Taqueria El Toro (Raleigh, NC)
For those who consider Durham to be the place to go for authentic Mexican cuisine in the Triangle, you must visit Taqueria El Toro in Raleigh. Aside from Durham’s Taqueria La Vaquita, this was my favorite taco experience in the Triangle.
It’s a little hidden, in a small shopping center just south of Raleigh near the intersection of Tryon Rd and Hwy 401, but absolutely worth seeking out. Inside, the space is suprisingly large and spotlessly clean. I chose three tacos ($1.59 each): carnitas, al pastor, and chicken tinga. We also ordered a plate of what appeared to be house-made chips ($1.99), which were very thick, and a large serving of delicious, creamy guacamole (for the astoundingly low price of $1.09). Taqueria El Toro has an excellent salsa bar, featuring 6 or 8 salsas (complete with labels), plus less common garnishes like blistered peppers, sliced carrots, and a spicy cabbage slaw.
The carnitas taco was excellent – among the best I’ve had. The pork was maybe a touch dry, but it did offer a nice crispy crust. The al pastor taco was my least favorite of the bunch, and I’ve had better versions at a handful of other places. But the chicken tinga was just fantastic – delectable shredded chicken with surprisingly subtle chipotle flavoring. All tacos are served on double stacks of outstanding corn tortillas.
I encourage you to go check out Taqueria El Toro; in my opinion it rivals just about any place in Durham. I can’t wait to go back!
Tags: al pastor, carnitas, La Vaquita, Mexican, Raleigh, salsa, tacos, taqueria, tinga
January 15th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
I’ve been meaning to try out El Toro for ages but I’m rarely in that area! Some other places you might want to check out, Los Cuates and Fonda y Birrieria Jalisco off of Old Wake Forest Road…
January 15th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Ron,
Fonda is great, easily one of my favorites in Raleigh. I’ve been to Los Cuates too and didn’t love it quite as much as the others, although the fried fish taco I had there was great. We’re lucky to have so many great places around here!
January 15th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Problem is Ben, as I have said before, there just isn’t good authentic “al Pastor” around . Even what passes for good here in the USA is pale in comparison to what is in Mexico. I thiink it is the slow roasting of the pork all day in additon to it being cut much thinner that what is served typically here. It is truly a shame since it is what I consider to be the most authentic taco and the the hardest to find even in NY and Chicago.
January 16th, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Hey Ben, nice review and will have to try it. However our face mex place is Rancho Grande in Cary. Very cheap and very good – we’ve lived on TX border and in socal and this taqueria is very good.
January 17th, 2012 at 7:24 am
Cory,
Thanks. Rancho Grande is next on my list to try.
Ben
February 10th, 2012 at 6:54 pm
I would love to hear what you think about Joel Lane’s on Glenwood South. I love your reviews.
March 2nd, 2012 at 1:38 pm
I love Carnitas! Will have to give this place a try next time I’m in that part of town.