10 North Carolina Taco Spots You’ll Keep Coming Back To
North Carolina might not be the first place that comes to mind for outstanding tacos, but the Tar Heel State is hiding some serious taco treasures.
From food trucks parked on busy city streets to hidden gems tucked inside local markets, these spots are changing the game with their authentic flavors and creative twists.
Ready your taste buds as we explore the absolute best tacos North Carolina has to offer!
1. Gym Tacos – Raleigh/Durham/Cary
Don’t let the quirky name fool you – nothing about these tacos requires a workout except your jaw muscles! Gym Tacos has expanded across the Triangle for good reason.
Their homemade tortillas provide the perfect foundation for simple yet boldly flavored fillings. The carne asada achieves that magical balance of char and tenderness that taco aficionados dream about.
Multiple locations mean you’re never far from your next taco fix.
2. Chido Taco – Raleigh
Voters don’t lie! With over 63,000 locals crowning this spot the best in the Triangle, Chido Taco has earned serious street cred.
I stumbled upon this gem last summer and immediately understood the hype. Their corn tortillas cradle perfectly seasoned proteins, while the salsa bar offers flavor explosions for every palate.
The al pastor practically melts in your mouth, carved straight from the trompo with just the right caramelization.
3. La Taqueria by Katsuji – RTP
Chef-driven tacos in Research Triangle Park? Yes, please! Since opening in Boxyard RTP in 2025, La Taqueria has filled a gaping taco void in the area.
The menu showcases Chef Katsuji’s culinary expertise through thoughtfully crafted flavor combinations. I still remember my first bite of their duck confit taco – the rich meat against pickled onions and a hint of habanero created pure magic.
Each taco tells a different story on your taste buds.
4. La Superior – Durham
Tucked inside a bustling carnicería, this hidden taqueria serves some of Durham’s most authentic offerings. Eater Charlotte wasn’t exaggerating when they highlighted this spot!
The suadero tacos showcase tender, slow-cooked beef that practically dissolves on contact. Their al pastor delivers that perfect sweet-savory balance from pineapple and adobo marinade.
Pro tip: grab some house-made chorizo from the meat counter to recreate the magic at home.
5. Super Taqueria – Durham
Durham’s taco royalty reigns supreme at this unassuming spot that locals guard jealously. Their carnitas deserve a special mention – crispy-edged yet meltingly tender pork that’s haunted my dreams since my first visit.
I’ve driven 45 minutes just for their lengua tacos, which convert even the most skeptical first-timers. The cabeza (beef cheek) offers rich, gelatinous goodness that taco purists will appreciate.
Cash only, but trust me, you’ll empty your wallet willingly.
6. Taqueria Los Canarios – Durham
Female entrepreneurship never tasted so good! This women-led taco truck creates flavor profiles that leave the competition in the dust.
Their shrimp tacos arrive perfectly seasoned with just enough heat to make you notice without overwhelming. Vegetarians rejoice – their mushroom and nopal (cactus) options aren’t afterthoughts but deliberately crafted standouts.
The homemade salsas range from mild to face-melting, with the smoky morita chile version earning particular devotion.
7. El Rey Del Taco – Raleigh
The “King of Tacos” lives up to its royal name with Oaxacan-style offerings that transport you straight to southern Mexico. Their tortilla game changes everything – freshly pressed masa patted by hand and cooked to order.
Fillings showcase regional specialties rarely found elsewhere in North Carolina. The tlayuda (sometimes called “Mexican pizza”) makes a perfect shareable addition to your taco order.
Finding this truck requires some social media stalking, but the treasure hunt pays delicious dividends.
8. Don Beto El Poblano – Raleigh
Taco variety reaches new heights at this Raleigh favorite, where standard options share menu space with rarities. Their huitlacoche quesadillas (featuring corn fungus – tastier than it sounds!) converted me into a true believer during my first visit.
Vegetarians get equal treatment with creative plant-based fillings that pack serious flavor. The salsas deserve special mention – each batch made fresh daily with roasted chiles and tomatoes.
Weekend specials often include regional Mexican dishes worth exploring.
9. Tasti Tacos – Durham
Birria heaven exists, and it’s parked in Durham! This specialist truck has mastered the art of slow-cooked, chile-infused beef that’s simultaneously tender and intensely flavored.
Their signature move? Dipping tortillas in the rich consommé before grilling creates crispy, flavor-packed vessels for the succulent meat. The innovation doesn’t stop there – their birria ramen and grilled cheese spin-offs prove Mexican-fusion can be spectacular.
Bring napkins. Lots of napkins.
10. María’s Taco Spot – Charlotte + Pop-ups
Charlotte’s taco scene leveled up when María started serving her legendary birria and oxtail creations. The perfectly balanced spice blend in her slow-cooked meats has earned a cult following that’s funding her upcoming brick-and-mortar in NoDa.
I’ve literally planned Charlotte trips around her pop-up schedule – the oxtail tacos are that transcendent. The meat practically collapses under its own tenderness, while her handmade tortillas provide the perfect vehicle.
Follow her social media for location updates!