My first time at Tataco and I'll certainly be back. The flavor in everything was amazing. Antonio our server took the time to explain options on the menu and encouraged us to try menu options outside our comfort zone! I'm I love tacos Al pastor and these did not miss. The asada was A1 as well! It's hard to find steak cooked well in a taco and they did not miss! I'll definitely be back. Thank you for the experience. read more

Good location in downtown, close enough if you want to go down to central park after having a few drinks. Good mix of latin american cuisine fusion options from the menu including taco combos with rice and beans (pictured). They have a full bar and seafood options so you can dine casually or celebrate with something more special from the menu. The bar can actually make the drinks you want also as long as you're polite and explain what you would like. Ambiance is bright and inviting, should have enough seating for downtown unless there's a big event. Overall worth a visit! I'm going to return and get a few other plates and will update the review accordingly. read more

Tataco - Free chips - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Tataco is such a cool spot with trees inside that make it feel fresh and lively. Service was a little slow, but they just opened, so that's totally expected as the team is still finding their rhythm. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. The drinks were delicious and generously sized, with the freshest fruit. I really appreciate that they bring bean dip to snack on as soon as you sit down, such a nice touch. Food-wise, the chicken quesadilla stole the show. The chicken was so flavorful, and the portion was perfect for sharing (or not, if you're like me). Can't wait to come back as they settle in, I think this place is going to be a favorite. read more

Tataco - Watermelon Mojito and a Pacifico - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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I had high expectations for this place, based on the chef and reviews I saw on social media. The ambiance is terrible - it's a loud cafeteria/warehouse. There's nothing on the walls or the floor to absorb the noise. You cannot hear the people at your table. There are no curtains to block the blinding sun. The menu drinks are very weak and sweet. The guacamole is excellent. The tuna tostada is inedible because it's so hot and there is no warning on the menu. The 3 taco plates are $22 which is... unacceptable given the environment. Finally, one of our party found a bug in their food and we were made to sit there for another 20-30 minutes while the manager sorted out what to do. We were offered more food or more drinks but ended up with just half off two appetizers. I would not recommend this place. read more

Tataco - Shrimp tacos, con bug - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I just woke up from a food coma caused by lunch at Tataco. Wow! I had the Goat Birria Taco plate, which included three soft shell tacos, rice and beans, and a small salad. Everything was off-the-charts delicious. I'd be tempted to order the same thing again the next time I go but there are a lot of interesting items on the menu. I can't say much about the drink menu because I'm not much of a drinker, but my buddies all praised their margaritas. My only complaint is that they didn't have sweet tea. The service and the atmosphere are great. I'm a fan! read more

Checked this place out after going to Boxcar Arcade across the street. It looked very lively on a warm Saturday night. We were able to grab a seat at the bar right away! The food we ordered tasted authentic and fresh. Although there were limited vegetarian/vegan options. A bit on the pricey side as well. Would recommend to friends though! read more

Really great food and a super friendly staff! Good drink options with variety of flavors. Look forward to returning soon!

The food was yummy albeit a little pricey, in my opinion. We got the street taco sampler, guacamole, and margaritas. The mole that came with the chips had very little flavor to us, but the guac was worth the extra money. Each taco was what you'd expect size-wise, but our server didn't explain which ones were which, though we figured it out by trial and error. They weren't easy to share but they did fill us up. I would go back just for the chips, guac, and margaritas! Oh, and the other reviews were spot on about the brightness level in the late afternoon. Many patrons wore their sunglasses inside, myself included! Shades would be a great investment. read more

Antonio was the best waiter EVER! The food was phenomenal, but Antonio made our evening.

Tataco -- Opening Night (Sort of?) I went to Tataco tonight with two friends. They advertised it as their opening night, though a quick online search shows they've been open since March. A curious choice, but okay. I've been to Aaktun (same chef), which I loved, so I was genuinely excited to try this spot. We had a 5:30pm reservation--not our usual dinner hour, but we rolled with it. Our original table was right in the direct line of the sun, on a 100-degree day, no less. The entire storefront is glass, with zero window treatments. It's a bold aesthetic choice. (Or maybe just... oversight?) We asked to be moved, and they were gracious about it. Interestingly, two other parties were sat at that same table later, and both also asked to be moved. So, maybe take note, Tataco. The food? Really good. It came out fast and fresh. Drinks were solid, too. Great location if you're coming from Urban Axes or Boxcar--there's a natural flow to that. But fair warning: it's loud. Really loud. Like, you-will-yell-through-your-tacos loud. It doesn't feel geared toward anyone over 35. Not a date spot. Not a catch-up-over-dinner spot. Maybe a pregame-and-go-somewhere-else kind of place. I'm glad I tried it, but I probably wouldn't return unless I had earplugs and a fan. read more

Came on a Friday night for dinner and was seated right away at my reservation time. Great service! Reasonably priced for the portion size. Will definitely return!! read more

Tataco - La Casa marg - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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We were stopping through Durham for lunch, and we're so grateful to have found this phenomenal place! We had the carnitas, lengua, and octopus tacos. Everything was prepared beautifully, and came out in a timely manner even though there was a very large party who ordered ahead of us. The octopus was our favorite- it was perfectly smoky and tender and I am sad we don't live closer so I can eat it more often! Our server (Antonio) was very kind and helpful, and we are so grateful we took him up on his recommendation for the flan! It was delicious. read more

Tataco - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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I went to this restaurant with my sibling, two parents, two cousins (including baby) two aunts, two uncles, and some of my uncles and aunts friends. The place was very busy that night but the food and drinks were good and the service was very good. Loved the ambiance, and if you aren't already served queso with your tortilla chips, ask for some it is great. C.J slipped into a food coma. read more

Tataco - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Six of us went on a weeknight at 6 with a reservation. Sure glad we did bc the place was very busy even at that hour on a Tuesday. We were warmly greeted and taken to an immaculately clean table. Our server promptly greeted us and took drink orders. One in our party wanted only soda water w a lime. Nope. All of their beverages are Mexican products. This is where I would suggest that before you go -and you absolutely should- go online and familiarize yourself with the menu, both drinks and food. It's not at all like your typical Mexican restaurant. So... food orders were taken and food was promptly delivered. Now, I've only lived here for three years coming from Southern California. I've eaten a lot of wonderful, authentic Mexican food. I will tell you this food was delicious. Really good. It's funny to rave about something simple like rice, but their rice is not like I've had anywhere, ever. I'm not going to go into the details of what we ordered but, as I said, there were six of us and we all had something different. We all agreed TaTaco is on our-return-again soon list. And here's a little thing but important to a group. I let our server know that each couple would be paying their own bill. When it was time to pay the bills were perfectly split. I reserve five stars for an absolutely stunning experience where service is somehow personalized for a special occasion. But TaTaco is one of the strongest 4s where I've offered an opinion. Just know parking can be a challenge so plan accordingly. read more

Vibrant, fun, great new Mexican spot. We wondered out of Boxcar and into Tataco and was very pleased with our meals and drinks. Service from the hostess to our waitress was top notch. Highly recommend. Will be back soon! read more

Tataco - Tall La Casa Marg, Guac and Queso. - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

OMG! Great tacos. Great service. The bar is amazing. Bartender on Saturday afternoon happy to talk mezcal and tequila and they have great selection of both. Run don't walk to TaTaco read more

Incredible food and fun cocktails. The food is innovative, fresh, and delicious. I've been twice now, and both trips were delightful. read more

Tataco - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Finally a legit and really good Mexican restaurant in the area. Super flavorful, salsas the have the right kick and fresh takes on classic dishes. Everything tasted homemade and very fresh. We tried the enchiladas verdes and the tacos al pastor. Both very good. Also loved the terracotta plates, the music, and the attentive and friendly service. Would definitely recommend. read more

After waiting over an hour for our food, they messed up my order: don't order the Chef's Picnic unless you like lukewarm, overcooked meats on a bed of warm, soft shredded lettuce. And it was supposed to come w tortillas and vegetables, which it did not. The waitress said she's see if they could comp it, which ended up meaning a $5 discount. It is unusual to wait 30 minutes for tortilla chips in a Mexican restaurant but that is what happened. The restaurant was understaffed, with only one waitress on duty. The place was badly supervised, with people doing drug deals on the tables outside, finishing past customers' drinks. I love Mexican food but this is one expensive taco joint, in a pretentious part of Durham with no parking, I will not be going back to. read more

love: courtesy appetizer (fresh bean dip), flavors of each dish, generous portions and large fresh shrimp, incredible service (shout out to Fidel) not my fave: finding parking in the area is challenging read more

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Prompt and attentive service and the warm bean dip that is served with chips is a delicious starter that is served as soon as you sit down. It is a must try. My favorite menu item is the shrimp tacos. They are consistently a great choice. I also love the rice and beans. The drinks are also great. I esprecially enjoyed the bit of spice added to ths salt rim of the margarita that I tried. I have already visited multiple times and I will be back again and again. read more

Nice open seating. Super fun drink options. Food was great. Server was helpful in making recommendations too. Highly recommend!

Went for lunch today and the food was great! Large guacamole was a hefty portion and delicious. The octopus tacos were amazing- well cooked and a good portion size. Drinks were great as well. Will definitely be coming back. read more

Tataco - La Roja paloma - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Great authentic Mexican food. The staff is very friendly and cordial. My children took me here for my birthday and it was a memorable meal. The chicken soup was awesome and the ceviche was exceptional. Will definitely dine here again in future visits tonDurham NC. read more

The service was excellent the employees are very nice the food was extraordinary and the ambiance was overall amazing i strongly recommend Tataco read more

We visited Tataco on a Sunday evening for dinner and were happy to find a table. We tried the taco platter that comes with 6 tacos. My favorite taco was the chicken & mole. Our server provided us with great recommendations and she was very attentive. What stuck out to me about this place was that the music was good and also not too loud so I didn't have to try and speak over it. I would definitely return to try the rest of their menu. read more

Tataco - Taco Sampler - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Noise level is horrific. We were a party of three., and we each ordered different meals, and all agreed the food was average. The "Pork in Salsa Verde" was pinto beans with bits of pork, topped with pork rinds. Not much more than a small bean stew, and not something I would ever recommend. Restaurant has large windows that faces the West. Because they have no shade protection, people are blinded by the sun. Several tables had people repositioning themselves to try and avoid it. Waitress said the management is "thinking" about doing something about it. Margarita was large but bland. Definitely will not be returning to this restaurant. read more

antonio and zeke are the best ever! we were walking by talking about how pretty the bar is and antonio convinced us to come in. hes so funny and personable. a true asset to the company. zeke is an amazing bartender he has tickets coming in by the minute and every drink was still beautiful and delicious and intentional. we didnt eat, only drank, but based off the vibes of the staff alone it seems wonderful and worth the slightly higher prices. very hapoy we stopped in and got to meet these 2! also there was a super short girl who was really nice and cute. thanks everyone read more

Tataco - mojito - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Food and service are both exceptional. We were both hungry and the portions were amazing Loved it

Good food and service! Unique dish ideas. they have an alternating menu right now as they try out different recipes. Wish the tacos had a couple more toppings. read more

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The employees were all nice, but this review is all about the food! It was amazing. Starting with the bean dip that you get with the chips. Then we got the 6 tacos (mix and match) so we could try a bunch of different ones. Our favorites were the Barbacoa and el pastor, but they were all good. And I never like the rice at Mexican restaurants, but the beans and rice were so good here. We will definitely be back and we highly recommend it. read more

Best taco place in town, hands down. The service was also good. We sat outside and enjoyed the view. It's in a great location, but again, the food was delicious. read more

Service was excellent, our waitress was very kind and frequently checked in on the table. The drinks and food came out in a very timely manner. The food was delicious. I had the Grilled Fish Zarandeado and it was so flavorful. Other at the table had shrimp dishes and tacos and we were all impressed. read more

Traveling in from out of town and the beautiful bar caught my attention. Went for lunch outdoors and it was AMAZING! Very understanding of allergies, large portions, great drinks, and the service was like we were locals. Cannot recommend enough! read more

Absolutely delicious and fresh, great service and the cocktails are also amazing. Best food we tried in Durham for sure.

Solid food and service. I had a fantastic plate of taco de suadero (brisket) and al pastor that I wish I ordered more of. My gripes were: the restaurant was way too loud--sounds echo off the high ceilings; they need some kind of window treatment, my friend was facing outside and was staring into the sun for most of the meal, and this is more personal, but the classic margarita I had was way too sweet for my taste. Will come back, especially when they open outdoor dining. read more