In Wilmington, NC, you’ll discover a tantalizing array of 18 eateries that take taco craftsmanship to new heights. From Leland to downtown, midtown to Wrightsville Beach, these locales offer a diverse spectrum of tacos to suit the palates of both land lovers and ocean enthusiasts alike. With innovation and creativity in the kitchen, these chefs and culinary teams have transcended the traditional, Americanized taco formula of ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and sour cream.
Among these gems, you’ll find traditional taquerias that delve deep into the heart of authentic Mexican cuisine, as well as restaurants that present tacos as a special and unique offering on their menu. Whatever your taco preferences may be, you’re sure to find the perfect taco that caters to your taste buds.
Shaka Taco
Nestled in the charming historic district of Wilmington, NC, Shaka Taco is an offshoot of its original Surf City location and is conveniently situated within Pour Tap Room. Shaka Tacos prides itself on utilizing the freshest ingredients, including crisp locally-sourced vegetables, and the finest, freshly caught fish and seafood. Don’t forget to pair a Shaka Taco with one of the many craft beers on tap at Pour Taproom.
Taco Week Special: Togarashi taco @ $6.95
Beer Barrio
You can find Beer Barrio in the heart of downtown Wilmington, NC. This uniquely themed restaurant specializes in modern Mexican cuisine with a Southern twist, all infused with craft beer flavors, and it’s available for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. The restaurant boasts a complete bar, featuring 30 beers on tap and an exclusive draft cocktail menu. You have the option to dine indoors or enjoy the fresh air on their seasonal, dog-friendly patio, shaded by umbrellas.
Taco Week Specials: Pulled pork taco @ $8 & coconut cobia ceviche @ $12
Marina Grill
Nestled by the Cape Fear River, Marina Grill is a waterfront restaurant and bar that creates a laid-back and delightful ambiance, dishing out mouthwatering American fare that features locally sourced oysters, shrimp and seafood. Indulge in a wide variety of local draft beers, wines, and even kombucha tea, complemented by a range of expertly crafted cocktails.
Taco Week Special: Shrimp tacos @ $17
Tortilleria y Taqueria Carolinas
Tortilleria Y Taqueria Carolinas is your gateway to a true Mexican culinary experience. Their authentic taqueria is a haven for enthusiasts of Mexican cuisine, where they offer a delectable array of traditional favorites that will transport your taste buds south of the border. Their menu showcases an array of mouthwatering options, from flavorful tacos and hearty burritos to satisfying tortas.
When you visit Tortilleria Y Taqueria Carolinas, you have the freedom to savor your meal in two fantastic ways. You can opt to take your delicious Mexican fare to-go, perfect for those on the move, or you can choose to dine in and savor the rich flavors and vibrant ambiance.
Taco Week Specials: Quesabirria tacos @ $3.75 each & Mexican street tacos @ $3-$3.75 each & ceviche tostadas @ $5 each & huarache @ $12 each & homemade corn tortillas @ $4.50 a pack
La Tapatia
La Tapatia is your go-to local Mexican restaurant, known for its fast-casual approach to delivering authentic Mexican cuisine. Our menu is a treasure trove of classic Mexican favorites that cater to all tastes, featuring a delightful array of options such as tacos, burritos, huaraches, tortes, quesadillas, fajitas, nachos, and much more!
What makes La Tapatia truly special is our fully stocked bar, offering some of the finest margaritas in town that perfectly complement your meal. Seafood enthusiasts will delight in our renowned seafood dishes, including the fresh and zesty ceviche. Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant and diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine right in the heart of Wilmington.
Taco Week Special: Street combo tacos @ $9.99
Dram Tree Tavern
Nestled in Wilmington’s Sunset Park neighborhood, you’ll find Dram Tree Tavern, your local neighborhood bar. This inviting establishment provides a laid-back setting with live music and refreshing beverages available both indoors and outdoors. During the summer, relish a cool drink while listening to local bands perform on the lawn.
Dram Tree Tavern boasts a complete bar, a selection of locally brewed beers on tap, and a menu brimming with delectable offerings, including fish tacos, burgers, chips and guacamole, chicken sandwiches, vegan corn dogs, falafel, and a variety of other delights.
Taco Week Specials: Fried avocado tacos @ $8 & jerk chicken tacos @ $10 @ barbacoa tacos @ $12
K38 Baja Grill
K38 Baja Grill is a beloved local cantina, dishing out genuine Baja Mexico cuisine that includes an array of delights like fish tacos, salads, burritos, wraps, margaritas, and more. Drawing inspiration from the renowned Mexican surf and camping haven south of the border, K38 Baja Grill is renowned for its commitment to offering the freshest Mexican fare in the area.
The Grill features a well-stocked bar and a full-service restaurant. Here, you can unwind at the bar, soak in the laid-back ambiance with surf music and videos, and engage in enjoyable conversations with fellow patrons and friendly staff. Whether you prefer dining indoors or al fresco, you’ll find the perfect spot, and even your furry friends are welcome on the patio.
Taco Week Special: Low-Country flounder taco @ $12
Sealevel City Vegan Diner
Sealevel City Vegan Diner is a restaurant that invites you to embark on a culinary adventure with a diverse and hearty menu featuring a variety of global vegan dishes. From delectable sandwiches and mouthwatering burgers to innovative tacos and even vegan sushi, our menu takes a creative and inspired approach to traditional vegan cuisine. Join us at Sealevel to experience a world of plant-based flavors that redefine the boundaries of vegan dining.
Taco Week Special: Baja shrimp @ $16 & taco dinner supreme @ $15 & banana fish tacos @ $17
CAM Cafe
Positioned within the lively setting of the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, CAM Cafe is a full-service restaurant that beckons you to indulge in a delightful selection of locally sourced, fresh, and diverse culinary delights, thoughtfully complemented by handcrafted cocktails. Savor these delectable offerings during lunch, brunch, and dinner, all within the welcoming atmosphere of CAM Cafe.
Taco Week Special: Carnitas taco @ $13
Ceviche’s
Ceviche’s, a delightful Panamanian restaurant in Wilmington, is conveniently positioned near the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge. Within this charming Latin-American eatery, you’ll discover a cozy atmosphere complete with a bar crafted from reclaimed wood straight from Panama, a convenient deli counter for effortless ordering, and an enchanting outdoor courtyard.
Ceviche’s specializes in the art of preparing ceviche, a dish that features chopped fish marinated in zesty acidic juices. Notably, Ceviche’s earned a place in the spotlight when it was featured on Guy Fieri’s popular television show, “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”
Taco Week Special: Braised Jerk chicken @ $20 & Jerk cabbage tacos & $16
Si! Señor
Si! Señor Modern Mex is a genuine Mexican eatery nestled in the charming neighborhood of Porter’s Neck on the outskirts of Wilmington, NC. Here, you’ll savor the essence of classic Mexican cuisine, featuring an enticing array of offerings, from mouthwatering tacos and hearty burritos to flavorful fajitas, comforting sopas, tortas, and much more. What’s more, Si! Señor Modern Mex boasts a fully stocked bar to complement your dining experience with a wide selection of beverages.
Taco Week Special: Al pastor @ $13 & Americano @ $12 & avocado frita @ $13
Bluewater Waterfront Grill
Just beyond the drawbridge of Wrightsville Beach, you’ll find the charming Bluewater Waterfront Grill, a local seafood restaurant gracing the Intracoastal shores. The restaurant boasts a stunning waterfront patio that gazes upon the region’s grandest sport fishing vessels, offering patrons a tranquil setting to relish fresh seafood and casual American brunch while savoring the graceful passage of boats.
Bluewater Waterfront Grill is renowned for its delectable offerings, including baby back ribs, blackened mahi mahi tacos, and a selection of fresh fish. The restaurant’s Sunday Brunch provides a delightful start to your day, and for those cruising the Intracoastal, a convenient day dock awaits right in front, allowing guests to dock and dine at their leisure. Every Sunday from 4 pm to 8 pm, the Bluewater Grill sets the mood with live music on the patio during the seasonal months. Please note that reservations are not accepted, so we recommend calling ahead to inquire about wait times.
Taco Week Special: Kung Pao shrimp taco @ $16
Flying Machine Oyster Bar
Elevating the culinary scene at Wrightsville Beach, The Flying Machine Oyster Bar proudly stands as the area’s premier taproom and innovative dining destination. This restaurant celebrates the flavors of the local coastal region, offering a full bar complete with 10 ever-evolving taps of Flying Machine beer. The Flying Machine menu gracefully transitions with the seasons, sourcing the freshest ingredients from nearby farmers and fisheries.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing spot to enjoy a brew or indulging in your favorite dishes, such as burgers, oysters, fresh seafood, and crisp salads, Flying Machine offers an inviting space to savor your culinary desires. Don’t forget to explore their Sunday Brunch specials for an extra treat.
Taco Week Special: Mezcal and Butter Poached Lobster Tacos @ $17
Poe’s Tavern
Poe’s Tavern, a restaurant with Southern-inspired charm, is situated just beyond the drawbridge in Wrightsville Beach, NC. This laid-back establishment is your go-to spot for American classics, serving up delectable grub, burgers, and an assortment of beers. The restaurant’s unique theme pays homage to the renowned author Edgar Allan Poe, reflecting in its decor and ambiance.
Taco Week Special: Tuna tacos @ $17.99 & brisket tacos @ $16.99
Solstice Kitchen + Cocktails
Discover Solstice Restaurant at the Holiday Inn Resort in the heart of Wrightsville Beach. Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of fine coastal-American cuisine and artfully crafted cocktails, all within an atmosphere of casual elegance. The restaurant’s ever-evolving menu features a delightful range of options, from the wholesome quinoa-egg veggie bowl to the classic turkey club, and a medley of seafood treasures, including crab cakes, mussels, and the iconic shrimp and grits.
Solstice ensures a full day of culinary delights with offerings spanning Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Experience the enchantment of seasonal outdoor dining under charming umbrellas on the Terrace, with captivating ocean views. To make your evenings even more memorable, join us for live music on Friday nights from 7-9pm.
Taco Week Special: Braised beef taco @ $17 & black bean taco @ $17
Oceanic
Perched at the end of the Crystal Pier on the serene south end of Wrightsville Beach, you’ll find The Oceanic Restaurant, a beloved destination embraced by both locals and tourists. This coastal gem is celebrated for its breathtaking ocean vistas, a delectable bounty of fresh seafood, as well as its sumptuous lobster, steak, and expertly crafted specialty cocktails. The restaurant boasts a fully stocked bar, with two levels of dining to choose from, including a charming patio gracing the pier itself.
The Oceanic Restaurant is a family-friendly establishment, welcoming visitors for lunch, dinner, and brunch. During the summer months, the restaurant comes alive with live music, offering the perfect backdrop to savor a cocktail while basking in a brilliant sunset and listening to popular local bands. You’ll also appreciate the convenience of their private parking lot and the option of ample paid street parking nearby.
Taco Week Special: Blackened salmon taco @ $16
San Felipe
San Felipe in Leland, NC, is a haven for authentic Mexican cuisine. They take pride in using the freshest ingredients, combined with time-honored, authentic recipes that infuse our dishes with the most exquisite flavors. A visit to San Felipe is always a fiesta, where you can savor the likes of fresh fajitas, zesty margaritas, flavorful enchiladas, delectable tacos, and a bounty of other Mexican delights.
Taco Week Special: Street tacos combo @ $16.49
Chingon! Taqueria
Nestled in the heart of Leland, North Carolina, Chingon! Taqueria stands as a renowned Mexican restaurant celebrated for its vibrant and diverse menu. Here, you’ll find an exquisite array of culinary treasures, from tantalizing tacos and hearty burritos to savory huaraches, sopes, and quesadillas. The experience at Chingon! doesn’t stop at savory dishes, as the restaurant also offers authentic Mexican ceviches, bringing a refreshing and zesty twist to your meal.
And don’t forget to save room for dessert, as Chingon! Taqueria presents a selection of delectable sweet treats that offer a perfect finish to your Mexican culinary journey.
Taco Week Special: $2.99 select tacos
