Tacos on the Town

A favorite menu staple in many homes, but we found five local restaurants with a gourmet twist on their version of this traditional Mexican favorite. The consummate wordsmith in me prompted me to look into the entomology behind the food. Simply put, the word taco describes a maize tortilla folded around food.

Off the Hook Taco Emporium

Chef Keith Kurzejas has a unique take on street tacos. One of his most popular selections is the Chipotle Chicken Tacos. These a la carte tacos and more are made to order at his new location, downtown on Hay Street and this enables you to sample more than one style.

Salsas and Beer

Their third location in midtown Fayetteville off McPherson Church Road serves up traditional Mexican fare, but we are fond of their Carne Asada Tacos, served street style with fresh fixings. Their fresh salsa bar features special concoctions like spicy pumpkin, jalapeno tomatillo or fresh cilantro.

Mac’s Speed Shop

Known for their smoked meats, their Shredded Pork Tacos topped with a tangy slaw satisfy Carolinians: the toughest barbecue critics around. By far, our staff voted this as our favorite taco in the taste test.