In the Wilmington area, there's a taco for everyone and every mood. Traditional taquerias, longtime favorites, and restaurants serving everything from authentic Mexican flavors to creative coastal versions can be found across New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.
To find out which restaurants resonate most with local diners, the StarNews asked readers to vote for their favorites, whether it's a place with street-style classics or something unexpected. The votes were tallied, and these three restaurants (which represent a range of taco styles) were the top vote-getters. Here's a look at your picks for the area's best taco spots.
No. 3: Nollie's Taco Joint, Carolina Beach
Former professional skateboarder E.J. Griffin
opened this restaurant at 3 Pelican Lane with indoor and outdoor seating and a quirky vibe.
The Pesky Taco, which is billed as Griffin's fave, has mahi-mahi with guacamole, jalapeños, cheese, cabbage, black beans, cilantro, and rancho sauce. Also look for shrimp tacos, and The Kimba jackfruit taco.
No. 2: Los Portales Taqueria, Wilmington
Ramon and Miguel Villaseñor started with the Los Portales supermarket more than 20 years ago before growing the brand to three stores and three taqueria locations at 1207 S. Kerr Ave., 29 Van Campen Blvd. and 3536 Carolina Beach Road, as well as the Tequila Comida & Cantina restaurant in Wilmington.
At the taquerias, there's a choice of 13 different meats for tacos. Hispanic diners prefer the chicharron, barbacoa and lengua, Ramon Villaseñor said, and American customers like chicken, steak and carnitas. They're served on fresh, sizzled corn tortillas. At the toppings bar, you can dress them as you like, with red or green salsa, radish, diced onion, cilantro and more. And while they are known for the tacos, they also serve a variety of Mexican favorites.
"We want to bring the real street flavors to Wilmington," he said.
No. 1: Tacobaby, Wilmington
If Tacobaby has a patron saint, it's Dolly Parton. Her visage can be found throughout the restaurant at 125 Grace St., along with lots of neon, tacos and flowers.
"She was the best woman mentor," said Hope Barbour, manager. "It's very female empowerment."
She and Chef Maria Marin are the driving force behind the restaurant, said owner Joe Apkarian. And, yes, Tacobaby isn't one of those traditional spots, they said.
But Marin, who is from Mexico City, said she makes everything fresh and balances authentic flavors with American preferences. She makes a milder braise for the birria, for example, which is the restaurant's best-selling taco. It's served with a cheese crust and jus for dipping. Also look for Bang Bang Shrimp or roasted cauliflower tacos.
People also love the monthly specials, Marin said. For October, they include a Dolly Parton-inspired wrap with fried chicken, ranch, and a pink sauce made with beets and habanero.
"We want to thank Wilmington for voting for us," Apkarian said. "We are all about Dolly and neon. Come try us out, or just come enjoy downtown."
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: The best tacos in the Wilmington area, according to StarNews readers
