While visiting Durham on business, I discovered La Mala was just a five minute walk from my hotel--…read moreand what a fantastic discovery it was. A beautiful clean and spacious interior with a great view for people-watching foot traffic along Corcoran. The service was prompt, friendly and attentive without being intrusive. I ordered La Santa margarita and it was refreshing and delicious served in a Collins glass over ice. For starters, the guacamole fresco served with toasted whole tortillas was a steal at only $10, and enough for two (although I ate most of it myself). I ordered the quesabirrias, three full-sized tortillas stuffed with tender shredded slow-cooked beef served with a generous bowl of birria consommé and accompanied with fresh chopped cilantro and red onion and a hot sauce (smoky, perhaps tomatillo?) -- another steal at just $16. All in all, my experience here was perfecto.

Pulpo tacos MP $19 . Absolutely delicious The octopus was cut into cubes inside. I do wish it was…read moreone full tentacle however, the flavor was absolutely amazing. I did ask for some red onion and cilantro because the taco didn't come with it, but even without that you would still enjoy all the flavors.

Overall good experience again! Tried some new things:…read more - Torta Cubana: Hefty sandwich with like 3 different meats (including sausage & chorizo), fried egg, avocado, onions, lettuce, tomato. A little salty, but balances out with the spicy salsa they provide. - Camarones Ala Mexicana Platter: Good if you want a lighter, healthier feeling option. - Quessabirrias: Honestly, felt a little too greasy for me & the consommé wasn't super deep in flavor. It was okay. - Pupusa con Pollo: I think the pupusas will be my favorite item to get here! - Horchata: Love their horchata; super cinnamon-y and refreshing. Fast service during weekday dinnertime; fine ambiance. 9/10 would recommend!

Solid four stars…read more The Quesabirria was very good and the broth even had chickpeas lurking at the bottom. The tacos al pastor were pretty good and the aguas have numerous chunks of fresh fruit floating in them. The carnitas, liver, and lamb barbacoa were not all that. A little dry, maybe not as flavorful as could be. The staff speaks English and the menu is mostly bilingual. Order at the counter, have a seat, and your food will be delivered to you.

Growing up in Southern California, I've chased real tacos through enough dodgy alleys and late…read morenight backyard taco stands to know authentic when I taste it. Somehow that same soul has landed in the unlikeliest spot: Foster Street, in downtown Durham. Pulpo tacos, legit goat birria, bright ceviche mixto, a killer torta milanesa, and that sneaky chipotle aioli that steals the show. All washed down with ice-cold Modelo Negra on draft. Unpretentious, soulful flavors done right, prices that feel like a steal, and food that tastes like your nana cooked it with attitude.

I came here on a Saturday around 6 and was able to be seated right away. We chose to sit outside…read moreand their tables are right along the sidewalk. The atmosphere could be better but I still give 5 stars because of the food! We were skeptical about goat cheese and guacamole going together but wow! It was really inventive and delicious. Flavors I had not tried before. I also really liked that the free chips came with bean dip-/ yum! The gringa steak quesadilla I got was open faced. A little different than I was used to, but the flavor was 10/10. Overall I thought the food was unique and I would totally come back for more

Torero's is a durham staple. Beloved by all duke students and alumni alike. We went with a group…read moreof 10 around 7p on a Friday night and it was basically empty. This location is HUGE so there was lots of space. It wasn't very loud (besides my group of 10 lol) so we could chat comfortably. My ACP was quite spicy... not unbearable for me but might be for someone else with a lower tolerance. It was delicious tho. Table had skinny marg pitcher. Also banging. Queso was a lil runny and not very thick which wasn't our preference. Service was quick and easy. I would obviously forever go back!!

Stopped in for lunch on a Saturday around 1 and I think we were the only people in the entire place…read more- so we had really fast and attentive service. I had the Tamales Espinacas lunch portion - the tamale and beans were good. The rice seemed a little under cooked. Their salsa that came with the chips wasn't really that good IMO. One cool thing for this spot is you can order and have it delivered to Crank Arm that's right around the corner.

Loved the vibe in here. Ingredients looks super fresh with lots of options. Walk up and order and…read moresit wherever but they also have a full bar with seating too. Burrito was soo good and you gotta get sauces with it!

3.5/5. The grilled cheese is why we came and it didn't disappoint. It's more of a viral item and I…read moreget why. Cheesy, salty, meaty goodness. The other items were pretty regular. Compared to similar restaurants in the area, the prices are high. Sides are ala carte and even the burritos don't come with a few chips. Liked the salsa bar. Ordering is easy at the counter and after that it's self serve. Maybe I'll go back and try the birria ramen

Came here after the Durham Farmers Market with a friend and wow this place was a surprise. …read more I went with the grain bowl and honestly it is one of the best I have had in downtown Durham. It is built on quinoa and rice with black beans and kale, then layered with corn salsa, tomato cortido, guacamole, and a creamy acevichado style sauce that pulls everything together. It is finished with a crunchy mix of pepitas, nuts, and grains. The balance is quite ideal in my view. My friend had the rotisserie chicken with two sides, kale and slaw, and it was just as impressive. Crispy skin, juicy inside, and really clean flavors. Simple food done right and GF friendly. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared. Prices land right where you would expect for the quality, roughly 16 to 21 dollars depending on what you order, and it feels worth it. My bowl plus side of dark chicken was plenty. A few notes. Parking is what you would expect for downtown, so plan accordingly. Service was solid and friendly, but nothing that stood out. The vibe inside is festive and relaxed, bright and open, and just a fun place to hang out for lunch. Porbably not a special occasion. I also suspect it could get loud when full. This is definitely going into my regular rotation. That grain bowl is going to be hard to pass up next time, so instead of replacing it I will probably just add a side or an empanada and start working my way through the rest of the menu.

I would say the service here was average to poor. The sweet tea had a strong chemical/artificial…read moretaste to it; I recommend they simply take it off the menu. The food is decent!

Best tacos I've had in Durham. Love the way they present the nachos. It's exactly how'd I'd eat it…read moreif I were at home. It's all business. The Carnitas, Chorizo and Al Pastor are all recommended. The salsa is on the mild side so please use generously. It's got great flavor. I was impressed with this visit. I came in hungry and I left happy. You've definitely got a gem here in Durham. I will be back many times over. Yum gang...

Hmm, for the reviews Mi Calvillo had I was expecting way more flavor profiles. However the food was…read morevery bland. The chips were not fresh and there was no spice at all in the salsa. We had a cheese dip as well that was lukewarm. The server was very pleasant and helpful. It was a cute small space.

First time here - great experience! It was easy to get a table for 7 for a 5:30ish Friday dinner…read more The staff were quick, attentive, and friendly. Food was really good and different. The burrito relleno was a unique vegetarian option - definitely recommend! I also had the house pineapple margarita. Great kids menu options too - my son had the taco and burrito combo.

I will always recommend this place! Listen, this is my go to spot, when I want some good queso with…read morechorizo and a good margarita! The food is always good, fresh, and the service is always on point. The mood is right if you have a significant other, it no pressure if you don't. It is still a good vibe! Enjoy!