Our food was exceptional!! We have had great tacos in the past, but 13 Tacos is at the very top. We ordered the Tacos Canasta (grilled shrimp) and the Moo Moo Tacos (fillet mignon). Both were top notch. I had a slight preference for the shrimp, but I have no doubt that everything on their menu is prepared to perfection. The beans were very tasty, the rice was great, and the salsa was among the best I've had in restaurant. It had lots of garlic, which I love. Our server was Jorge from Columbia and he was very helpful and fun. He gave us fantastic recommendations and a wonderful conversation. He even gave us a recommendation for Spanish tutoring- Preply.com. The hostess was also extremely nice. The restaurant is small inside and got more crowded as the night went on. We arrived at 6pm on a Friday to several open tables, but they were full by the time we left at 7:15. They do also accept reservations. I live 40 mins away from 13 Tacos, but it is definitely worth the drive.

Overall Score: 8.0/10 – A cozy and modern taco spot with excellent food, friendly service, and a great atmosphere, making it a must-visit for taco lovers. Atmosphere and Service: 8.2/10 – The interior is clean, modern, and inviting, with a small, cozy layout that feels intimate, though seating can be a bit tight. The staff is incredibly engaged and friendly, with standout service provided by Demarco, who went above and beyond. However, the reserved table policy caused logistical issues, with guests leaving due to unavailable seating while reserved tables remained empty. A more flexible reservation system, such as reserving only a specific section for larger parties, could improve the experience. The menu was easy to navigate but lacked pricing on some items, which affects transparency. Birria and Queso Dip: 7.9/10 – A well-executed dish with great presentation and flavor. The beef was perfectly cooked, tender, and easy to eat with the chips. The portion size, especially for the beef, was satisfying and of good quality. The price was fair and reflected the dish’s excellent quality and taste. Fajitas for Two: 6.4/10 – A good dish overall, with great-tasting steak that came out hot and fresh. However, the wraps were a bit too small, limiting the amount of sides like lettuce, tomato, and rice that could be added. Additional wraps were provided on request, but the portioning of the sides felt limited because of the small wraps. The steak portion was decent, and while the price felt slightly high, the quality and taste made it worth it. Side of Rice: 8.5/10 – Absolutely fantastic! The rice was flavorful and had a unique, delicious taste with a perfect balance of ingredients like corn and sour cream. It’s a standout side dish that adds a lot to the meal and is highly recommended.

We came here for an early San Valentine’s date night. Never been here before. The place is very nice, Jorge was very friendly and offered great food/ drinks recommendations. The food was delicios. Best churros!

Food was delicious! I had the Korean pork tacos, my husband had the shrimp tacos. The rice that comes with the meal was also delicious. We had two house margaritas which were very good but for the size. My husband finished his in minutes and then had a beer. The staff was very friendly and our bartender Brittney was very nice and even reviewed the menu with is and took time to make suggestions. We sat at the bar which was comfortable and clean. The atmosphere in this small restaurant was very nice and vibrant. We will return but probably just have water. It was 87 for two meals, 2 margaritas, and a beer. This is too steep for lunch. Also, during the week you can get a lunch option that comes with 2 tacos instead of 3. (My photo only shows 2 because I didntnthink to take a picture until I scarfed one down lol). I finished my meal, but was sickly full. I knew the food wouldn't be good left over as it would get soggy. Next time my husband and I will share as it is too much food for us and too good to waste. Why not offer the lunch option until 3p-4p on Saturday?

We went for a Saturday lunch and were delighted with the food. We chose 2 dishes from that day's specials. The black beans are an everyday offering. Both dishes were delicious with a fusion twist. Our server knew the menu and took the time to make sure we had everything we needed.

We just left 13 Tacos and Taps, and honestly, this might be my #1 favorite taco spot so far. Even compared to places I tried in Mexico, this one stands out. First off, the tacos are super filling — they’re packed with flavor and variety, and just taste amazing. What I loved most is that they use only one tortilla per taco. A lot of places use two, and it ends up feeling like you’re eating mostly corn tortilla instead of the actual filling. But here, it’s the opposite — you’re getting a lot of fish or meat, and it really hits the spot. Service was also top-notch. The owner even came over to chat and asked how we found the place — I told him it was all thanks to Instagram. He seemed genuinely happy to hear that, which was cool. As for the vibe, it’s a small, cozy spot. We went on a Friday night — it was packed, but still had a calm and chill atmosphere. Not noisy, just lively. We were super impressed and definitely plan to come back. Even though it’s a 30-minute drive, it’s absolutely worth it.

I went here for the first time this past Wednesday with my teens. Everything was so good. Our server, DeMario, was so kind and knowledgeable. He made excellent recommendations about the food, and when we got our orders, we were not disappointed. Everything was delicious! Even the way the drinks were served with crushed ice, it was exceptional. Most impressive were the Brussel sprouts. Surprising for a taco spot, but they were incredible. I wouldn't have ordered them without the recommendation. On top of everything else, we were pleasantly surprised when a DJ set up and we were invited to play music bingo. That added a whole other level of fun and involvement. I ended up winning a t-shirt! We had a delightful time. I would DEFINITELY go back again.

**New Favorite Spot!** We just had our first visit to **13 Tacos and Taps** in Raleigh, and wow—what a gem! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere impressed us. It's boutique-like and trendy, with decor that feels more upscale and unique than your average Mexican restaurant. The menu was just as exciting, with creative options for everyone—including pescatarians like my husband and me. I went with the *13th Taco* (their rotating specialty taco), which featured beer-battered mahi mahi—absolutely *to die for*! On the side, I had the fried cauliflower bites. I know that might sound underwhelming, but trust me—these were some of the best sides I’ve *ever* had. To top it off, the mezcal margarita was a total home run—smoky, smooth, and perfectly balanced. Between the killer food, creative drinks, and super cool vibe, this place has officially earned a spot as our new favorite! Oh and the staff is also 5-star! Our server was friendly, helpful and attentive. David, the head chef, even came out to say hello. He was one of the nicest & welcoming person I have ever met. Pretty sure we’re bff’s now. Lol. Seriously though, go check them out. You won’t regret it!!