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The Original El Taco

The Original El Taco

Mexican Restaurant and Taco Restaurant$$$$
Virginia Highland, Atlanta
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8.2/10
254
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at Eater and AJC recommend this place
    • Eater
    • AJC
  • Tips
    Micah
    "The fried chicken tacos are delicious!"(13 Tips)
    Sara D.
    "Pitches of the best frozen mojitos"(5 Tips)
    Eric K.
    "Also great margaritas, and the royale cheese dip rocks."(16 Tips)
    365Atlanta.com
    "fried chicken taco & a pork carnitas taco"(3 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon93 Tips and reviews
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  • margaritas
  • sangria
  • great value
  • chili
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  • Bobby N.heart icon on user image
    Bobby NooromidApril 4, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    Solid go-to for brunch, lunch or dinner with friendly staff, great service, outdoor seating, a salsa bar, and delicious cocktails. Make sure to get a Fifth Group card to use at their different spots.
  • Ayesha G.heart icon on user image
    Ayesha G.August 8, 2014
    Finally found a taco that measures up to my Texas expectations....this place is a must try if you are looking for good Texas style tacos. The fried chicken is delicious and so is the queso & guac!!
  • Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
    Chef Wolitzky will investigate Challah, Babka, Coffee Cake & Rugelach and how these breads and pastries symbolize great moments with family in the South at Atlanta Food & Wine Festival 5/29-6/1. Read more
  • Joy C.
    Joy CameronJuly 27, 2014
    The smoked chicken and chorizo tacos are divine. 😍😍😍 This place makes you leaving here wanting more. The chalkboard menu has great options as well.
  • Matt D.heart icon on user image
    Matt DermodyNovember 30, 2018
    Been here 5+ times
    Short Stack and Fried Chicken tacos are solid. Specials are generally fun as well. $5 Margs on Thursday
  • 365Atlanta.comheart icon on user image
    365Atlanta.comMay 18, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Truly the best sangria in town. The traditional red wine and fruit juice with chunks on fresh fruit on the rocks...with a little rum for good measure! You'll love it - and you'll thank me.
  • Eater
    EaterJuly 15, 2016
    There aren't many places that offer chicken liver tacos, but this Virginia-Highland restaurant is one of them. Read more
  • alem e.
    alem e.December 17, 2012
    ...gotta try the fish taco...pork taco...hell all their tacos...even the veggie taco is good and im a meat lover so you know it has to be good...
  • Charles S.
    Charles SimmonsJanuary 24, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    focus on the box at the top left of the menu, this is where the real gems of the menu are; the sope, crispy tamale, etc... or just grab the short stack, you can't go wrong with that.
  • Andrea C.heart icon on user image
    Andrea ClevengerJune 6, 2015
    Don't forget to hit up the salsa bar! The Demonic mango, habanero salsa is legit! Flavorful and spicy!!
  • Sam L.heart icon on user image
    Sam LackFebruary 14, 2019
    The white chicken chili (on special) was good, and the fried chicken taco delicious! Great variety of salsas.
  • TJheart icon on user image
    TJFebruary 19, 2013
    Definitely try the Roasted Chicken Taco and the Home-made Chorizo Taco. Definitely two of my favorites. And the salsa is good too.
  • AJC
    AJCMay 13, 2015
    After a few spins of the wheel, and an order of queso royale, we dive into a frozen mojito. And it's just what it sounds like - rum, mint and lime, blended and served frozen.
  • Timothy B.
    Timothy BallistyJanuary 3, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Great guacamole here - I dare say some of the best in Atlanta. Chips are solid however recently the tasty seasoning on the chips has been missing. Bring it back! Hopefully it was just temporary.
  • Christina W.heart icon on user image
    The fried chicken taco is to die for. Don't forget to order chips so you can try out all of their salsas from the salsa bar.
  • 365Atlanta.comheart icon on user image
    365Atlanta.comNovember 14, 2010
    Been here 10+ times
    The perfect El Taco meal: lime-salted chips with fresh guac & queso, a fried chicken taco & a pork carnitas taco, and a pitcher of the best sangria in town. You'll thank me!
  • Tim L.
    Tim LampeJanuary 7, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Right after biting into a fried chicken taco, your life will flash before your eyes. Mainly because you'll wonder how you went this long in your life without this taco.
  • TJheart icon on user image
    TJFebruary 19, 2013
    I can't remember what type of margarita this is, but it's not the house nor the Texas one. It's a lot stronger. I think Aguva or whatever is in it. All I know is I like it.
  • Chris W.
    Chris WebbJanuary 20, 2010
    Been here 50+ times
    I love El Taco and have eaten here many times. If you are looking for something different, check out D.B.A. BBQ next door. They have great BBQ and great service. A must in Virginia Highlands! Read more
  • Chad E.
    Chad ElkinsApril 14, 2011
    Have you ever eaten cactus? Yes...cactus! The veggie taco is one of my favorites in town and contains this unique and delicious ingredient.
  • Elle G.heart icon on user image
    Elle GreenMay 11, 2015
    The food was "meh" to me.They didn't have the tequila I wanted.The waiter kept rushing us to order & they forget to give us our "wheel" tickets. I liked that they put radishes in our guacamole though.
  • Cheapism
    CheapismMarch 4, 2011
    Their fried chicken tacos are delicious, the salsa bar is expansive, and the frozen mojitos are nice and strong. Taco’s are from $2.95 to $3.95. Read more
  • Oakland Cemetery
    Oakland CemeteryNovember 4, 2010
    Crave from the Grave: Can't resist getting the fried chicken, Mexican chorizo, and pork carnitas tacos...and washing it all down with a real Mexican Coke float!
  • Chris Y.heart icon on user image
    Chris YatesJuly 13, 2012
    Been here 25+ times
    Danny, Wes, et al will steer you straight with a salsa trio & jalapeño margarita! Don't miss out...
  • Matt D.heart icon on user image
    Matt DermodyNovember 30, 2018
    Been here 5+ times
    Off menu spicy margarita called the El-apeño is the move.
  • Pete W.heart icon on user image
    Pete WeimannFebruary 19, 2016
    Been here 10+ times
    Wide variety of tasty margaritas and tequilas. Thumbs up on Mexican pizza.
  • AJC
    AJCAugust 1, 2014
    It embodies a dignity Sala never could claim while retaining a totally casual attitude -- the kind of place where families feel as at home as frat boys. Read more
  • Dee B.
    Dee BNovember 4, 2012
    Their tacos are great and drinks are creative! Go and enjoy yourself!
  • TV Food Maps
    TV Food MapsOctober 7, 2015
    Check out The Original El Taco as it was featured on Taco Trip for Mexican and southern fusion. Read more
  • Molly S.
    Molly SandmanJuly 7, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    The jalapeño margarita is delicious!
  • Matt S.
    Matt SellersApril 20, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    The fried chicken taco is fantastic, but the smoked chicken is a good sleeper pick.
  • Belinda A.
    Belinda AllenMarch 24, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    I love the fish tacos. Not spicy, just delicious!
  • Austin R.heart icon on user image
    Austin RussellJuly 17, 2013
    Been here 100+ times
    Definitely try the new BLTaco. The Red Fish taco is not to shabby either.
  • Ayesha G.heart icon on user image
    Ayesha G.August 30, 2014
    Fried chicken tacos. Best queso I have had in Atlanta
  • Stefan K.heart icon on user image
    Stefan KallweitSeptember 21, 2011
    Been here 25+ times
    You can even order food compliant with the 4HB "slow carb diet" - fajitas, black beans and grilled scallions
  • Julie J.
    Julie JEWELeSJune 22, 2012
    Try the Carnitas, Veggie, & Smoked Trout Tacos - My meal!
  • CJ A.heart icon on user image
    CJ ArmourJuly 17, 2019
    Tacos are a bit pricey, but worth it.
  • Julie J.
    Julie JEWELeSJune 22, 2012
    Try the Caipirinha, Different Salsas, & Chips - Watching the #NBAFINALS & grubbing!
  • Helencarnateheart icon on user image
    HelencarnateMay 27, 2012
    Been here 50+ times
    Fried chicken tacos and fried fish tacos. Fried deliciousness.
  • Giggles M.
    Giggles McGOctober 30, 2010
    Ask for Kirsten. Try the margaritas reales. Best marg in town. Enchiladas are your best bet.
  • Atlanta on the Cheap
    Check in on Sat/Sun from 11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., & you'll get a free house margarita. (starts at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays)
  • Alex R.heart icon on user image
    Alex RavenelApril 21, 2016
    Been here 50+ times
    The chips are awesome. Try not to fill up on them.
  • 4sqATL
    4sqATLMay 10, 2013
    Thank you to The Original El Taco for being a 2013 Atlanta Foursquare Day sponsor. Read more
  • Austin R.heart icon on user image
    Austin RussellApril 29, 2013
    Been here 100+ times
    Nacho libre: thursday nights 8:30 - 10:30
  • Eric K.
    Eric KeithJanuary 19, 2011
    Best fish tacos ever. Also great margaritas, and the royale cheese dip rocks.
  • Austin R.heart icon on user image
    Austin RussellOctober 20, 2012
    Been here 100+ times
    Green Chile Chicken enchiladas are a must
  • Steve T.
    Steve ToneyMarch 9, 2012
    Danny is the best server I've ever had. So nice and knowledgable.
  • Micah
    MicahJanuary 12, 2014
    The fried chicken tacos are delicious!
  • Tim L.
    Tim LampeJanuary 26, 2015
    Been here 10+ times
    "A true revelation!" - Me, upon tasting the cheese dip
  • Michelle F.
    Michelle FordMay 31, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    The sangria and classic trio is the perfect fix for a long day.
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