If you don't know what a
taqueria is, well you may want to skip this entry. If you think Taco Bell belongs in the above category, then please stop reading now - or else prepare to be educated. One way to think of it is like this - Taco bell (even though I love to go for a quick meal) is to taqueria the same way McDonald's is to burgers. Get it?
Once you've been to Mexico, or border towns (read San Diego) close enough to appreciate a real taco shop, then you'll know the difference. A few years ago, for a short while, there were taqueria food trucks all over UNC Chapel Hill's campus - unfortunately, when the construction moved, so did they. Recently, I heard about a taqueria place in north Durham, off of N Roxboro Rd, a block north of I-85. I'm always hesitant to try these places - since you never know what lurks in the kitchen.
Los Comales is a great little taco shop - there are about 7 or 8 different varieties of tacos, plus a full range of other dishes; seafood dishes on the weekends. We had the pastor (pork) burrito (HUGE, filled with rice, lettuce, tomatoes, meat) for $6; tacos were either $1.50 or $2.00 each, depending on the meat. Azada (beef), and pollo (chicken) were both great - I know a few other meats that may not match the western palate were also on the menu. A nice little salsa bar completes the experience. We also had the pineapple drink - a refreshing light drink to match the meal. Watch out for the grilled jalapeno's - though great - they are well seeded... and have some serious heat.
Los Comales
2103 N. Roxboro St.
Durham, NC 27701
