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.
Hilltop House
Lightly breaded and fried Mahi-Mahi Tacos are a hot menu item particularly in the summer months at this classic Haymount restaurant. They are known to run out before the lunch crowd is over.
Bonefish Grill
Their spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a favored menu item as an appetizer, as well as a lunch and dinner entree. The texture and flavors blended together keep folks coming back.
Where to taste TACOS:
Off the Hook Taco Emporium
124 Hay Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
910.491.5926
Salsas and Beer
301 N. McPherson Church Road
Fayetteville, NC 28303
910.864.3113
Bonefish Grill
210 Glensford Drive
Fayetteville, NC 28314
Phone: 910.867.6847
Hilltop House
1240 Fort Bragg Road
Fayetteville, NC 28305
Phone: 910.484.6699
Mac’s Speed Shop
482 N McPherson Church Road
Fayetteville, NC 28303
Phone: 910.354.2590
