Are you a fan of spicy and flavorful Mexican cuisine? If you’re in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, you’re in luck! This vibrant college town is home to some of the most authentic and delicious Mexican restaurants around.
From street tacos to hearty burritos, these restaurants bring a slice of Mexico to Chapel Hill. Each with its unique blend of spices and flavors, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste buds.
If you’re in the mood for a casual atmosphere and a quick bite, check out the local taquerias. Here, you’ll find classic Mexican street food like tacos al pastor, carnitas, and fresh guacamole. Don’t forget to try some of the spiciest salsas on the salsa bar!
For a more formal dining experience, make a reservation at one of Chapel Hill’s popular Mexican restaurants.
Here, you can enjoy a sit-down meal complete with refreshing margaritas and mouth-watering entrees like chicken mole or shrimp enchiladas. And for vegetarians, there are plenty of options like veggie fajitas or black bean burritos.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try one of the fusion restaurants that blends Mexican cuisine with other culinary styles.
From sushi rolls with a Mexican twist to burgers topped with fresh guacamole, there’s always something new to try.
Overall, Chapel Hill Mexican restaurant scene is diverse and delicious. So why not grab some friends, head out, and explore the flavors of Mexico right in your own backyard?
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Table of Contents
My Top 3 Picks of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Chapel Hill
| Restaurant | Top Pick | Our Rating |
| Que Chula Craft Tacos & Tequila Bar | Chile relleno | 5/5 |
| La Hacienda | Fried chicken chimichanga | 4.5/5 |
| Bandido’s Mexican Cafe | Beef fajitas | 4.5/5 |
The 6 Best Mexican Restaurants in Chapel Hill
Que Chula Craft Tacos & Tequila Bar
140 W. Franklin St. #110, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, United States // +19199038000
Que Chula Craft Tacos & Tequila Bar is a fantastic Chapel Hill Mexican restaurant! You are greeted warmly by their pleasant personnel and instantly notice the vibrant interior decor. Very enjoyable.
This place was amazing! The décor of this restaurant is stunning. The colors are vivid, and the artwork portrays Mexican culture well.
The restaurant looks very clean and has a great area to sit inside, at the bar, or outside.
During the wait for your meal, they provide complimentary chips and salsa. I had the chile relleno, possibly one of the greatest I’ve ever eaten, and it was presented nicely.
I also tried the La Chula margarita, which you’ll want to order again and again!
My friend ordered their Que Chula Asada tacos and beans and a delicious cantarito that transported me to Tequila, Mexico!
I enjoyed the tacos and drinks on their patio. They make the best margaritas, and the beer on tap is reasonably priced and diverse.
Their service is excellent, and the food is innovative and inventive, not your regular dull Mexican fare.
The food on the menu with images was helpful, but it was difficult to pick because they all looked and sounded delicious—the food also appeared to be as artistically made as the restaurant itself!
I definitely recommend this Chapel Hill Mexican restaurant, which is conveniently located on Franklin Street!
La Hacienda
1813 Fordham Blvd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514, United States // +19199670207
This place really impressed me! Inside, the building is very spacious, fairly average for a Chapel Hill Mexican restaurant, and very clean.
Their food options were fantastic! There’s something for everyone, from tacos and fajitas to caldos, shrimp cocktails, and mojarras. The tortillas were fresh, and the quantities were generous!
As we walked in, my friend asked one of the servers whether they had menudo and was relieved when they responded yes. The server was prompt, and we soon got drinks and menus.
The server who served me was friendly and attentive without hovering, and the food was reasonably priced. The chips were delicate and crispy, and the salsa was spicy enough for me.
The menu was vibrant, and there was simply too much to choose from. We eventually settled on our standard options.
My friends got fried chicken chimichangas and menudo while I had a small shrimp cocktail.
We also had queso and guacamole, which were both delicious!! This is one of the few Mexican restaurants that served us all simultaneously.
My friend’s soup was enormous and served hot with chopped cilantro, onions, jalapenos, radishes, and tortillas.
The fried chicken chimichangas looked delicious, and she ate them all, which was unusual. My shrimp cocktail with avocados, onion, cilantro, and jalapenos was packed to the brim with flavor.
I really loved it! I ordered a small portion and was unable to finish it! I’m sure there were twenty shrimp in there.
For those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine in Chapel Hill, I highly recommend this restaurant.
Bandido’s Mexican Cafe
159 1/2 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514, United States // +19199675048
This place is fantastic! It’s on a nice causeway off Franklin. The inside has a warm and pleasant ambiance, and the art on the walls is quite welcoming. The service is outstanding. I adore all of the numerous pepper varieties available.
Bandido’s is one of my favorite Chapel Hill Mexican dining spots. Their food is really delicious. The combination is impressive, the portions are generous, and the pricing is reasonable.
The wait staff was friendly and attentive. He suggested a few items and directed me to the salsa bar. While you order, you will receive complimentary chips and salsa.
I can tell if I’m going to order dinner just by the quality of the chips and salsa. After the first crunch, I knew I was in Tex-Mex nirvana.
I tried the beef fajitas, and the enormous portion could have fed three people.
My friend had the Margarita Chicken Rice Bowl and was pleased. The bowl’s size made the serving appear less than it was. The chips and salsa were equally tasty, and he dipped some of the chips in his bowl.
The special beans were excellent. In fact, all of the food was.
We also drank a few beers. The hot sauce was hot. I was worried that it wouldn’t be too spicy because it was in Chapel Hill, but let me tell you, it was pretty spicy.
The food is really delicious! I highly recommend it! Maybe Chapel Hill’s best Mexican food place!
Cosmic Cantina
128 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514, United States // +19199603955
Where else can you get a delicious burrito at 3 a.m.? Calling Cosmic Cantina the best hole-in-the-wall Chapel Hill Mexican Restaurant is an understatement.
I know they easily got this title for Chapel Hill, but it’s one of the best I’ve ever gone to. Excellent food and service. The atmosphere is very chill and relaxed, and the cuisine is delicious.
You can get a delicious lunch that’s less than $4 that includes a burrito built with melted cheese, rice, salsa, black beans, sour cream, guacamole, chips, and salsa.
The pleasant staff knows all of the regulars’ names and orders. My favorite Chapel Hill Mexican restaurant for sure.
The beef burrito and the chicken quesadilla had a wonderful smokey, charred flavor. The guacamole was delicious. The regular-size burrito was enormous and left me feeling very full.
They have a laid-back order-at-the-window atmosphere. They have a modest beer variety, including Negra Modelo. Totally worth visiting!
Kahlovera Mexican Bar & Grill
504 Meadowmont Village Cir., Chapel Hill, NC 27517, United States // +19849994537
Kahlovera is a fantastic new spot for fast-casual Mexican food in Chapel Hill! From the moment I walked in, I could feel the warm and inviting atmosphere.
The restaurant was decorated with colorful murals, traditional pottery, and vibrant textiles, creating a cozy and authentic Mexican feel.
The menu was filled with so many mouth-watering options that it was hard to decide what to order. Luckily, our waiter was knowledgeable and helpful, giving us recommendations and suggestions, ultimately leading to an unforgettable meal.
To start, we ordered the tableside guacamole, the best I’ve ever had. Made fresh to order, the ripe avocados were perfectly mashed and mixed with tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro. It was the perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess, and we devoured it within minutes.
I chose pastor huaraches and passionfruit agua frescas for the entree, and they were terrific for the price.
The huaraches themselves were pretty huge and piled high with toppings, and they came with an extra side of rice.
The passionfruit agua frescas were delicious and generous in size.
Overall, I would highly recommend Kahlovera Mexican Bar & Grill to anyone looking for authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine in Chapel Hill.
The atmosphere is inviting, the service is excellent, and the food is out of this world. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, enchiladas, or something a little more adventurous, Kahlovera has something for everyone.
So why not head over, grab a margarita, and enjoy a flavorful and fun-filled meal? You won’t be disappointed!
Carrburritos
711 W. Rosemary St. #2315, Carrboro, NC 27510, United States // +19199338226
One fantastic Chapel Hill Mexican restaurant. Prices are reasonable. The staff is pleasant. This is the spot to go if you like fresh meals and delicious guacamole. Excellent every time!
Carrburritos’ menu is simple but flavorful, incorporating typical Mexican meals with a twist.
The price was reasonable for the amount of high-quality food you received. I ordered nachos, and the meat was so juicy that I couldn’t think of anything else to compare it to.
They also offered an excellent range of sodas. Some of the best Mexican meals I’ve ever eaten.
The burritos here are massive. I had the best chorizo burrito ever, and I was stuffed! It was just fantastic. The queso is well-seasoned and not at all bland.
The chips startled me; they’re conventional corn chips, but a handful tasted like deep-fried empanada breading. They have the flavor of pita but are so much more.
It’s been challenging to locate a nice affordable burrito spot in the triangle, but trust me when I say this establishment fulfills the criteria. Overall, a fantastic venue to eat “California-Mexican” cuisine in Chapel Hill.
FAQs Chapel Hill Mexican Restaurant
What types of Mexican food are available in Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill offers a variety of Mexican cuisine, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tamales, fajitas, and more.
What is the average cost of a Mexican meal in Chapel Hill?
The cost of a Mexican meal in Chapel Hill can vary depending on the restaurant and the dish, but the average price is around $10 to $15 per person.
Are there any Mexican restaurants in Chapel Hill that serve breakfast?
Yes, some Mexican restaurants in Chapel Hill serve breakfast dishes like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and breakfast burritos.
Do Mexican restaurants in Chapel Hill offer gluten-free options?
Many Mexican restaurants in Chapel Hill provide gluten-free options, such as corn tortillas or rice bowls instead of wheat tortillas.
Conclusion of the Best Chapel Hill Mexican Restaurants
As a lover of all things Mexican cuisine, I have to say that Chapel Hill truly has some of the best Mexican restaurants. From casual taquerias to upscale eateries, each spot has its unique vibe and delicious dishes that never disappoint.
Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy and flavorful or milder and comforting, Chapel Hill’s Mexican restaurants have you covered.
From classic dishes like tacos and burritos to more complex and adventurous ones like mole and ceviche, there’s something for everyone.
But it’s not just the food that makes these restaurants unique. It’s the atmosphere, too. Many of these spots have a warm and welcoming ambiance that makes you feel like you’re in Mexico.
You can hear the music, see the colorful decorations, and feel the energy of the people around you. It’s like taking a mini-vacation to Mexico without ever leaving Chapel Hill.
One of the things I love most about Chapel Hill’s Mexican restaurants is that they offer options for all dietary restrictions.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or a gluten-free eater, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine without sacrificing taste or quality.
And of course, no Mexican meal is complete without a refreshing margarita or cerveza. Luckily, Chapel Hill’s Mexican restaurants know how to mix up a mean margarita or serve up a cold beer.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for some of the best Mexican food in the Chapel Hill area, you won’t be disappointed.
With so many options to choose from, you’ll never run out of new and exciting dishes to try.
So why not gather up some friends, head out to one of these excellent Mexican restaurants, and enjoy a flavorful and fun-filled meal together? You won’t regret it!Which one of these spots for Mexican food in Chapel Hill do you most want to try? Let me know in the comments section below!
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Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever