Where to find Mexican Food and Margaritas on the Atlanta Beltline
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Atlanta has no shortage of Mexican restaurants, or Mexican food lovers. And who doesn’t love sipping a margarita on a patio in the spring? That’s what we thought.
If you’re on the hunt for tasty tacos, a great patio, and strong margaritas, you just might find your spot along the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail. Follow our guide below, and you can nibble tacos and sip margaritas every few feet - exactly the fuel you need to dodge the bikes and scooters. Just…maybe pace yourself on the margys.
So here we go. From Piedmont Park to Memorial Drive, here are the Mexican restaurants - and a few other places that serve tacos - along the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail. Ready when you are.
PIEDMONT PARK
Just across the street from Trader Joe's, you might miss this restaurant if you're driving by. Housed in a mission style casa, their fare is slightly more authentic than your typical Mexicamerican restaurant. You'll find your usual enchiladas and carnitas on their menu, but also milanesa, and plenty of steak and shrimp dishes. If you're not walking, there is parking behind the restaurant - don't even try to look for street parking in this neighborhood.
PONCE CITY MARKET
Step into Ponce City Market's abundant food hall to find this restaurant by famed Chef Sean Brock. Minero’s burrito gets rave reviews - it’s monstrous. Oh and did we mention fried cheese on the outside? Interesting historical fact: Minero is the Spanish word for miner, and it's supposedly miners who came up with the word taco. Adding to its authenticity, Minero grinds its own corn daily, after importing it from independent farmers in Mexico.
EASTSIDE TRAIL
A relative newcomer to the Beltline, Rreal Tacos makes waves all over metro Atlanta with its insane holiday popups and large party platters and pitchers. But it's not all flash and no substance. Their salsa is fresh. Their street tacos are some of the best. And once you've had the costra or the birria, you'll never settle for a boring chicken taco again. Located across from Ponce City Market on the Atlanta Beltline, you might find it hard to choose between the plein air patio or the vibrant decor inside. Bonus points: They hired Beltline Kevin to be their official/unofficial spokesperson. We heart Kevin.
Casi Cielo is opening in the Fourth Ward offices on the Atlanta Beltline. With another location in Sandy Springs, they're bringing all the flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico to the Beltline. (That's pronounced Wah-ha-ka, y'all). Diners love their pulpo al carbón and their mole dishes. We're especially excited to try the tostada de pork belly. Any way to work more pork belly into our diet.
With several locations around metro Atlanta, this one is still our favorite. It's as close to a neighborhood bar as you'll get, and their enclosed patio offers some nice people watching in bougie Inman Park. The margaritas are strong, and we do mean strong. The chips and salsa are addictive. And even though it's a heavy dish, we tend to gravitate toward the taquitos. If you want something healthier, definitely recommend the Camarones a la Parilla - grilled shrimp served over masa cakes. Did we mention their margaritas are strong?
Just across the street is the beachy, open air restaurant known as Bartaco - with a pretty spectacular patio. In Mexico, they say street tacos should be eaten in 2 to 3 bites. Bartaco has it down with their street-size tacos. We love their lobster fest when they have it. Don't miss out on their Mexican street corn or guacamole, served with saucer-sized corn tortilla crisps. Their margaritas are also a must, made with freshly squeezed lime, or try one of their non-alcoholic juices. Oh, and they have pork belly.
A jewel in the crown of Chef Ford Fry, Superica at Krog Street Market is quirky Tex-Mex. It's hard to say if people come more for the food or the funky cool vibe - especially on their large patio. Don't skip the queso, which you can load up with chorizo, picadillo, shrimp and more. We also like the beef picadillo enchiladas topped with chili and crema. Or come here for a leisurely weekend brunch, if you’re craving some spicy huevos rancheros or tamales and eggs, paired with a michelada or mimosa. Just plan carefully for weekend nights - they don’t take reservations.
A local staple, Bell Street Burritos appeals to carnivores as well as vegans. They're known for their healthier ingredients, like potatos and broccoli, and USA Today named their burrito one of the top 10 in the U.S. They also sell handmade tamales on Fridays (until they're gone), and they have a pretty mean shrimp and grits for Saturday brunch. And bonus, they're now serving margaritas.
If you like the chips and salsa better than your meal, this is the place for you. They started as a themed restaurant focusing on the chips, salsa, guacamole and cheese dip - and fresh margaritas. Over time, they added tacos and bowls. Their “dranks” are made with fruit syrup that ages for months behind the bar, and they come with playful names like So Fresh N So Clean (Outkast fans alert) and Wolves on Peachtree. Join one of their TV/movie themed trivia nights, or just chill on the patio. Go for the chips and margys, linger over the Beltline scene.
Missing the beach? Chiringa offers up food you'd find on the coast of Spain, like drinks and simple snacks. You'll find yourself addicted to their jerk sugar-coated wings, and don't miss their blackened shrimp tacos. Their open air bar fills quickly in the evenings, especially when they have live music, but don't worry. The party just spills next door, where they have a large screen TV set up for sporting events. And don't leave your doggie at home, you'll see almost as many pups as people at this dog-friendly restaurant. It's why we bring doggies here for tacos on our popular Barks & Bites: Doggie Crawl on the Beltline.
While not a Mexican restaurant at all, McCray's does serve up some tasty tacos (with beef, chicken or shrimp). And we like to come here for wings - some of the best lemon pepper you'll find. You can't go wrong at this cozy sports bar, with the perfect patio for Beltline watching.
MEMORIAL DRIVE
Housed in a historic train station, this hipster spot is a total vibe. They offer burritos, bowls, street tacos and more, along with great people watching from the patio on this calmer part of the Beltline. Diners rave about their taco al pastor and corn ribs. They also serve breakfast nearly all day, so if you're craving a steak and egg burrito or avocado toast, go for it. Who says you have to get a taco?
Located in a Publix shopping center, TT fuses the best of Mexican and Asian in tacos and bowls. Think shrimp tempura taco with cilantro, hoisin sauce and slaw. You can also choose one type of cuisine or the other - get the South of the Border bowl or the Far East Bowl. As with many Asian restaurants, the fish is the best (baja or shrimp tempura). The tacos are a good size, and you can get a combination of 2 or 3 with a side dish. Try the salad, which is crisp, flavorful and well-portioned. For an appetizer, get the queso, which comes with tortilla chips and triangles of warmed tortillas.
Want a sampling of popular restaurants on the Atlanta Beltline? Join our Food & Street Art Tour, held on Saturdays. You'll discover new restaurants you're sure to come back to.
Have a dog? Don't leave them at home when you go out to eat. Reserve their spot on Barks & Bites: Doggie Crawl on the Beltline, and they'll get a taco and barkarita too.
Nicole Gustin is Founder & CEO of BiteLines Atlanta Food Tours. She has been known to eat chips and salsa as a meal, and will never turn down a chance to go to a Mexican restaurant.
