Best Tacos

The regulars refer to El Progreso tacos as 'prison tacos,' as this joint is right next to the federal pen, but their tacos are as classic as they can be without a passport. Inside might feel a little south of the border, with lost cell service and rows of authentic Mexican products lining the adjacent market, but guess what? You're actually in taco nirvana. less...

There are three components that make a taco superb: the tortillas, the filling and the salsa. TAQUERIA EL REY DEL TACO gets them all right. Pat yourself on the back if you're lucky enough to catch one of the tortilla mavens making handmade tortillas that emanate the unmistakable smell of fresh masa. When it comes to tacos, the chivo (goat) and cabeza (beef cheeks) are standouts, and the salsas – although limited – are pure picante perfection. A chilled glass of horchata (a drink made with cinnamon, rice, milk and other ingredients) is a refreshing addition to your meal. less...

There are zillions of totally authentic taquerias all over Atlanta, thanks to our growing Mexican population. But we haven’t encountered anything quite like the taqueria inside this particular EL MOLINO, a chain of Mexican markets. It’s not just the enormous tortas (try the carnitas on weekends), savory tacos (try the al pastor) and perhaps the city’s best authentic posole (available weekends only). What keeps us coming back is Carlos the cook’s weekday preparations of two daily specials — home-style dishes like chicharrones en salsa verde — that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. The ambiance is zero and English is only haltingly spoken, but the specials are always displayed at the order window. Point and ask. Be patient. less...

Tacos — mini-tacos, no less — are king at EL REY DEL TACO. The hard-to-beat price of around $1 each allows you to munch on roasted goat, beef tongue and cheek for the same price as a pint of beer. In addition to these slightly exotic offerings, El Rey del Taco’s more familiar favorites, such as the intensely beefy barbacoa, savory carnitas and pulled barbecued chicken, are equally outstanding. Bonus: The corn tortillas these fantastic little tacos are served on are pressed fresh to order. less...

Small yet heavy with silken tongue, toothsome barbacoa or tantalizing carnitas, EL TACO VELOZ's cilantro-and-onion-topped tacos are the real deal. Push pleasure/pain boundaries with a heavy lashing of habanero salsa, go gooey over a chile relleno taco bursting with molten white cheese, order your 3-year-old a chicken taco - there's something for everyone here. Unless, of course, you prefer your food chichi and bland. At $1.69 each, all-you-can-eat is not an entirely immodest proposal. "5084 Buford Highway, Doraville, 770-936-9094, and other locations." less...