Taco’s Esmerelda

Taco’s Esmerelda was Amazing. I had the Carnitas and Asada and both had great flavor. The parking is a mess, but pay that no attention. The food is well worth a little bit of hassle with the parking lot.

This was a very welcome find out here! Very reasonable prices for very good tacos.
Located in a very non-​descript areas, it almost felt like a scene out of Breaking Bad. Fortunately, the tacos are very legal. I tried the pollo, asada, carnitas and al pastor. Side note, I asked for pollo asado and carne asada but got a blank look. I was told later, that the pollo asado is just called pollo and carne asada is called asada. I thought that was weird but anyways. All were very good except for the carnitas which I don’t see how anyone would consider that carnitas (hence the docking of one star). Didn’t notice any veggie options but I’ll be back for sure!

I do not normally write reviews… I repeat, I do not write reviews! UNLESS, the place is atrocious and you should stay away if you’re concerned for your health or if the place is just that amazing.
Well, Taco’s Esmerelda is AMAZING! Having lived in San Diego, CA for almost 6 years — I literally crave authentic Mexican food. I hate going into Mexican restaurants, and ordering a burrito — only to have a «wet» burrito plopped in front of me, in which I can only eat with a fork and knife. If I order a burrito — I want to eat that bad boy like a torta (sandwich for you gringos). I want to grab it and pick it up… feel the weight of it and be able to control the flow of which I begin to demolish said burrito. $ 5 for a burrito de asada… seriously, $ 5. That’s Taco Bell prices for legitimate Mexican food… why would you ever go to Taco Bell, when you can have the real thing???
Well if you’re like me and you like to eat your burrito like a sandwich — and you like authentic Mexican food, stop messing around and pay a visit to Esmerelda and her little food truck. Trust me, you will not regret it. By far, the best Mexican food in the Triangle — hands down. I offer anyone to name another place that can out do this ol’ food truck… seriously, name another place.

Authentic, quick, and cheap. With all of that… DELICIOUS.
I like to grab a pastor taco here on Saturday afternoons and eat it at the new park.

I crave these tacos! If you are looking for authentic Mexican tacos, this is the best place in town.
The food truck is located on the corner of the street near a residential home. There is not much parking to work with so I would not recommend going at prime lunch time. What it lacks in ambiance and seating, it will make up for in taste. There are two picnic tables off to the side if you can’t wait to eat them.
My favorite is the Carnitas. I also enjoy the Asada. They have a variety of taco options including pollo (chicken), lengua (tongue), and beef cheek to name a few. I can get by on two tacos but three (or more) is what really hits the spot.
This is a cash only truck so make sure to come prepared. The price (at this time) is $ 1.75 for the Carnitas or Asada. The other taco choices may cost a bit more depending on what you get.

Delicious authentic Mexican street tacos and burritos at a low price.
Your heart will beat a little faster when approaching the food truck, simply because finding it is a bit of a challenge. It’s like finding Waldo. At the time of this writing, it was on Church at McCrimmon. Pull into the gravel small parking lot, avoid the tree stumps, and park amongst the other customers. I went at 11:15am to beat the crowds and there were still semi trucks stopped by the side of the road and a lot full of service trucks. Stand in line next to the really loud generator, which still cannot drown out the sound of sizzling meat and onions on the grill.
Look, this is Mexican food, not Tex-​Mex. No Corona neon signs. No salsa bars. No basket of chips. No teenagers are going to be clapping happy birthday to you.
Tongue (lengua) will be on the menu and if you’re lucky tripa (tripe). There’s tacos, burritos, tortas, and sopes. These are Mexican tacos, so don’t expect a crunchy shell. And these are Mexican burritos, so don’t expect smashed beans and rice fillers. Do expect a thick grilled tortilla filled with lettuce, grilled onions, and meat.
Grab a Jarritos soda (mmm… Tamarindo) or a water while you wait because this is food truck-​speed. Sit down at one of the two picnic benches to tear the foil of your plate. Don’t be a baby because the table is dirty — it’s part of the experience. And if the tables are full, just eat it standing up like the animal you are. Bring wet naps, because the sides of your wrists are going to be greasy from you feeding your face.
They do a great version of North Carolina’s state bird: the pig. Their carnitas are great. Don’t expect any fancy marinades. Just great naked pork the way it is supposed to be. Browned but still tender chunks of porky-​tasting pig. Cheap and good divey grub.

Great Taco’s at a great price. The Green Salsa really has a kick to it. I ordered 3 asada tacos and while there were a couple of fatty chunks, I really couldn’t complain because the overall taste was great and I only paid 5 bucks. Definitely will go back and try out more items.

A great spot! Tacos are $ 1.50 and water bottles are $ 1. I’m a fan of spicy and the salsa Verde they include does not disappoint. Simply messy, no-​nonsense, good tacos.
They also offer quesadillas and burritos which have had great reviews from reliable friends.

I go to this truck atleast 3times a week and its always satisfying. I been to Mexico and grew up in las Vegas i had authentic Mexican food and this truck by far is the best

Best taco truck around morrisville. Great authentic tacos and its pretty reasonable. Unfortunately, it’s cash only. Def. Worth it though.

These tacos are sooo good. If you order a plate of tacos (three or four), you get a bunch of cooked onion, green sauce, and a lime wedge on the side. I highly recommend the pastor (pork) tacos. Three tacos fill you up. Cheap prices!

Legit Mexican food, steak tacos are on awesome.

Found the taco truck!!! It’s at 905 Church Street, you can see the truck from the intersection of Church and McCrimmon. She said they plan to stay in this spot, they had to move because the neighborhood residents near the spot on McCrimmon complained that it was getting too busy. Ate there at 11:41am on Wednesday, November 19, 2014!

She is at McCrimmon and Church st.
I have just had tacos for lunch! As always alsolutely delicious. Not much parking space now, but does not matter. worthy!

Anyone know where she has moved too? She’s not on Harris Mill anymore.
PLEASE COME BACK!!! I love this place so much

Looks like she may have moved again. Anybody know where?
I will miss my regular lunch stop!

Quick location update. She moved around the corner from the old spot to the intersection of Harris Mill and McCrimmon. Use 1101 Harris Mill Rd Morrsville, NC

Wonderful! I had the burrito (carne asada) and beef sope. Didn’t try the tacos what they are known for. Loved the cheesy goodness in the burrito. For $ 6, I found a Taco Bell replacement. Very good and tasty. Got there right at 11am when they opened on a Monday. Line started to form 10 – 15 mins later. Definitely will return.

This place is great. They offer tacos, burritos, and sopes at reasonable prices. However, I only ever get the tacos. They tacos are the bomb here. They come on a hot corn tortilla with some meat, cilantro, onion, etc. they are what you would get at a typical Mexican street taco stand — and I would argue they are «real» Mexican tacos (not tex-​mex, as other reviewers would have you believe.) I highly recommend the lengua (beef tongue), though it’s a bit more pricy at $ 2 per taco (vs 1.50 for the others). Typically they are busy with a line by 12:30 or so, but there’s ample space to stand around (or sit on the grass) and wait.
PS — the green sauce is much better than the red, IMHO
Note: I don’t think they have any vegetarian options.

Probably best TexMex tacos in Raleigh and @ only $ 1.50 per taco!
Many different meats to choose from:
chicken, carne asada, pastor, carnitas, barbacoa, as well as lengua (beef tongue), buche (pork stomach), cachete (beef cheek) tacos.
Typically served with cilantro, grilled onions (they usually put these somewhat on the side or on top, easy to pick off as they are cut somewhat large vs. a dice), lettuce, small amount of melted white cheese, on a double corn tortilla. On the side there’s a ramekin of delicious and spicy salsa.
As you can probably tell, this is more on the authentic side (which is what makes it awesome.) So don’t expect tons of cheese/​tomato/​etc. for traditional ‘American’ tacos. They can also add jalapeño if you request.
They also make tortas, burritos, sopes, and quesadillas… but I’ve never felt the need to stray from the tacos.
Cash only so hit up the ATM before you come. There is no seating (other than a hill) as this truck sets up on the shoulder beside the road.