No one expects to find authentic Mexican cuisine in a small North Carolina town like Asheboro. But sometimes—when you’re craving real carnitas, not just another fast-food burrito—you realize this unassuming community holds hidden treasures. Unlike bigger cities, Asheboro’s gems aren’t flashy or crowded, which means you’ll need local knowledge to find them. But hey, at least it beats settling for bland chain restaurants. Here are the most authentic Mexican spots in Asheboro.
La Poblanita Taquería & Antojitos
$ | (336) 997-8865 | WEBSITE
La Poblanita is that hidden food truck in front of the Asheboro Aldi parking lot where we’ve spent countless lunch breaks chasing flavor without breaking the bank. Stick with the dollar street tacos—those little corn tortillas piled with your choice of meat and that addictive spicy green sauce. Everything else might be hit-or-miss, but those tacos deliver exactly what you came for: fast, friendly service and a budget-friendly meal that actually tastes like something.
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant #3
$ | (336) 625-6700 | WEBSITE
The Mexican food scene in Asheboro is hit-or-miss, but at least there’s La Hacienda. You won’t find this place topping any best-of lists, but if you’re craving solid Mexican fare with fresh ingredients and reliable service, your needs will be met. The atmosphere is pleasant enough, parking is easy, and they accommodate families and dietary restrictions without fuss. It’s the kind of spot where you know exactly what you’re getting: decent food, friendly staff, and no surprises.
Tres Garcias Mexican Restaurant
$ | (336) 628-4522 | WEBSITE
This Asheboro gem is one of the few Mexican spots in town where the salsa doesn’t taste like it came from a jar. The mild version is perfectly balanced, and you can take some home, which feels generous for a family-owned place. The Que Cusuelas dish is also excellent, with chicken breast, grilled onions, carne asada strips, and chorizo all cooked just right, like the fresh corn tortillas.
The California Chicken Burrito is equally satisfying, and everyone in the cozy dining room is admiring the beautiful Mexican artwork while the friendly staff keeps things running smoothly.
La Casita Restaurant
$ | (336) 628-4186 | WEBSITE
Sometimes in Asheboro you just want to eat something authentic and thoughtfully prepared without the usual chain-restaurant routine. La Casita Restaurant is a perfect choice for exactly that. There’s a wonderful selection of scratch-made Hispanic dishes, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available for those who want them. The food and service are excellent, though prices run a bit higher than some might expect—think $18–$25 for a main—but you’re paying for care and quality.
Customers appreciate the family values and hard work put into the place, and the owner often steps in personally if anything isn’t right. It’s a hidden gem worth trying when you’re in the mood for homemade Hispanic cuisine in a warm, unpretentious setting.
Taco Bell
$ | (743) 220-2632 | WEBSITE
The fact that this Taco Bell still draws a crowd in Asheboro should tell you how reliable it is for a quick meal. We’re not mad that this spot has stuck around, though. This location of the familiar chain has solid tacos, burritos, and a clean lobby where you grab your order before heading out. The staff is friendly and gets things right, even if the dining room tables could use a wipe-down. It’s a high-recommended spot for a bite, though they need to step up cleaning to keep it that way.
Ice cream/Taquería Los Dos Gallos
$ | (336) 740-5923 | WEBSITE
The art of eating tacos and watching the world go by was perfected at parks. Our favorite place to do it in Asheboro is at Ice cream/Taquería Los Dos Gallos. This welcoming taquería (around $8 for a burrito) is right across from the park and the perfect spot to prove that dining without excellent salsa is—quite literally—for the birds.
Cantina Taco Loco
$ | (336) 628-0158 | WEBSITE
You’re not going to find white-tablecloth dining at Cantina Taco Loco, but this authentic Mexican spot is your top choice in Asheboro. The menu is expansive compared to typical taco joints, but still shines with highlights like the spicy pork tacos, beef tongue tacos, and the fiery chorizo (a daring choice before a night out, we admit). The in-house corn tortillas make everything taste fresher, and while the space gets tight when crowded, the friendly owner and staff keep things running smoothly.
With a lively bar side and a cozier dining area, plus that handy takeout window, it delivers exactly what you want from a local favorite.
Don Julio Cocina Mexicana
$ | (336) 628-4834 | WEBSITE
The standout of Asheboro’s Mexican dining scene makes its mark on the local food landscape, and your taste buds are all the better for it. The casual Mexican spot has a variety of solid gluten-free options and a particularly good shrimp pasta with chipotle cream sauce.
Baja Bowls
$ | (336) 628-4679 | WEBSITE
The drive to Baja Bowls in Asheboro is only slightly longer than a trip to the grocery store, but at least your reward will be one of the best Mexican spots in town. The menu is a little straightforward: there are five protein bowls available with different bases, and you choose whether you want carnitas, tinga chicken, or marinated pork (we’d go with the flavorful carnitas, their house specialty).
If you’re not in the mood for a hearty, satisfying bowl, they also do vegetarian options, keto-friendly plates, and gluten-free alternatives.
Taqueria El Jarocho en Asheboro
$ | (336) 465-7917 | WEBSITE
Asheboro has its share of what you might call ‘hidden gems’—spots that locals know but rarely make the tourist guides. Taqueria El Jarocho en Asheboro is one of those genuine finds. The menu is all about authentic Mexican street food with its empanadas with toppings and sopes de asada, but if you’re looking for a sure thing go with the pork burrito praised for its delicious flavor and generous portion. Be sure to wash it down with some of the horchata they make fresh daily, too.
Taqueria Mi Ranchito
$ | (336) 628-0808 | WEBSITE
Asheboro’s Mexican food scene has its share of forgettable spots, places where you settle for bland tacos and watery salsa (one joint down the road serves a “spicy” chicken burrito that’s anything but). You’re not finding better than the combo plates at the big chains, so why bother? When life gives you mediocre Mexican, head to Taqueria Mi Ranchito. Their barbacoa tacos, al pastor quesadilla, and steak huarache come with tortillas that actually taste handmade.
The quesabirria stands out—tender meat dunked in rich birria broth. Even the lengua tacos, a rarity around here, are worth ordering. The agua frescas actually have flavor. It’s the one place that doesn’t make you compromise.
Taqueria Los Molcajetes
$ | (336) 736-8750 | WEBSITE
Asheboro has several Mexican spots, but this is the best one if you’re craving authentic flavors. Despite what the name suggests, there’s a full menu of things like burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and even mojarra available. The sincronizadas are particularly recommended, and the restaurant’s nostalgic atmosphere makes it a great spot to bring family and friends.
Señor Sazón Mexican Antojitos
$ | (336) 662-2208 | WEBSITE
Yes, this authentic Mexican spot is quickly becoming a favorite in Asheboro—and for good reason—but in a need-a-reliable-meal pinch, their carne asada hits the spot (and is good for taking home). The generous portion is packed with perfectly seasoned steak, plus hand-made tortillas, rice, beans, and a delicious cheese dip. The salsa is highlighted for its appealing taste, even for those who aren’t big on spicy foods.
San Felipe Mexican Restaurant
$ | (336) 629-5633 | WEBSITE
The Asheboro Mexican spot tucked in a shopping center makes perfect sense for families. Head to this place for dinner—we usually order the shredded chicken or the street corn—and then sit comfortably and appreciate why you thought bringing the kids out for a weeknight meal was a good idea.
Burrito Brothers
$ | (336) 328-0168 | WEBSITE
Burrito Brothers recently got a much-needed glow-up and is now one of the nicer places to eat in Asheboro. Our top pick is the chicken fajitas. Not only is the chicken juicy and the peppers crisp, the tortillas arrive hot and fresh. Consider this a one-stop celebration spot.
LA BAMBA CHARCOAL GRILL CHICKEN AND RIB
La Bamba Charcoal Grill Chicken and Rib is where you’ll find the best Mexican food in Asheboro, probably because they’ve perfected the formula for consistent quality. When we’re craving something satisfying, our go-to is the steak fajita quesadilla, a generous portion that’s always hot and flavorful. Enjoy it on the patio with a refreshing drink, though some might skip the house margarita if they’re particular about their cocktails.
It’s also home to the friendliest service in town, with staff who make you feel welcome every time.
Taqueria Tacorriendo El Chino
$ | (336) 629-0424 | WEBSITE
Yes, $3.50 for one lengua taco from this family-owned Asheboro spot is a steal, but that’s life when you’re eating authentic Mexican. The tender meat and toppings are flavorful, though, and the taco itself is pretty satisfying. Throw in a burrito stuffed with asada and homemade fixings, and you’ll be full until tomorrow.