Where to Eat
(And where to avoid!)
Some of the most recommended places to eat in the Triangle. Don't see your favorite place? Leave a suggestion!
Content
A Complete List of Latinx Restaurants
This is a working list of restaurants by country of origin. There were so many but let us know if we missed something!
MEXICAN
Don Beto El Poblano - Taco and torta truck near State. Authentic Mexican flavor, one of the best in Raleigh. - 2305 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604
Gym Tacos - Don’t be fooled by the name! It’s a new and authentic taco and torta truck. Has tacos de suadero, tacos gringas, sabroso. Very popular in Raleigh right now. - 220 E Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
Chido Taco - Restaurant that advertises as an authentic Mexican spot. - 2330 Bale St #100, Raleigh, NC 27608
El Toro - NC State campus area staple spot, sit-down restaurant, tacos y más. - 3601 Junction Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27603
Taqueria Salsabanero - Popular truck on Capital Blvd (super Latino area): 3320 Capital Blvd Raleigh, NC 27604
La Vallarta - sit-down restaurant with mariscos, tacos, full menu, and super Mexican. 3177 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604
Don Beto’s Tacos - Restaurant with full menu, 15 mins from NC State. Pretty good. Next to a panadería. - 421 Chapanoke Rd #105, Raleigh, NC 2760
Vida Dulce - Chayamoyadas, mangonadas, paletas, etc. One of the best places ever, not far from NC State - 836 E Chatham St #104, Cary, NC 27511
ARGENTINIAN
Che Empanadas - Real deal empanadas in the Transfer Co. food hall. - 500 E Davie St #115, Raleigh, NC 27601
BRAZILIAN
Brasa - Brazilian churrasquería in Raleigh… try it out but the Brazilians say it's not all that. 8551 Brier Creek Pkwy, Raleigh, NC 27617
COLOMBIAN
The Arepa Bar
CUBAN
Casa Cubana - Cuban classics in Raleigh + cafecito y batidos. Not close to NC State - 10901 Forest Pines Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614
Carmen’s Cuban Cuisine - classic place, closed temporarily because of the pandemic.
DOMINICAN/CARIBBEAN
The Dominican Restaurant - Dominican owners from NYC, super authentic food! A little expensive though. 3601 Capital Blvd STE 107
Caribbean Cafe - Really good Caribbean general spot, classic and super authentic. 2645 E Millbrook Rd
GUATEMALAN
El Chapin - Super popular Guatemalan spot in Durham. - 4600 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd Suite #38, Durham, NC 27707
HONDURAN
No name Honduran/Salvadoran truck! Next to a gas station. - 2929 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604
Costa Azul- 3218 Guess Rd, Durham, NC 27705
PERUVIAN
Mi Perú - MOST authentic Peruvian food in NC right here in Durham. Highly recommended by Peruvians. 4015 University Dr Suite A1, Durham, NC 27707
Alpaca - Peruvian fast food, not authentic, does NC State Latinx student event catering all the time. Has locations in Raleigh and Durham!
Mami Nora’s - Another popular spot with pollito and sides. Close to NC State! - 2401 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608
Pisco Mar - Peruvian restaurant right on Hillsborough St. across from NC State.
Marco Pollo - small, causal Peruvian fast food restaurant with pollo a la brasa and other classics *HAS SUBLIME, ALFAJORES, and LUCUMA ICE CREAM!! 1871 Lake Pine Dr, Cary, NC 27511
PUERTO RICAN
Pressed by Spanglish- Up in north Raleigh, it's a bit of a trek, serves authentic PR food 10630 Durant Rd #104, Raleigh, NC
Tropical Picken Chicken- a bit of a mix of Latin American and Caribbean food, 404 E Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC .
SALVADORAN
El Paseo Restaurant - 3027 Capital Blvd #113, Raleigh, NC 27604
El Cuscatleco- Popular restaurant in Durham! 4212 Garrett Rd, Durham, NC 27707
So Good Pupusas! https://www.sogoodpupusas.com/ Pupusas that support scholarships for undocumented students!
VENEZUELAN
The Corner Arepa - Food truck with arepas, patacones, pepitos, salchipapa chamo. http://www.thecornervzla.com/
Guasaca - Venezuelan classics, right in front of NC State on Hillsborough Street. They're pretty good, maybe not the most authentic.
Arepa Culture - https://www.facebook.com/arepaculturenc/ Food truck!
Our Favorite Latinx Restaurants
Centro
This is one of our favorites for Mexican food. The decoration is incredibly cute and the food is one of the best in the Raleigh area.
El Cuscatleco
The pupusas here are some of the best that we have ever had. They have been voted as having some of the best pupusas in the area and they do not disappoint!
La Rancherita
The food here is pretty good, plus there are various locations around the Raleigh area.
Coco Bongo
This one is a a hit just because its right on Hillsborough, but really we only recommend the horchata from here.
Taqueria El Toro
This place is known for its tacos and fast service! Super inexpensive and they have an amazing toppings bar.
El Pollo Rico
This place does not have the best service, but we recommend the baleadas and pupusas here.
Our Favorite Non-Latinx Spots
Ni Asian Kitchen
Definitely recommend getting carry out from this place. For dinner we recommend Broccoli and Shrimp or Orange Chicken.
Beasley's Chicken + Honey
This place is a must go! The chicken and waffles hit the spot, and mac and cheese is one of the best.
Sushi Nine
Everyone in the area knows about sushi nine because of how close it is to campus and the food is amazing. They also have a buy one get one special! We would recommend the crunchy shrimp and spicy crab rolls.
Bruegger's Bagels
You can never go wrong with a good bagel from here. Theres various locations around campus where you can get one and they have a wide selection of bagels and spreads.
Morgan Street Food Hall
This is a really cute place for a date night or just to hang out with friends. They have a variety of really good food stalls. We would recommend Makus empanadas and CowBar Burgers and Fries.
Transfer Co. Food Hall
Again, a really cute place to go for a night out. Lots of variety, but we would recommend Dank Burritos, Bul Box, and Locals Oyster Bar.
Places to Avoid ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️
Cookout on Western Blvd
Eat at your own risk, their health inspection score is low because they were selling undercooked chicken.
Shanghai Express
Bigggg no!!! Students have found roaches in their food and they leave the door open all the time (any rodent can walk in at any second).
Where to Get Coffee
The Morning Times
A really cozy coffee shop in uptown Raleigh. They have amazing coffee plus they offer breakfast during the weekends.
Jubala
Not a fan of coffee? No worries they also have breakfast items and we highly recommend their iced chai (with oat milk, you'll thank us later).
Cup-a-Joe
A really good place right on Hillsborough! Their bagels and pastries are pretty good and apart from coffee, they also have smoothies.
42 & Lawrence
A higher end coffee shop but incredibly good too. Although they have a shortened menu, their lattes and chais are a staple. Plus its right next to a park so you have a pretty view.
Dunkin
A more affordable option for coffee and the perfect place to grab breakfast if you are in a hurry.
Sir Walter Coffee
Incredibly nice staff and amazing coffee. This place is known for their wide variety of coffee, amazing tea, and they also serve alcohol.
Sweet Stuff!
Vida Dulce
Vida Dulce is the place to go when you crave something sweet, salty, or fried
Panaderia Y Pasteleria Pahutlan
Panaderia Pahuatlan is a Bakery in Durham, NC. They offer Bakery/Panaderia, Cakes/Pasteles, Mexican Bread/Pan Mexicano and more!
Dulceria El Castillo
Dulceria El Castillo is a children's rental company for hot air fun houses,pinatas,etc.as well as a candy & sweets store.