Mexican Food in Durham (2025)

A Durham classic famed for the rooftop cow and house-made corn tortillas, La Vaquita draws steady lines for barbacoa, carnitas, and tacos dorados. Featured by Eater Carolinas and highlighted by Discover Durham, it’s essential Bull City eating.

The Sanford sensation brings homestyle guisos, gorditas, and quesabirria to Brightleaf Square. Named one of America’s best new restaurants by Eater, its Durham outpost pairs soulful cooking with a full bar and late-night birria ramen.

A North Roxboro stalwart praised by local critics, Super Taqueria turns out suadero, lengua, and carnitas with speed and swagger. Consistently recommended by the Durham Herald-Sun and Eater Carolinas for no-frills, dialed-in tacos.

Part market, bakery, tortillería, and taquería, La Superior is a community anchor with fresh tortillas and a deep fillings roster. Eater Carolinas calls the al pastor a standout; Discover Durham spotlights its in-house tortillería.

Tucked beside its namesake carnicería, Don Becerra serves expertly seasoned tacos with memorable nopales and chicharrón options. Eater Carolinas praises the menu’s depth; regulars come for the sauces and weekday value.

A women-led truck serving southern Mexican flavors, Los Canarios turns out shrimp, campechano, and vegetarian mushroom tacos by day. Eater Carolinas spotlights the menu breadth and steady downtown presence.

On weekends, La Pulga buzzes with multiple Mexican vendors slinging al pastor, birria, tortas, and more. Eater Carolinas notes its role as a Latino community hub; the market confirms year-round weekend hours.

Chef Oscar Diaz’s pocho cuisine riffs on Mexican-American memories with dishes like birria dumplings. Featured by Axios and praised by local writers, it’s a fresh, personal angle on Mexican flavors in Old Five Points.

New in 2025 from James Beard–nominated Oscar Diaz, TaTaco remixes classics—tacos, flautas, enchiladas—with playful ideas and events. Axios reports daily hours and a broader mission than a standard taquería.

Formerly NanaTaco, this independent spot leans Mexican-American with rotisserie meats, calamari tacos, and strong margaritas. Recognized by the Herald-Sun and beloved by locals for fast, flavorful meals and broad options.

A family-run Durham favorite since the ’90s, Toreros reopened in 2025 with a refreshed space and classic plates. The restaurant confirms its comeback, offering fajitas, enchiladas, and celebratory vibes near downtown.