Introduction
Craving the vibrant flavors of Mexico right here in North Carolina? Durham, a city known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and diverse culinary landscape, is also a hidden gem when it comes to authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine. Forget the generic chain restaurants – Durham’s Mexican food scene is bursting with personality, offering everything from traditional family-run taquerias to upscale restaurants serving innovative dishes. If you are ready to find your new favorite spot, then keep reading!
This guide is your passport to the best Mexican restaurants in Durham, carefully curated to satisfy every palate and budget. We’ve explored the bustling streets, sampled countless tacos, and sipped on refreshing margaritas to bring you the definitive list of the must-try establishments. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a quick and tasty bite, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure through Durham’s vibrant Mexican food scene. Durham provides a lot of different style of Mexican Food from Tacos, Burritos, Enchiladas, and regional variations. You will be able to find some amazing Mexican food options here in Durham.
How We Chose the Best: A Delicious Methodology
Determining the “best” is never easy, especially when it comes to something as subjective as taste. To create this guide, we considered a range of factors to ensure a comprehensive and balanced assessment of Durham’s Mexican restaurants. Authenticity played a major role. We looked for restaurants that honored traditional Mexican recipes, used fresh, high-quality ingredients, and employed time-honored cooking methods.
Of course, taste and quality were paramount. We evaluated the flavor profiles of dishes, the freshness of ingredients, and the overall culinary execution. The atmosphere and ambiance also played a significant role, as a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience can enhance the overall impression of a restaurant. Value for money was another crucial consideration, ensuring that the prices reflected the portion sizes and quality of the food.
Customer reviews from online platforms and social media provided valuable insights into the experiences of other diners. We also considered the variety of the menus, looking for restaurants that offered a range of options beyond the standard fare, including daily specials and vegetarian and vegan choices. It’s important to note that these are subjective opinions, but we hope this guide will give you a place to start.
Finding Authenticity: The Heart of Mexican Tradition
For those seeking the true taste of Mexico, Durham boasts several restaurants dedicated to preserving traditional culinary techniques.
La Vaquita
This local favorite is a staple for anyone seeking authentic Mexican eats in Durham. You’ll find everything from tacos to gorditas. The tortillas are delicious and fresh making all of their items taste even better.
Must-Try Dishes: The tacos al pastor are a must, marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served with pineapple, onion, and cilantro. The carne asada plate is another classic, featuring tender grilled steak served with rice, beans, and tortillas.
Price Range: Affordable
Address: Located on Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, making it easily accessible.
Atmosphere: Casual and family-friendly.
Nana’s Taqueria
Tucked away in a less busy part of Durham, Nana’s Taqueria is another local favorite. With tons of different Mexican options, everyone is sure to find something they love.
Must-Try Dishes: Try out their quesabirria tacos! Their tortas are another great option if you are in the mood for a sandwich.
Price Range: Moderate
Address: N Roxboro Street in Durham
Atmosphere: Great spot to grab some lunch
El Chapin Restaurant
A hidden gem celebrating the flavors of Central America. While not strictly Mexican, the Guatemalan influence adds a unique and delicious twist.
Must-Try Dishes: Their pupusas are absolutely amazing. Try their steak dinner for a meal you won’t forget.
Price Range: Affordable
Address: Located off of N Alston Avenue
Atmosphere: Relaxed and inviting.
Taco Temptation: Durham’s Best Handheld Delights
No exploration of Mexican food is complete without indulging in tacos. Durham’s taco scene is diverse and flavorful, offering something for every taste.
Cosmic Cantina
A Durham institution! This place is always hoppin’ with customers looking for a late night bite.
Must-Try Tacos: The classic beef taco is a solid choice, but the grilled fish taco with chipotle mayo is the star.
Price Range: Affordable
Address: West Main Street, in the heart of downtown.
Atmosphere: Eclectic, lively, and a favorite late-night spot.
NuvoTaco
With fresh ingredients, NuvoTaco aims to provide customers with fresh and high quality Mexican food. You won’t be disappointed when you visit NuvoTaco.
Must-Try Tacos: Try out their lamb barbacoa! It is a fan favorite and one of the best taco options on the menu.
Price Range: Moderate
Address: Erwin Road in Durham
Atmosphere: Relaxed and Modern
Gonza Tacos y Tequila
Although not strictly a taqueria, Gonza offers some of the most creative and flavorful tacos in Durham, along with an extensive tequila selection.
Must-Try Tacos: The Korean short rib taco is a surprisingly delicious fusion, while the Baja fish taco is a classic done right.
Price Range: Moderate
Address: Several locations in Durham.
Atmosphere: Stylish and vibrant, perfect for a night out.
Beyond Tacos: Burritos and Bowls of Flavor
For those seeking a more substantial meal, Durham’s burrito and bowl offerings are sure to satisfy.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle is a delicious option if you are looking to find something affordable. They offer both burritos and burrito bowls and you can add as many toppings as you like!
Must-Try Burritos/Bowls: Steak burrito with rice, beans, corn salsa, and guacamole!
Price Range: Affordable
Address: Located on Mt Moriah Road
Atmosphere: Good place to grab a quick lunch
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Similar to Chipotle, Moe’s is another great option if you are looking for something affordable. You can’t go wrong with anything here at Moe’s!
Must-Try Burritos/Bowls: The Homewrecker burrito
Price Range: Affordable
Address: Located on New Hope Commons Drive
Atmosphere: Fun and casual
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
Lime Fresh offers lots of Mexican grill options for you to choose from! They are a great option for a big family because there is something that everyone will love.
Must-Try Burritos/Bowls: A burrito with all the toppings!
Price Range: Moderate
Address: Located on Renaissance Parkway
Atmosphere: Fun and fresh
Evening Ambiance: Mexican Food for a Night Out
Sometimes, you want more than just delicious food; you want an experience. These Durham restaurants offer a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a night out.
Dos Perros
Upscale dining with a focus on modern Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes and Drinks: The ceviche is a refreshing starter, and the mole poblano is a rich and complex main course. Pair your meal with a margarita made with premium tequila.
Price Range: Expensive
Address: Downtown Durham, near the Durham Performing Arts Center.
Atmosphere: Sophisticated and lively.
Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas
While primarily South American, Luna’s lively atmosphere and delicious empanadas make it a great choice for a fun night out. They also have a great margarita!
Must-Try Dishes and Drinks: The Colombian empanadas are a must, and the rotisserie chicken is incredibly flavorful. Enjoy a margarita on their outdoor patio.
Price Range: Moderate
Address: Downtown Durham.
Atmosphere: Casual, but vibrant and fun.
The Blue Light
A vibrant cantina featuring authentic Mexican cuisine! With lots of different Mexican options, you are sure to find something that you love!
Must-Try Dishes and Drinks: The el pastor tacos are a must try!
Price Range: Moderate
Address: Located on Hillsborough Road
Atmosphere: Casual and Fun!
Budget Bites: Delicious Mexican without Breaking the Bank
Great Mexican food doesn’t have to be expensive. Durham offers plenty of affordable options that don’t compromise on flavor.
Taco Bell
This is a great option for anyone on a tight budget.
Must-Try Dishes: The Crunchwrap Supreme!
Price Range: Very affordable
Address: Located on Durham Chapel Hill Blvd
Atmosphere: Fast Food
Qdoba Mexican Eats
Similar to Chipotle, Qdoba is an inexpensive option for Mexican food.
Must-Try Dishes: A burrito with steak!
Price Range: Very Affordable
Address: Located on Erwin Road
Atmosphere: Casual
Many Mexican Food Trucks
Keep an eye out for the many food trucks dotted around Durham. They often offer amazing, authentic tacos at incredibly affordable prices. Check local food truck schedules online to find one near you.
Must-Try Dishes: Varies by truck, but generally tacos and quesadillas are excellent choices.
Price Range: Very Affordable
Address: Varies by truck, check local listings.
Atmosphere: Casual and on-the-go.
Vegetarian and Vegan Delights: Plant-Based Mexican Food in Durham
Luckily for the vegetarians and vegans in Durham, there are many Mexican restaurants that offer great plant based options!
Refresqueria Y Neveria
This establishment provides lots of vegan options for you to choose from! You are sure to find something that you love!
Must-Try Dishes: They have some amazing vegan tacos!
Price Range: Moderate
Address: Located on Angier Avenue
Atmosphere: Fun and Inviting
Super Taqueria
There are lots of options for vegeterians and vegans here!
Must-Try Dishes: Tacos, burritos, and bowls.
Price Range: Affordable
Address: Located on N Duke Street
Atmosphere: Fast and Easy
Blue Corn Cafe
This cafe offers some delicious vegan mexican food! They are sure to have something that you love!
Must-Try Dishes: Definitely order the black bean tacos!
Price Range: Affordable
Address: Located on W Chapel Hill Street
Atmosphere: Fun and Delicious
Honorable Mentions
Taqueria La Poblanita: Excellent tacos and tortas, but limited seating.
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant: A long-standing Durham favorite with a solid menu.
El Corral Mexican Restaurant: Known for large portions and friendly service.
Exploring Durham’s Mexican Food Scene: Tips and Tricks
Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and try new places. Durham’s Mexican food scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and food trucks popping up all the time. Use online reviews and social media to get recommendations from other food lovers. Look for seasonal specials or events related to Mexican cuisine, such as Cinco de Mayo celebrations or special taco nights. Talk to the locals! Durham residents are passionate about their food, and they’re always happy to share their favorite hidden gems.
Conclusion: A Culinary Fiesta Awaits
Durham, NC, is a treasure trove of delicious Mexican food, offering a diverse range of options to satisfy every craving. From authentic tacos and traditional dishes to modern interpretations and vibrant atmospheres, Durham’s Mexican restaurants are sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a quick and tasty bite, grab your sombrero and explore the vibrant Mexican flavors that Durham has to offer! Now it’s your turn to share! What are your favorite Mexican restaurants in Durham? Let us know in the comments below! Your next amazing meal in Durham awaits!
