looking for good Mexican food (Raleigh, Durham: appointed, transplants, chapel)

[whiteboyslo]

if this makes me sound like a snob, i apologize, but...

is there any place in the Triangle that makes GOOD Mexican food? i've tried a few places that have been recommended to me by co-workes (actually out in the Triad area, but whatever), and everything just sorely disappoints me. the best i've found so far is Chipotle, and that's just not right.

to put in context, i just moved here a few months ago from San Diego. in SoCal, you can walk into just about any hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint (there's one in every shopping plaza) and get great food. it's kinda like BBQ out here. sure, some places are better, but they're all great.

i'm especially looking for any recommendations from the CA transplants who know what i'm talking about, but any recommendation would be appreciated. someone out here has GOTTA know how to make some good carne asada, carnitas, machaca, chorizo, etc.

recommendations closr to Durham and Chapel Hill would be great, but i'm Jonesing for a proper burrito so bad, i'll make a bit of a drive.

Mike

[epattridge]

I have found that the Los Tres Migues restaraunts are o.k. I know where your comming from on the good mexican food. I'm from Texas. Like you said, you can go into any hole in the wall joint and it's usually the best. We live out in Franklinton and there are a couple in Louisburg (might be a stretch for some to drive) that are good. One is El Perico and I believe the other is El Montery. We went to one mexican restaraunt in a Wake Forrest strip mall that I thought they used some spegehtti sauce on there enchiladas. Speaking of Wake Forrest, there is one in downtown Wake Forrest that is supposed to be good. Not sure of the name. Havent tried it yet. If I find a good one close by that does it up right I'll definately keep repeating.

[scorp200]

Los Comales - Roxboro Rd., Durham
Super Taqueria - Roxboro Rd, Durham

If you do a search on Chowhound (I don't think I'm allowed to link) you'll find others - fortunately for you you've landed in an area of the state that has authentic Mexican! It's mainly in Durham - it was featured in Gourmet magazine :-D

I also hear that Cosmic Cantina has amazing burritos, but I haven't been there - I love the other two places.

[suncat]

I'm from Los Angeles, so I know what you mean. I saw two little restaurants at Paddington Square that I've put on my list to try. They're in a strip mall across from a Super Walmart over by Atlantic Avenue in Raleigh.

Los Cuates and Pronto Fonda Fiesta Jalisco.

Has anyone here tried these places?

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Dos Taquitos in N. Raleigh get's a lot of praise. Worth checking out IMO.

[SALUKI_LOVER]

I feel your pain (hunger) that is as we're from So Cali and we have been very disappointed with the mexican food but we do like Torreros in Raleigh. It's on the corner of Millbrook and Atlantic. Good prices - Monday night margie's are $1.50 and they try the chicken taquitos appetizers. It is such a huge portion that you can split or take home for a second meal. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[SALUKI_LOVER]

Oh, we tried Dos Taquitos and we weren't too impressed...didn't seem like authentic mexican food and it's so dark it's hard to read the menu. I stopped in one night for a margie at the bar and I nearly realized I had paid close to $14 for it . . .

[uncletupelo]

Baja Burrito at Mission Valley in Raleigh has excellent burritos.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Originally Posted by SALUKI_LOVER

Oh, we tried Dos Taquitos and we weren't too impressed...didn't seem like authentic mexican food and it's so dark it's hard to read the menu. I stopped in one night for a margie at the bar and I nearly realized I had paid close to $14 for it . . .

Since you are from Cali and I'm only from Jersey I will defer to your opinion!

BTW, I agree $14 for any mixed drink is a bit much. Actually it is way too much!

I've been to Torreros and agree that it is very good too.

[Jdatlas]

Fiesta Grill Restaurant of Chapel Hill

This one is technically in Chapel Hill but it's quite far from the center. It has won a lot of awards. It is a small place but very popular and the parking lot was full.