Taqueria el Milagro, Chamblee GA

Our friend Edgar organized another meetup at a really good place in Dekalb County, this one a joint we’d never heard of before. Taqueria el Milagro is right off the interstate on Shallowford, in a beat-up strip mall without too much parking, and they are serving up some really terrific Mexican food, mostly from authentic recipes. Continue reading “Taqueria el Milagro, Chamblee GA”

El Señor Taco, Atlanta GA (CLOSED)

One of the many reasons that it’s pretty easy to focus on the Buford Highway corridor is that there are piles of restaurants up and down this street that, happily, open for lunch at the sensible hour of 10. Well, I say “sensible,” but it’s really that, for the last few years I had worked an unusual schedule, and, two days a week, I had time on my hands and a cravin’ in my belly, and waiting around until 11.30 for some of these places to open actually is an inconvenience when I live out in the ‘burbs but work nearby. Earlier this month, happily, my schedule at work changed to something a little more sensible and convenient, but noting where a fellow could get lunch at an earlier hour became an ongoing concern. Continue reading “El Señor Taco, Atlanta GA (CLOSED)”

El Autentico Sinaloense Pollos Asados, Doraville GA

Do any Atlantans remember El Pollo Loco, or has it been forgotten already? The California-based chain only had a fleeting presence in this market – perhaps nine stores, maybe, in a four-year period – but for those of us who visited it, it left good memories. Their schtick was flame-grilled chicken, with a nice, flavorful, perfectly seasoned taste that wasn’t too dry despite the evident char on the meat. A little squirt of lime juice and that just did me fine. Continue reading “El Autentico Sinaloense Pollos Asados, Doraville GA”

Tijuana’s Taco-Mex, Atlanta GA (CLOSED)

The southern end of Buford Highway does not get as much attention as the areas closer to the perimeter. Perhaps most neglected is a stretch between North Druid Hills and Clairmont that looks, at first glance, to be entirely either residential apartments or home to several national fast food chains. But several of the larger chains have moved out and smaller businesses, catering to Spanish-speaking customers, have taken their place. For example, there’s this 24-hour tacqueria that has set up shop in what looks like it was originally a Captain D’s. Continue reading “Tijuana’s Taco-Mex, Atlanta GA (CLOSED)”

Carniceria Hispana, Doraville GA (CLOSED)

One morning, as the girlchild was finishing up her long Christmas break, I cruelly woke her long before the sun rose and dragged her to work with me. This was one of my short days, and I needed to visit my bank after I finished up, and one of its few local branches is right off Buford Highway, on Shallowford. Continue reading “Carniceria Hispana, Doraville GA (CLOSED)”

Las Tortas Locas, Marietta GA

About a month ago, when I was having some Mexican-fare lunches on Buford Highway, I mentioned that I owed Las Tortas Locas another visit. On that occasion, I got so wrapped up in the book that I was reading that I genuinely did not pay any attention to the food that I was eating. Plus, I deprived myself of what looked like a terrific salsa bar. Continue reading “Las Tortas Locas, Marietta GA”

Mexican Chains on Buford Highway

A few chapters ago, I mentioned my desire to visit more restaurants along the Buford Highway corridor, and sample more traditional and authentic tastes. I figured that Marie and I would enjoy some Asian restaurants together, but I would give some Mexican places a try by myself, as I enjoy traditional tacos and sauces more than she does. So, a couple of Fridays back, I made my way to visit two well-known stores. They’re both outposts of small Atlanta-based chains. El Taco Veloz currently has six stores, and Las Tortas Locas currently has seven. Continue reading “Mexican Chains on Buford Highway”