My friend ordered 40 chicken tacos and 20 carne asada tacos, and I have to say: the carne asada completely stole the show. They were packed with so much flavor that I actually had to stop myself from falling into a full on "taco craze." Even the sides were hits the rice was perfectly moist and delicious, and the beans were delicioso. The Experience: The service is top-tier. The staff went above and beyond, helping us load the tacos securely into the car. read more

You've heard of it... you've wanted to try it... you've wondered if it's worth the trek down to Prison... and you know the reputation precedes it!!! That's right... it's PRISON TACO. Resoundingly, I would say, it's SO worth it! These are the most authentic, best-value, quick tacos in Atlanta. All were delicious, but if I was going to go back, I'd get at least three steak tacos. To DIE for. Now let me emphasize that this place is a no-frills, self-service, back-of-a-Mercado-across-from-the-prison place. Don't go thinking that you are going to get fancy service, but it is incredibly friendly and wonderful nonetheless. I can't wait to go back for more PRISON TACOS read more

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Can't go wrong here! Lovingly "prison tacos" has been a staple for many many years. A taqueria tucked into the back of a givers story. The burritos are huge! All food is fresh and made to order. If you can get past parking across the street from the federal prison to eat in the back of a super Mercado, you'll enjoy the vibes!! read more

I enjoyed the famous prison tacos !! This spot is definitely a hole in a wall! The people were nice and greeted us at the front! The experience was elite, roaming around the store while we waited for our tacos. I want to go back to to buy some of their meats to cook at home! I had the steak and chorizo tacos and fell in love. They were fresh and the salsa was the perfect addition, especially the green one. These are some of the best tacos on the east side I've found so far! See you soon! read more

When money is tight and it looks like it will be for a lot of people these days, this is a great place to go to get a couple of tacos that will fill you up. The guys behind the counter, our fish and they make great tacos and Moore. Try all the sauces !! There's people usually sitting down in there, but I usually take my home so I can enjoy read more

Incredible mexican food shop, located inside mini market El progreso #14, aka prision tacos, nice Latin style ambiance, food made with fresh ingredients, i ordered some eggs with veggies, service was excellent, very friendly. I will be back for sure. read more

El Progreso - Front kitchen - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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I go here for the grocery store AND the tacos. If you're DIY-ing Taco Tuesday (or taco any day), Progresso gotcha covered. Not sure where they source their avocados from, but they always have the best batch. I load up on cilantro, limes, cactus, and jalapenos from the produce section. Back in the meat section, I get a pound of 3 of the al pastor meat, ground beef, and chorizo. Lastly, I grab a Mexican Coke from the fridge, a random can of black beans, and I'm out. The taqueria part of the store is legit. I usually get them to make me an open-face burrito with carnitas or a taco trio with gringo, pastor, and chicken all on corn tortillas. I don't even make it out building before devouring at least two tacos. Service is fair. I see a lot of reviewers commenting about the language barrier. To me it's a testament to the authenticity and adds to the experience. read more

Great Mexican food for cheap. In the back of the convenience store. It has a few tables if you choose to eat there. Food is usually made quickly read more

My coworker recommended this place to me, he called it "prison tacos" though, which threw me off but I was able to find this place pretty quickly and easily anyways! The food/tacos are in the back of the store and it definitely seems like a mom and pop type of operation. Despite the hidden nature of this place and seemingly few customers, the food was amazing! I got 3 tacos but also asked for some rice, beans, and a little side salad since they don't do a taco platter (the platter comes with this stuff on the side)... the guy taking my order was a little confused at first but charged the extra stuff as something else, I'm not sure what, and I was able to get what I wanted! The prices are more than fair, the taste is on point, and they make the food pretty quickly (but not so quickly that you feel like it's pre-made or anything). They only had a little bit of the green salsa left when I went, whereas I think they usually have 2 types, but I LOVED the green salsa.. idk if it's some bottled kind, but the next time I go I plan on asking if it can be bought. The tacos themselves were perfectly constructed, good amount of filling and the onions and cilantro were the perfect mix. read more

El Progreso - Tacos, rice and beans, small salad - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

You gotta love a no-frills, neighborhood staple tucked away in the back of a grocery store, pumping out quality eats. That's exactly what El Progresso is. Stick with the tacos--they're all I've ever gotten from here, and they're a serious bang for your buck. read more

El Progreso - Tacos + arroz & frijoles - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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Bomb , bomb , bomb !!! As a California native living in GA for 10 years closets tasting tacos to home. Found this spot in the recent months and I am ashamed at home many times I've made the drive. lol I have taken friends and told friends as well. Top notch authentic street tacos. Food has been consistently good every time. Big boy at the register is rude as hell but I don't let that discourage me from ordering my food while others were ready to square up with him. read more

El Progreso - Carne Asada tacos with sour cream and cheese. - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Great tacos, great people and great produce/meats. It's been my weekly go-to for tacos for a while and hasn't disappointed yet.

This is a hidden gem! Everything on their menu is delicious and authentic, the customer service is excellent and the place is just a vibe.

These tacos are fantastic. This is what a taco should taste like. Mango juice was tasty, too. read more

El Progreso - Carnitas, Al pastor, carne asada - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Good street tacos. The chicken ones were dry and not good. We all thought the steak tacos were good. My husband ordered the steak burrito. It was good. There is a language barrier with one of the guys, which is understandable. The place was pretty dirty and expensive for quality. I wouldn't go back. read more

El Progreso - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I found about this place through a TikTok that was sent to me, as I love a street taco I knew I had to try. If you are in Atlanta you know you can find a few Mexican grocers around different neighborhoods, and oftentimes they have a full restaurant n the back. I happened to be in neighborhood and decided to make the stop on my way home. I arrived about 15/20 min before closing and understandably so was met with "Only asada tacos" I'm not a major beef fan, but decided to give it a go. Made fresh added extra cilantro and onions, made my sauces from the side and packed up and went home. The asada was fine, a bit chewy but I can manage that, the corn tortillas weren't the best, seemed rushed (they were closing, I get it) they fell apart which usually means they are undercooked. Overall I'd return for another try simple because I was the only to arrive at that time and there were about 5-10 others who had same idea as me. That alone let me know the food on a great day and time has to be better than my initial experience. read more

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These tacos are always amazing! Anytime I say 'prison tacos' my ATL friends immediately say 'damn those tacos are good!' Al Pastor and Carnitas are my favorite. Make sure to raid the salsa bar for flavorful options to pour on the tacos. I've been quite a few times so here are a few things: - Be nice the staff, leave the formal, judgy, snobby attitudes at home. - Food always tastes fresh and is hot! - The tacos are filling! I was full after 2 but I ate my third because they are delicious. - Good place to try something new - This is a takeout type of spot. - They do not accept AMEX. - While you wait, check out the Mexican grocery store it's in, they have some great packaged goods. read more

El Progreso - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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This place was recommended by a friend. Her husband said it was the closest I was going to get to authentic Mexican tacos. The best tacos I've had one the this side hands down. We had 2 tacos each and they were amazing the carne was so tender. My partner said the carne is better than the lamb, but it was also good. Even the kiddo loved it. The ambience is lacking but in Atlanta where everyone with a grass wall and gorgeous decor is mid with one or two dishes, I'll take delicious tacos and close my eyes if I have to. read more

Local Mexican grocery store with a small little kitchen in the back of the store. The have the best authentic tacos ever. During lunch time it gets pretty packed. But the service was quick and the orders were perfect. I tried the chicken taco and the pastor taco. They were absolutely amazing and delicious! They have self serve salsa which compliments the tacos perfectly. Each taco was $3 but so worth it. 10000/10 I recommend recommend!!!! read more

El Progreso - Chicken taco and Pastor (pulled pork) - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Y'all already know these beans and rice taste like grandma cooked them. The tacos bang and the authenticity is 100 percent. Had a burrito this last time just to try something new, but will stick to my usual from here on out. read more

El Progreso - a mexican restaurant menu - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Pretty good... i would just go crazy for their Lengua tacos(bias). Overall, it's good, has a funky smell, diverse, lots of choices, and mini market ;) read more

El Progreso - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Absolutely the best carne asada torta around! Also they have a vendor inside who sells mango sorbets which are delicious! The area is not the best but it's worth the trip. Many locals call this "prison taco" because of it's proximity to the Atlanta penitentiary, where AL Capone and many other infamous notables paid visits to over the years. It's basically a small store which specializes in Latin foods and the restaurant is a small carniceria in the back. It stays busy because of the selection of products and the chow is delicious. Highly recommend! read more

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El Progreso, more commonly known as "prison taco" due to its proximity to the rather striking federal penitentiary across the street, has been on my to-try list for over a year now. Their hours might not be the *most* reliable, as they closed early the first time I tried to eat there, but all you have to do is call ahead. Parking is also super easy and free. Now that I've finally been to prison taco, I know I'll be coming back frequently. The tacos have everything you need--great meat, cilantro, onion, lime juice, and beautiful salsas on perfect corn tortillas--and nothing you don't. Currently, most tacos are 2.89, and the lengua are 3.99. They have items on their menu other than tacos, but the tacos are the star. If you have a vegetarian along with you, they do make veggie tacos (rice, beans, lettuce, and cheese) along with veggie versions of some of their other items. It's not on the posted menu, but if you ask they'll gladly make it for you. I tried the al pastor and the lengua--two of each--which was plenty of food, as the tacos are piled high with meat. There is definitely spillage, so don't be afraid to get messy. The lengua is without a doubt the best lengua I've ever had. So tender and juicy on the inside, and perfectly crispy on the outside of each piece. If you're a bit skeptical about eating tongue, try the lengua here, and you'll be converted. I can also see why the al pastor is popular here! And al pastor is usually my favorite, however the lengua here is SO good that it honestly outshines the al pastor. Both are so good though and I can't wait to come back and try their other tacos. My vegetarian dinner buddy really liked their veggie tacos, too! read more

best tacos in atlanta. as someone who grew up in los angeles surrounded by authentic mexican food, i've been craving the real deal ever since i moved here. well, this is it. they're bumping fantastic music, inside a mexican grocery store. food comes fast, horchata is also amazing. pick up a chicharron from the carniceria right by where you order food or a pan dulce from the front. awesome spot. read more

El Progreso - chorizo, barbacoa, and al pastor tacos. the best tacos in atlanta - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

You know you're a true taco enthusiast when you're willing to step into a not-super-safe neighborhood for some legit, authentic eats! El Progreso is a no-frills Mexican grocery store located near the penitentiary (hence why this place is home to "prison tacos") and there's not much else in the surrounding area. If you're making a trip out here, you're most likely here for tacos, Mexican groceries, or both. We got here around 7:30 pm on a Saturday thinking we had plenty of time to order food and seat ourselves, but while the grocery store doesn't close until 9:30 pm, the back counter stops serving food before 8 pm...so get there early! They were about to close up shop but noticed the desperate/hungry looks on our faces, so one of the ladies kindly put a new pair of gloves on and went back behind the counter to serve us, which was not necessary but so very generous of her. We ordered two types of tacos: pastor and asada. The asada was okay (not super tender) but the pastor was EXCELLENT - tender and flavorful. Also, they have a serve-yourself salsa bar with some legitimately HOT options! Spicy fans will enjoy this. Overall, this is a cheap, authentic, and down-to-earth spot with excellent service...just be aware of your surroundings and don't have valuables in your car to be safe. I hope to come back and try some other tacos and menu items, as I know it'll all be legit. read more

El Progreso - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

This place is awesome! I am only giving 4 stars due to the cleanliness, but the food is so good that I am willing to look past that. We got steak, Al pastor, carnitas, chorizo, and barbacoa tacos. They were easily the best we've had in Atlanta. In fact, the steak taco took me the most by surprise, as I usually think of it as pretty ordinary, but it was one of my favorites! The amount of onion and cilantro were perfect, and the corn tortillas did not fall apart at first bite. I didn't particularly care for the salsa flavors, but if you're looking for heat, they have that. Overall it was a great experience and will be back for tacos and groceries! read more

El Progreso - Tacos - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Service is always good! The Food is literally the best in Atlanta! Authentic and never disappoints! read more

El Progreso - Here is the Menu Best Mexican food in Atlanta, literally eat here several times a week. Never disappointed - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Beat dam tacos I've had since leaving the west coast!! Good price and good flavor! Asada Tacos read more

Easy in and out with ample parking. Food was prepared fresh after ordering. Got a little busy which I interpreted as gonna be good. Salsa.was was fresh and spicy. Got the food home and it was delicious. read more

El Progreso - Fajito pollo - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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TLDR: Hidden gem for amazing tacos If you're in the Atlanta area and youre craving tacos, don't look any further because this spot has got you covered. It's located in the back of a Mexican grocery store so you know the ingredients are super fresh. It really is a hidden gem in the city - it's in the most unassuming store. The tacos are literally amazing for a pretty cheap price. They have a bunch of meats to choose from and they even have a salsa bar! This place is awesome - don't miss out! read more

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Amazing food, very authentic, reasonable prices, not so good covid precautions Came here to order dinner for takeout, we got one of every taco - six total. The total was $14. The taco stand is located in the back of a grocery store. Almost no covid precautions - nobody wearing masks. Food was extREMELY good. For 2.29 each you really can't beat it. Our favorites were the asada, pastor, and barbacoa, I thought the steak was a little dry. Love the food but would only go for takeout while being heavily masked... read more

El Progreso - Tacos - one of each - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

You ever been to Mexico and got off the beaten path away from the tourist traps? If you have this place will remind you of that. Haven't had a bad meal there. Tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillos, doesn't matter. All great and authentic. Even the french fries are good. Best in town hands down for the price points. read more

Best El Pastor tacos in ATL! Flavor was amazing. We had a ground of 7 and they order was fast. Definitely recommend read more

El Progreso - El Pastor tacos - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Authentic street tacos right in front of the federal prison! Muy Delicious!! Must try!

This place is incredibly dirty, just look around and behind the counter. Meat in the cases isn't stored properly.

The tacos are the best around - hands down. $2.69 each and the flavors are spot on - served with a lime and that is all you need. Can't believe that I haven't heard of this place, but I definitely will be back! read more

Beat tacos I had in a minute. Too good to gatekeep! Juicy tender flavorful meat. I got the carne asada and it was GREAT, my friend Sarah got chorizo and it was also SO FLAVORFUL AND DELICIOUS!! read more

El Progreso - Carne Asada tacos - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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Ep. 49 of Antlantaeats (Mexican Edition) This place definitely gave me a "prison movie vibe" lol but the Tacos were amazing. (There's a real prison across the street) I ordered 4 Tacos: 1. Steak 2. Mexican Sausage 3. Mexican BBQ 4. Pollo My top 2 fav was the Steak & Mex BBQ. There's a spicy dark red sauce they have that you can portion, it goes GREAT on the Tacos (if you like spicy). This is one of the hidden hole in a wall joints but worth a visit! read more

El Progreso - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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One stop shop for all your authentic Mexican needs. The tacos are on point. The mangonada chamoy was extremely refreshing and hits the spot. read more

El Progreso - Mangochamoy - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Home sweet home, the food, the family, this is the essence of life. I drove up admiring the nearby architecture and then realized it was a prison, but does that take away from the prison? I think not. I came here for the tacos and it did not disappoint. They had the classics, and I tried one of them all. It was beautiful flavors all coming together and salsas of all varieties nearby to experiment with. This reminded me of the tacos of old on the street trucks coming by. I would highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for a classic low budget taco spot that hits you in all the right places. read more

El Progreso - Butcher Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia