The Original El Taco

(404) 537-2866

1186 N Highland Ave
Atlanta, GA 30306 33.787181 -84.355321

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Neighborhoods: Northeast, Virginia Highland, Northeast

eltaco-atlanta.com/

Hours:

Sun-Thurs: 5pm-10pm

Fri & Sat: 5pm-11pm

View the menu»

Price:

$

The Original El Taco

El Taco

What People Are Saying About The Original El Taco

The Owner

The Original El Taco

Owner

El Taco is inspired by bold Tex-Mex flavors and by the sunny street markets of Mexico. The menu is simple cuisine with interesting garnishes and fresh ingredients. Some items are snacks designed to be enjoyed with a cocktail, others are generously portioned and perfect for sharing and some are down-right decadent and require several margaritas or beers to chase down. Vegetarians will enjoy our handmade masa flatbread Mexican pizzas a regional specialty of Oaxaca, parents will appreciate our thoughtful kid's menu and everyone will enjoy our salsa bar that brings an intriguing air of…

Read more from the owner

The Editor

Jonathan Baker

Citysearch

In Short – Taking over the stuffy, Sala space off North Highland Avenue, El Taco immediately took its shoes off and decided to stay awhile. Feeling more like a taco "joint" than a taqueria, the open floor plan is highlighted by a mural of bright Mexican graffiti art. Fittingly, the menu is cheap and casual, yet sneaks in obsessive details. House-made tortilla chips are sprinkled with a hint of lime, Mexican coke is imported for dessert floats and flat masa pizzas--though a mess to eat--are a far cry from anything Tex-Mex. Mexican corn dusted in lime mayo is the fried chicken taco's…

1 Star Rating: Poor

06/25/09

Bland,Bland,Bland

by Goodcritic at Citysearch

I don't really understand the good reviews. This may be a place that is just good for drinks and hanging out, NOT a good place for food. Everything had no flavor, just simply bland and not one thing tasted fresh or homemade. The tacos were also small and if I was a server I would have been embarassed to bring the food out. We did have a nice server though. First and last visit to this place.

  • Pros: Atmosphere,location
  • Cons: Food
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/30/09

Lively Saturday Night Spot

by SLPearse at Citysearch

We visited El Taco this past Saturday for a fun girls dinner and we weren't disappointed. The inside was happening-and our bartender helped us pick the right libation to start the night-for me that was a fro mo, and for my friend a classic margarita served straight up. We started with chips and salsa and heavily raided the salsa bar-my only critique is that none of the salsas was 5 alarm! I had the El Short Stack for my meal-it was huge-yummy, melty, goodness. One of my fave entrees I have had at a Mexican restaurant in town. My companion had tacos-and they were fab! The corn-off the cob and tossed with the spicy mayo was the perfect side for both of us! Loved El Taco and am planning my next visit!

  • Pros: Salsa Bar, fresh tortillas, great service, fun atmosphere
  • Cons: Patio isn't as fun to sit on
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/26/09

ONE OF THE BEST MEXICAN SPOTS AROUND

by ladygodiva7 at Citysearch

As a true life lover of mexican food I can honestly say this is one of the absolute BEST MEXICAN restaurant around! As for anyone who would compare this restaurant to Tequieria del Sol, it is less than 5 minutes from where I live and I pass by there on a regular basis to get El Taco. Tequiera is a good cheap mexican restaurant but when it come to taste and innovation, it is light years beyond the corn w/ the lime and mayo. You don't even want me to start talking about the queso royale with sauteed onions and peppers or the mexican pizza which is more like heaven on a crispy crust! More salad than pizza, it's light enough not to make you feel heavy but more than enough food to satisfy any appetite. This place is a jewel and I only wish it were closer to where I live.

  • Pros: Corn w/ lime and Mayo, fish tacos, mexican pizzas, customer service
  • Cons: I wish it was closer to where I live, they don't take reservations

The Details on The Original El Taco

Fun Facts:

Every hour, the restaurant spins the (soon-to-be) famous "Wheel of Taco" - if your number comes up, you could win food, drinks, dining cards and other fun stuff.

When to Go:

If you've got kids, plan to come in before 8 as the room fills ups with a more spirited crowd after that. The restaurant also features a specially priced kids' menu for those 10 years old and younger.

On the Menu:

Tacos, Mexican pizzas, fajitas and enchiladas rule here. The dishes are perfectly portioned to share with a big group or to enjoy all by yourself.

Category:

Beauty Salons, Catering, Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Cash, Visa, MasterCard

Cuisine:

Mexican

Notable Chef:

Shaun Doty

Message from The Original El Taco

  • Flat-screen TVs
  • Patio dining
  • Kids' menu

El Taco is inspired by bold Tex-Mex flavors and by the sunny street markets of Mexico.

The menu is simple cuisine with interesting garnishes and fresh ingredients. Some items are snacks designed to be enjoyed with a cocktail, others are generously portioned and perfect for sharing and some are down-right decadent and require several margaritas or beers to chase down.

Vegetarians will enjoy our handmade masa flatbread Mexican pizzas a regional specialty of Oaxaca, parents will appreciate our thoughtful kid's menu and everyone will enjoy our salsa bar that brings an intriguing air of authenticity to the El Taco dining experience.

A FIFTH GROUP RESTAURANTS CONCEPT

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