Los Nenes is a hidden gem to grab some authentic tacos & some baked goods. It is tucked away in a strip mall. The tacos were large and Delia. The asada were packed to the gills! Totally worth the money! Go give Los Nenes a try! read more

Los Nenes Bakery - 3 asada no onion - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Taco review! TL;DR - get the carnitas, only available on weekends. It's hard to spend a better $2.50. When I heard that the creator of the Asheville Taco Map named our local panaderia and Latin market Los Nenes one of his top stops for tacos, I was excited. That plus the fact that they serve carnitas on the weekend and I already stop in regularly to buy their fantastic homemade salsa, and this had to happen ASAP. So after binge-watching Netflix's "Taco Chronicles," we got in line the next possible Saturday behind lots of hungry families ordering steaming catering trayfuls of carnitas and chicharrones by the pound. It all looked great and we definitely over-ordered tacos. We settled on two carnitas, two barbacoa de borrego (lamb v. beef, thank you Google Translate), and one lengua and chicken taco each. The taquero behind the counter was all smiles and kindly let us sample the chicken to make sure the spice-level was OK for our sensitive babe (consider it toddler-approved). Good to know: 1) pay at the grocery register after you order, before you eat in/carryout; 2) don't forget to toss a couple bucks in the empty jug on top of the deli case labeled "propinas gracias"; 3) beans and rice are only available weekdays; 4) watch out for small bone chips in the barbacoa. The meats all seem to be made in house, while, according to the article, Los Nenes sources the tortillas from Georgia (https://www.citizen-times.com/story/entertainment/dining/2019/07/01/ashevilles-10-best-tacos-according-taco-map-creator-luis-martinez/1489531001/). The person behind the counter warms the tortillas to order in a panini press and makes the tacos right in front of you. (Try not to drool on the window glass.). Then get in line to pay the cashier and head up the steps to the refrigerator area to grab your preferred toppings, pickles, lime wedges, and house-made salsa (the green is gluten-free; haven't confirmed about the red, but probably). As a condiment junkie and raw-onion hater, this was the ideal setup for me to customize each bite. My stomach is growling just remembering! The tacos are overstuffed with meat and come encased in two thin, pliable corn tortillas. The meltingly tender, moist carnitas were our favorite, especially topped with some acidic toppings to blast through the rich meat. A little sprinkle of salt and squeeze of fresh lime, and they were totally crave-worthy. The barbacoa were also tasty, if a little less thrilling. Lengua we both found a bit dry and gamey - much better elsewhere. Chicken is breast strips stewed with peppers and onions and a tad bland on its own but a good bite with salsa. And the salsa roja is off the hook with charred pepper bits and a good dose of salt - so addictive. Overall I think there are better taco joints, notably Muñoz and the Los Tacotes truck in front of Root Bar in EAVL. And it's definitely a no-frills experience at Los Nenes - you're eating in a little butcher shop/bakery/grocery market. But Los Nenes is the first taco joint here I've found making traditional confit-ed carnitas. And they are really good! The line of folks hailing from Latin America knows what's up. We will definitely be back for carnitas! And I recommend buying the $1 Styrofoam cups of their homemade salsa anytime you want an upgrade for your chips, stews, or sauces at home. Thank me later :) read more

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Surprisingly Awesome. This little Spanish convenience store might scare some southern mountain people at first. What is this strange place? A bakery, grocery store, party supplies, deli, and restaurant, all-in-one? Confusing at first I know, but for someone who is from South Florida, I feel like the latin culture seeped into me veins down there, must have been the heat or that no one speaks English. Either way, it feels a little like home and even though I can't understand the Spanish on the television I appreciate the whole place being true to itself. The grocery items are crazy cheap but that's not why I find myself going there.In a town where tacos are EVERYWHERE, this place stands out. You're not going to find trendy hipster kimchi tacos here. Frankly, I think these are better. No frills, just good ole' proven recipes. They aren't trying to be cool, the food is just good. I super appreciate their pepper and salsa bar. You're able to try different pickled peppers and I can add as much cilantro as I'd like myself without seeming weird like at chipoltle where I have to say, no not enough keep going. This place is a gem for those looking for cheap eats at a place that is different. read more

Los Nenes Bakery - Al Pastor Taco. So good!! - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Beautifully executed baked goods! Heaps of ready made eats & groceries galore! A little piece of heaven! read more

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Somewhat hard to find (in a strip mall by the Aldi), but great food once you get there. Ordering is also a little different, since you place your request at one end of the butcher shop, then pay for the order, and then pick up the food, but all you need to know is about the quality of the meat that goes into their tacos. Some of the best flavors I've had in any taco place - I tried the carnitas, al pastor, and the barbacoa de borrego. My only mistake was to order 3 of them, because they give you so much more meat than other taquerias. The meat is seasoned beautifully and extremely juicy as well. Delicious with or without the variety of condiments available (salsas, lime, cilantro, onion), but who really wants to eat a taco without salsa. This is most definitely my new go-to spot for tacos in all of Asheville. read more

I ordered a cake for my sons 3rd birthday. this sunday 10-26-11 Mater McQueen themed cake with a racetrack . the cake look horrible the colors weren't the same the cake didn't taste like tres leches. I ordered a peach with almonds and I got peach with pineapple. I wont go there again. read more

They're as good as it gets this far north of the border! Their meats are seasoned perfectly, the salsa bar lets you choose and use all you want. An added bonus--the shop has a delicious bakery and butcher's shop. Some of the best authentic chorizo you can buy in Asheville! read more

I first noticed Los Nenes when I was at Neo Burrito, and I'm so glad I stopped in. I hadn't yet found a good panadería in Asheville, and this is now my go-to place. Los Nenes is a typical Latin convenience store, with packaged grocery items, sodas, and Mexican candy, but their bakery is BEYOND. Every morning they make ollas, donas, almuada, barquillos... you name it, they've got it. They have huge selection of freshly baked sweets, and as at any other panadería, it's all incredibly cheap. My partner and I usually get 2 baked goods each for less than $4. You owe it to yourself to stop in and sample a few of their treats. read more

Best place in Asheville for all your favorite Mexican treats! The panaderia and carneceria hits home for me!

Love all the baked goods. They stay fresh tasting several days.. if they last that long!!!

Hidden gem in Asheville! A must try for both locals and visitors like me! From awesome Mexican pastries to the original Coca Cola in a glass bottle and more! read more

Los Nenes Bakery - This is a hidden gem! From the awesome Mexican pastries to cane sugar based Coca Cola and so much more. Definitely worth a stop! - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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