![<p>También se ofrecen alimentos latinos en el Supermercado El Toro al lado [de la taquería].</p><p>Latino foods are also offered in the supermarket El Toro next door [to the taquería].</p>](https://technicianonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/0dadcb1331b61d880e4bbb9e1d9d08a5-1200x900.jpg)
Miguel Sanchez, Bienvenidos Editor
También se ofrecen alimentos latinos en el Supermercado El Toro al lado [de la taquería].
Latino foods are also offered in the supermarket El Toro next door [to the taquería].
Taquería El Toro
3615 Junction Blvd
Raleigh, NC 27603
If you know your telenovelas you have heard of Una Familia con Suerte and La Rosa de Guadalupe. And if you know your Mexican food you have heard of El Toro.
For many, El Toro is more than just a taquería. That’s because El Toro is located in Plaza El Toro, a small shopping center plaza just off of South Saunders St and Tryon Rd, next to a hair salon and a supermarket.
As far as food goes, you will find it difficult to find Mexican food of higher authentic caliber than at Taquería El Toro. Established in 2001, with owners from Toluca, Mexico, the menu includes delicacies from regions all over Mexico. Tacos generally tend to be the dish of choice, with carne asada being the favorite meat option.
While tortas and enchiladas are also available, El Toro does not shy away from other non-traditional dishes such as caldo, guaraches, and sopes. To the unaccustomed American palate, these dishes may not only seem foreign but also taste differently than the typical taste one might find at El Cerro or Chile Bomba.
All tacos are served on three soft, freshly-made corn tortillas, and are $1.69 each, cheaper than many taco trucks ($2). A full bowl of authentic Mexican rice like abuelita makes it [with the orange color from tomate] can be added to any meal for $0.99.
Other than the tacos and commonly known traditional foods, one aspect that contributes to the restaurant’s authenticity is the fact that menudo is only served on Saturdays and Sundays (haha).
Sopes consist of about a palm-sized, centimeter-thick circular disk of masa that is fried and layered with refried beans, choice of meat, lettuce and sour cream. Huaraches are named for a type of sandal commonly found in Mexico and are very similar in nature to sopes, but are about twice as long (as they are in the shape of a “huarache”). Saying that sopes and huaraches are less mainstream than tacos is an understatement, given that even some Mexicans have never tasted these dishes before. Sopes and huaraches are from the middle of the country; tacos and other foods that have migrated to the American plate generally are more popular in the northern states of Mexico.
One of the main benefits of El Toro is its price. When you walk in, there is no wait to get seated; you walk up to the counter and order, as you might at a fast food restaurant. The cashiers are bilingual, so feel free to practice your Spanish if you wish. When your order is called, you walk up to get your tray. When you are done, you take your tray and utensils to the trash/basura; there is no need to tip, making the low price for food even more affordable.
In the market next door you can find paletas a La Brisa (popsicles), Mexican candies in bulk, Mexican bread (volcanes/conchas), and fresh-cut meat from the carnicería in the back. Mexican brands such as Riñosan, Tadin, and Chocomelher are common here.
Plaza El Toro is located less than five minutes away from International Foods, a Latino supermarket surrounded by a pastelería, a dulcería, an artesanería, allowing one to shop for Latin food ingredients, pastries, and exclusive artisanwork all in one place. Therefore, if you’re up for a cultural adventure, and are in the mood for some authentic Mexican food, head to El Toro for lunch or dinner and visit International Foods on the way back!