Chubby’s chicken tacos are best complimented with warm tortilla chips, salsa from the restaurant’s complimentary salsa bar and choice of rice and beans. " />
Emma Berg
Chubby’s chicken tacos are best complimented with warm tortilla chips, salsa from the restaurant’s complimentary salsa bar and choice of rice and beans.
Taco culture is huge amongst college students, with taco Tuesdays at the pinnacle of the phenomenon. They are cheap, fast and delicious, which is the holy trinity of food standards for college kids — not to mention the lively atmosphere of taco shops. Sinking into a nice, warm taco at the end of a grueling day of classes while surrounded by friends is one of the best ways to make just about any problem melt away. There is only one issue in this scenario: deciding the best place to grab a taco. But no worries, this article has got taco-loving students of all kinds covered.
Chubby’s Tacos
The vibe inside of Chubby’s is exactly what one would imagine when deciding to go to a taco shop. There is nothing over the top about the restaurant, but that’s what makes it so great. At Chubby’s, people can get exactly what they want with the variety of options including hard and soft shell tacos filled with anything from shrimp to loaded veggies.
In addition to the food, Chubby’s has a bar where people can be found enjoying an ice-cold margarita with their meal.
Gilberto Ramirez, an employee at Chubby’s, discussed the menu and popularity of Chubby’s tacos.
“We like serving students here,” Ramirez said. “We have more authentic tacos then regular taco places. Also, we have a nice quiet spot for customers to come and enjoy their food.”
In short, Chubby’s is a great place for students to grab a quick bite and not break the bank.
Coco Bongo
Coco Bongo recently opened on Hillsborough Street, and is already considered a favorite spot amongst the many NC State students who are filling their booths. There is a very lively atmosphere between the music and decorations, such as the light-up palm tree in the corner.
The menu has a lot to offer, and while one browses through, complimentary chips and salsa are brought to the table.
On the board next to the bar, drink specials can be found for every night of the week such as $3.99 margaritas on Tuesdays and $2.99 draft beers on Fridays.
The food is quick to arrive and looks nothing short of mouthwatering. Placed in a metal holder, the soft shell chicken tacos are filled with cheese, beans and lettuce — the result is truly satisfying and authentic.
Coco Bongo is a great spot for students to go on a Friday night if they are looking for good food, a cold drink and an exciting atmosphere.
Armadillo Grill
When entering this popular Tex-Mex spot on the corner of Glenwood South, the neon beer signs that line the walls stick out the most.
An individual will pick up the food at the counter and pick a spot to sit. Sitting outside is a treat, where one can enjoy their meal and watch what’s happening around Glenwood South.
As the silver foil is finally unwrapped, the taco is revealed with whatever toppings the individual marked on their order sheet. The queso is especially hot and gooey, perfectly complementing the chips.
Clyde Campbell, an assistant manager at Armadillo Grill, described the menu and location of the restaurant, with an emphasis on the restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere.
“We have a Tex-Mex based menu,” Campbell said. “We pride ourselves for having our ingredients almost all locally sourced here in North Carolina, and maybe some from South Carolina as well.”
Campbell said that their popular items are tacos, nachos and burritos, but their best-seller is the chips and queso.
Gonza Tacos y Tequila
When entering Gonza, the first thing to do is look around at the eccentric decorations filling the restaurant, as colorful light-up stars hang from the ceiling, and customized wallpaper wraps the restaurant.
The menu is just as eclectic as the atmosphere. All of the options offer a twist on classic dishes such as with the quesadillas, fajitas and, of course, tacos.
There are 11 unique tacos offered on the menu with fish, pork, chicken, vegetables and more. The tacos are also served with a side of choice: beans, rice, a salad or cup of tortilla soup.
One will not be disappointed by the presentation of the food when it arrives to the table. The fish tacos in particular fill the white rectangular plate and are complemented best by a bowl of tortilla soup.
Stephen Marks, the regional director of operation for Gonza, explained their menu and his favorite tacos.
“We do a cross between Colombian and Mexican dishes,” Marks said. “When it comes down to the tacos, there are quite a few that are my favorite. Our chicken tacos are great with fresh pico, chihuahua cheese and avocado on top, served on a flour tortilla. That’s definitely one of our more simple and authentic dishes.”
With all of these great restaurants near NC State, why save tacos for Tuesdays? Treat yourself, and make everyday taco Tuesday.