TaTaco Durham

First time-we had no reservations but didn’t need to wait for a table. Service was prompt and the food came quickly. It was very fresh and delicious. I especially enjoyed the enchiladas enmoladas. The mole is made on site and has the right balance of sweetness and spice. The serving size was generous and we had plenty to take home. Our two servers, Antonio and Sierra, were very friendly and welcoming. Our only regret was that we didn’t leave room to try their desserts. But we will be back soon and bring our friends.

Lovely location, atmosphere and service. The taco sharable sampler was nice. You can pick and choose the flavors. If you are interested in the goat tacos I would recommend to ask the chef if they are juicy, otherwise skip them

The food, drinks & service were top notch! Andrea treated us very well, taking time to elaborate on anything we had questions about. My husband & I consider ourselves foodies & this place did not disappoint. We cannot wait to come back with friends. It's certainly NOT your average taco joint & I mean this in the best way. The quality of ingredients in both the food & beverages were fresher than you would typically expect.

We stopped by TaTaco for the first time today and experienced great Customer Service from Antonio. He recommended we get the taco platter. The pork belly tacos were a favorite of mine. The flavors are authentic! Will be back to explore more of the menu.

WOW! Some of the best Mexican fare in the area! Very fresh and so much flavor, not your typical fast food Mexican joint even though the food was super quick to come to the table. Portions for dinner were filling. Cocktail drinks were fresh and vibrant.

We had an incredible night dining at Tataco. The atmosphere is inviting and bright and the service was great. Our server was very attentive and made suggestions on what to order. Now on to the food! It was outstanding. Everything was incredibly balanced and flavorful. The octopus tacos and the passion fruit mignonette for the oysters were a stand out to me and my husband loved his enchilada Del Mar… but honestly everything was good! We will most definitely be back.

Ok this was a quick stop from a recommendation for good tacos. I thought it was a taco stand but upon entering I was amazed of the welcoming atmosphere. The service.....excellent. The food......excellent taste and great portion. I stopped in for tacos and left with a belly full. I got the rice and beans also.

Big fan. Thought the food was excellent. Especially love the mole but all was good. The chips with bean dip on arrival was a nice change up. Service was good. Will be back.

My sweet cousin took the fam and I here for lunch, and it was such a treat! She knew I was craving Mexican food, and let's be honest, Angelenos really know their Mexican cuisine. The vibe and atmosphere of TaTaco are beautiful, reminiscent of the popular restaurants in Mexico City, authentic, lively, and inviting. We started with the Ceviche Mixto, and the chips and salsa were hot, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. For our main dishes, I ordered the lunch-style bowl with pastor, while my partner enjoyed her two hard-shell tacos. My Aunt got the pescado and loved it, my cousin had a delicious-looking gordita, and my uncle went for the taco flight. Every bite was incredible, and we savored each flavor, fresh, vibrant, and truly authentic. This spot would be perfect to kick off you're evening with mezcal, great food and a lively atmosphere! Great service!

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!

We dined in with friends before a show and had no problem getting a table. You start off with chips and instead of the traditional salsa they give you a warm bean dip. We also ordered the goat cheese poblano guacamole. I ordered a beer then had the Trakaas margarita for my drinks. For our entrees it was the Enmoladas Enchiladas for me and the La Verde Enchiladas for my husband. The drinks, food and service were all really good. I recommend coming very hungry because the portions are huge. On a side note - The reviews do not lie. If you are dining in a a sunny evening then prepare to have "fun" in the sun. This spot could benefit from installing curtains or shades.

Excellent portions for the price. And it tasted fine and fresh. Service was slooooooowwwwww and the restaurant was freezing. Food was nothing to write home about, but it was refreshing to feel like you actually got your money's worth in terms of quantity.

It was our first time here. We were going at 5:30 so we decided to risk it and go without a reservation. No problem getting in at that time, but it did fill up by the time we were heading out. Our sever was very attentive. Instead of salsa they start you out with a bean dip and chips. It was tasty! We did also end up ordering some salsa too, which was good. Our friends ordered the goat cheese guacamole and it was really good! I was having a hard time deciding on what to eat and went with one of our servers go tos - the Durham Hot Fried Chicken Tacos. I was worried they might be super spicy, but they had just the right about of heat to them. They were good but I think I would have liked a little more sauce or something on them. Bring your sunglasses if you're coming in around dinner time on a sunny day. The sun was coming in through all the front windows and there are no curtains.

The ceviche & seafood options here are all so yummy. My wife craves it all the time so we've visited here a few times now from Cary. The bowls are also great.. the chicken is particularly delicious as seasoned so well. They give you chips with a bean dip that is topped with a tad of cheese. The salsa is fresh tasting, but will run you $4. We've always been sat fairly quickly tho going around lunchtime on weekends is smooth as it gets. The space is wide open & half of it is a huge bar. Outdoors I notice they have heaters for folks that like to stay out.

I came in after a work event and this place was close. Located in downtown Durham it is a cute spot but only street parking and paid parking to be had all around. I foolishly ordered a size T house margarita thinking it would look like the margarita I saw a woman holding when I walked it. Turns out T stands for "taller than your head". This baby was HUGE like wow. And only $16.99. The chips they serve you come with a bean dip that was tasty. I ordered the birria tacos which came with 3 and were delicious. $21.99 felt steep for the food and it also was just okay tacos. I would definitely come again and bring friends (and a DD).

I really enjoyed this place! Lovely service from the host to the server- super attentive, friendly, and joked around with us (specifically about my gringa spice-averse taste buds lol). I loved the goat cheese guacamole- I could have made a meal of that! My husband enjoyed his fajita ACP and had enough to bring home for lunch the next day. My mahi tacos were really good. The ambiance is attractive. They must have read other reviews complaining about how the sun comes in, because they had umbrellas outside creating a much more private and comfortable space. I feel bad for them that they can't take advantage of their floor to ceiling windows, but such is the direction of the sun. It was a little loud in there. I had to ask my husband to repeat himself a lot. I could see it being really frustrating trying to chat with a large group. All in all, a fun date night!

TaTaco, a recent addition to Durham's food scene by Chef Oscar Diaz and the Mezcalito Group located on Foster St, was a hit! In true brunch-fashion, we tried two items, one sweet and one savory: - Flan cakes (fluffy pancakes, flan, mascarpone butter, berry compote): Super rich, very sweet but delicious- the portion size is huge too. - Al pastor tacos: This was their lunch deal so you get 2 tacos, rice, beans, and salad for a great price. The al pastor was tender and probably the most flavorful I've ever had. Also really liked that they gave a tasty bean dip with chips (so quickly after seating too). Service was fast and friendly. Ambiance is so nice- very modern and elegant. 10/10 would recommend!

Another hit in Durham! TaTaco has a great vibe & the severs were so welcoming! Zeek was the best bartender! He was very knowledgeable about the tequila on the wall and was super friendly! We will be back for the food, shots & drinks! The vibe is chill and exciting! We only had the chips salsa bean dip and goat cheese guacamole but they were all good! Especially the guacamole! We will definitely be back to try their entrees!

Durham just got a little more delicious with the opening of TaTaco, the latest venture from acclaimed chef Oscar Diaz, and it's already a hit. Spacious, airy, and beautifully designed, the restaurant offers plenty of seating for diners both indoors and on its inviting outdoor patio, making it a perfect choice for everything from casual dinners to group outings. The food? Outstanding. We started with the complimentary corn chips paired with a warm, creamy bean purée topped with queso fresco, simple, satisfying, and a great preview of what was to come. The La Verde enchiladas were rich and flavorful, packed with tender chicken and drenched in a velvety crema poblana, topped with queso fresco, radish, and onions, and served alongside perfectly cooked rice and beans. The Chingones Tacos with Mahi were a standout, fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, accompanied by rice, beans, salad, and all the right garnishes. The drink menu is extensive with something for everyone, but the watermelon margarita stole the show, absolutely massive and refreshing, it was basically three drinks in one and worth every sip. We ended the meal with a smooth, well-balanced flan that was the perfect sweet finish. All in all, TaTaco delivers on flavor, ambiance, and value. Chef Oscar Diaz has added another gem to Durham's growing food scene, and I can't wait to go back. Highly recommend!

The latest concept from Chef Oscar Diaz, Tataco offers up a bright and refreshed take on Mexican cuisine. A prime location across from Boxcar Bar and Arcade, Tataco sits in a long space at the Geerhouse Apartments. Inside the space is fun, pinks and greens with a large bar to the right with a raw bar along with a large kitchen to the left. Lots of ceramic tiles are used at the bar at the bar for a slick, modern feel. The menu here surprisingly, doesn't have tacos front and center. They occupy a small part of the menu along with ceviches/raw seafood, enchiladas and a handful of large plates. Entrees are in the $16 to $35 range. Note that the menu seems pretty authentic and in espanol, I needed some help interpreting some of the items! And you definitely don't want to miss their cocktails, there is definitely some love and creativity there. I nommed on the tuna tostada and seafood enchilada which were both solid. Overall I'm curious to see how things evolve at Tataco, I enjoyed my visit but prefer Aaktun out of his three restaurants. But I'll be back to try more off of that menu and cocktail list!

Apparently, it was my good fortune to be in Durham during the soft opening of this new gem! Nestled off the main drag of downtown Durham, I found Tataco to be an excellent addition to the city's food scene. Bright, airy space flooded with tons of natural light. Beautiful & expansive bar offering an impressive array of spirits. Visually interesting menu--oysters at the taco spot???!!!--that did not disappoint at all on taste. I opted for the shrimp tacos--perfectly crisp, wonderfully seasoned & encased in a deliciously fresh corn tortilla--and accompanied by some of the best rice & beans I've had in a while. Pro Tip: Go HUNGRY, as you'll not want to miss out on the complimentary chips & beans appetizer--that's right, a delightful deviation from the more standard salsa. I see many more trips here in my future. Cheers!

Great new restaurant in Durham with fantastic service and authentic Mexican food. The service was the highlight. Our waiter was so sweet and knowledgeable about the vast menu. I had the clam Birria soup and the taste was as authentic as it gets. Huge portions and good, tasty food. It's a must try!

Really cute Mexican restaurant in Durham (adorable decor and a beautiful long bar inside). Sat outside though because we brought our fur child- and it's dog friendly! I ordered the queso dip (white queso), which was smooth and creamy, chips were salty; and the chicken fajitas- the chicken was a large portion, fresh, and flavored well. I tried my partner's carne asada tacos and was disappointed- the steak was VERY fatty (almost too fatty to eat). My only recommendation would be to add flour tortillas to the menu (not just corn), and elotes (street corn). Service was great- we loved our waiter, Antonio! He was friendly, had great and honest suggestions, and was really funny.

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.