10 North Carolina Mexican Restaurants Family-Owned And Loved By Locals
Last summer, I wandered into a tiny Mexican spot in Durham, and the smell of fresh tortillas hit me like a warm hug from my abuela.
North Carolina is packed with incredible family-owned Mexican restaurants where recipes have been passed down through generations and every dish tells a story.
These aren’t your chain restaurant tacos; they’re the real deal, beloved by locals who know good food when they taste it.
Get ready to discover ten spots that’ll make your taste buds dance and your heart full.
1. Taqueria La Vaquita — Durham
Walking past this Durham gem feels like stumbling onto a secret locals refuse to share with tourists. La Vaquita serves up tacos so authentic you’ll swear you teleported to Mexico City for lunch.
The family behind the counter greets regulars by name, and their carnitas are legendary for a reason.
Every bite is juicy, perfectly seasoned, and comes with homemade salsas that range from mild to “why did I do this to myself.” Cash is king here, so hit the ATM first.
2. Centro — Raleigh
Centro proves that family-owned doesn’t mean you’re eating off paper plates in a strip mall. This Raleigh hotspot elevates Mexican cuisine without losing its soul or breaking your budget.
Their guacamole gets made tableside, which is basically dinner theater you can eat. The enchiladas verdes are swimming in tangy tomatillo sauce that’ll haunt your dreams in the best way possible.
Weekend brunch here includes chilaquiles that cure any hangover known to humanity.
3. Monterrey Mexican Grill — Chapel Hill & Carrboro
College students and professors alike crowd into Monterrey for portions so generous you’ll need a to-go box and possibly a nap.
Both Chapel Hill and Carrboro locations serve the same beloved recipes that have fueled UNC students through finals week for years.
Their chicken fajitas arrive sizzling loud enough to turn every head in the restaurant.
The salsa bar offers six different varieties, from sweet and smoky to straight-up volcanic. Margaritas are strong, affordable, and dangerously easy to drink.
4. El Cerro Grande — Wilmington
Beach town meets mountain flavors at this Wilmington favorite where the ocean breeze pairs perfectly with sizzling carne asada.
El Cerro Grande has been feeding hungry surfers and locals since before the area became trendy. Their chiles rellenos are stuffed with cheese so melty it should be illegal in at least three states.
Portions could feed a small army, and the prices make you wonder if they forgot to add a zero. Friday nights get packed, so arrive early or prepare to wait with everyone else who knows what’s up.
5. El Patron Mexican Restaurant — Gastonia
Gastonia locals will fight you over the last table at El Patron, where the family recipes taste like someone’s grandmother is running the kitchen. Spoiler alert: she probably is.
The mole sauce here is dark, complex, and worth every single calorie you’re about to consume without regret.
Their tamales sell out fast on weekends because word spreads quickly in a town that knows good food. Service feels like visiting relatives who really, really want to make sure you’re not hungry anymore.
6. La Unica Mexican Restaurant — Indian Trail & Charlotte
La Unica lives up to its name by serving dishes you won’t find at every corner taco joint in the Carolinas. Both locations stay packed with families celebrating everything from birthdays to Tuesday.
Their seafood cocktails are piled high with shrimp, octopus, and enough lime to make your mouth water just thinking about it.
The tortas are sandwich-sized flavor bombs that require both hands and zero shame. Don’t skip the horchata, which tastes like liquid cinnamon heaven in a glass.
7. El Camino Real Mexican Restaurant — Greensboro & Winston-Salem
Driving down the real road to authentic Mexican food means stopping at El Camino Real, where both Greensboro and Winston-Salem locations serve up comfort in edible form.
Regulars have their usual orders memorized by staff who treat everyone like extended family.
The queso fundido arrives bubbling hot with chorizo mixed throughout, perfect for destroying a basket of chips before your meal arrives.
Their combination platters offer variety for the indecisive among us who want to taste everything at once.
8. Limones — Asheville
Asheville’s foodie scene gets a citrus-fresh kick from Limones, where California-style Mexican food meets Appalachian hospitality in the most delicious way possible.
The family running this spot sources local ingredients whenever possible, which mountain hippies and flavor lovers equally appreciate.
Fish tacos here are crispy, light, and topped with cabbage slaw that adds the perfect crunch.
Their burritos are California-sized, meaning you’ll definitely have lunch sorted for tomorrow too. Vegetarian options actually excite meat-eaters, which is basically witchcraft.
9. Taqueria Muñoz — Asheville
Forget fancy; Taqueria Muñoz keeps it real with street-style tacos that transport your taste buds straight to Guadalajara.
This no-frills Asheville spot focuses on what matters: perfectly seasoned meat, fresh toppings, and tortillas made with actual love.
Their al pastor is cooked on a vertical spit like the taco gods intended, with pineapple adding sweet contrast to savory pork.
Lines form during lunch rush because everyone from construction workers to tourists knows this place slaps. Cash only, but there’s an ATM nearby for the unprepared.
10. Carrburritos — Carrboro & RTP
Walking into Carrburritos feels like stepping into a family kitchen where everyone is welcome.
This locally cherished spot has been serving the Carrboro and Research Triangle Park communities with generous portions and flavors that transport you straight to Mexico.
Their burritos are legendary, packed with perfectly seasoned meats, fresh vegetables, and toppings that make every bite memorable.
The family behind Carrburritos takes pride in using quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods passed down through generations.