Ciudad del Toro: Durham Latino Eats for Hispanic Heritage Month

Enjoy a delicious meal, snack or treat at one of these Latino-owned restaurants. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we asked our followers for their favorites, and they gave us delicious answers. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should be more than enough to make you hungry.

Alpaca Peruvian Chicken

302 Davidson Ave., 703A 9th St. & 3726 Mayfair St.

If you've been to any Alpaca Peruvian Chicken location, you know their roasted chicken, black beans and rice, and yucca fries are downright addicting. Order 1/4 of a chicken or a whole bird at any one of their three Durham locations.

Blue Corn Cafe

716 9th St.

The Blue Corn Cafe has been on 9th Street since 1997 and is still so popular it was voted one of Durham Magazine's best restaurants for vegetarians in 2024. Owners Antonio Rios and Danielle Martini-Rios share their love of all Latin and South American cuisine. Chef Antonio incorporates the flavors of his native Mexico and his favorites from the Caribbean into the cafe menu.

Boricua Soul

705 Willard St.

A beautiful fusion of Caribbean, Puerto Rican and Southern soul food, you can find Boricua Soul near the "Durham" sign at the American Tobacco Campus. The husband and wife team of Toriano and Serena are behind this exciting spot.

Cocoa Cinnamon – Lakewood

2013 Chapel Hill Rd. Suite A

For amazing coffee drinks, hot chocolate and churros, head to Cocoa Cinnamon's third location in the Lakewood neighborhood. The owners, Leon and Areli Barrera de Grodski, were inspired by the churrerias of Mexico. You can find nods to Areli's Mexican background in the bilingual menus and signage as well as the brightly patterned decor and tile work.

El Cuscatleco Restaurant

4212 Garrett Rd.

El Cuscatleco is another no frills spot where you can find authentic Salvadorean and Mexican food served in a charming dining room. Make sure you bring your appetite because the menu of fresh pupusas, Salvadorean specialties, fajitas, tacos, sopas and more will have you wishing you could order it all.

Don Becerra Taqueria

249 E Club Blvd. #227

The phrase "hidden gem" gets thrown around a lot, but Don Becerra Taqueria certainly qualifies. Inside this specialty grocery store, you'll find a restaurant with fast and friendly service and fresh, authentic Mexican and Central American food.

Don Gallo (formerly Tacos Nacos)

3411 University Dr.

When you pull up to the red and yellow house and see "Cely's Casa De Cambio" outside, you might think you're at the wrong place. But don't worry. Don Gallo (also known as Tacos Nacos) shares the space with a currency exchange store. Walk by the service counter at the front of the store to find a restaurant serving delicious Mexican food in the back.

El Chapin

4600 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. Suite #38

Owner Rony Ordóñez started El Chapin in 2015. His restaurant offers traditional Guatemalan cuisine like garnachas, guisadas, Pollo en Pepian and lots more, along with a wall of groceries.

El Jefecito

4910 Hillsborough Rd.

Chef Laureano, nicknamed "El Jefecito," cooked for some of Durham's best restaurants while he worked toward opening his own restaurant and catering business. His dream came true with his hit food truck expanding into a recently-opened restaurant.

Guasaca

A-100, Erwin Square, 2200 W Main St.

To experience the full glory of a delicious arepa, visit Guasaca. The small Triangle-based chain specializes in the Venezuelan staple. You can find the Durham location off of West Main Street.

La Monarca Michoacana

2000 Avondale Dr., 4600 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. #23

For a sweet treat, head to La Monarca Michoacana, which specializes in Mexican-style paletas and ice cream. Can't decide on what to get? No shame in getting both.

La Superior Carniceria & Super Taqueria

3325 & 2842 N. Roxboro St.

As one Yelp reviewer wrote about La Superior Carniceria (La Superior for short), "You may think it is just a grocery store when you drive by, but it is so much more." Beyond the market is the bakery, which offers fresh tortillas and other baked goods. Behind that is the restaurant where the tacos, huaraches, flan and more are fresh and made to order. For more delicious offerings from the team behind La Superior, visit Super Taqueria just down the street. Super Taqueria offers a mouth-watering selection of sopes, tacos, burritos and gorditas, plus a loaded salsa bar. Pair your food with an agua fresca for a stellar meal.

Mi Calvillo

748 9th St.

Mother-daughter team Esmerelda and Valeria Lopez run this tiny spot on Ninth Street. Esmerelda brought the flavors and dishes she serves at Mi Calvillo in her hometown of Calvillo in central Mexico.

Mi Perú Peruvian Cuisine

4015 University Dr. Suite A1

Rotisserie chicken, tostones and fried yuca are just a few of the delicious items you can find at Mi Perú. Treat yourself to traditional and authentic Peruvian food at this charming spot.

Pincho Loco

1918 Perry St.

Off Ninth St near the "Angel of Spring," you can find a cute little ice cream shop called Pincho Loco. Here, you can get native Latino flavors like tequila, tiger tail (vanilla, Mexican vanilla, and chocolate), guava, tamarind and more.

Kokí

104 City Hall Plaza #101

Puerto Rican food with southern charm, Kokí is one of the Triangle's food-truck-to-brick-and-mortar success stories. You can find delicious sandwiches, bowls and empanadas at the Durham location across the street from City Hall.

Taqueria La Vaquita

2700 Chapel Hill Rd.

Taqueria La Vaquita or "The Cow Store" as it is affectionately called, is well-known for the bovine statue that adorns its roof. But it's famous around these parts for its delicious Mexican food and beverages.