The best tacos in Asheville are on Patton Avenue in West Asheville, and that's only the start. This list runs from counter-service taquerias to chef-driven Latin dinners downtown, with Salvadoran pupusas, Cuban sandwiches and a lot of mezcal along the way.
The taquerias are walk-in. The downtown dinner spots, Palmar and XICO, take reservations, and you can book from their listings.
Little Chango
South Slope, 134 Coxe Ave
Little Chango is a counter-service Latin American kitchen from chef Iris Rodriguez, Jose Busto and Luis Betances, and it holds a 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand, its second in a row (Asheville Citizen-Times). The menu centers on stacked arepas, with ropa vieja the one most people order first, plus lunch boxes of rice and meat and sides like mamposteao and escabeche (Michelin Guide). Order at the counter, take a playing card with your number and find a seat.
Tip: It's walk-in only, and dogs are welcome on the patio.
Also on the critics' lists
- Taqueria Muñoz, 1438 Patton Ave. Street tacos, lamb barbacoa and agua frescas.
- XICO, 175 Biltmore Ave. Wood-fired Mexican and seafood off open flames. Book on the listing.
- Limones, 15 Eagle St. Mexican and Californian cooking for more than 20 years.
- White Duck Taco Shop, 12 Biltmore Ave. Tacos from all over the map.
- Taco Billy, 201 Haywood Rd. Tacos made with local eggs and beef.
Mountain Madre
Downtown, 13 Walnut St (also 791 Merrimon Ave, North Asheville)
Mountain Madre is a Mexican kitchen and agave bar with two locations: the original on Walnut Street downtown and a second on Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville. The kitchen sources from local farms, including Hickory Nut Gap, for tacos, enchiladas, bowls and nachos, and the margaritas are made with house mixes. The bar is the draw: a deep list of tequila and mezcal you can taste as a pick-three flight. Vegans get real options too, including vegan queso and vegan chorizo.
Tip: If you're new to mezcal, build a flight with one tequila and two mezcals and ask the bartender to walk you through them.
North Asheville, River Arts District and beyond
- Taco Temple, 132 Charlotte St. Tacos and tortas from breakfast on.
- Cecilia's Kitchen, 870 Merrimon Ave. Gluten-free empanadas, tamales and crepes.
- Guajiro, 122 Riverside Dr. Cuban comfort food at the Asheville Cotton Mill.
- Neo Burrito, three locations. Fast, well-priced burritos and breakfast burritos.
FAQ
Where are the best tacos in Asheville?
Patton Avenue in West Asheville has the densest run of taquerias, including Taqueria Muñoz and Tacos Jalisco. Downtown, Mountain Madre and Mamacita's are easy walk-ins.
Where can I get pupusas in Asheville?
A Taste of El Salvador on Patton Avenue.
Which Mexican restaurants in Asheville take reservations?
Palmar Latin Kitchen and XICO take online reservations; book from their listings above.
Where can I get Cuban food in Asheville?
Hemingway's Cuba downtown and Guajiro in the River Arts District.
