Featured Image: Miriam Cocina Latina Courtesy Bailey Lou King
As a born and raised Texan whose favorite cuisine spans the full breadth of Latin America , I consider myself a self-appointed authority when it comes to determining the good stuff. As I’ve traveled and moved around the South in recent years, these are the restaurants that I would stop at time and time again, from Oaxacan moles to Dominican fusion–and just in time for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations (which happens to be on Taco Tuesday).
Local Legends
Miriam Cocina Latina | Dallas, TX
Though Texas’ status as part of the South is debatable, its penchant for flavor is not. Fusing together flavors from Mexico and her home country, the Dominican Republic, Miriam Jimenez’s menu is eclectic, bold, and ever-so delicious. Be sure to order the pork belly tacos and the queso verde. The few times I get back home to Texas, I make sure to stop at Miriam’s and hope to find her making the rounds around the dining areas. Her bubbly, bright, and welcoming personality alone makes the visit worth it.
Nectar Urban Cantina | Nashville, TN
I’m constantly on the hunt for a good birria taco. Conveniently located near BNA, Nectar Urban Cantina does it all: tacos, dips, margaritas, and even coffee. The outdoor lawn and seating area alone is worth the stop, especially if you’re looking for a fuss-free dining experience with a larger party. However, the real reason I would recommend a stop at Nectar is to try the birria taco done right: braised brisket, pepperjack cheese, fresh onion, cilantro, and, of course, a tasty consomme to dip and get even more of that flavor.
Rojo | Birmingham, AL
Funky, fun, and ready to wow with their house-made salsas, Rojo is one of Birmingham’s best kept secrets. Their fajitas, which come out sizzling to perfection are a must-order, but the best part about Rojo is the atmosphere and rotating events: Wednesday night trivia, frequent live music, and Margarita Thursday are well worth the visit.
Pink Cactus | Charleston, SC
This Oaxacan-style restaurant founded by women is hard to beat in flavor, vibes, and tequila. Oaxacan-Mexican cuisine is characterized by moles (complex sauces made with chiles, peppers, nuts, chocolate, ec.) and stringy quesillo cheese, which you can experience by trying the queso fundido. Don’t miss out on the elote dip or the poblano tacos either.
El Rey Del Taco | Doraville, GA
At El Rey, the food is authentically Mexican. Family owned and operated, this restaurant strives to bring their Mexican heritage and flavors to their patrons with love and care. Start with their salsa verde, get the carne asada tacos con queso (steak tacos with cheese), and wash it down with one of their well-respected margaritas or authentic Mexican Coca-Cola made with cane sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to try the horchata–a traditional Mexican drink made by blending soaked rice, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
A Little Something Extra on the Side
As a writer who eats for a living, I don’t discriminate against the chains. Good food is good food. That said, if I’m hitting up a small-scale chain for some spice, here’s where I’m going.
Torchy’s Tacos | Locations Across the South and United States
The usual excuse for queso known as “white cheese dip” has no room on this list. Since 2006, originally starting out as a food truck in Austin, Texas, Torchy’s Tacos has been known across the country for their green chile queso–which happens to be my favorite food of all time. Their tacos, all creatively named, are, of course, delicious, but they’re not the real reason I make my husband drive half an hour each way. My go-to order? A crossroads taco with a full sized order of queso and extra chips.
Bar Taco | Locations Across the South and Northeast
Traditional Mexican fusion is delicious, but there’s also something I’ve come to love about the beachy vibes and non-traditional tacos I find at Bar Taco. I always start with the salsa verde and order three street tacos: the seared chorizo, pork belly, and sesame ribeye. Each delivers a completely unique and different flavor profile along with many of the other tacos on their menu, which means that everyone will find something to fit their appetite.
Taco Mama | Locations Across the South
The fiesta lights that adorn Taco Mama locations along with their absolutely killer skinny margaritas (half-off on Tuesdays) are just two of the reasons I enjoy dining here. While they have some great on-menu options, I am a fan of creative liberty and generally order from the “build-your-own” side of the menu. A taco basket, side of queso, with the off-menu grilled chicken, cilantro rice, refried beans, queso fresco, grilled jalapeños and onions, cilantro–you’re set.
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