Taco spots in the South worth the trip

From neon-lit taco joints inspired by Dolly Parton to family-run taquerías serving traditional street tacos and Memphis favorites piled high with filet mignon, the South's taco scene is diverse.

These standout restaurants blend authentic Mexican flavors, local influences and plenty of personality, proving that great tacos can be found far beyond the border. Whether you're craving rich birria, perfectly seasoned barbacoa or an over-the-top specialty taco, these destinations serve some of the South's most memorable bites.

Taco Baby | Wilmington, North Carolina

Details: 125 Grace St., Wilmington, NC, tacobabyusa.com.

If Tacobaby has a patron saint, it's Dolly Parton. Her face can be found throughout the restaurant in downtown Wilmington, along with lots of neon, taco art and flowers. Manager

Hope Barbour and Chef Maria Marin say Parton lends a vibe of fun female empowerment to the eatery that's "nacho average taco spot," as they say. But it is a favorite, and was voted the best by readers of the Wilmington StarNews, both for the food and the atmosphere. Marin, who is from Mexico City makes everything fresh and balances authentic flavors with American preferences. The birria, which has a luscious cheese crust, is the best-selling taco. But also look for fillings like Bang Bang Shrimp and roasted cauliflower. — Allison Ballard, Wilmington StarNews

Taquería El Campesino | Montgomery, Alabama

Details: 1550 Mt. Meigs Road; 334-312-5194, taqueriaelcampesino.toast.site.

Serving authentic tacos is a way of life for 19-year-old Christian Terrones, manager of his family's restaurant Taquería El Campesin. In English, the restaurant's name means "The Farmer's Taco Shop," and they take pride in serving plates with street-taco-style double tortilla tacos filled with steak, barbacoa, chorizo, beef tongue and many other meats. Each offers a unique and satisfying bite. "You want it to be tender. You want it to be flavorful," said Terrones. "I don't like to confine myself to just one meat." — Shannon Heupel, Montgomery Advertiser

Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana | East Memphis and Germantown, Tennessee

Details: 6300 Poplar Ave., #115, in East Memphis and 1215 S. Germantown Road in Germantown; delimexicana.com.

Does anything sound more indulgent than a filet mignon taco? Actually, the better question: Is there anything more delicious than a filet mignon taco? The answer: not really. Considered a must-try by anyone who encounters it, the filet mignon taco features a generous 7 ounces of grilled filet tucked into warm corn tortillas and finished with sweet onion, fresh cilantro and a substantial helping of avocado. With two locations, Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana has been a Memphis-area crowd-pleaser since 2002, serving up satisfying Mexican food with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and homemade flavor. And did we happen to mention the filet mignon tacos? — Brian Strickland, Memphis Commercial Appeal

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Taco spots in the South worth the trip