To my beloved UNC students: Yes, I remember not having much money in college to dine out. But try to preserve your dignity. You all realize that what passes for food here isn't even authentic Tex-Mex. If you really want to eat authentic and well-made Mexican food, please patronize the taco trucks instead. read more

Counter service Tex-Mex, a little on the expensive side compared to the chain places. The queso is a standout, according to my dining companion. The guacamole didn't seem that fresh and had an odd consistently, like maybe it had something other than avocados as an extender. I had a chicken taco salad, which comes with chips, chicken, lettuce, cheese, and dressing. That's it. No option to add fajita veggies, black olives, etc. They have a mild and hot pico de gallo bar. As others have noted, the tacos come plain and you pay for adding any toppings. They make their tortillas onsite. I didn't have one, but my dining companion said they were good. You can get beer and margaritas downstairs with the food. They have a full bar upstairs. Lots of streetside patio seating. read more

Cheap and quick Tex Mex food that does the trick! Dillo has long been a hangout spot since I was a kid, when all the summer swim league kids and parents would come here after summer swim meet to grab food and drinks. Although you shouldn't expect anything super special food wise here, it always hits the spot and is fast and cheap! Make sure to try the queso; it's great, and chips have free refills. Tacos are also great and nachos are popular. This is also a great place for groups as it's an order and pick up place, with both upstairs and downstairs indoor seating and outdoor seating. read more

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I ordered the enchiladas (as I always do for the first time at place like this). Bad idea, they just aren't good here...at all. That said, the tacos and burritos are pretty decent and probably your best bet. Aside from the food what this place does have going for it is a nice patio on Main & Weaver, which is great for hanging out, enjoying the day, and people watching. read more

Armadillo Grill - Tex-Mex Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

The service and food were excellent. Only giving it 4 out of five because this weird thumb-looking man yelled at his workers. Also, he yelled that something was dirty. Gross! Beyond unprofessional. read more

I am also writing because I am surprised that Dillo has a three star average. I absolutely adore this place! It's some of my favorite comfort food in Chapel Hill. It is quick, easy, and very tasty. I frequently order from their app and come in to pick my order up on the go. Main Point: If you have never had Dillo before, and are a little concerned with the three star rating, please don't be. You won't be disappointed! Pro-tip: My boyfriend is obsessed with buffalo wings, and the wings here are some of his absolute favorites! read more

I cannot recommend everything on the menu but our regular items are perfect. Steak taco with guacamole and cheese, bean taco with guacamole, refried beans with their green salsa for a bean dip and the queso and chips. Also plain steak taco for my dog. Love sitting out on the patio at night - dogs are welcome and people are friendly. Hope they are able to stay in business during this time. read more

Great food at even better prices! The specials are a great option-- my favorite combination is a steak taco with chips and queso. Their cheese dip tastes similar to rotel. read more

We had Armadillo cater a tailgate this past weekend. It was amazing as always, a huge hit with everyone and awesome service.

Got curbside takeout and had an amazing dinner! Our tacos were fantastic, my husband cannot stop talking about how tender and flavorful their steak was. Have been going here for years and this is a true staple of Chapel Hill. Great texmex food, great prices, and happy they are able to serve safely during the pandemic. Highly recommend, you will NOT be disappointed! read more

What do you do when Chipotle is closed and it's like 10:30 at night and your heart is already settled on Mexican food and you're so over Qdoba? I don't know about you, but I went to Armadillo Grill. First off, definitely needs more parking in the back, but then again what place in the Chapel Hill meets Carrboro area does have sufficient parking? When we walk in and do the whole fill out your order thing, I just find that unnecessary in a place like this. All I got was 2 soft chicken tacos with everything and chips and guacamole. All my friend got was Nachos. Excuse the environmentalist in me but you do not need a whole page of check marks and options to take that order. God, I hope they recycle. Also, what's with this 5 cents for lettuce, 5 cents for tomato, 5 cents for cheese business? They should all come on the taco without me having to say so, or else what is this taco. If you don't want cheese or something you should be able to not have the option, but you shouldn't have to expressly state something and charge for that same something that is an integral part of a taco. My chicken soft tacos were good, nothing to write home about. The chips were the same, I kid you not, chips that you get at Qdoba, so once again nothing special. Guacamole is one of my favorite things in the world. Seriously. You say guacamole I say WHERE?! So when I tell you their guacamole was a little off, I mean it. I know that the recipe for guacamole is supposed to be just avocados, and a little lemon juice with maybe some spices to taste. But honestly who makes guacamole that way? Normally it's made with all those ingredients plus some onion and some tomatoes making it both rich and flavorful. So leaving out the onions and tomatoes, Armadillo Grill's guacamole is just rich. Which is good for the first couple of bites and then gets bland. I started mixing mine with the free salsa just to taste a little something something. In conclusion, this place was just meh, almost Qdoba part 2. I wish my cravings for Mexican would coincide with a time when I could find Carrboro's famous taco truck. read more

Completely and totally average yet I've been back every few months for twenty years. It's a little pricey, the service can be spotty and their chicken is more often than not too tough to eat, but there are definitely some redeeming qualities: 1. Salsa and pico de gallo are always pretty fresh and fairly tasty (though not spicy at all. 2. The flour tortillas are made there and are actually pretty good 3. The cheese dip is almost always tasty 4. The chicken wings are not bad at all 5. Endless chips, salsa and even cheese dip if you ask the prep folks nicely for more 6. The chili taco is actually pretty tasty 7. It's open late 8. There are almost always seats available 9. Food comes out quickly and I've never had a mistake on my order So while it's definitely not a destination, it's definitely not that bad. read more

There are 2 places on the east coast where you can find money in the sofa and buy decent, reasonably healthy food: Gray's Papaya (in NYC), and here. It's not great, but feeding a family of 4 for $17 and not hating yourself afterward? read more

I've been to Armadillo Grill a few times, in the hopes that maybe I've just been ordering the wrong thing or they've been having an off day the last time I stopped in, but unfortunately I think it's just not very good. Maybe if there weren't a taco truck that serves better burritos and tacos right down the street and a wings place that serves better wings a block away I could appreciate Armadillo, but with the other cheaper and tastier options in Carrboro I don't see any reason to come here. I've gotten the chicken soft taco (chicken was tough and kind of lukewarm) and the beef enchilada (enchilada sauce was overwhelmingly sweet). Portions are pretty small and expensive. Rice and beans are ok, but that's pretty much it. Skip this place and hit up the taco truck or Wings Over - both are better quality and a better deal. read more

It was alright. There is definitely better fast-food type mexican food out there. Myself and a few friends were visiting after a conference at UNC. We tried 3 nearby restaurants who were only serving brunch (we wanted more lunch options). We were very hungry at this point and just said, "Whatever, let's just go to Armadillo Grill." I ordered the chicken enchiladas and guacamole. Guacamole was better than expected. Enchiladas were edible, but nothing special. Unless you're desperate, there are better options within walking distance. I was sort of expecting an independently-owned, unique type of place. But this is just a "meh" fast-food mexican restaurant. read more

Great, casual spot for local Tex Mex in downtown Carrboro. The highlight of a meal at Armadillo for me is definitely the queso, especially with a side order of fresh, homemade flour tortillas for dipping. The tacos are served on the same homemade flour tortillas, also highly recommended. And, while you may not be accustomed to seeing buffalo wings on a Tex Mex menu, they are incredible! Place your order at the counter after filling out a paper form, and pick up when your name is announced over a comically muffled loudspeaker which has probably been around since the day the restaurant opened, just another part of the charm. The restaurant has two stories, with plenty of seating. The only major downside is parking, as with many places in downtown Carrboro, but there is a small gravel lot behind the restaurant and a few other public gravel lots nearby. read more

This was a great place for a casual date when I was in college. It's got two stories and even some patio, so there's plenty of space, and the laid-back atmosphere and low price-point certainly don't hurt either. You order at the counter, seat yourself, etc. Very Tex-Mex with pretty good portions. Beer available. They should look into suing Moe's for essentially ripping off their idea. Oh, try the hot-wings. Seriously. I too harbored some doubt and suspicion at that recommendation, but at last my cynicism crumbled and I discovered: they are truly good. read more

Armadillo Grill - Tex-Mex Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

This little TexMex place is great for a college town. It reminds me so much of the TexMex joint near my college many years ago. The laid back atmosphere with the menu sheets, a la carte everything, and the sweet patio make it a great way to spend a few hours chilling with friends. I really dig their burritos, especially the steak. The meat is well seasoned and they put this spicy melted cheese sauce that inundates the whole. They don't give much input in the way of what goes on the burrito like a place like Moe's does, but trust that just choosing black beans or refried beans is enough. They do include some chips with your order and provide a nice salsa. Only two choices though - a bland one and a spicier one. No chipotle or habanero goodness like other burrito places. Their guacamole is awesome. Freshly made with real avocados and not thinned out with sour cream and tomatoes. It's a flavorful concoction that will have you nearly scraping out the styrofoam of the dip bowl. Personal note - styrofoam and puffed rice do have very similar textures. They also have a bar upstairs. It's a nice area where you can find a seat when it's busy downstairs. It's got nice windows overlooking Carrboro and Weaver Street. The staff up there is nice and will hook you up with some chips and salsa even if you're just there for beer and the game. read more

When I walked in the door to the Armadillo Grill, I was not expecting what I found. I had hoped to have a filling, well-presented Mexican meal. What I got was one step above Taco Bell. This really is glorified Taco Bell - I repeat that because it bears repeating. After all the cute anecdotes are done and the 'special place in my heart' stated, what you're left with is middle- to high-grade fast food. If you want Mexican fast food, this is definitely your place. The portions are excellent and the prices reasonable (barely), but unless you really dig powdered nacho cheese sauce, skip down the road to Carrburritos or the like. read more

Great queso. Get the steak nachos for a very filling, delicious meal. Tacos are just peachy. Tortillas hold up like a champion. And the salsa bar with their fresh pico de gallo is a glorious spring of flavor. This is not a place for foodies. It is a solid tex mex fix that is local through and through. F Taco Bell. read more

This place is OK. We go there as a meeting spot after my improv class at DSI. You pay a lot for what you get. Some black bean nachos and a tea cost me more than $7. I had a burrito and a tea last week and I think it was over $10. The layout of the place is nice with the multi-levels, but it's never busy when I'm there. Their guacamole is disappointing. Overall, there's just nothing I've had that's impressed me. I go because it's close by and the company is good, but I'd just as soon try a different place. I'm interested to try the wings after Christina G's suggestion. read more

When I lived in Carrboro I walked to Armadillo Grill several times per week, so I consider it one of my favorite restaurants in the area. You probably shouldn't be ordering anything but the soft tacos, as they are definitely the best thing on the menu. I get the 'Dillo Deal, which includes a soft taco, chips and queso and a drink (you can also get a different main item). It comes to a reasonable six bucks and change; $9 if you add an extra taco. The chicken soft tacos are excellent. The meat is nicely seasoned and is complimented by melted choose, condiments and a fresh tortilla. The queso dip is also very good and can be quite spicy. The wings are worth getting if you're in the mood. They are crispy and not drenched in sauce, but they aren't especially meaty. I've also had a burrito and a taco salad, neither of which are as good as the soft tacos. Armadillo Grill serves two kinds of fresh salsa. Both are excellent. There is a decent, abet pricey, beer list and a nice bar upstairs. The patio is huge and always crowded in the summer. Armadillo Grill gets fairly crowded, especially on Tuesday nights when there is live Bluegrass music. It's definitely a family atmosphere, and they always show the Carolina game. Employees are usually very friendly, and they'll always tell you goodbye and thanks as you're walking out the door. The rub: As much as I love Armadillo Grill, it has become somewhat inconsistent as of late. The steak tacos, formerly my favorite item, are no longer good. I'm not sure if they started using cheaper meat or a different grilling technique, but the current steak tacos pale in comparison to their formerly delicious selves. I also have had quite a few experiences when the queso has been off or the chicken taco has been burned. I might not have noticed had I not eaten here so often. These things do happen, but they seem to be happening more frequently since the beginning of 2010. Overall, Armadillo Grill is a great Tex-Mex place where you can bring the family for soft tacos and not break the bank. read more

It's decent food, although I am not ever sure I get exactly what I ordered. The food is fairly fresh and they do serve beer downstairs. Adults can go upstairs where there is a full bar. At first I thought this was a weird place to have a full bar, as it seems like a fast food restaurant, but now that I've met people there after work or before a show or whatever, I get it. It's close to stuff, it's cheaper than most places within walking distance and there is enough room for a group of people. The outside area is nice, but it's always in the shade so if you are looking for somewhere to enjoy the sun, this is not it. read more

The Dillo is a great place for a quick, tasty Tex-Mex meal - I came here often with friends in college. I particularly enjoy the chalupas - yum. Salsa from the salsa bar is very good, and an order of the popular queso comes with a never-ending basket of chips. As a picky eater, I love that ordering at Armadillo Grill consists of checking boxes and writing notes on a paper order pad. Does that make me sound like a weird control freak? I just like getting things the way I want them! The side porch is pleasant for a meal outside when the weather is fine, and the bar upstairs is another option if you want your meal with a margarita. read more

I am mainly writing a review because I noticed Armadillo has only a 3 star average, and that's a travesty. I've been coming here since the late 90s, and it's still one of my favorite spots in the area. The chicken tacos are great, the buffalo wings are surprisingly good, and the queso is the best around (get a freshly made flour tortilla to dip in it!). There's a small townie bar upstairs that's fun to drink margaritas at. It's a good value for the amount and quality of food. Downsides: I wouldn't get anything besides the tacos, wings, and queso. It's not trendy, and the decor is about the same as it was 20 years ago. They have the same loudspeaker system as back then too, and it's difficult to understand what name they're calling when your order is ready. It's part of the experience! read more

A little pricey for what you're getting: I think the burrito cost me around 6ish, if I recall correctly. Of course, I had had a few cold ones, so I wasn't looking for something remarkable at that price (if I was, it's alla bout Carrburritos), so in the sense that it filled me up, it succeeded. They also have sheet-based ordering, which is always fun, so you can make the burrito or taco of your choice/desire. And they have PBR, which is always good. In terms of a late-night stop, it's a nice, though slightly pricey, stop on the Carrboro side. But if it's daytime, there are definitely more remarkable burritos to be had all around. read more

This is a decent Tex-Mex spot, unfortunately after spending a few years in Texas, I've been a little spoiled. It's a pretty convenient/quick spot. You go in, fill out a sheet with what you want, and then you pay at the counter and wait for your name to be called. The tacos will run you about $3 each depending on what toppings you get, and they're a little on the smallish side considering the price. I recommend this spot if you're looking for something quick and want to spend less than $10 for a meal. read more

I dropped by here a couple times during the 2010 North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival. I throughly enjoyed my meals here. Their tacos are pretty good and their prices are very reasonable. The fact that you have to fill out a card that they have to enter into a system is nice because you can pretty much pick what you want on your taco. My only complaint would be their PA system when they call your name. It isn't always clear... but other then that it is a very nice place. The seating is alittle tight on the first floor. There is a 2nd floor but I didn't go up there during my visit. read more

Armadillo Grill is easily my favorite Cali/Tex-Mex place outside of California and Texas. I've been coming here since my childhood days; I always order a soft bean and cheese taco, a crispy bean and cheese taco, a "kidtortilla" (basically a mini quesadilla) and an order of chips. Their chips are always piping hot white-corn chips and each order is HUGE (but only costs 99 cents). They have a complimentary "all-you-can-eat" salsa bar. They're also open much later than most of the other eateries on Franklin St. read more

Armadillo has an unbeatable chicken soft taco! The grilled meat chunks are better than the common shredded chicken; the chunky fresh salsa serves as a chip dip or tasty filling. I love watching the freshly made tacos spiral down the cooking machine. The atmosphere is casual; Tuesday night's bluegrass band 'Big Fat Gap' makes a fun dining experience, Sadly the Big Fat Gap no longer plays and away with it went the fun dining experience. Quite ordinary now. read more

Armadillo has always been my favorite simple taco place in the area! I will say that the tacos don't travel well (although in my experience most tacos don't) so save Armadillo for when you're comfortable dining indoors...or eat them in your car! They also have a small outdoor area where you can bring your tacos out to eat. The tacos aren't too big and are super cheap, I usually get 2-3! read more

I would think it would be difficult to mess up your order when you circle and check the items that you want. Poor assumption on my part. Prices were very high for the amount of foo, especially given the fact that it had very little flavor. Not impressed and will not be returning. read more

Armadillo's is a definite fun place for a quick and affordable bite to eat...They definitely have some great dishes and their customer service is pretty good.....You order at the counter and you can see the food fixed for you....On the time I went, one of the servers appeared to have a slight cold....so this may have colored my few somewhat and may be the reason I can't bring myself to bring it to a four.....but the food was good....... read more

Armadillo Grill will always hold a special place in my heart, since it reminds me of so many friends and good times. Solid Tex-Mex food for cheap - you write your order on a little pad of paper and circle everything you want. Its very efficient and the people behind the counter are always really friendly. You have to love their giant, corkscrew shaped tortilla press - you know that you are getting the freshest tortillas hot off the the press (ha!). My usual order is a Chicken taco (just the right amount of spice on the chicken), with lettuce, guac, cheese and tomato. Pure delight. If I want to get a little crazy, I just might go for the enchilada platter, but is huge, so order with caution. No meal at 'dillos would be complete without an order of queso and chips - and while you dine in they will re-fill your chips for free! Cheap beer and drinks, and a divey bar upstairs make this a perfect college/late night hang out. read more

Ditto Melissa's comments. Monday is kids eat free night. Gary one of the owners is an outstanding person and a great host. Try any of the Armadillo Grills! read more

Armadillo Grill is a great place if you're looking for short-order Tex Mex food. It's quick and cheap enough to be a good lunch spot, and they offer a 10% discount to UNC employees (not sure about students). To me, the ingredients are fresher and better cooked than something from Taco Bell. The burritos are good, but I always order the steak soft taco with chips & queso. The salsa is tasty, but nothing particularly special. I've never had drinks at the upstairs bar, but I've been there on nights when there were plenty of people up there. I will say that the flimsy red chairs in their dining area drive me crazy, but otherwise it's a great place for a quick and filling lunch. read more

Love this place. Tasty burritos. A lot of the items (esp meat) have a kick, so be warned! Great value and food though.

Horrible food, they need some real Mexicans to cook for them. Americanize Taco Bell garbage served here, the people that eat here don't know what they're missing. read more

Love the food ; but the queso cheese has a bit too much " hot" in it- hard to eat when you add the tex mex sauce on the steak tacos -all the same, I order it every time because Its so good. Just need a lot of water to drink. The line to order can sometimes be slow because there is only one. Maybe they could add a second line at the end of prep line by the back door since everyone meets in the middle to pick up their orders ? Comfortable atmosphere local spot read more

Asked for nachos with lettuce and no jalapeños. they gave me nachos with NO lettuce and JALAPEÑOS . my husband got beef nachos and he ended up getting steak nachos. very disappointed it was a simple order and they couldn't even get it right. read more