Where to find Tacos, Margaritas and Mexican Food on the Atlanta Beltline
- Mar 21
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 11
Atlanta loves its Mexican food. So we know at some point you'll be heading out to the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, wandering aimlessly looking for a taco, and asking random strangers, "Where can I find good Mexican food on the Beltline?"
No, don't do that! Take our reccos instead. Here's our ultimate list of Mexican spots, serving up everything from hot queso to cool margaritas.
From Piedmont Park to Memorial Drive, you can find some of Atlanta's best Mexican restaurants - and a few other places that serve tacos and margaritas - along the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail.
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
No it's not called Real Tacos, or R-Real Tacos. It's pronounced Ray-all. As in Chef Villareal. But say it however you want, they have some of the best tacos on the Atlanta Beltline! 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 now located 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 up 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.
This is not just some of the best vegan food in Atlanta, it's some of the best Latin food. It was named one of 12 Best New Restaurants by Eater when it opened. You can eat mock queso without the guilt or stomach bloat. Diners rave about their Cuban sandwich - made with jackfruit and seitan instead of deli meat. And the presentation of the food is as beautiful as it is delicious. The atmosphere wins too. Featuring a bright open space with pink walls and palm leafs, it transports you to a tropical paradise.
Want to discover Atlanta's food scene with a local guide? Join a Food & Street Art Tour on the Atlanta Beltline and sample some of our favorite Beltline eateries.
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.