Hit the Taco Trail

From traditional to modern, Gwinnett has no shortage of tacos

BY LIA PICARD

Tacos have come a long way since their likely origin as snacks for silver-mine workers in Mexico. The handheld bites are still great for people on the go, but their modern iterations come in many forms. In Gwinnett County, taco spots feature countless options, with fillings ranging from the traditional to a fusion of cuisines. Here are some great ones to try.

Tequila Mama

The atmosphere is cheery and bright in this Suwanee restaurant. In addition to the spacious, blue-hued dining room, there’s a covered patio with ample seating. It’s an ideal spot to sip a margarita and enjoy a playful fusion taco, such as the Bulgogi or Cubano. The menu also features delicious tapas, like crispy calamari.

This Lilburn locale is a welcoming spot for those seeking a Mexican feast for lunch or dinner. They have all the classics here, including an assortment of tacos and enchiladas, as well as specialties like the 5 Muchachos burger with sauteed mushrooms, jalapeños, avocado, and chipotle aioli. Wash everything down with a Mezcal Mule or Sangria Mexicana.

Strange Taco

The only thing “strange” at this taco joint is how good some of these unexpected combinations are. The colorful Lawrenceville restaurant prides itself on being “unauthentic,” with taco fillings such as buffalo chicken, spicy gyro, and bacon cheeseburger. Pair a couple of creative tacos with a frozen strawberry margarita.

Beto's Tacos

Beto’s Tacos

Owner Beto Correa wanted to find a way to honor his Mexican culture and now does so through his take on street tacos at this Suwanee spot. There are numerous types of tacos from which to choose, but standouts include the al pastor and carne asada, all served on corn tortillas. A cup of fresh horchata goes with anything.

Oaxaca Tacos and Tequila Bar

Decked out in wood tones and gorgeous plants, this cozy-yetsophisticated restaurant in Lawrenceville serves up tasty tacos on handmade tortillas. Try the larger gourmet tacos that come with fillings like slowcooked brisket, and be sure to check out the killer cocktail list starring tequila and mezcal.

Kiko’s Tacos

This casual restaurant in Peachtree Corners never disappoints when you want flavorful Mexican dishes. Sip on fresh margaritas and enjoy grilled fish or shrimp tacos on their outdoor patio, which is a popular option when the weather is just right. Save room for an order of cinnamon sugar–dusted churros.

Merkado

More than just a delicious culinary destination for people seeking queso fundido and birria tacos, this Duluth restaurant is also a visual delight. Merkado works with an organization that curates pieces from all over Latin America for the restaurant, in turn providing a cool cultural experience as well as a tasty one.