North Carolina might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of amazing tacos, but this state is seriously stepping up its game. From Charlotte to Asheville to Greensboro, taco lovers are finding flavors that feel like a direct flight to Mexico.
Whether you crave slow-cooked birria, smoky al pastor, or something totally unexpected, these spots have got you covered. Get ready to eat your way through the best taco destinations the Tar Heel State has to offer.
Las Margaritas — Charlotte, NC
Some restaurants just feel like home the moment you walk through the door, and Las Margaritas in Charlotte is exactly that kind of place. The warm colors, lively atmosphere, and smell of freshly made tortillas hit you all at once.
It is the kind of welcome that makes you forget everything else.
The tacos here are crafted with real care, featuring traditional fillings like carne asada, carnitas, and chorizo topped with fresh cilantro and diced onion. Every bite carries bold, layered flavors that remind you why Mexican cuisine is celebrated worldwide.
The salsas are made in-house and pack just the right amount of heat.
Charlotte locals have been coming back here for years, and it is easy to see why. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the staff treats every guest like family.
Pair your tacos with one of their famous margaritas and you have got yourself an unforgettable meal.
Address: 4426 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC
La Santa Modern Mexican Food — Raleigh, NC
Not every taco spot plays by the traditional rulebook, and La Santa in Raleigh is proof that bold creativity can be just as satisfying as classic recipes. This spot blends Mexican culinary roots with modern techniques to produce tacos that surprise and delight with every single order.
Think of it as Mexican food with an exciting twist.
Menu highlights include inventive flavor combos that go far beyond the usual offerings. Ingredients are sourced thoughtfully, and the presentation alone is enough to make your jaw drop before you even take a bite.
The tortillas are soft, slightly charred, and hold up beautifully to every filling.
The vibe inside is cool and contemporary, making it a great choice for date nights or casual hangouts with friends. Service is attentive without being overbearing, and the cocktail menu complements the food perfectly.
La Santa proves that modern Mexican food can still feel deeply authentic at its core.
Address: 222 Glenwood Ave #107, Raleigh, NC 27603
13 Tacos & Taps — Raleigh, NC
Tacos and craft beer might just be the greatest combination ever invented, and 13 Tacos and Taps in Raleigh has built an entire restaurant around that beautiful idea. Walking in feels like joining a party that started without you but welcomes you immediately.
The energy here is contagious.
The taco menu rotates seasonally, so there is always something new to try no matter how many times you visit. From smoky pulled pork to spiced black bean options, the variety keeps things interesting for meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
Each taco is assembled with precision and loaded with toppings that complement rather than overwhelm.
On the taps side, the selection of local and regional craft beers is genuinely impressive. The staff knows their brews well and will happily suggest the perfect pairing for your taco order.
Friday nights here are especially lively, so arrive early if you want to snag a good seat without a long wait.
Address: 10511 Shadowlawn Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614
RuRu’s Tacos + Tequila — Charlotte, NC
RuRu’s Tacos and Tequila in Charlotte has a personality all its own. The walls are covered in bold artwork, the music keeps your foot tapping, and the smell coming from the kitchen is absolutely irresistible.
This is the kind of place where every visit feels like a small celebration.
The taco menu leans into creative, crowd-pleasing combinations without ever losing sight of authentic Mexican flavor profiles. Highlights include their famous street-style tacos loaded with marinated meats, pickled vegetables, and house-made sauces that bring everything together.
The guacamole, made fresh to order, deserves its own standing ovation.
Of course, the tequila selection is where RuRu’s really shines. With dozens of options ranging from smooth blancos to complex anejos, tequila fans will feel like kids in a candy store.
The knowledgeable bartenders make excellent recommendations and can craft a margarita that perfectly matches whatever mood you are in when you arrive.
Address: 715 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Taco Temple — Asheville, NC
Asheville has a reputation for being wonderfully weird, and Taco Temple fits right into that spirit with absolute confidence. From the moment you see the eclectic decor, you know this is not your average taco joint.
The menu reads like a love letter to both Mexican tradition and Appalachian creativity.
Taco Temple sources many of its ingredients locally, which means the flavors change with the seasons in the best possible way. Regulars rave about their slow-cooked meats, hand-pressed tortillas, and the rotating selection of house-made hot sauces.
Even the simplest taco on the menu tastes like it was made with genuine intention.
The outdoor seating area is a hidden gem, especially on a warm Asheville evening when the mountain air is crisp and the lights are glowing. Families, solo travelers, and groups of friends all seem equally at home here.
Taco Temple is proof that great tacos can also come with a side of mountain-town magic.
Address: 132 Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 28801
White Duck Taco Shop Downtown — Asheville, NC
White Duck Taco Shop has become a true Asheville institution, and the downtown location carries all the charm and flavor that made it famous. The concept here is wonderfully simple: take the taco format and stuff it with ingredients from cuisines all around the world.
The result is something genuinely special.
You might find a Thai peanut taco sitting right next to a classic al pastor on the menu, and somehow both feel completely at home. The tortillas are always fresh, the portions are satisfying, and the line moves quickly even when the place is packed.
It is fast-casual dining done exceptionally well.
Did you know White Duck started as a tiny spot in the River Arts District before expanding? That scrappy, creative spirit still shows in every single menu item.
Locals and tourists alike line up for their favorites, and first-timers are always encouraged to try at least one unexpected flavor combination. You will not regret the adventure.
Address: Asheville 12 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Cilantro & Tacos — Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem does not always get the culinary spotlight it deserves, but Cilantro and Tacos is quietly making a very strong case for the city. The name alone sets expectations, and this spot consistently meets and exceeds them with every single visit.
Fresh cilantro really does appear on almost everything, and it works beautifully.
The menu sticks close to Mexican street food traditions, offering tacos with fillings like barbacoa, al pastor, and lengua for the more adventurous eater. Corn tortillas are made daily, and you can taste the difference immediately compared to anything store-bought.
The salsa bar is a highlight, offering a range of heat levels to suit every preference.
Families flock here on weekends, and the relaxed, no-frills atmosphere makes it easy to linger over a meal without feeling rushed. Prices are incredibly reasonable, making it a go-to spot for both quick lunches and laid-back dinners.
Cilantro and Tacos is the kind of neighborhood gem every city deserves to have.
Cilantro & Tacos — Winston-Salem, NC
La Perlita Restaurant & Carniceria — Winston-Salem, NC
Half restaurant, half carniceria, La Perlita in Winston-Salem is the kind of place that serious taco lovers dream about finding. Walking in feels like stepping into a neighborhood spot somewhere deep in central Mexico, where the food is made with zero pretense and maximum flavor.
The meat counter alone is worth the trip.
Because they butcher their own meats on-site, the quality and freshness of every taco filling is genuinely unmatched. The tacos de tripa, cabeza, and carne asada are made the old-fashioned way, and you can taste the authenticity in every single bite.
Nothing here is dressed up to impress tourists; it just naturally impresses everyone.
The atmosphere is casual and communal, with Spanish-language television playing in the background and regulars chatting comfortably with the staff. Prices are extremely affordable, making this a favorite among Winston-Salem’s Latin community and adventurous food explorers alike.
La Perlita is as real as it gets, and that is exactly what makes it so extraordinary.
Address: 1001 Waughtown St, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Taqueria El Toro — Raleigh, NC
A bull on the sign and bold flavors on the plate — Taqueria El Toro in Raleigh means business from the very first glance. This spot has earned a loyal following among Raleigh residents who know that the best tacos in the city do not always come with fancy decor or long Instagram captions.
They come with honest, unforgettable flavor.
The menu reads like a greatest hits collection of Mexican taqueria classics. Tacos de pollo, suadero, and al pastor are all executed with the kind of precision that only comes from years of practice and genuine passion for the craft.
The homemade salsas range from mild and tangy to smoky and seriously spicy.
Lunch hours are especially busy, and for good reason. Workers, students, and families all show up knowing they will leave completely satisfied without spending much money at all.
El Toro is a reminder that the best taco experiences are often the most unpretentious ones you will ever stumble upon.
Address: 3600 Junction Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27603
Taqueria El Azteca — Greensboro, NC
Greensboro’s taco scene has a standout champion, and Taqueria El Azteca wears that crown with well-earned confidence. Rated highly by hundreds of loyal fans, this spot on West Friendly Avenue serves up authentic Mexican tacos in a setting that values good food over flashy presentation.
The focus here is entirely on what ends up on your plate.
The beer-battered fish and shrimp tacos are the stuff of local legend, drawing seafood lovers from across the Triad region on a regular basis. Each taco arrives with fresh toppings, bright lime, and a crema that ties everything together in the most satisfying way.
Even the classic carne asada holds its own beautifully against the crowd-favorite seafood options.
With over 700 reviews averaging an impressive 4.4 stars, El Azteca clearly knows how to keep its customers coming back. The no-frills setting only adds to the charm, letting the food speak entirely for itself.
Greensboro is lucky to have a spot this genuinely good flying a little under the radar.
Address: 5605 W Friendly Ave, Greensboro, NC 27410