Tacos Number Juan — Restaurant in Durham

I arrived here around 7:07pm on a Saturday evening to get dinner. This is an old Wendy’s and i learned about this place via Instagram.

Order was placed at 7:13pm. I got the quesabirrias combo that comes with 2 tacos, rice, beans and a drink. I also got a rib eye asada taco. My date got a chicken quesadilla, loaded fries, and chips + queso. We also got drinks. I got a strawberry watermelon margarita and they got a mango passion margarita.

The drinks were made and given quickly. Normally they are $8.99 but per the receipt, the margaritas were $3.99. We love a good special! I enjoyed my margarita. It has the right about of alcohol. I didn’t like my date’s mango passion margarita. To me, it tasted like the prescribed medicine you get when you’re sick. To be fair, they didn’t like my margarita lol. I guess we both chose the right one for us. My date said they wished they had mango by itself vs being paired with passion fruit. I got sugar rim but it honestly didn’t matter because the cup was plastic vs glass.

After placing the order, we were given a number and took a seat. We sat at the booths that were semi lit. We received l the food at 7:25pm which was quick.

Food Quality: 3.5/5 -The beans were hot but the rice was lukewarm. The rib eye taco: Meat was DELICIOUS! Perfectly cooked. However, it was cool and barely warm. -Quesabirria tacos weren’t bad. They tasted better with the consume. I’ve had quesabirria tacos that tasted great without the consume. -Quesadilla: My date said: “the size was great; for the price, it was really good” -Loaded fries: My date said: “the chicken was well seasoned” and the sauce on top was “good”.

Presentation: 4/5 -To my surprise, all the food was bagged up. I know I said for her. I asked the cashier and she confirmed I said for her. She apologized for the mix up. Since everything was boxed separately, it’s hard to judge what the presentation would’ve been like had it been plated for here. After we opened everything, I noticed we were missing the chips for the queso. I showed receipt and got the chips. It came in a to-go bag. The cashier brought over a plate for us to put the chips on. My ride and beans were in the same container. I would’ve liked for it to be separate but it wasn’t a big deal. Although the food was packed to go, it was packed fairly well.

Service: 4/5 -Cashier was patient when ordering and provided some recommendations when asked as it was my our first time. She did apologize for mix up with take out vs dine in order. There were positive interactions with the other staff I interacted with.

Ambiance & Cleanliness: 5/5 -My date said “the vibe in here is really nice” and I would agree. I liked the decor. From the inside, you wouldn’t be able to tell it used to be a fast food restaurant. The restaurant was clean and tidy. They do have areas they are dimly lit and more intimate. To my surprise, they have a hockey table and gumball machine.

Value for Money: 5/5 -My date said “we got good portions” and noted this food would’ve cost more else where. I would agree. With all the food plus the two drinks, it was about $53. -It seems they do have specials but they aren’t posted. While it was a nice surprise that the margaritas were cheaper, it would be nice for specials to be visible.

Overall Experience: 4/5 -The biggest issue was the mix up with to go vs dining in and the temperature of a few food items. Most of the food was delicious, staff were friendly, and the ambiance was fitting. I definitely would return!

=25.5/30

5 star: 29-30 4 star: 24-28 3 star: 19-23 2 star:...

In a culinary landscape awash with mediocrity, Tacos Number Juan emerges as a beacon of gastronomic excellence, where each morsel is a testament to the artistry of the chef and the dedication of an impeccable team. From the moment one crosses the threshold, the ambiance envelops you with a delicate balance of opulence and warmth, evoking an atmosphere that is at once intimate yet grand. The symphony of soft lighting and elegantly understated décor elevates the dining experience to a realm of refined sophistication, creating a space where time itself seems to pause in reverence.

The service, in its precision and attentiveness, rivals the highest echelons of fine dining globally. Each member of the staff exhibits a profound understanding of both their role and the culinary masterpieces they present. Their attentiveness is unintrusive, their timing impeccable, and their knowledge encyclopedic, effortlessly guiding patrons through an epicurean journey that is nothing short of transcendental.

Turning to the menu—an ode to the finest ingredients and the most inspired of techniques—it is clear that the culinary vision here is not simply to feed, but to delight, to intrigue, and to provoke thought. The dishes are a harmonious convergence of flavor and texture, each composed with a meticulous eye for balance and innovation. Every plate is a canvas, adorned with colors and forms so artfully arranged that one is reluctant to disturb its aesthetic perfection. Yet, to partake is to be rewarded with an explosion of flavors so nuanced, so complex, that each bite reveals new layers of depth.

The amuse-bouche, a prelude to the meal, arrives like a whisper of things to come—subtle, fleeting, yet unforgettable. The appetizers—whether a delicately seared scallop cradled in an ethereal foam, or a tartare seasoned with just enough restraint to let the quality of the ingredients sing—are masterclasses in precision. With every course, the palate is tantalized by combinations that are at once daring and deeply satisfying. The main dishes defy expectation, pushing the boundaries of tradition while remaining anchored in a profound respect for culinary heritage. From tender cuts of meat that yield effortlessly to the fork, to vegetables so perfectly cooked they verge on poetry, each element is a star in its own right, yet never overshadows the whole.

And then, there is the wine list—a sommelier’s dream, a veritable treasure trove of vintages and varietals, each chosen with discernment and care. Every pairing is a revelation, enhancing and elevating the flavors of the dishes, weaving together an intricate dance of taste and texture that leaves one breathless with admiration.

Finally, the desserts—a denouement as grand as the meal that preceded it. They are not mere afterthoughts, but rather the crescendo of this orchestrated experience, where creativity knows no bounds. Whether it is a deconstructed classic reimagined for the modern palate or an entirely novel confection, the result is always exquisite.

In a world where culinary pretension often masquerades as innovation, Tacos Number Juan stands apart as a sanctuary for those who seek authenticity, artistry, and the rare pleasure of perfection. It is not merely a meal; it is a journey through the finest sensibilities of taste, where every detail is considered, every flavor deliberate, and every moment savored. Dining here is, quite simply, an experience...

My wife and I took our kids and their spouse out to a quick lunch today. We passed by Taco Number Juan, and thought why not try somewhere new. We knew nothing about the place.

The parking lot was empty when we arrived which is usually not a good sign for a new(ish) restaurant. The moment we walked in though, the smell of delicious Mexican food hit our noses.

After taking a quick look at the menu, we ordered an ACP combo, nachos with carnitas and a grilled chicken quesadilla.

The person working the counter was very friendly and helpful. We sat down and waited for the food.

The wait was not long at all. Taking only a few minutes for it to come out, hot and steaming. The carnitas were flavorful and I was told that the ACP was fire but I didn't try it myself.

Then there's the quesadilla. Look, I'm a big dude. I like food. And I love a good quesadilla. I like to think of my wife and I as quesadilla connoisseurs.

The first words out of my wife's mouth was "this is the best quesadilla I've ever had". That probably doesn't mean much to you, anonymous reader, but in my world it was words I didn't think I'd ever hear.

The grilled chicken is so perfectly seasoned. Tangy, more than likely from lime or tajin. The cheese pull was glorious and the tortilla was perfectly grilled and crispy.

Best we'd ever had, indeed. Plus it came with a side of rice and a small sour cream salad.

The best part though? The price. This is quality food that exceeds the fast casual price. A little over $30 for three entrees. That's insane for food this good, especially now in this economy. This may be the best kept secret in Durham.

Go now. Like, why are you even reading at this point? Seriously, get out of your house and go immediately. It's only been a couple of hours and I'm ready to go...