Gonza Tacos y Tequila

4 out of 5 stars

Gonza Tacos y Tequila has a really hard-to-remember name, but the experience is memorable. The lighting is low, with pretty lanterns hanging above. Don’t worry, it’s not like at Dos Taquitos North where you might be on a date with a stranger because you found your way back to the wrong seat.

I chose the House Margarita from the menu ($6.) It was tasty, sure. Dawn ordered a Spicy Pepita ($8). It’s billed as a spicy margarita, which it’s not. It’s more of a cucumber martini with a hint of spice. I offered to trade drinks but she refused, so it must’ve been tasty enough.

The queso dip, alas, is similar to any queso dip you’d find, but here it’s $5. Add chorizo and I’m sold.

My carne (steak) tacos were delicious, with cheese, tender steak, avocado and onion on flour tortillas. All the taco plates come with three tacos and a side dish. So it’s fun to order a variety amongst friends and share. I traded Brian one of my steak tacos for a carnitas, but I preferred mine to his in the end. The side salad that came with the tacos was yummy, with jicama and orange segments and a light dressing. Dawn had el platano, which was a fried plantain filled with steak.

We found everything fresh and flavorful, better than a most of the other options for Mexican food in North Raleigh. And though the lighting here seems date-like, there were also a number of families with kids here, enjoying some tacos. I’d like to bring my boys here so they can sample the fare. I recommend that you give it a shot!