Los Cuates So-Cal Mexican Restaurant

BEST SOCAL mexican food in north carolina. This big plate of cheese enchiladas and a beef buritto with free chips and a salsa bar is only $9.99 thanks to not greedy business owners

Best SOCal style mexican food in all North Carolina. Prices are so affordable and food is very tasty. Pleasd support this kind of humble people. They sell carne asada buriottos with guacamole for $9.99. Tacos for $3.29

Great place to stop in for some yummy affordable food. The salsa bar was fresh and delicious!

Great food, fast service, and a great price. Good portions, and fresh food.

Awesome place. We live on the other side of Raleigh but chose to drive up to check it out. Glad we did. The food was fresh. Price was decent. Not cheap but food was good. There are places nearer us we like for Mexican food we’ll probably keep going to but I’m glad to check this place out. I’m from California so was curious about ‘west coast Mexican food’. It’s true I think there are few option of that style around here, not that other style Mexican food isn’t just as good. It loved it up to it well enough. Try it out.

Oh...my...lord!!!!!!!! I am from San Diego and have been dying for some legit Carne asada fries. Stumbled across this place on Doordash and I may never get Mexican food from anywhere else after today. The Carne asada fries were AMAZING! I added guac and crema. They honestly taste just like my favorite ones in San Diego. Meat was perfectly seasoned and cooked and there was so much meat on the fries!!!! The Watermelon Agua Fresca is also sooooooo refreshing and flavorful. I will definitely being ordering from here again and often!

I recently visited Los Cuates in Raleigh, and it was well worth the long trip! The cashier was incredibly courteous, making the experience even more enjoyable. To the cook: those fish tacos were absolutely amazing—hands down the closest taste to my hometown of San Diego. I haven’t been back in a while due to the distance, but your food is phenomenal. Keep up the great work!

First time eating here. My husband and I wanted to try it. Staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was good, not overly crowded. The only thing I didn't like is you can't choose what comes in your burritos it is already made for you without knowing what's inside. The rice really didn't have enough flavor for my liking, and my chicken was bland. It was a lot of food. Though they don't skip on the portions, you will get full. I will give it another try with other things on the menu. They do give a lot of cheese dip, though that's a huge plus.

Authentic, friendly, fast, delicious! This place checks all the boxes. Los Cuates came into our lives when looking for a breakfast burrito. Our favorite b'fast burrito truck was super busy and we didn't want to wait, so we yelped looking for an alternative, and we decided to try this place. My wife ordered the breakfast burrito and I got a bacon burrito...we also asked what else we should try and the super helpful young lady waiting on us said she always orders the Adobado plate - yeah, it's now my go-to order there. Perfectly seasoned pork with the best rice and beans around - so good! Back to the burritos - the breakfast burrito was exactly what you think it would be, and there was a ton of bacon in my bacon burrito. The thing that set these burritos apart was what I assume to be very fresh corn and flour tortillas. They also have a great salsa bar. We've now worked this place into our regular breakfast rotation.

My favorite burrito spot thus far, and spoken like a true gringa! The salsa bar is delish with four unique salsas (1 salsa in particular, packs some serious heat), a pickle option, and raw radishes. The salsa option most would eat with tortillas is a 5/5. A mild, flavorful, chunky red salsa that appears to go beyond your typical salsa fare! The bean and rice were also some of my favorites. Prices reasonable and customer service was good. Day one I ordered the pollo asado no substitution - add lettuce. Chicken moist, guacamole phenomenal, and lettuce provides crunch. I paired with spicy, creamy green salsa. 5/5 Day two we tried steak taco and chimichanga entree - no substitutions. Wasn't a fan of the steak, but lunch partner loved. Small restaurant with a seating area and festive decor. Area neat and tidy. May not be suitable for a large group during peak hours. I'll definitely add to my favorite restaurant list. Mexican: 4.444

The food was a HOT MESS. I ordered a variety of tacos for "Taco Tuesday" not only to be disappointed in the quality of the food. Birria soup tasted like medicine. The meat in all of the tacos (beef, chicken, shrimp and barbacoa) were simply DRY with no flavor. I chose this location, as the reviews seemed pretty good. I understand that everyone has different opinions - but, there's no way that this location should have the ratings that it has.

Couldn't leave the area without stopping by Los Cuates again. It's been awhile since I've visited, but boy were the burritos still legit. The CA burrito was still as good as I remember (tastes just like back home) and the carne asada still packed with meat! If you're looking for some legit Mexican food qhen in the area, this spot is a must! So good even had to bring some back home (served the short plane ride!).

Was in desperate need of a taco and queso on a Sunday evening after a day of manual labor. Most places were closing but the shining beacon that is Los Cuates was still open. I ordered the #2 and my partner got #19 (which is basically taquitos) plus queso. The beans and rice here are *chef's kiss*. We both cleaned our plates. You order from the front counter and then go sit down. Then they will bring out your order. Since we ordered queso, it came with chips but I think you have to order chips if you want it with salsa. They have a salsa bar that has a few spicy and non-spicy options. All in all, we paid $38 for two entrees, queso, and two drinks.

I'm originally from Southern California. So for the first two years living in Raleigh, I was going through major Mexican Food withdrawals. That is until I happened across Los Cuates. Finally...I found the SoCal taqueria I was hungry for (pun intended). So if you're from NC (or the south in generally) you may not get this...but yes, we want the salsa bar with the salsa that are probably way too spicy for you. Yes, we want protein options like Lengua or Buche, and NO...we don't want queso. On anything. Ever! That cheese sauce isn't food. Certainly not Mexican food!! What we want is great food prepared simply with vibrant flavors all wrapped up in a tortilla or Torta. And here at Los Cuates...it's all so, so good!! All to that a vibrant environment and Spanish music blaring on the stereo and a super friendly people who make us feel like family and oh yes...I've found all the Mexi I so deeply crave. Which is why if you need to find me, stop into Los Cuates. I'm there at least twice a week!!

I ordered the Quesa (birria) tacos and was pleased with the spice level and flavor! The food is authentically Mexican and is well worth the money. I had a good time dining by myself.

I wish I could do half star reviews, I think I'm leaning towards a 3.5 because it's fine if this is the style of Mexican you want. I saw an Instagram reel and decided to check Los Cuates out. There's in my opinion, a bit of a desert of good food north of 440. There are exceptions but in general, I find the best food to be over in Cary or from food trucks. I'm super used to excellent tacos and burritos from trucks that I had higher than I should have exceptions from Los Cuates. The good was the staff and the space. Everyone was very nice, the space is nice and clean and has good parking. The food was so mediocre I can't even remember it and it was two nights ago. All I really remember was the vibes, which was good, but I don't remember a ton of flavors, they do give you large portions which I ended up sharing with my husband because I could not finish it.

If you want legit Mexican, this is the place. The chorizo special burrito is my go-to!

I'm from San Diego & most Mexican food in NC sucks butt sacks except for Los Cuates & a few food trucks!!! Best Mexican hands down. My favorite spot to eat, I could eat here every day. Affordable, amazing service, clean restaurant, salsa bar is epic and You can tell everything is made from scratch; this is everything from back home that I love about a taco shop plus more! I wish both locations were a little more spread out & closer to where I live near Western but it's worth it every time & I've never been disappointed! North Carolina: burritos aren't supposed to be covered in sauce & eaten with a knife & fork btw!!! Hold that shiz in your hands & eat it like a boss! I love you Los Cuates for giving me a slice of home..

this is the most authentic mexican food i have had so far in NC HANDS DOWN! I am a transplant from NorCal, so let me tell you i'm very experienced here with Mexican food, trying everything from every place down in the bay area all the way down to LA and San Diego! Los Cuates for sure took notes because this place hits the spot! no white washed overpriced bland bs here... this spot is my little slice of back home when i'm missing that good california mexican food. the rolled beef tacos with that huge pile of guac and cheddar cheddar cheese on top is my go to order.. (where my sacramento natives who ate rolled tacos from aldabertos?? iykyk, because these taste the exact same i was like omg whaaaaat?!) and the birria is PACKED with flavor and MEAT!!!!! no skimpy filling over here! a must grab! the rice and beans are always tasting fresh and piping hot. the frescas are in deed fresh and the variety is endlessssss! get the guava and Jamaica! the prices here cannot be beat and the salsa chip bar is my favorite part, the salsa is homemade and fresh! I LOVE LOS CUATES! tell a friend to bring a friend and bring a friend!!!

Top. Notch. Breakfast burrito (chorizo) was bangin and the salsas are incredible. Lots of options -- all of it great.

We got here as they open. The girl at the register asked if this was the first time here. She was really good explaining the menu. Great first impression! The place looks really clean and the a/c was working great in this hot day. Now to the really important part: food. I ordered a breakfast burrito with eggs ham, cheese, sausage and bacon. Without a doubt the best burrito I've had in this area ever. I will definitely keep coming back for the burritos. The birria tacos were excellent. They have four different kinds of sauces. The chunky one one is very tasty, not too spicy and great with the nachos.

Got a trash burrito from this place today with ingredients I don't want. Do better. Complete crap!!

Authentic food, but they've gone up every year. For 2 of us to eat was $37, and they are drive though only now so you can't walk in or eat there unless you have access to a car. Also the spices veggies that used to be free now cost $3, which they don't tell you about at the window. I had to remove food items from my order just to make it affordable! Simply can't afford anymore!

Came here during a quick trip and happy I did. Called ahead during a busy lunch period - had to wait a few minutes when I arrived. Dine-in service is available and salsa bar is there too. Awesome hot red sauce and the neon green sauce hits the spot every time. I got some for the road - carne asada burrito and chorizo burrito. San Diego-style burritos - rice and beans on the platters, not in the burritos. Friendly service and expansive menu. Definitely recommend it.

Ok ummm honestly confused with the other reviews because this food was a flop we ordered pollo asado tacos with guacamole on top. We ordered a chimichanga plate and pollo asado plate also ordered horchata. Break down Horchata is powdered horchata mix they don't make it can tell right away The guac has 0 flavor The chimichanga always is saucy and this had 0 sauce and cold cheddar cheese on top Chips stale Pollo asado lacked lot of flavor. Not sure if people are use to salt and pepper so a little garlic powder wows them because the food always is extremely bland The taco bland like I went back and ordered it just to see if maybe that's the star but def not

I have had a LOT of real awful Mexican food since moving to NC. It's not upscale and there's some self service (salsa bar and soda/water), but the price is right if you're looking for a cheaper option. There isn't a big selection of salsa, but they're good (especially compared to, say, a chain burrito place that has a salsa bar where they are awful). That said, the wait before ordering wasn't too long (they weren't empty when we arrived, but they weren't packed) and the food came out quickly. I got the Green Chile Plate and my husband got a burrito, and I can only speak for mine - overwhelming flavor throughout the meat was salt. Like, salt, salt, and more salt - but the sauce itself was decent enough other than that (though... I've had better, too). There was just enough beans and rice to put in the tortillas included and eat some on their own after I finished the tortillas. The tortillas themselves were white corn, not too thick nor too flimsy even though they weren't extra sturdy. It's going to become our first food option when we're visiting friends nearby.

Great California style Mexican as a Nor Cal native I've been searching for a good place and they hit the mark

Closest thing I have found to home (Southern California) since moving to North Carolina. Cali burrito and rolled tacos are legit.

Good food, especially if you are from the west coast and looking for something that feels like home. It's a great spot to eat in or bring home.

It's a very strange set up. It is a sit down dine in restaurant, but you have to order your food at the front counter and pay for it before you can be seated, as if you were at a Taco Bell. Also, the only time I've ever seen a fajita plate, that does not include rice and beans. You have to order those, and pay extra for them. The mixed fajita plate was light on meat, 4 medium sized shrimp, a few bites of beef and some chicken that was diced so finely that it looked like it was ground chicken. And some very overcooked vegetables. But the serve yourself salsa bar was nice.

If you are a person who cares about appearance- just don't enter. It seems like it could be a very good establishment if you just want a quick meal, however, I knew this place wasn't for me when I had to get my own drink from the drink fountain machine. Being from LA - to me is doesn't give authentic west coast Mexican food but it's ok. Literally, just ok. My bf ordered the birria tacos (excuse misspelling) and he seemed to enjoy them. I'll come back with an update if he has any issues later on!

10/10 food! burritos and salsa are so good!!!!!! The service was great and fast! Always super consistent!

We thought we'd give them a try while we were shopping over that way. I ordered two bean burritos (I mean, two sounded right) and was met with wide eyes and a gentle "are you sure?" I didn't know what to think so... I just said "yes ma'am!" What came was not only delicious, but more than enough for two meals... and then some! We exchanged some laughs when I asked for a to-go container, and I was more than happy to have that second one the next day. I like to support locally owned businesses, and this one makes it even more of a joy as it is managed by some very lovely people who make great food!

California people this is it. They have So Cal burritos on the menu but if you ask for a burrito with the meat of your choice add sour cream and lettuce and get it "wet" with enchilada sauce and cheese and it's the perfect Nor Cal burrito. This place is owned by Cali people so the no cheese sauce here like most NC Mexican places and the rice and beans taste like CA stuff. Ask for it and tell them I sent you for the Nor Cal style lol. Hopefully they add it to the permanent menu

Everything is made with love ! Never had anything bad...from the Street Tacos down to the salsa, you won't be disappointed! The price of the food is right where it needs to be.

I really wish I could give this place 5 stars and if it was up to my husband I know he would. However we ordered from Los Cuates last Friday night via DoorDash. I was super excited to try them out as I have heard NOTHING but good things about them. So we placed our order.. I ordered Spicy Chicken Tacos with Chips and Queso- The Chicken tacos just came with rice and refried beans. I always assumed that chips would be complimentary at any Mexican restaurant but not here and who wants to leave out the chips and queso with Mexican eats lol, so I prompted to add that to my order. My husband ordered the Super Shredded Beef Nachos- he absolutely loved it. They came loaded and packed in the container. He said it was so flavorful and the BEST nachos he has had from a Mexican restaurant before (and we eat a lot of Mexican food lol). Now back to my order. I was highly impressed with the portion size for everything and was excited to see how everything tasted. So I get comfortable and ready to get down on my tacos. I take the first 2 bites and was amazed at the flavor. So I am checking out my taco before I take my next bite and I am caught off guard by this HUGE black thing in the middle of my tacos, right where I was about to bite. I pick it out and it's a HUGEEEEE bone IN THE MIDDLE OF MY TACO! I am disgusted and just in utter shock. ALL I could think about was if I would've bitten into that bone I could've chipped my tooth or even swallowed and possibly choked on it. This really took my appetite and my desire to eat anymore of my tacos, because I was so paranoid that it would be another. So I just ate my chips and queso-thankfully I had that! I reallllllly wanted to love this place, and maybe one day I will try again. But to find a huge bone in my food on the first try-just put a bad taste in my mouth, literally.

I have visited this place a few times, is not the best Mexican place but is good. I like the complementary chips, and they have pretty good dishes to choose from. I always get the Machaca plate which is pretty good.

I just wanted to thank Stacey for the review, informing us former Californians about Los Cuates and how similar there cooking compares to the Mexican food we love and miss so very much. I love their street tacos. OMG, I almost cried with the first bite.We have been here for almost two years and I had almost given up the search. grateful.

I'm from California and this place makes me feel like home! The food has been amazing as well as the salsa! So much flavor at a great price. I'm so sad we live like 25 minutes away! Otherwise I'd be here a few times a week if I could.

Great food! Great service!! I got something a little bit spicier than I would normally get (even though she warned me! ) and it was amazing!!! They took great care of the kids food. My husband loved the spicy salsa and he is hard to impress.

Best Mexican food on Raleigh hands down ! I live in LA for 33 years and have searched for 3 years trying to find Mexican food that compared to hone and this is the spot !!! They're 30 minutes from me but worth the drive all day

I love Los Cuates! It reminds me of the Mexican fast food I used to to love in Arizona - same style of cooking, but even better. I am in love with the beef tacos and the breakfast burritos especially (I recommend bacon, egg, cheese, and potato!), but I've never tried anything I didn't like. If you like spicy salsa, try the more brightly green of the two. It is legitimately spicy and phenomenally tasty.

Why doesn't everybody go here. I dream of this place but it's too far away. If you live close by your lucky!

Had to give this one a 5 star. Simple but very effective. Nothing spectacular but what they do is very effective. I'm pescaterian so we did two fish tacos (cod) and two shrimp tacos a piece. Couple with the salsa bar which actually has a spicy sauce and the chips, and I was so full it hampered my day. The burrito that O had to eat later had a strong wrap didn't go soggy. Simple but great. The taste was very good to go with the other pluses.

Please go check out this hidden treasure! I honestly do have driven past this gem a thousand times before making sure I tried what Los Custes has to offer. I am so glad I did. The food is sit down restaurant quality to go. Worth the wait to get the food and I will return, we tried the shrimp tacos, burrito and these amazing Carne Asada fries yummy.

Ordered the quesa tacos (recommended by many friends) and it was DELICIOUS and FILLING! Comes with 3 tacos and a beef broth. Will definitely be coming back to try some other things on the menu.

I just get the birrias and they are awesome. I'm sure the other food is decent but I can't stop eating the birrias.

We have been looking for a good Mexican food restaurant with food like we would have in California and we FINALLY FOUND IT!! The food was amazing, customer service was great, the vibe was that perfect "hole in the wall" just like back home in San Diego. We will be back!!

Mediocre Mexican. Ordered "mixed" enchiladas (described to us as beef with vegetables), a chimichanga, a cheese quesadilla, 2 large horchatas, and a caramel churro. The filling in the enchiladas and chimichanga was the exact same. Shredded beef with peppers and onions. Rice and beans served with both were meh-- not a ton of flavor. The filling was also under seasoned. The horchatas were huge and the churro was good. The people working there were pleasant. The portions were large and the prices were reasonable but I've had so much better Mexican elsewhere that I wouldn't return.

This family is doing REAL Mexican dishes the RIGHT way !! I can't wait to eat again !!

Absolutely delicious. Ingredients taste fresh and amazing! I love a small sit down place. The atmosphere was lovely. Bright colors and wonderful staff. My roommate who is an incredibly picky eater also enjoyed the food. The chunky salsa is so flavorful I added it to my meal and wanted to take some home. The carne asada tacos had juicy tender steak, the vegetables really added a freshness and taste that I love. :)

Holy guacamole, it doesn't get much more real than Los Cuates for mexican food! Whenever you hit an ethnic restaurant, you can tell by who's eating at the place whether it's real or not. And by this measure, Los Cuates does it right, a casual family-owned restaurant for a solid meal. My first visit was a bit carbalicious but what the heck! For a little over $8 I had a delicious horchata drink, two large carne asada tacos, beans, rice and a large basket of chips! Serious snooze time, the diet went out the window quickly. The tacos were really impressive, filled with chopped, seasoned meat, guacamole, lettuce, onion and tomato. And the horchata was excellent, I even got a brief overview of how the drink is made (rice, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon)! What can I say but I really enjoyed Los Cuates for its authenticity. While I'm still a huge fan of Chubby's Tacos, Los Cuates can certainly give them a run for their money with their down home mexican food!

It's been a few weeks since we ate here on a Saturday afternoon, but I've been wanting to leave a favorable review. The food was delicious, and the service was superb. The ladies were so friendly and nice. The atmosphere seemed authentic and was family oriented. We both enjoyed our visit.

The steak burrito was the best I've had in Raleigh. Coming from Chicago, where the carne asada meals are tough to beat, I had v v found anything worth writing home about down here. I was in the area so I yelped a steak burrito to satisfy my craving and this little place showed up. There were some negative reviews so I went in with bated breath. The carne asada burrito was fantastic! Overloaded with meat, very large burrito, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped onions(which I normally always ask to hold but it added a good flavor) and cilantro. I asked for melted cheese on top which they added for me. It added the taste of home which no one adds down here. Highly recommended. Very much worth the price which is slightly higher than normal but the portion was large and the steak was overloaded so I had 0 issue with price. My girl ordered the enchiladas and she was pleased. The portion was also large and the plate was filled with beans and rice. The salsa, from the salsa bar was spicy, we couldn't find mild. It'd be nice to place signs. Chips were fresh. Beer is a little expensive for the ambiance. There was a new girl taking orders and she was unable to answer my questions on food but it was her first night, or so she said, so I'll give that a pass. Not a very cozy place but the taste and portions make up for that. My new steak burrito joint for sure!

Always delicious fresh cooked Mexican food. I love the breakfast burrito options. Always a go to location.

Great food at an affordable price. The menu is large and diverse. There is something for everybody.

Quick review for the carne asada fries! They were great and reminded me so much of my time in San Diego where I've had the carne asada fries. They pretty good and reminded me of the food that I miss so much. The guacamole is also refillable and it's all a great price so definitely stop by for a tasty treat. The horchata (cinnamon rice milk) is also made fresh daily so definitely get it as well as it complements the savory taste of the carne asada fries.