Ultimate Taco Trail | Where to Eat in Wilkes

The Ultimate Taco Trail - Where to Eat Mexican Food in Wilkes
 

When you think of authentic Mexican Street food, your mind’s eye might conjure up some place like San Diego, El Paso, or Phoenix, but, if you’re in the Carolinas, don’t overlook Wilkesboro for some authentic antojitos. Wilkes is home to a healthy Latinx population that is proud of their heritage, and we are fortunate to have an abundance of family owned restaurants that would be right at home at Zocalo.

5. La Fortuna

Our First stop takes us to nearby North Wilkesboro and La Fortuna. This restaurant is known for its Tacos al trompo, aka Tacos Àrabes, pork spit roasted vertically with onions, pineapples and a special blend of seasonings. While you’re there, save room for their signature Michelada, think of it as a Mexican Bloody Mary. At any other restaurant, when this concoction passes by your table, you’d think someone ordered a shrimp cocktail, as giant fantails and slices of fresh avocado, but here it’s merely a cocktail. You’ll also find a great selection of inexpensive beers imported directly from Mexico.

La Fortuna
1301 W. D St.
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
(336) 818-2430

4. Plaza Del Sol

This well-appointed enclave is located just off of the bustling highway 421 retail corridor and boasts an upscale, large interior and fine dining vibe to fit any size party or mood. Their welcoming bar has a regular rotation of drink specials and is the perfect place for a salty margarita or one of their many huevos, egg dishes. Our personal favorite is Divorciados, two fried eggs one bathed in tomatillos (salsa verde) and the other in salsa roja.

Plaza Del Sol
1917 US Hwy 421
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 818-2631

3. Santa Lucia

Santa Lucia is a roadside taqueria and tienda with a menu of staples including sopes, burritos, quesadillas and of course, tacos. Their tortillas are made fresh in store. The torta, or Mexican sandwich is a feast of epic proportions. If you’re in on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll want to order the menudo. A traditional slow cooked stew of beef tripe simmered in a flavorful broth, Menudo is a high protein, low-calorie meal that is perfect for outdoor adventurers, as this restaurant is a few minutes away from W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir and the Warrior’s Creek Bike Trail. Be sure to shop the store and take home some of your favorite treats or something new to try at home.

Santa Lucia Market
1100 River St.
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 903-1731

2. Pepe’s Tacos

Located at the edge of the Wilkesboro historic district, Pepe’s Tacos occupies a quaint corner space that is a short walk from downtown. Pepe’s is unapologetically “not fast food” as every order is made to order with love from Pepe, the patriarch and restaurant owner. Their pastor is slow cooked on a rotisserie that guarantees juicy, tender goodness and crispy, flavorful edges every time. Their Mexican-style tacos are an authentic representation of Mexican street food.  You can also catch Pepe’s taco truck at local events and gathering spaces in the area.
 

Pepe’s Tacos
307 W. Main St.
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 467-2798

1. Mr. Toro Bakery & Taqueria

Mr. Toro’s is the newest addition to the dining scene in Wilkesboro. Juan and his wife Brenda renovated a prior restaurant space located near Heritage Square and the Carolina West Community Commons. Don’t let the spartan dining room fool you. Juan and Brenda are hard at work rolling, pressing, and searing the masa for each taco by hand or blending up fresh salsa. You’ll need to order a fresh horchata or Jamaica to wash down all of the goodness you’re about to intake.

Fillings vary by day but you can count on the staples, pastor, carne asada, chorizo, pollo. These are all fantastic, but you must try the shrimp tacos. Adorned with a sweet and spicy cream sauce, the shrimp get a gentle char from the grill but are not over cooked, giving them a crispy, rich flavor. These are simply the best shrimp tacos, possibly anywhere. On weekends, share a pupusa, a Central American staple of a masa cake stuffed with, at Mr. Toros, beans and cheese. It is a flavorful and hearty snack. On Tuesdays, enjoy $1 tacos if you order ten or more. Save room for a postre, in the adjacent dining room is a case filled with delightful Mexican pastries. Conchas, Besos, Cochitos, Empanadas, Churros, Pan Fino, Orejas…we could go on. The point is, you have choices, and you won’t be disappointed. A favorite is the papaya filled empanada. Incredible, exotic flavor with just enough sweetness to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Mr. Toros Bakery Y Taqueria
117 W. Main St.
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 929-1019