From ATL with Lime: My 3 favorite taco joints

This story was produced as part of a collaboration with the Savannah College of Art and Design SCAD For our third collaboration with SCAD we once again worked with students in Paige Gray s spring semester writing class this time focusing on the subject of food With the help of Rough Draft editors Collin Kelley Beth McKibben and Sammie Purcell the students produced stories ranging from the personal to hard-hitting issues like food insecurity Atlanta might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of taco meccas like L A or Texas but don t get it twisted this city brings serious flavor with a Southern twist What we lack in taco tradition we make up for in soul creativity and vibes From carnitas that hit like a family recipe to tortillas stuffed with bold unexpected flavor combos my favorite taco spots feel like ATL in every bite Atlanta might be best known for wings waffles and lemon pepper everything but lately I ve located myself chasing down tacos because I m secretly obsessed with Mexican food and lucky for me the city delivers With summer beginning I m all about chill patios light bites and bold flavors that don t weigh you down Whether it s fusion tacos that surprise me a laid-back spot that feels like a backyard hangout or tacos that taste like they came straight from the fish fry line-up these three Atlanta taco joints are officially in heavy rotation Consider this your passport to a taco tour that s less about purism and more about personality More SCAD x Rough Draft coverageEl Tesoro Edgewood Photo by Ronesha StricklandTucked in a quiet corner of the Edgewood neighborhood in East Atlanta lives El Tesoro This all-outdoor spot has plenty of colorful seating a laid-back vibe and easy street parking that makes it perfect for a casual taco run or impromptu meet-up with friends The tinga de pollo was my warm-up sweet and spicy with a deep savory flavor that lingered in the best way But the carnitas taco was the clear standout juicy well-seasoned and accented by pickled onions that made every bite pop It was giving slow-cooked realness with a crisp edge like somebody s abuela put her whole foot in it then let ATL finish it off with a little flair I had to sit with it for a second sip my drink and just feel the flavor For something classic go with the asada taco the steak was unbelievably tender topped with guacamole The guac adds creamy balance to the dish thanks to a recommendation from manager Samantha Eaves who says it adds just the right touch of richness without overpowering the flavors I also tried the house-made salsas which are a must The chips were salted just right and had the perfect crunch The roasted tomato salsa had a subtle sweetness that complemented the tacos well but the salsa guacamole was my personal favorite light fresh and finished with a bright lime kick that kept me dipping between bites Honestly I could ve posted up with just chips and that salsa and still left happy Bartaco Vinings Photo by Ronesha Strickland At Bartaco we re inspired by the spirit of coastal living it s not just about tacos it s about creating a place where people can unwind enjoy bold flavors and let the world slow down for a while says Robert Pecorino Bartaco s regional director Our menu blends global street food influences with laid-back vibes to give guests an everyday escape Step into Bartaco and you might forget you re in Vinings and not somewhere off the coast of Baja With its breezy d cor surf shack power and tacos that taste like they were crafted beachside this restaurant has been quietly serving up vacation-on-a-plate vibes for the past two years and yes the hype is real Bartaco s vibe is just as thoughtfully curated as its menu designed to transfer guests into a more relaxed state of mind The second I walked in I felt my shoulders drop a little like my body knew it was time to chill The whitewashed walls woven light fixtures and breezy patio give beach day without the sand ability I started with the ceviche where mint and fresh jalape os gave it a refreshing spicy bite The crispy shrimp taco didn t disappoint juicy shrimp perfectly crisped The chicken verde taco was surprisingly layered for something that sounds simple and the sesame ribeye was packed with flavor The tender steak paired with not-too-sour kimchi created an umami combo I didn t expect to love so much And let s talk drinks their skinny margaritas are to die for My friend Gena Johnson says These are the best drinks I ve had and will come back whenever I m in town Made with freshly squeezed ingredients they re clean smooth and full of flavor without all the extra fillers You can taste the agave the sharp pop of fresh lime and their house tequila which is surprisingly good quality Minero Ponce City Sphere Photo by Ronesha StricklandRight in the middle of Ponce City Realm and initiatives from the Eastside Beltline Minero brings Southern comfort to its tacos in the best way The Fried Catfish taco hit home it reminded me of a backyard fish fry complete with green tomato tartar crunchy cabbage radishes and fresh cilantro But the taco I ll be back for is the grilled chipotle steak Moist tender meat wrapped up with pickled peppers queso fresco and green onion Say less You have to try the crispy shrimp one the pickled corn is something special says Melissa Tucker a nearby patron So no Atlanta s taco scene isn t trying to copy L A or compete with Texas it s doing its own thing and that s exactly what makes it special Each of these restaurants serves up more than just tacos they serve flavor heritage and a little bit of that ATL charm Whether you re craving comfort creativity or just something that slaps these taco joints prove you don t have to leave the city to take your taste buds on a trip The post From ATL with Lime My favorite taco joints appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta