aioli, and salsa macha. Consider pairing a next-level mocktail with these elevated tacos.
Specials: Taco Tuesday specials vary (check Instagram for details), and $5 margaritas all day.
@tacosoaxacataqueria
Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant
Holly Springs
Must-try item: For something with a kick, order the impeccable shrimp chorizo taco featuring grilled shrimp and spicy chorizo with lettuce, pico de gallo, pineapple, and a drizzled chipotle sauce.
Synopsis: This popular full-service eatery draws big crowds at lunch and dinner, so go early to avoid a wait. You’d be hard pressed to find somewhere that’s more efficiently run (just witness servers carrying up to half a dozen platefuls of food on their extended arms). Choose from six types of street tacos (think spicy steak and adobo-marinated al pastor) or standard and deluxe tacos. “We have a second smaller location in downtown Holly Springs,” says proprietor Jose Torres.
Distinctiveness: Delectable grilled salmon tacos are crowned with creamy coleslaw, corn, chipotle salsa, and queso fresco. Meanwhile, the piquant Taco Loco stuffed with crispy bacon and chorizo transcends everyday taco status.
Specials: Happy hour runs Monday to Thursday between 3-5 p.m. with standard tacos available for $2.50 each. Drink specials rotate daily.
Fiesta Time
Fuquay-Varina
Distinctiveness: Artwork hanging on the walls reflects a not-so-subtle Day of the Dead theme. “We intentionally wanted a more neutral Mexican restaurant instead of the typical vibrant atmosphere you encounter around here,” says manager Vanessa Munoz. Major props to this place for carrying the best selection of Jarritos fruit-flavored sodas we’ve seen in the area.
Synopsis: The spacious newcomer in town offers plenty of room for savoring tacos and drinks. A separate bar area provides abundant seating and copious libations. Eight varieties of tacos vie for your attention, ranging from straightforward to specialty. Custom-made beer mugs add a nice touch of novelty, and guests who order a shot of spirits on their birthday receive a free commemorative shot vessel. The eatery also takes reservations.
Must-try item: Tacos Campechanos, which features three corn tacos with steak, grilled chicken, and chorizo, all topped with fresh cilantro and onion and served with rice and beans.
Specials: On Tuesdays, hard-shell or soft beef or chicken tacos are $2 apiece, while grilled steak, chicken, chorizo, carnitas, and al pastor are $2.75 each (dine in only). You can also score import draft and bottled beer for $3.99 on Tuesdays.
Taqueria La Costeña
Fuquay-Varina
Must-try item:
“The lengua taco is the most popular, as it is not easy to find elsewhere,” says co-owner Olga Hernandez, who runs the restaurant with husband Luis Leal.
Synopsis: Don’t let the gas station surroundings throw you off. Inside this humble spot at 101 Dickens Road, you’ll discover a legit fast-casual taqueria serving diverse taco offerings like lengua, cabeza, and tripa (that’s tongue, brain, and small intestine, respectively). If you’re not super adventurous, stick with carnitas, carne asada, or al pastor.
Distinctiveness: Handmade tortillas are fashioned with love, as are refreshing drinks like cucumber with lemon, strawberry-watermelon agua fresca, and a traditional Mexican tea called Jamaica. Also noteworthy is the chicharrón (fried pork belly) taco.
Specials: Ask about daily specials at the counter before ordering.
(919) 285-3060
Fiesta Mexicana
Holly Springs
Must-try item: Choose the mini tacos consisting of five soft flour tortillas packed with carne asada, carnitas, al pastor, or pollo asado. Who says tiny tacos can’t be big on flavor, even if each one disappears in just a few bites? Mixing and matching is allowed.
Synopsis: A reliable full-service chain with nine locations in North Carolina, it’s easy to celebrate any time tacos hit the table at this South Park Village hangout. Upbeat music and a vibrantly hued dining space keep things festive. Whether you indulge in fiesta street tacos (three corn tortillas filled with your choice of protein) or fish or shrimp tacos, you’re sure to get your fill.
Distinctiveness: Salsa is made fresh throughout the day and served with a bottomless basket of warm chips. And be sure not to miss the zesty tomatillo sauce with chili de arbol. “I highly recommend the mango margarita, which includes premium tequila,” says manager Felipe Juarez with a smile.
Specials: Lunch specials run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Don’t miss the two grilled shrimp tacos served with rice or beans. House margaritas are discounted on Thursdays.
fiestamexicananc-hollysprings.com
Aye! Toro Tacos & Tequila, Holly Springs
Casa Amigos Cocina, Fuquay
El Cantarito Bar & Grill, Fuquay
El Lobo Mexican Restaurant, Fuquay
La Taqueria Mexican Grill, Fuquay
Los Tres Magueyes, Fuquay
Tacos Mexico Restaurant, Fuquay
