Welcome to Taqueria La Vaquita
**Our Story: Taqueria La Vaquita**
Nestled in the heart of Durham, NC, Taqueria La Vaquita invites you to savor the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine. This charming taqueria is celebrated for its vibrant outdoor seating and the iconic cow adorning its roof, creating a unique dining atmosphere. With a menu brimming with mouthwatering tacos, burritos, and tortas, each dish is crafted to deliver bold flavors that evoke nostalgia. Loyal patrons rave about the flavorful salsas and grilled meats, making it a beloved local gem. Whether you're enjoying a casual meal or grabbing takeout, Taqueria La Vaquita promises a delightful culinary experience worth revisiting.
- 2700 Chapel Hill Rd, Durham, NC 27707 Hotline: (919) 402-0209
Welcome to Taqueria La Vaquita, a hidden gem nestled in Durham, NC, that is redefining the taco experience. Located at 2700 Chapel Hill Rd, this vibrant eatery captures the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine, offering an array of delicious tacos, tortas, and other traditional delights that promise to tantalize your taste buds.
The moment you arrive at Taqueria La Vaquita, you’re welcomed by the iconic cow on the roof, a playful nod to the restaurant's namesake and hinting at the treasures that await inside. With a layout reminiscent of a local food truck, the outdoor seating creates a convivial atmosphere that invites you to enjoy a casual meal in the fresh air.
As a food reviewer, it's rare to encounter a menu where each dish tells a unique story, but Taqueria La Vaquita does just that! Here are some standout offerings that deserve your attention:
- Asada Taco – A classic grilled marinated beef taco, dressed with fresh cilantro and onions, this dish encapsulates traditional flavors that are hard to resist.
- Pollo Taco – BBQ chicken enveloped in a warm corn tortilla, bursting with the robust flavors of cilantro and onions. Perfect for any meat lover!
- Lengua Taco – For the adventurous eater, this Veracruz-style braised beef tongue taco is a luxurious option that showcases the expertise behind the recipes.
- Fish Tacos – Offering a taste of the sea, these tacos feature grilled tilapia with fresh pico de gallo, providing a light and refreshing contrast.
- Burritos – Each burrito is a generous flour tortilla filled with grilled steak or chicken, rice, beans, and topped with satisfying salsa, ensuring you get a hearty meal.
What’s remarkable is that customer reviews echo an undeniable appreciation for the authenticity of their dishes. Patrons rave about how Taqueria La Vaquita delivers true Mexican flavors, steering clear of the Tex-Mex interpretations many are accustomed to. From the vibrant salsas that pack a punch to the robust burritos, each bite is a tribute to traditional cooking.
I was particularly enthralled by the Taquitos Dorados, where four rolled corn tortillas filled with chicken and fried to perfection evoke cravings that linger long after the last bite. Coupled with freshly made chips and salsa, it was an experience that celebrated the spirit of Mexican street food.
But it isn't just the food that shines; the friendly service and community-focused ambiance invite you to linger longer, making it a perfect stop whether you're dining solo or with friends and family. As one customer noted, "Everything was fine," yet the culinary experience exceeded the straightforward remark. It’s about enjoying simple yet incredible food in an inviting environment.
In a world where dining options are abundant, Taqueria La Vaquita stands out not just for its fare but for its heartfelt approach to service and quality. If you are seeking a delightful culinary escape in Durham, make sure to add this outstanding taqueria to your must-try list. You won’t regret it!

This place is a hidden gem. I was in town for the holidays from Texas but wanted Authentic Mexican food. I liked on Yelp and came across this place. I got the Asada Burrito and a Carnitas taco. Both were legit Mexican, not TexMex that people consider Mexican. Their Salsas are also legit. Don't sleep on those salsas. Great flavor.

This place serves the best pupusas and tacos in Durham. Everyone is friendly, music is great, and it is easy to get in and out of.

Great food, reasonable prices. No indoor seating on a cold day so carry-out was required for me.

The molé was very satisfying. Service was very good. Everything else was fine. I will be getting food from here again.

Awesome place in Durham. Great place to set outside and enjoy the weather. Food is authentic and great. $3 tacos

We went here due to Yelp and trying to find a place to eat. This place is hidden in the forest and sort of like a food truck experience. It is outdoor dining. The prices are a little up their in price compared to in Texas. I got the tripa, tongue taco and I can not recall the other one plate. It came with rice and beans. It does take awhile for you to get the food as I think we waited 20 minutes for our food. You can order ahead of time as well. The food was good, but it is something I can get here in Dallas. I am sure this place serves the community well

Atmosphere: Taqueria La Vaquita is a cute local stand with outdoor seating. People may recognize the iconic cow on the roof, and the outdoor area makes for a lovely meal out on a sunny day. Service: We ordered at the counter, and our food came out relatively quickly for pickup! Food: We ordered the Enchiladas en Salsa Verde and the Carne Asada Plate. The Enchiladas en Salsa Verde were decent - we would've liked a bit more chicken, but it tasted great otherwise. The Carne Asada Plate was also pretty good. The grilled pineapples and jalapeños made the dish extra flavorful, and the portions overall were filling. Overall: We enjoyed our experience at Taqueria La Vaquita. The food was solid and the atmosphere was humble and comfortable. Not quite the mind blowing, 5-star experience that some of our friends have raved about, but nevertheless we think that everyone should try out this local favorite!

Authentic. Delicious. Affordable. Three words that describe this amazing taqueria! I was told about this spot from a friend and said it is a must visit and it so is. Taqueria La Vaquita is tiny meaning if you blink you will miss this gem on the corner. The gem is a larger trailer with two windows and menus on the outside detailing all the goodness they have going on inside. There is outside seating, but they have to go options as well. I decided to get three tacos with all beans and chips and salsa. The three tacos I got was the Pollo, al pastor, and beef. Wow!! The tacos are small, but pack a lot of flavor in each bite. The meat is grilled to perfection with the cilantro, cabbages, and onions making a great side appearance as well. They give you just enough food to satisfy and a little left over to fill that satisfaction again! Such a great go to spot!! A must while in the Durham area!