The Original El Taco

Name: The Original El Taco
Address: 1186 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, United States, 30306
Telephone: (404) 873-4656
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

192 Reviews

$30 and under

Tex-Mex

Top tags:

The Original El Taco is now opened on Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday from 5-8:30pm, Sat-Sun lunch 11:30a-4pm and Friday-Saturday from 5-10pm. We offer a full complimentary menu for dine in and take out and family style ready to eat meals for take out. We also offer items for kids. To place your order, please contact the restaurant at 404.873.4656 after 3 pm. You can access the menus on our website: eltaco-atlanta.com/menus for online ordering as well.

**Thank you for providing a credit card to secure your reservation for parties of 6 and more. No charge will be applied to your card UNLESS your party fails to honor the reservation. If you can’t honor your reservation, please cancel or modify your reservation at least 4 hours prior to your seating time. Failure to do so will result in a charge of $25.00 per guest. Thank you.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jan 31, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(404) 873-4656

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Tex-Mex, Mexican
Hours of Operation
Lunch Sat 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(404) 873-4656
Website
https://www.eltaco-atlanta.com/
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Alejandro Carbajal-Luna
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
Althea Burnett: (833) 331-2529

Location
1186 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Neighbourhood
Virginia Highland
Parking Details
Public Lot
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Takeout, Wine

Featured in

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Atlanta

Popular dishes

El Short StackUS$8.00
corn tortillas, black beans, red and green sauces, Mexican cheeses, sunny-side up egg
- With Pork CarnitasUS$12.00
Salt Cod FrittersUS$7.00
Potato, Chipotle Honey, Cotija Cheese, Chives
Tinga QuesadillaUS$9.00
chipotle stewed chicken, corn poblano crema
Combo EspecialUS$22.00
choose 1 enchilada with sauce, 1 taco, tinga sope, season veg, rice, pickled roasted peppers
Hangar Steak PinchosUS$9.00
arugula, red chimichurri, lime

Sizzling Fajitas

Monterey Jack cheese, charred jalapeno, crema and hot flour tortillas

ChickenUS$15.00
SteakUS$16.00
ChorizoUS$14.00
ShrimpUS$17.00
Combine any TwoUS$16.00

Enchiladas

choose a sauce: Oklahoma beef chili, green chili, mole or red chili

Chicken and CornUS$9.00
Three-Cheese and PoblanoUS$9.00
Short RibUS$13.00
Black Bean and RiceUS$8.00

Soup & Salad

PosoleUS$7.00
chicken, hominy, peppers, avocado
Grande House SaladUS$7.00
romaine, tomato, corn relish, black bean salad, pickled onion, queso fresco, tortilla strips
- With Smoked Chicken or Seasoned BeefUS$11.00
- With Steak or ShrimpUS$12.00

Tacos

Fried ChickenUS$4.00
Mexico City grilled corn, chili mayo, cotija cheese, cilantro
Smoked ChickenUS$4.00
guacamole, crema, fried jalapenos, cilantro
SteakUS$4.50
tomatillo salsa, crispy onions
ChorizoUS$4.00
potato, poblanos, arbol sauce
Fried FishUS$4.50
caper mayo, pickled chiles
Pork CheekUS$4.00
pickled purple slaw, creamy cotija
Pork CarnitasUS$4.00
chili sauce, pineapple, slaw, corn tortilla
MushroomUS$4.50
arugula, tomato, queso, cilantro, corn tortilla
Taco PlatterUS$22.00
Pick 5 Tacos + Side of Rice and Beans
Chalkboard Special Taco (Seasonal)
- MP

Sides

Mexico City Grilled CornUS$3.00
Refried Black BeansUS$3.00
Cowboy Pot BeansUS$3.00
Grilled ScallionsUS$3.00
Rice and BeansUS$3.00
Oklahoma Beef ChiliUS$3.00

Add Ons

GuacamoleUS$3.00
Sour CreamUS$1.00
Queso BlancoUS$3.00
Sliced AvocadoUS$3.00
Sunny-Side Up EggUS$3.00
Tortillas (3)US$3.00
Extra Salad DressingUS$1.00
Lettuce and TomatoUS$1.00
Chef Pickled VeggiesUS$1.00
Spicy Pickled VeggiesUS$1.00
Lime SlawUS$1.00
Marinated CabbageUS$1.00
CheeseUS$1.00
Monterey Jack, Chihuahua cotija, queso fresco
JalapenosUS$1.00
pickled, fried, fresh or grilled

Desserts (Available Lunch and Dinner)

Churro To GoUS$2.50
cinnamon sugar
Fried Apple PieUS$5.00
dulce de leche and cinnamon ice cream
Flan de CocoUS$5.00
coconut macaroon, passion fruit
Ice Cream Cookie SandwichUS$5.00
homemade chocolate cookies, vanilla bean crema
Mexican Coke FloatUS$5.00
vanilla ice cream
Greenwood Ice CreamUS$1.50
vanilla or cinnamon

Dessert

Want it to go? No problemo! Simply call 404.873.4656 to place your order and we'll have it ready and waiting for pick up. A 5% packaging fee applies. Celebrating and want to bring your own dessert? No problem! We charge a flat, $20 service fee that includes cake cutting and serving to your guests

Assorted Cookies
Strawberry Jell-O
Vanilla Ice Cream
Cinnamon Ice Cream
Strawberry Yogurt Drink

What 192 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Atlanta / Georgia
Child-Friendly
Atlanta / Georgia
Great for outdoor dining
Atlanta
Child-Friendly
Atlanta
Great for outdoor dining

Sort by

Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall3food3service5ambience5
Food wasn’t good as usual. Everything tasted bland.
CH
CarolineH
Atlanta
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Super great stay. Awesome accommodations for my gluten allergy
S
Scott
Atlanta
100 reviews
vip
5.0
100 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dependable reasonable and delicious.
JS
JoelS
Atlanta
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great food, great service. They did bring me the wrong taco from what I ordered, but the one they brought turned out to be delicious so I was completely fine with it. Very generous portion sizes, you won’t leave hungry.
MT
MonToyaB
New Orleans
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jackie was the best waitress! So sweet and energetic! The fried chicken tacos were soooo good!
e
emmm
Atlanta
16 reviews
vip
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience2
Service was slow. Carnitas was too salty. Shrimp taco had too few shrimp.
AP
AnneP
Atlanta
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were late to our reservation and they still were able to accommodate our party of 11. Great service great staff.
s
shelby
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I’ve eaten here probably 5 times; it’s a must when I come to Atlanta. The fried chicken taco is my absolute favorite! All the food is good! The drinks are just ok but atmosphere and food make up for it!
SA
SAdiner
Atlanta
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience3
This is a neighborhood restaurant that is inconsistent in its service. We've had great service and good food, but this last time our server disappeared after our meals arrived. It's a family-friendly atmosphere with a good location.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Unspecified
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing tacos!! One of our new favorites!
JB
JamesB
Atlanta
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We made reservations for a Saturday night at 6:30 as it was our first time here. There was plenty of available seating and we would have been fine without them. We started with Texas margarita and chips and queso which were excellent. We had tacos (3 which came with rice and beans. We were stuffed and brought leftovers home. We enjoyed our experience and would definitely return.
S
Stoutejongen
Atlanta
20 reviews
vip
3.0
20 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience4
Our last two visits to The Original El Taco have let us down. The quality of the meat is not what it once was. Once could be a bad night, twice is a trend. Yesterday the issue was fatty chicken and the time before that it was fatty beef. The half dozen visits before that we were 100% pleased with the meat. Was great every time. Not sure what's happened, but to the Fifth Group owners, please turn this around. We love your other restaurants, but now I'm not sure we'll ever return to The Original El Taco.
P
Pogatcha
Atlanta
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
Great for kids and adults. Good kid friendly service and tasty food and drinks. Great combo.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a blast!
a
atlq
Atlanta
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Great food at good prices.. Fun atmosphere. Service was good as well.
BO
BillO
Atlanta
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Coco our sever was wonderful and very helpful on drink selection. Randy the manager is on top of his game there.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always perfect!
s
scooterbill
Atlanta
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Lively atmosphere for diners enjoying an active customer experience. Creative tequila cocktails, southwestern and tex-mex fare with friendly staff.
SR
SavannahR
Atlanta
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing as always
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Got the pibil and chicken tacos. Pretty solid and tasty. The pibil had a lot of sauce on it which I wasn’t a fan of. Their tomatillo salsa is to die for. My wife got their new vegan chorizo taco and she wasn’t impressed.
D
Doug
Atlanta
58 reviews
vip
4.0
58 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
El Taco continues to be a "go-to" spot for good food and margaritas in a comfortable setting. Lots of new folks on the service staff, but service remains solid. Can't beat the neighborhood vibe!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
6 reviews
vip
1.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience3
I've now tried this Original El Taco probably 5 times in a year. We live nearby so it's convenient and can always get a table in times of despair when all the other restaurants are full. Service is always terrible which is unusual for this restaurant group. Food was good first couple of visits but last 3 has been barely edible. I would go back for margaritas and queso but not for an actual meal. I thought it was pandemic-related so we kept trying as I truly want to love it.
CM
CarlieM
Tampa
39 reviews
vip
4.0
39 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
A good spot to grab some Mexican food. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The food was tasty and the portions were a good size.
D
Doug
Atlanta
58 reviews
vip
4.0
58 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
The old favorite delivered again! The margaritas were delicious and the fried chicken tacos great as always. Kudos to Casey, our server, for attentive service that made the visit another "ET" success.
J
Johnny
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Restraunt is well lit and service was very good. Food was fantastic
CM
CrystalM
Atlanta
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
El Taco is our go to place to eat, catch up, and have a great marg!
M
Mary
Atlanta
16 reviews
vip
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on August 8, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience4
Prices have increased significantly. Chicken w fajitas had no flavor. Guacamole was $9 for a tiny portion. Service was excellent
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
It was a bit hot inside the restaurant. Our waitress was fantastic!
JW
JenniferW
Atlanta
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience5
The food is always so good! The atmosphere is really fun too!
CM
CynthiaM
Atlanta
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A great go-to, neighborhood restaurant. Food and service are consistently good with a fun atmosphere.
JK
JoeK
Atlanta
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Neighborhood Mexican place. Typically more families with younger kids before 7.
RV
RVHer
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 10, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience4
Definitely a bar. Don’t go here for the food. But it’s a very cute cantina
DP
DestinyP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
.the vegan tacos were to die for! Guac was also delicious. The sunflower crema is also dairy-free. 10/10 will definitely go again!
KP
KayP
Atlanta
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 28, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience4
Staff were great! Enjoyed the wheel of freebies at top of the hour. Food was only okay, felt bland, especially for the price.
D
Doug
Atlanta
58 reviews
vip
5.0
58 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Another wonderful evening of great food, excellent service (thank you Reese!), and good friends. El Taco never disappoints!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Everything was wonderful except it was really hot in there please turn the AC down a bit.
LM
LexieM
Atlanta
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Came in to escape the heat on our walk home from Summerfest! Thanks El Taco - keep those margs salty and skinny!
M
Mmmm
Atlanta
61 reviews
vip
5.0
61 reviews
Dined on June 8, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
The Trio Royale appetizer is a must-try...the guacamole and queso is fantastic! The manager exhibited exemplary customer service. I will definitely return to sample more dishes.
c
cjeffer2
Atlanta
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Kid friendly environment always loved and appreciated
d
datenight
Atlanta
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
El taco is our favorite family restaurant. Great food, super friendly service, fun and good value!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Original El Taco using the Order Online button. The Original El Taco also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (404) 873-4656.

The Original El Taco is rated 4.6 stars by 192 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jan 31, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(404) 873-4656

Other options

Order online

1186 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighbourhood
Virginia Highland
Hours of Operation
Lunch Sat 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Tex-Mex, Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Public Lot
Executive Chef
Alejandro Carbajal-Luna
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Takeout, Wine

Website
https://www.eltaco-atlanta.com/
Phone number
(404) 873-4656
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
Althea Burnett: (833) 331-2529

Featured in

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Atlanta

The Original El Taco

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Atlanta

Steak

Queso Blanco

Shrimp

Tastes for Lunch and Dinner

House SalsaUS$3.00

GuacamoleUS$8.00

Queso BlancoUS$6.00

Queso RoyaleUS$8.00

Classic Tastes TrioUS$15.00

Queso Royale TrioUS$17.00

Mexican Pizza

The Original VeggieUS$12.00

House Specialities

El Short StackUS$8.00

Salt Cod FrittersUS$7.00

Tinga QuesadillaUS$9.00

Combo EspecialUS$22.00

Hangar Steak PinchosUS$9.00

Sizzling Fajitas

ChickenUS$15.00

SteakUS$16.00

ChorizoUS$14.00

ShrimpUS$17.00

Combine any TwoUS$16.00

Enchiladas

Chicken and CornUS$9.00

Three-Cheese and PoblanoUS$9.00

Short RibUS$13.00

Black Bean and RiceUS$8.00

Soup & Salad

PosoleUS$7.00

Grande House SaladUS$7.00

Tacos

Fried ChickenUS$4.00

Smoked ChickenUS$4.00

SteakUS$4.50

ChorizoUS$4.00

Fried FishUS$4.50

Pork CheekUS$4.00

Pork CarnitasUS$4.00

MushroomUS$4.50

Taco PlatterUS$22.00

Chalkboard Special Taco (Seasonal)

Sides

Mexico City Grilled CornUS$3.00

Refried Black BeansUS$3.00

Cowboy Pot BeansUS$3.00

Grilled ScallionsUS$3.00

Rice and BeansUS$3.00

Oklahoma Beef ChiliUS$3.00

Add Ons

GuacamoleUS$3.00

Sour CreamUS$1.00

Queso BlancoUS$3.00

Sliced AvocadoUS$3.00

Sunny-Side Up EggUS$3.00

Tortillas (3)US$3.00

Extra Salad DressingUS$1.00

Lettuce and TomatoUS$1.00

Chef Pickled VeggiesUS$1.00

Spicy Pickled VeggiesUS$1.00

Lime SlawUS$1.00

Marinated CabbageUS$1.00

CheeseUS$1.00

JalapenosUS$1.00

Desserts (Available Lunch and Dinner)

Churro To GoUS$2.50

Fried Apple PieUS$5.00

Flan de CocoUS$5.00

Ice Cream Cookie SandwichUS$5.00

Mexican Coke FloatUS$5.00

Greenwood Ice CreamUS$1.50