6 Great Taco Spots in Rhode Island
Where to go for takeout and dine-in tacos in Rhode Island.
Tacos from Tallulah’s Taqueria. Photo by Jamie Coelho.
Looking for the perfect Mexican restaurant for takeout tacos in Rhode Island? Check out these great options offering twists on traditional favorites for tacos in Providence, Bristol, Cranston, Newport, Smithfield and West Warwick.
- Viva Mexico Cantina and Grill
With fourteen years of serving up comida deliciosa in Downtown Providence to back them up, you know these guys are the real deal. This household name promises to bestow your palate with “generations of flavors” with its house-made tortillas, bold salsas and signature classics like carne asada and mole poblano. But if you’re in it for the tacos, make sure you upgrade to the ‘supreme’ option, which features three corn tortillas topped with your choice of meat (chicken, beef, pork, carnitas or chorizo) lettuce, tomato, cheese and spicy or mild salsa, plus a hearty side of rice and beans. For National Taco Day, they are bringing back the old school days of $1 tacos!
Hours: Mon.–Wed., 10:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Thurs., 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fr.–Sat: 10:30 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
The details: 129 Washington St., Providence, 401-369-7974, vivamexicocantinagrill.com
2. Poco Loco Tacos
Visit Poco Loco Tacos in Cranston for “the best damn tacos in town!” The shop, which opened in 2012, began as a food truck and has been serving traditional and fun combinations ever since, such as chorizo and potato hash, seasoned ground beef, barbecue pulled pork and roasted chicken. Poco Loco also offers vegan options, like roasted mushrooms and soyrizo and potato.
Hours: Tues.–Sat., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Sun. and Mon.
The details: 2005 Broad St., Cranston, 401-461-2640, pocolocotacos.com
3. Tallulah’s Taqueria
With options from al pastor (marinated grilled pork) and barbacoa (braised beef) to pescado (fried fish) and frijoles (slow cooked black beans), Tallulah’s Taqueria offers a variety of fun menu items perfect for the whole family, always served with housemade salsa, lime slices and radishes. The menu also includes gluten- and dairy-free tacos as well as vegetarian options. And don’t forget to add a house seasonal margarita to complement your order.
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The details: 146 Ives St., Providence, 401-272-8226, tallulahstaqueria.com
4. Diego’s
Diego’s in Newport is putting a twist on traditional tacos with options such street tacos made with Oaxaca cheese, fresh slaw pico de gallo, shaved radish, cilantro and your choice of main (chicken tinga, pulled pork, roasted veggies) with a side of Diego’s aioli; roasted beet and butternut squash on grilled blue corn tortillas; and Korean barbecue pork belly tacos topped with house pickled veggies and spicy kimchi and Cholula aioli. If you have a larger party in tow, pair your tacos with a shared side dish of Spanish rices and beans, shaved Brussels sprouts or chips and salsa.
Hours: Mon., 9 a.m.–9:30 p.m. (Brunch 9 a.m.–noon); Tues.–Thurs., 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 9 a.m.–10p.m. (Brunch 9 a.m.–noon on Fri./1 p.m. on Sat.); Sun., 9 a.m.–9:30 p.m. (Brunch 9 a.m.–1 p.m.).
The details: 11 Bowens Wharf, Newport, 401-619-2640, diegosnewport.com
5. Condesa
Tequila shrimp tacos and the Cabo fish tacos are just two of the many unique options to pick up at authentic Mexican restaurants Condesa located in both West Warwick and Smithfield. Be sure to also check out Condesa’s Diablo a.k.a. their blood orange spicy margarita.
Hours: Mon.–Thurs. (closed Tuesday)., 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; Sat., 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; and Sun., 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
The details: 721 Quaker Ln., West Warwick, 401-828-1005; 970 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, 401-349-3935, condesarestaurant.com
6. Yellow Door Taqueria
From chili duck and chicken tinga options to crispy tofu and mango BBQ pork selections, the newly opened Yellow Door’s taco combos are perfect for Taco Tuesday — especially because you can get them for $5 each every Tuesday. Plus, don’t forget to check out their shareable Achiote Pork Flautas, street corn nachos and tuna ceviche, and wash it all down with a margarita de la casa.
Hours: Mon.–Thurs., 4–10 p.m.; Fri., 4–11 p.m.; Sat., 11a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
The details: 191 Dorrance St., Providence, 401-827-1980, yellowdoortaqueria.com
Also Check Out: Neza Mexican Restaurant, Sombra Eatery and Lounge, Oz Tacos and Tequila,
