Salsa Fresh

Family-owned & operated

Speaks Spanish

I visited the Durham location (which doesn't seem to have a profile on here, but the experience was…read moreso good I still wanted to post). It was MAGNÍFICA The manager, or owner checked on us multiple times and our server was super attentive. The food looked like a dream and was hot, well-seasoned, and all around delicious. We got a 60oz margarita and it was not only huge, but had scrumptious, fresh fruit and was refreshing and strong - idek how you do that! Lastly, the place was so cute! It felt elegant and made us want to take pictures. It was comfortable and overall felt like a top notch experience!

Stopped by La Santa for Taco Tuesday and wow the tacos didn't disappoint. The restaurant is located…read morein the Glenwood South area so I'd recommend grabbing street parking as you see a spot. Parking can be a bit difficult in this area depending on what time/day you go. Walking into La Santa the restaurant feels vibrant, energetic, and artistic which blends in with an industrial look and dia de los muertos murals on the walls. To be seated you'll check in with the host at front and then be shown to your table either inside or outside. When you sit down the server will bring complimentary chips and salsa to the table. The salsa and chips were food and not too spicy on the salsa/over salted on the chips. For food I ordered the Grilled Shrimp Tacos (Grilled shrimp, flour tortilla, homemade coleslaw, avocado, dehydrated onions, and homemade Chipotle sauce) and my partner ordered the De Pescado tacos (Mahi mahi fish, creamy sauce, cucumber, pico, mango, avocado, flour tortillas, and white rice). By far I would lean toward the shrimp for the flavor and softness of the meat. The fish was a bit tough to eat. Both taco plates also are served with a side of rice. Btw, on Tuesdays La Santa runs a special on taco plates (excluding the De Arrachera) for 50% off regular price. Highly recommend checking out La Santa if you are in the Glenwood South area. I'll have to try their cocktails next time.

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Carajillo's Mexican Kitchen

4.3(142 reviews)

10.1 mi

Nice place plenty of parking…read more Very friendly and attentive server- Chips, salsa and queso fresh and delicious. We got the fajitas for two and have leftovers for tomorrow. Meat was cut super thin- worked well to put in the tacos. Plenty of seating, well lit and not too noisy.

I don't usually leave reviews, but this was an all-around frustrating experience from start to…read morefinish. Right off the bat, we asked for a highchair and were told it would be brought over. It never came. After waiting, we had to flag down a server walking by, who eventually brought one--only for it to be broken. It then took another 10 minutes before we finally got a functional highchair. Throughout the visit, the staff seemed far more interested in talking amongst themselves than actually paying attention to guests. The overall atmosphere felt disorganized, inattentive, and unprofessional. The worst part came after we left. I realized almost immediately that I had left my wallet behind and called right away. Instead of any sense of urgency or willingness to help, the host who answered was incredibly rude and dismissive. Before I could fully explain the situation, she cut me off and told me to "call back tomorrow." When I tried to quickly describe the wallet--color, contents, anything that might help--she hung up on me mid-sentence. Considering I called almost immediately after leaving and was brushed off so quickly, it raises serious concerns about whether any real effort was made to locate it. I would hope any establishment would take something like that seriously. Between the lack of attention, the disorganization, and the way a simple, time-sensitive situation was handled, this place clearly has serious issues with customer service. I won't be back.

Fresh Guacamole table side

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Combo vegetarian

Taqueria El Toro

4.4(372 reviews)

9.3 mi

Best tacos and food in town... Mexican authentic indeed and not expansive at all... And always,…read morealways ask for the most beautiful, friendly, hard worker, funny, kind girl with the most gorgoeus smile I ever seen... Mabel or Stephanie! She is the best!!!

This is the single most authentic Mexican restaurant in NC. The food is incredible and so fresh. I…read morelove this place and I'll go again and again. It's cafeteria style, order up front, take your order when called, and take your dirty plates to the counter when done.

Pre-salsa bar

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Lobera

4.6(54 reviews)

5.7 mi

Me and my s/o went today for the first time, and it was great! I had the Texas ACP and added…read moregrilled onions and peppers because it didn't come with it, and he had the chicken Chimichangas. I ordered some guacamole and it was delicious on my ACP! I will be going back

First time customer. Modern interior. Service was good…read more Margarita was good. Beef tacos were tasty, moist, full of flavor. Chicken tacos were bad. Dry and chewy. Way over cooked. No flavor. (((Cinco de Mayo crazy busy so I chose not to send them back but really should have))) Arroz con pollo was ok. Queso was typical TexMex queso. Red rice was ok. Big portion Chips and salsa were very good. This did not displace our GO TO Mexican restaurant in Raleigh. Not even close.

Booze display

Arroz con Steak + Camaron and Pork Belly Tacos topped with pickled onion

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Green Cilantro Salad! A lunch favorite.

Chido Taco Mercado Style Taqueria

4.3(341 reviews)

5.7 mi

Great little spot. Ordered four individual tacos, and they were all great. The Churiqueso was also…read morephenomenal. Quick service and friendly workers, highly recommend this spot!

I want to preface this by saying I have been going to Chido Taco for years it is one of my favorite…read moreplaces to bring people to try quesabirria for the first time or just a nice spot. It's a very cute restaurant. However, my best friend and I went to Chido Taco earlier and the food was not nearly as good as it used to be and tasted a lot less flavorful. Also I know I am maybe the last person to be talking about a restaurants music because I don't have amazing music taste but everytime before when I used to go the music was amazing and introduced me to so many different hispanic artists but when we went today it was all songs that you'd hear in a club. The restaurant is great I recommend going but I'm wondering if maybe Chido went under new management?

Locally sourced ingredients

Bar- duh!

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Taquitos

Salt & Lime Cabo Grill

I've come frequently to this restaurant and everything is highly recommended, from the delicious…read moremargaritas to the shrimp tacos and the service.

You can't go wrong at salt and lime. Everything on the menu is delicious. Service is good and it…read morehas a great ambiance that successfully balances the fine line between just want to grab a taco and somewhere to go for your birthday. Pork canitas are great, as are the salsas and guac. But the standout dish for me is the salmon. The fish is always perfectly cooked, the sauteed spinach and rice is wonderful. The sauce has just the right kick. I tried the red wine based sangria last night and it was delicious.

Smoky queso dip with seasoned chips!

Fresh homemade salsas made daily with local produce and ingredients

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Shrimp and grits, smoked Gouda and white cheddar Stone grits with bacon, sofrito, sautéed shrimp and mushrooms.

La Rancherita

3.9(309 reviews)

2.5 mi

After being in Raleigh for nearly 20 years, THIS is my favorite restaurant! I get the king…read morerancherita burrito with no beans or chorizo (personal preference) and it is superb EVERY time. It's the only place I recommend when people ask for Mexican restaurants. My daughter loves their ACP and cheese dip!

Wendy was and amazing server, prompt and very nice and attentive. We ordered with ease. Ordered the…read morebirria tacos , ACP con steak, agave chipotle chicken tacos , two kids cheese quesadillas. Food and drinks came out super fast. The birria tacos did not have any flavor or seasoning, thankfully we had the consume that added a little bit of flavor but not much more oil and greasy. ACP steak was pretty good. Agave chipotle chicken tacos were really dry, asked for extra sauce and that didn't make a difference it was the chicken overcooked. Overall we enjoyed our experience and would probably go back to this location.

Bar area

Dip sampler + house salsa

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Mixed Fajitas

Gringo A Go-Go

3.8(414 reviews)

6.9 mi

We ordered the pork red enchiladas, fish tacos, red pork pozole to go, and the marg of the month:…read moremango habanero. Everything was so fresh. My husband's from New Mexico, and he said it was the real deal. A new staple for us! Also, I'm not sure if it was the owner or a manager, but he was so attentive and wanted feedback. The service was refreshing!

Amazing food, speedy and great service. They even have vegan options! This place is stellar!read more

Interior.

Trio appetizer

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Margarita!!

Carajillo's Mexican Kitchen

4.2(69 reviews)

5.0 mi

Food: 4 Service: 4.5…read moreAmbiance: 5 Date/Time: 5/15/2026 7pm Order: ACP, Pollo Tropical, No Manches 'Rita, Ojitos Lindos 'Rita Crowd: 1/3 full I think this place has gone through a couple of mgmt/name changes since first going there, but the place looks the same inside and the food is just as good but seems to be more variety. The service was very good with what seemed to be a newer server. She checked in quite often until it was time to bring the check. Had to ask her for that after about a 10 minute wait after she cleaned off the table. Outside of that, very friendly and attentive. The ACP had very thin slices of chicken which was nice, but not as much cheese as you typically see in other restaurants. According to the server, you do have to ask for some flour tortillas on the side if you want them as they don't come by default. The Pollo Tropical had a nice thin layer of chicken breast covered in cheese.... tasty. The margaritas were good and have a smear of taijin on one side of the rim which gives the drink a little spice. Prices are in line with other restaurants in the area. Definitely would recommend it.

Came out to dinner with friends and it was wonderful. Not very busy since it is a Wednesday. They…read morehave a $10 mezcal deal, so I got a mezcal margarita and it was delicious. We also got the guacamole, which was yummy and made table side. Then I ordered a quesadilla fajita. Typically quesadilla fajitas have melted cheese in line but this one didn't. Our waitress was amazing! She was sweet and attentive. I'll definitely go back but will likely order the burrito which I've found to be delicious.

Spacious dining area

Birria Ramen

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Gonza Tacos y Tequila

4.2(711 reviews)

3.4 mi

I ordered take out! Plantain with steak and beans and a large salsa. Even for a large, they seemed…read moreto add extra to the order as their were 3 individual salad containers and a large to-go box with double chips. Their salsa is SO good, so a large is always a must for me. They took great care to package the to-go order in a way that preserved the freshness of the food, which was an added detail not every place will do. It was the perfect Friday-night comfort meal that I needed delicious! Side note: I have been to the restaurant to eat but their Lightning inside is TOO low for me. I can't even see the food and I'm surprised they haven't been suid for an injury on site it's so low. But take out was a great option:)

Had a really nice dinner here. The carne tacos were very good, a bit spicy but very good…read more Sangria was delicious! The chips and salsa were good as well. Our server was very attentive and friendly. The decor is amazing, a lot to look at and very cool! Ladies room was clean and well lit. Parking is a NIGHTMARE- just a heads up!

Inside decor

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8 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Kevin F.

262

15 years ago

The gold standard for Mexican food in the Triangle. Salsa Fresh is the heavyweight champion of fast, fresh and flavorful south-of-the-border speed cuisine. My fiancee loves this place so much that she took me here first thing when we met 3 years ago. We've been eating their food ever since! The prices are reasonable, the portions are man-sized, and as their name implies, everything is literally fresh. From the chicken and steak, to the freshly-fried tortillas and chips, to their various home-made salsas and sauces, it's all made right there daily. Don't believe me? Try their pico de gallo...it's the best I've ever had, period. Their hot sauce is also homemade, and it packs the perfect amount of kick to add to your meal. Their chicken tamales are a closely-guarded family recipe, though if I had to guess they are filled with Pure Win from the Dimension of Winning. Their nachos are massive and they skimp on nothing. Think you'll have to pay extra for sour cream and guacamole like at Moe's or Chipotle? Not here, buddy! You're eating those nachos for the next DAY. It's a commitment...to awesome. The premises are very clean and slightly boring, but if you're eating in the restaurant, you're doing it wrong. On the plus side, they do not show Fox News on their telly like 90% of the other eateries in this area. However, I'm wasting my time by typing anything more. Go here. Eat the food. Then try to justify the existence of any other Mexican restaurant in the Triangle. You can't. read more

Arvind V.

9 years ago

Arvind Vallabhaneni says this is an awesome restaurant! The green sauce is spicy but really good. Great customer service and really cool and authentic atmosphere. Nice people with great service. read more

Donald B.

13 years ago

This was probably the best overall experience I have had at a mexican style restaurant simple friendly and great food! would recommend any day! read more

Jarrod S.

177

11 years ago

I normally don't say this about non sentient entities but kill yourself Salsa Fresh, you will never be Chipotle. Never....

Julie G.

104

5 years ago

Use all the time for our offices lunch orders and they always get everyones order right! Which is amazing

Jennifer G.

5 years ago

Totally fresh foods. The food is simple and delicious. I love the new outdoor seeing area too!

Dana S.

15 years ago

Addicting. Always amazingly fresh + delish

Bob K.

15 years ago

It was good and the service is great!

Salsa Fresh - mexican - Updated September 2026

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Went for lunch and got the quesabirra taco. This is the best one I've had anywhere I've tried…read morequesabirra. I'll definitely be back. Very filling and not expensive at all! Friendly staff, clean bathrooms and seating. Loved it and can't wait to try more.

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I ordered lunch there yesterday for my kids, and he overcharged me for the burrito. It was supposed…read moreto be $10.99 and he charged me $14- not sure why but seems to be a mistake. We only tried the location because we had a new movers coupon for $10 certificate. As for the food, it was great and very flavorful. We are hoping to go back, but I would like to speak to the owner regarding them over charging me. The interior was beautifully decorated and the music was a touch loud but not miserable. The waiter was from Las Vegas, and was very kind and extremely professional. This location has very good signage and parking for customers to find them with ease. The burrito was the best burrito I have had in years! Definitely, not knocked off of the list for the overcharges but that was the only thing that left a bad taste in my mouth. Update: I called today and they said swing by and they will give me that refund!! Awesome customer service, and thank you for taking the time to sit on the phone and look for that ticket from yesterday. I appreciate the care you showed and your assistance made my day! 2/18/26

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