Every day could be National Taco Day in Asheville! Even though we’re in the heart of Appalachia, the greater Asheville area is no stranger to taco and burrito places. You don’t have to drive far to find a nearby Chipotle, Moe’s, Salsarita’s, or Taco Bell.
But Western North Carolina is also home to a number of deliciously innovative independent taco joints. These places are different from full-service, sit-down Mexican and Latin American restaurants with inexhaustible menus. Instead, these spots focus on a smaller menu, often with rotating specials. Most require you to order at the bar or walk you through the build-your-own options of their service line. And handheld fare far outnumbers fork-and-knife options.
Sure, there’s a lot of room for crossover with the full-service style, especially during the dinner hours. But there’s something to be said about the simplicity of a warm tortilla overloaded with delicious fillings. Taco ‘bout heaven!
Here’s a list of some of the best taco restaurants in Asheville to celebrate National Taco Day!
AVL Tacos & Taps
Forget Taco Bell. AVL Tacos & Taps is your fresh, earth- friendly, and flavorful drive-through alternative. Enjoy a menu of simple, clean ingredients that you and your kids will want to eat. Grab a six pack or growler of fresh craft beer to-go while you’re there! When the weather is nice, stay to eat at their patio.
705 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville | (828) 232-7377
Grey Eagle Taqueria
The Grey Eagle Music Hall is one of Asheville’s most popular concert venues. Their taqueria, on the other hand, may be one of the River Arts District’s best kept secrets. These traditional-style tacos feature fresh ingredients and gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Stop in on your lunch break or for dinner before a show.
185 Clingman Avenue, Asheville | (828) 271-7987
Mamacita’s
From the Grey Eagle to the Orange Peel, you’ll be well fed no matter what band is in town! Just a few doors down from the world-famous Orange Peel event venue, Mamacita’s Mexican Grill serves up fresh, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine. Stop in for a quick taco or a full meal—Mama won’t let you go hungry!
77-A Biltmore Avenue, Asheville | (828) 255-8080
Mamacita’s Taco Temple
Mamacita’s has so many culinary secrets, they couldn’t be contained under one roof or one brand! The Taco Temple in the Grove Park neighborhood allows taco aficionados to pay homage to their favorite meal. Come for the heirloom corn tortillas ground fresh and prepared onsite daily. Stay for the Mexican rotisserie chicken, al pastor options, and more.
132 Charlotte Street, Asheville | (828) 255-8098
Neo Burrito
With three popular locations around the city, Neo Burrito aims to be at the forefront of what it means to be a positive influence on Asheville. In addition to serving great food, Neo Burrito has become a well-known beacon for green and sustainable businesses. Their motto has always been, Making the world a better place, one burrito at a time.
East: 4 South Tunnel Road #750, Asheville | (828) 772-9619
South: 2 Town Square Boulevard, Asheville | (828) 772-9568
West: 1341 Parkwood Road, Asheville | (828) 772-9602
Tacobilly
Located in West Asheville, TacoBilly has become a haven for culinary treats and social interaction. Owner Hunter Berry brings his experiences in Texas and Mexico to our mountains in the form of breakfast tacos. They use local produce and meats as much as possible in their cleverly named taco menu.
201 Haywood Road, Asheville | (828) 505-0088
Urban Burrito
Opened near UNC Asheville in 2002, Urban Burrito has been offering California-style Mexican favorites to students and locals for more than 15 years. They use only the freshest available ingredients and make all their salsas fresh in house everyday. Their traditional, vegetarian, and vegan options are served fast, fresh, and friendly, now from two locations.
North: 640 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville | (828) 251-1921
East: 129 Bleachery Boulevard, Suite M, Asheville | (828) 298-9802
White Duck Taco Shop
When White Duck Taco Shop opened in Asheville’s River Arts District, it offered an artistic twist on tacos to resident artists and visitors. Today, White Duck’s success can be tasted at eight locations across North and South Carolina and Tennessee. Save room for the Mexican Chocolate Pot du Creme dessert—if you can!
RAD: 1 Roberts Street, Asheville | (828) 258-1660
Downtown: 12 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville | (828) 232-9191
South: 16 Miami Circle Arden | (828) 676-1859
Zia Taqueria
Zia Taqueria is an authentic Mexican taqueria offering contemporary regional Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Southwestern cuisine. The restuarant provides high-quality, moderately priced, regional Mexican food and beverages using only natural ingredients. Don’t miss items prepared with their signature New Mexico Hatch Red Chile!
521 Haywood Road, Asheville | (828) 575-9393
