TaTaco Durham

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.

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.

10/10 will definitely be back. Grim the time we walked in to the time we left we were treated with great customer service. My friend locked her keys in her car and the manager came and helped with another employee. They were happy to help. Food was amazing the drinks were great. My favorite is the mango tango margarita and make sure to get chamoy around the rim. Thank me later!

Excellent quality in food and wonderful bar aesthetic. Solid selection of tequila, and good selection of bourbons from Buffalo trace, cool to see. Food was extremely fresh tasting and delicious, absolutely hit the spot. Would love to come back here to try more dishes. Complimentary bean dip was super legit to enjoy. Their hot shrimp dish could use a little bit more heat, but absolutely love the shrimp dishes. The shrimp are great size and fresh. Big open industrial vibe inside - great sound system as well. Could be repurposed as a nightclub and I wouldn’t even think twice about it. Phenomenal food though - highly recommend stopping by for lunch or dinner.

EDIT: Went back for the Tuna Tostada and Taquitos de papa. Absolutely delicious! We had the Ceviche Mixto, Las Mexi Enchiladas, and Goat Cheese Poblano Guac. Ceviche is delicious with the right amount of spiciness. The Goat Cheese Poblano Guac is a great dip! Definitely recommend it as well as their complimentary bean dip. Their tortilla chips are fresh and crunchy. The Las Mexi Enchiladas looks like a deconstructed enchilada and a salad combined. Delicious and perfectly spiced. Service was impeccable.

Went for the first time yesterday and loved it!!! Our server, Antonio was so friendly and attentive. The location is great and very aesthetic. The food and drinks were delicious. I was a bit skeptical on how authentic it would be be, but I was very pleased! The music was great too! I will for sure come back.

My first time at TaTaco. Wow. Beautiful night outside. The food was beyond delicious. The server - Antonio- made me feel so welcome and made sure the meal I ordered was just right. And when I asked about getting a super hot sauce - that was hot! And I loved it. If you haven’t been here — go. I will certainly be back.

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!

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).

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.