The Local Taco
315 S Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40508
The Local Taco Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Lexington for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Lexington for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Lexington for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
315 S Limestone
Lexington, KY, 40508 - Phone (859) 523-3700
- Website https://thelocaltaco.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Brandon D.
Found this place on yelp when we would be passing through town and my girlfriend loves tacos so we decided to try it out. Menu - it's an order at the register then sit down restaurant with a nice variety of taco options, about 8 if I remember and a few other non taco choices as well. Very fair priced also. Atmosphere - the place has a really cool relaxed vibe to it. We sat inside but it has an open air area so we got to enjoy the beautiful day outside as well. Worked out great for a break from driving and probably a nice place to spend a few hours between classes if at school Food - Being Taco Tuesday it was buy 3 get 1 free so I went with 4 different tacos. Korean, Steak, Tequila Chicken, and Fried Chicken if I remember the names correctly. Every one of them was good my favorite being the steak and fried chicken. We've been to several taco places and this wasn't my favorite but would definitely return if back in the area. The queso had a nice hint of spice to it too and was also really good. Service - being an order at the register type of place there isn't much to say here but the girl at the register was friendly so that was nice. Overall - if you're looking to eat some good tacos and enjoy your day. Stop at The Local Taco and you won't be let down
(4)Elaine D.
I've been to The Local Taco a few times for lunch and sat at the bar. I've had the spicy shrimp taco with jalapeno slaw, the brisket with red mole, pickled onions and cilantro, and on one lucky day, the lobster taco. Always on the corn tortillas, and avocado on the side. The two tacos with a side lunch special is only $7.50. You have to try a Beerita, at least once. Parking on Limestone can be difficult These tacos are good, albeit not authentic, just different. When I'm craving tacos, I usually head over to Maria's Kitchen on Broadway. Now those are TACOS!
(4)Stephanie G.
This is my new favorite restaurant in Lexington. Every taco I've tried has been good, but the Korean BBQ is the best. Brunch on the weekends has some tasty breakfast tacos too as well as one dollar mimosas. Service and atmosphere have always been great. And prices are reasonable.
(5)Ernie D.
I've been the last few weeks for Taco Tuesday. They have some of the most flavorful tacos that I've had here in Lexington, although they are not strictly Mexican. I don't know if I would come here for Mexican food, but I would come here for any other reason. Their brisket taco has very soft beef covered in pickled onions which are incredible. The fish tacos come with a very large piece of battered fish and fresh jalapenos that are really spicy! On Tuesdays you can get 4 tacos for $9, which is a good deal considering how full and filling each one is. It can get a little crowded at times, but that's just because it's worth it! I look forward to coming back here a lot.
(4)Steve C.
Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, and Martin Short saved a small Mexican village by jumping from the silent screen into real life and their story was immortalized in the great American classic, ¡Three Amigos! That that can do attitude and a little elbow grease, and you get The Local Taco. A great story about the Little Tortilla Boy who wants to fight against the likes of the King, a creepy clown and his psychedelic gang, and the Marlboro Man. And let me tell you, the Tortilla Boy who made his start by making tortillas out of flattened halves of hamburger buns has come of age. These tacos make you want to slap a baby and send a telegram home to tell your folks all about it. Stop. At first blush, it seems a little pricey for a small taco, but once you get into the double digits of consumption, it is strangely filling. And your consumption has been cured. It's a two'fer. Their alcohol menu is written on a chalkboard easel just like your great great great grandparents lessons were in the Aughts. The 18 Aughts. But the beer is much better than it was back then and much more of a liquid. I know you're thinking, "Is this too good to be true?" The answer is yes! But they somehow turned your wildest fantasies into reality by Willa Wonka-ing the hell out of their service. It is quick, even if there is a line out the front door, which happens pretty regularly. The only lag time is the people ahead of you deciding which tacos to try and whether or not they want to just get crunk or turnt up. By the way, Beeritas are mandatory. Shoes and shirts aren't. (The city is exploring the option of loincloths, so will update this review when the report is made public.) Even when they have to turn away customers due to the Fire Marshall mandating that only 100 people could die tragically instead of 101, you get your food pretty quickly. Why four out of five stars and not five out of five stars? Because my rating system is arbitrary and I get to choose, that's why. And because i wish the parking was a little better. You may say that it isn't their fault, but they could have leveled the building next door and made and additional 20 spaces. So, as my mother says, "You best not be snackin'. You better Tex-Mex yo'self befo' you wreck yo'self. And go doo-doo in yo' pants, Son!"
(4)Laura H.
We went here for the first time last weekend and loved it! They have a great fun atmosphere, good drinks and a very affordable food menu. Out of everything we ordered the shrimp tacos were by far the best. You just can't beat their crispy shrimp covered in refreshing garnishes, wrapped in the soft corn tortillas (you can request corn over flour when ordering). The brisket tacos were also great and we would defiently order them again! If I could rate this restaurant on atmosphere and those two items alone it would be five stars, hands down. Unfortunately some of the other tacos were not as good. The beef was more bbq then it was Mexican and lacked the freshness you would want in a taco. The drinks were very good, and you can't beat sitting out on their patio on a nice night with a good margarita. Overall we really loved this place and will definitely return next time we are in town!
(4)Melissa W.
I visited Local Taco for lunch with a friend. We decided to arrive around 11:30 since my friend told me that it gets busy over lunch - boy was she right! Maybe 2 minutes after we got in line, the line was so long it was out the front door. I didn't have any trouble finding parking on Limestone, but that may be due to the fact that I got there a little earlier than the lunch rush. They do have limited parking in back too. I ordered the lunch special - two tacos and a side. I opted for the smoked brisket tacos and the spicy shrimp taco, and I wasn't disappointed! For my side I opted for chips and queso. The queso is so creamy and delicious! Local Taco may look small from the outside, but they have ample seating outdoors in front and along the side, and lots of indoor seating. The line moves quickly, so even if the line is long, you won't have to wait too long! If you're in Lexington and jonesing for some tacos, give Local Taco a try!
(4)Wes C.
The good: the food, service, the interior. The bad: the parking, the portion size. The rundown: this is on campus so be prepared for issues with parking, even though they do have a small lot around back. They have patio seating as well as inside which has a plethora of TV's tuned to sports. Their beer selection does change based upon the season but is a small selection to say the least. In terms of food you can choose from a snack to as much food as you want since they price their food per taco. They have mahi, steak, chicken and shrimp that go on your style of taco. The bang bang sauce is great, though for most May be a little on the spicy side (though I very much appreciate it). Their salsa is chunky and rustic, a little smokey and wonderful. The interior also features some old photos of Lexington and it is pretty amazing to see what used to be on the same streets we use every day. It also features some local artists work which I always enjoy. The impression: this is a great place for lunch or to catch a game of UK stomping Louisville. Unfortunately parking can be difficult on those game days so you may be in for a worthwhile walk. The only thing missing is a bit of a guide as to how much food you can expect from your order, otherwise you may be back for seconds and having to wait in a decent line.
(4)brandon h.
Huge fan of the atmosphere of being in the heart of UK campus and the Buffalo chicken tacos as well as the hand squeezed margaritas one of the best in Lexington!
(4)Megan B.
This is one of our favorite spots in Lexington. Great, fresh, local food. Fun atmosphere. Lot's of TVs for game day. Friendly staff. Quick service. You can't beat it!
(5)Joanna S.
It's OK. We've had friendly service, but my expectations were too high. It's a good place to take a group, really great atmosphere on nice days with the large open patio that transitions in the restaurant, but the variety was a bit lacking for me. Most dishes I've had have been kind of bland (though I've only been here a handful of times, so I haven't tried everything.) I just wanted fresher ingredients and more flavor. I wanted Folley Beach's Taco Boy...and this just doesn't compare.
(3)Jorge H.
When we arrived at this restaurant today, the line at the cash register was backed up to the door that opens to South Limestone. As was the case with all our previous visits, only one cashier was working (despite the fact that there are two cash registers). While the majority of the workers appear to be UK undergrads, usually there is an older gentleman (late 20s/early 30s) standing around and doing nothing. It appears he's the one in charge. He wasn't there today. It makes no difference when he is anyway. Fortunately, we made it through the line in five minutes. My wife and I both ordered the lunch baskets (two tacos plus a side). We then proceeded to wait at least 30 minutes at our table before ANYONE ever brought us anything. Keep in mind, it's not like we ordered steak or even a pizza. We just wanted some tacos, rice, and chips. During this time we observed the lone cashier having to constantly leave her station to go back to the kitchen and deliver information. The people around us kept checking their watches. Needless to say, Gordon Ramsay would have a field day with this place. The ONLY reason this place gets three stars is because the food is actually really good. But, here's the deal: I can get food that is just as good as this with way better service at multiple other similar restaurants in Lexington. Oh, and before I forget, finding a place to sit is always an issue at The Local Taco. Also, there is now a 10 percent fee on all takeout orders.
(3)Matt C.
Very cool place! Great food and not toooooo crowded during a busy lunchtime.
(5)Keri S.
There is a Chipotle that is one block over that is 10 times this restaurant. Of course the ratings are high bc college kids love anything wrapped in a tortilla, as do I, but this was disastrous. I had the Cuban corn, which was over cooked and had no seasoning. It was sprinkled with some cotija cheese and that's it! The margarita on the rocks was so sweet I thought I was going to catch diabetes. The Korean taco and the brisket taco were just ok, but anyone that knows anything about cooking at all can out do this culinary catastrophe. Again, go to chipotle.
(1)Daniel D.
If I could choose the number of stars it would be 3.5. The place is not average but it is not very good. The service we got was very good, servers were helpful at the time of getting a table, but this place gets crowded so there might be a wait for a table. The food it self was reasonably priced, not cheap but not very expensive for the quality. I tried different types of tacos and even though they were not bad, the tacos are not to die for. In other words it's an above average taco.
(4)Mark A.
Too often the cashiers, who are typically young students, are rude/indifferent/irritated to be taking orders. Not alot of customer service when the younger staff is at the register. However, the food is phenomenal and the dining room staff is always outstanding.
(3)Andrew J.
Local Taco is a great spot for unique tacos!
(4)Mike T.
I rate this 4-stars because I'm a fan of the food, but I would not say 'Yay!' about the service. This is a fast-casual concept, with extraordinary soft tacos and enchiladas. Go here to try some flavorful food. The selection of tacos is delicious. But be prepared to wait in a line for the one cashier to take your order. On one occasion, after finding a seat and waiting patiently for our food, a staff member delivered our order and we realized we didn't have utensils. We asked for a fork and he replied, "Yeah you can get it over there", and pointed to where the cashier and drink station was, and walked away. Okay, I get it. Grab everything you need and only expect MINIMAL help from the staff. Honestly, they might as well just leave your food at the counter and let you pick it up yourself. It makes the "TIPS" jar at the counter laughable. Why leave a tip? It's basically Taco Bell when it comes to service. So, I would recommend Local Taco for the INCREDIBLE food (and people watching in the warm weather months), but don't expect fast, friendly, or helpful service.
(4)Rebecca A.
What a nice surprise! I was at Good Sam for my CT Scan and saw the Local Taco across the street. Since I was starving to death, food was the first thing on my mind. Wow! Everything we had was great! They even watched out for my Tomato Allergy. Can't wait till I come to Lexington for my next CT Scan, that means a Trip to Local Taco!!! XD
(5)Jacqueline H.
So this is NOT Mexican. lol. It is however, VERY good food that appears somewhat Mexican. I recommend it to anyone because they have a options, it is affordable and their drinks aren't too bad! I'm visiting from California so enjoying some good local restaurants is always on my "things to do" list. I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)Kate S.
(It helps if you read this review with a Southern accent :-) Dear Local Taco, I regret that my note of thanks comes so long after our first meal together, and I vowed not to let one more day pass without expressing my appreciation and thanks for your wonderful food. It seems only yesterday that I walked in to your airy establishment, the scent of freshly made tortillas in the air, to appease my hunger. It was a Tuesday, our first Taco Tuesday, and I struggled to choose the perfect tacos from the list of delicious choices. I chose shrimp, fish, brisket, and southern fried and my sangria and I retired to our table to await their arrival. Moments later, my sangria barely touched and so many people unwatched, my tacos arrived. They were utterly surprising in their flavor and deeply satisfying in their combination of fresh ingredients.. The shrimp taco was my first love and remains so to this day. The pickled jalapeños with the fish was a sublime combination, and the brisket was moist and tender and reminded me of my friend The BBQ Master, in California. I nearly wept with delight. Since that first meal, I have had the pleasure of sampling many items from your menu and I have never been disappointed. The queso dip, the chicken tortilla soup, the taco specials, the beerita...I'm feeling a bit light headed remembering all the delicious morsels with which you have delighted my taste buds. After all these years, I have no regrets and I am proud to call you my friend. Very truly yours, An Admirer
(4)Brianna M.
Great food and taco selections. Looks like a sit down restaurant but everything is self serve. Great environment & service is quick!
(5)Leigh W.
Our party of seven entered the establishment during a UK football game, so the place was packed. Luckily, we landed a table, ordered at the register and were served quickly. Though they seemed at their busiest, we got our food in a timely fashion. I ordered a queso guacamole for the table and chose the roja salsa. As with all Mexican restaurants, the app made a nice complement to the pitchers of beer and margaritas. I chose a vegetarian taco, triple crown cheese enchilada and a mushroom spinach enchilada. The enchiladas were served with a side of rice and lettuce. They were good, but paled in comparison to the vegetarian taco. If I visit again, I'll just order three of those. The triple crown enchilada was to my expectations, but I didn't imagine the spinach and mushrooms would be pureed into a pasty filling of the other. The consistency rather than the flavor threw me for a loop. For the quality of food, the price was excellent.
(4)Leslie V.
I have been waiting over 25 minutes for the chips and salsa ordered as an appetizer. Incredibly poor service today. I love the good but it seems like the service has gone way downhill recently.
(2)Jenna T.
This place was absolutely wonderful! The food was excellent and the margaritas were even better. The only suggestion I have for those coming is to sit inside or near it because the flys can be pretty bad!
(5)Adam B.
I feel like the beach should be on the other side of the street. Great patio, great food. I love how the feel of this place allows you to drink, eat a bit, drink a bit more, eat a little more, and just relax. Drink specials are not great, but are not terrible. If drinks were slightly cheaper, it would be a 5/5 for me.
(4)Ashley M.
First Visit, on an overcast summer day for lunch. We parked on a side road closer to Upper and walked in through the back. Almost vomited from the smell of rotting garbage from the nearby canisters. As we entered, we noticed the plastic covered menus mounted on the wall so we grabbed one and took about 5 minutes standing in front the "order here" sign to figure out our options. The employee at the counter waited to greet us until we fully approached the counter and verbally indicated we were ready. She was nice enough but not very helpful. We didn't even know to get our own drink. We walked away, leaving our cup, but she didn't notice that and we figured it out after picking out a table & looking around. We chose to sit in the back because it was hot & humid with a drizzle of rain and since the front is opened up onto a patio you couldn't feel the air conditioning there. I would recommend the owners put something over the windows to block unsightly views (see pics). Nothing fancy, enough to let light through but haze the sight of the half naked college students next door, cars, and trash, just in the farthest back corner. About 8 minutes later our food came out and it tasted just as good as it looked! My husband ordered one chicken & one steak taco with Pinto beans and I wasn't very hungry so I ordered off the kids menu, one fried chicken taco with Pinto beans. We both decided the pinto beans were good but too peppery for our taste. I didn't care for all the celery cooked in but I did like the chunks of meat. The salsa on my husband's tacos were very fresh and flavorful. We enjoyed the food and the portions are just right if your trying to not over-eat. Next time we'll try something more unique & adventurous.
(4)Heather P.
I have driven by this place many times, noticing the patio always being packed, when the weather permits. If I go back, I will opt for the patio experience. With so many local Mexican options, I thought this place was over priced and over rated. When I think of tacos, I think of chips and salsa, but at LT you have to buy the chips and the salsa in addition to your meal...or order them in place of a side. I ordered the two tacos basket which came with a side and I chose the Mexican tots. I thought the tots would be a potato of sorts but they were more like hush puppies, except they were mushy in the middle. The tots are definitely not something that I would recommend. The four tacos for $10 seems like a good deal, so the next time, that's what I'll order. One last observation: they serve coffee from Georgia Coffee Company. With so many local coffee options, I hope that they catch on soon.
(3)Susan M.
I really wanted to like this place. Unfortunately, there were a few things lacking. We ordered a trio of salsas: green tomatillos, black bean and corn, and pico de gallo. The first two were great! The pico was virtually flavorless though. It seemed to lack salt, lime, and garlic. The queso we ordered was great. Classic margarita: good. Hard to mess this up. I had the chicken lime taco and three cheese enchilada. Taco was great! Enchilada...weird flavors. One of the cheeses is smoked provolone which threw us off. We actually were questioning if the cheese they used was bad because one of them ordered tasted different from the others...hmm. My sister had one of the chicken enchiladas (don't remember which one) and it was very good. The brisket taco she ordered was lacking in flavor and a bit salty. Atmosphere is nice though! On a nitpicky note, they do need weighted stands for the numbers for their tables, as the stand repeatedly flipped over onto us and our food. I may return here but was overall unimpressed.
(3)Heather A.
Went on a Tuesday and their special was buy 3 get 1 free. We both got 4 tacos and also got mexi tater tots so we were stuffed! Korean bbq was my favorite.
(4)Benjamin M.
The Local Taco serves up some great, creative tacos, and I think Lexington is lucky to have a place like this. Although some Yelpers have complained about prices being steep, I feel that the prices are in-line with the quality of the food. If you want to stuff your face with cheap, chemically-laden tacos, there's this one chain called Taco Bell. The Local Taco has a $10 deal for four tacos and they allow mix-and-matching. That's an awesome lunch deal, and you should definitely check it out if you're in the UK campus area.
(4)Adam R.
The food is phenomenal, as well as the beer menu. However, I sat at the bar, and the bartender was rude, and her service was absolutely horrendous. Given that, I would highly recommend trying the food, just avoid the bar.
(3)Anna R.
I have heard so much about this place but I have to say I was disappointed. First the good things- the guacamole and the mexi-tots are good! The tortillas are homemade and have a lot of texture. The outdoor seating is nice too. The atmosphere is chill and a good place to hang out. Then the bad- the taco flavors we tried were only ok. The best was the steak but it was dry. Be sure to add the lime juice. The shrimp itself was really good but the jalapeño slaw was bland. The actual meat of tequila lime chicken was dry though there was a decent amount sauce. The southern fried chicken was good but average. The Cuban corn was starchy and clearly had been harvest way too mature (not necessarily the restaurants fault) and the chili powder added very little to the dish. Overall, I can immediately name at least three places in Lexington within 10 miles where I would rather eat Mexican. I don't think we will be back.
(2)Tabitha H.
Shrimp taco is a must. Mexican corn that will go great as a side with queso that will rock your world. Great brunch on the weekend and the margs are a nice addition to any meal. Oh & don't forget $1 mimosas on the weekends for brunch.
(4)Emily B.
This is one of my husband's favorite places and I like it alright. It obviously isn't meant to be an authentic Mexican place and they serve a wide range of tacos. However, nothing comes with a side, which makes Local Taco quickly get expensive. I have a toddler, and I do like the children's menu options for him. I appreciate restaurants who serve smaller portions of fully flavored food for kids rather than super bland items or junk food. At Local Taco, we are able to get him a quesadilla with grilled chicken and flavorful cheese and a generous side of slightly spicy black beans for $4, which I feel is reasonable. Adults are allowed to order a children's meal as well so if you're a fairly light eater or just not very hungry, that may be a good option.
(3)Brooke M.
I frequently visit this restaurant for dinner. Tonight while sitting on the patio, two men came right outside the door of the restaurant and smoked. They have a cigarette tray right beside the door, right beside where people eat. Many staff members walked by and saw that they were smoking near eating costumers and nothing was said. I complained as I left the store to the cashier. I can't eat with smoke in my face.
(2)Olwen C.
One of my favorites!! I do wish the portions were bigger. This is what I'd call fancy-american-mex. Nice presentation and great taste but small portions and slightly over priced. Also, watch out when you order because almost every time I've been charged the wrong price. Some of the side items are higher priced and they dont always tell you that when you order. The patio is great, one of the best in town, and the servers are usually pretty friendly.
(5)Clara H.
Great college spot. Tacos are fantastic and a very friendly staff. Vivian and Lyndsey are great!
(4)Ambo D.
Mediocre tacos. Salsas are nothing to rant over. Brisket taco was a let down. Meat was hard and dry. Korean taco tasted like nothing but sesame oil. Menu sounds good but it always falls a bit short.
(2)Miss G.
My first experience here was okay. I'm not a big fan of taco but the local taco is definitely different than any taco fast food resto (for example: taco bell). the price is ok since it's located around the campus area (Univ of Kentucky) so $10 for 4 tacos or $2.75 each?? can't complain. korean bbq tacos and spicy shrimp tacos are highly recommended. the queso is also recommended, especially because its a free chips refill. the frozen lime margarita is the only reason why i gave 4 stars, i didn't really think that's an alcoholic beverage (more like icee/slushy from 7/11), it was good but unlike what i expected. the ambiance is okay but not really recommended for kids during dinner time (full bar service)~ definitely will be back when i come back to Lexington ..... :)
(4)Megan M.
Some tasty items on menu and great brunch specials, but food wise I do think it's overrated. However, on a nice day, the patio is wonderful.
(3)Shannon C.
This place is soooooo good!! I love the atmosphere and they have great customer service!
(5)Kate E.
Wonderful college atmosphere. In warmer weather the garage doors open and create a cool open layout restaurant that almost feels like you're somewhere besides the bluegrass. The tacos are unique but unfortunately are mostly misses in my opinion. I have only had 2-3 that I actually liked and I have tried almost the entire menu. The ingredients just don't seem as fresh as you would think. Overall, this is a great place for groups - especially groups watching games on their TVs. Nice casual place!
(3)Matt R.
Great place. Tried it out tonight on a friends recommendation and it lived up to my expectations. They have a great menu and good drinks. I had chips with a variety of dips and steak tacos. It was all cooked well and seasoned really well. The margaritas were great. I did try the beer, not sure what brand it was but it was pretty gross. Other than that it was a great experience. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Natasha S.
Super quick food with a nice atmosphere (kinda college and chill sports bar rolled into one). I LOVE the fried fish tacos. It is basically all I will order. So crispy and delicious, and the sauce they put on the taco is basically heaven. The regular fried chicken taco is fantastic as well. I'm not a big fan of any of the beef tacos though, every time I've tried one I've found them a bit dry and lacking in flavor. Queso is great, prices are fairly reasonable if slightly high (I usually get 3 tacos (~$8) as a smaller girl, guys will want 4-6 - which is $10-15). Also grab a beerita, those are great. I wish they put a mini beer upside down in a margarita glass the way they're done in Texas, but for Kentucky this is the next best thing.
(5)Hansel B.
This place is pretty quick and laid back, much better than going to a fast food place and higher quality. I would recommend for take out or sit down. The Korean BBQ tacos are great!
(3)Stephenie T.
The Local Taco has quickly become one of my husband and my favorite places to get tacos. I always get the steak tacos and they are always delicious. The guacamole is traditionally prepared and perfect! It's just a great place to have a great meal!
(5)TP M.
Our 2nd visit to this cool taco joint did not disappoint. Super yUmMy, very fresh and even better than I remembered from our first visit last year. Queso, guacamole and salsa were very good, excellent pitcher of margaritas, delicious enchiladas and of course fabulous tacos. Haven't been? What are you waiting for?
(4)Lee P.
I like this place; the menu is simple but each taco has a good flavor, The Korean BBQ tacos are amazing.
(4)Mindy R.
Local Taco is one of my favorite places for lunch or a quick dinner. The food is always consistently good! I usually get the taco basket (2 tacos and 2 sides ...or chips/salsa). My favorite taco's are the spicy shrimp with a jalapeno coleslaw on it...so, so good! Chips are fresh, salsa is fresh, and one of the best queso's in Lexington! Now onto my favorite Local Taco item...the Margarita's. They are by far, the absolute best in town! Brunch taco's on the weekends are always good too (think chicken and waffle tacos!). They also have $1 mimosas till 3 PM Saturday and Sunday. They come in small flutes, but they are strong so don't be deceived!
(4)Kirk H.
Everything is good but I especially love the buttermilk shrimp tacos with jalapeno slaw. Chips and queso are a must for me each time I go. Buffalo chicken tacos are excellent as well. Fresh, cheap, good and filling. Local ingredients. Fast service. What's not to like?
(5)Sarah V.
This is a pretty tasty Mexican/southwestern lunch choice downtown. I went on a weekday and had the tequila lime chicken taco lunch special with Mexican rice. I don't know how expensive it was because another person paid for our group. The Mexican rice was so-so, though it did have a nice spice to it, maybe cinnamon. The tacos were quite tasty, with the chicken being very tender. The soft taco shells were good, too, reminding me almost of flatbread with their softness. It was a somewhat small serving size, but it filled me up. I tried the Mexi-tots that others in my group got and thought they were okay, if a little too fatty; I probably wouldn't order those myself. The interior was pretty nice, and you could sit outside on their patio, too. We chose to sit indoors, though we did have to test a couple of tables before finding one that didn't rock back and forth. Being downtown, it's a pain to park (we got a meter outside), but if you're walking from your office that's not a problem.
(3)Rebecca S.
Every time I visit Lexington, KY to see my brother, we make it a priority to come here. Now, I live in Houston, TX, so I pride myself on being well-versed in the art of the taco. Local Taco is fantastic! They have unique and flavorful tacos. I always have the brisket taco and tequila lime chicken with a side of their fresh guacamole. The brisket is always perfectly cooked and the bbq sauce adds just enough kick. The tequila lime chicken also has great flavor and I love the salsa verde that comes with it. The toppings are always abundant, but not too overpowering. I tried a bit of their mexi-tater tots and boy are they good! I highly recommend the side of guacamole. It's very fresh and if you don't want it on your taco, you can have it with the chips that come on the side. On this visit, we also did the pick three salsas to start. The black bean and corn was awesome! The corn was fresh and crunchy (not soggy like some) and it was served cool. The pico de gallo is pretty standard, although, the tomatoes were also very fresh and we had their basic tomato salsa. The salsas are fairly standard in terms of the flavor you'd expect from those particular salsas; however, these ingredients are really fresh and served like they should be at the right temperature. Some places leave their salsa out and it gets a little warm and soggy, not The Local Taco. My dining companions had the buffalo chicken tacos and the shrimp tacos, which I was told are also fantastic. I love the atmosphere, price, and availability of seating. They have a nice little outdoor deck at the Lexington location and they keep the doors open in the spring and summer, so even if you sit inside you still get the outside feeling. The lunch basket is a very reasonable price and you don't walk out feeling stuffed for lunch. The lunch basket comes with two tacos and a side, which is the perfect portion. The dinner portion is three tacos, but they're pretty flexible on the time of day you can get the lunch or dinner portion. They also usually have some sort of deal every day, so check their chalkboard to see what their specials are. Hope to be back soon! Thanks for a great dining experience, Local Taco!
(4)Tim P.
I tried The Local Taco for lunch today. I for the buy 3 get 1 free Taco Tuesday deal. I tried the Korean bbq, pulled pork, & 2 fish tacos. I was fairly unimpressed with the first two. The fish tacos were slightly better. The highlight of the meal would have to be the chips and salsa. I'll give the place another chance. Maybe it was just an odd day for them.
(3)Steven V.
Great food! In town for a football game and saw the reviews of this place, so we had to check it out. So glad we did. The southern fried chicken taco and the fish taco were excellent. We also had the mushroom and spinach enchilada....and it was wonderful. We sat outdoors and enjoyed the beautiful evening and the curbside ambiance. The delivery of our food was fast! Great job, folks!!!
(5)Gerri F.
I watched their chef on our local tv station and he showed how they make different soft tacos. They did a pulled brisket with mojo sauce and a vegaterain taco. IT looks so good and I said that I knew where that place was and had seen it several times. So I went today for dinner. I ordered the 2 soft tacos that was shown on tv and I must say, I was very impressed and in heaven. It came with 2 sides, so I had pinto beans and ham hocks plus mexican tator tots. OH MY GOOSH TO DIE FOR. Now get the thought out of your head as to the traditional frozen tator tots for no way close. It was round and so mouth watering good. They have other great foods such as enchidados(mispelled),and a kids menu too. You could have 4 tacos for $10. Domestic beer $2 and ales are $3. You can seat inside or outside. I would diffenetly go back there again.
(5)Megan O.
Who doesn't love a quality taco stand? Local Taco is great - superb food (in price, quality, and options), nice drink selection, and a lively atmosphere. On top of all that, we sat down at a table that hadn't been bussed...and a few minutes later a manager dropped off a coupon for a free taco for our trouble. You don't get that kind of service every day (unfortunately). Highly recommend!
(5)Ryan S.
the tacos were okay, overpriced for not-fresh bland food. The enchilada I had was disgusting. I took one bite and that was it. I am almost sure it had been frozen and was microwaved to order. Really bad food for this price. I have no idea how this has gotten so many positive reviews.
(1)David S.
Fantastic food, atmosphere, and good service. The ordering style is not one I prefer, order and receive a number, but the food was so good that I can overlook it. I think that at least around lunch time they could move to full server staffing and get some efficiency. I had a chicken black bean quesadilla that was fantastic along with an order of chips and queso. For a side I chose rice and beans. I don't think I'd get the rice and beans again. Companion had fish tacos, which she thoroughly enjoyed. All in all this was probably our favorite place in Lexington.
(5)Cassidy B.
My boyfriend and I ate here on a Sunday morning. The parking wasn't to great, there's only like 9 parking spots in the back. So we had to enter from the back of the restaurant , and didn't really know where to go because we've never been there. Then we waited in the line to order, we weren't handed a menu and didn't know where to get them. Once we were in front of the line we were told that the menus were on the front of the door. The cashier helped us order, and seemed nice. She didn't inform us on where to get our drinks or where to sit (being a first time customer). The cashier forgot our soft drink cups. We had to get them from her, we stood awkwardly waiting for tables to clear up. We quickly grabbed a table after another couple left, no one cleaned the table after them. We placed our order number on the table. The food came out quickly really quickly. At first we thought it was small portions, but we quickly realized we we wrong. The tacos WERE AMAZING, we had gotten two lunch baskets. 2 buffalo chicken tacos with chips and salsa. The second order was steak, and chicken tacos with tex mex tots. Sitting outside was not a very pleasant experience, lots of flies and bees bumping into us as we ate. Which can be expected when eating outside. The atmosphere was lively, fun, clean, new, refreshing, and a great place to start your day.
(5)Chandler L.
No complaints here. The atmosphere is an A. The food is an A and the lunch price for under $10 is also fantastic. Great location in downtown Lex. I recommend you stop by if you're in the area.
(5)Jessica D.
Spicy shrimp and Korean BBQ tacos just literally rocked my world. And try the Cuban corn. You won't be sorry. I'll be back next time I'm in Lexington. Heck. I may even come back again before I leave!
(5)Paula W.
I love the location and the atmosphere. I wasn't overly impressed with the food but I would definitely go back.
(4)Kim T.
My family and I visited Lexington, KY over the weekend and was looking for a place to eat. We ended up downtown on the campus of University of Kentucky. We walked into The Local Taco......WOW...IT WAS THE BEST! HIGHLY recommended.
(5)Becc W.
Drinks are great. Food is great. But the cost doesn't always give you a great deal of food. But still very good and unique.
(3)Will H.
Great spot for drinks, Mexican, people watching. Nice creative Mexican menu with daily specials
(5)Chasity B.
The food was decent and the prices were not that bad. However, it was a little confusing when ordering. You don't really have a waitress you have to go up and order it but they do bring it out to you. This is what makes getting your food take some time. They just wonder around looking for your number at all the tables. The staff is really friendly but I think they would benefit from a different ordering and delivering system.
(3)Jon T.
Awesome (albeit tiny) tacos - I had the fried chicken and Korean BBQ tacos, and while the former was much better than the latter, both were excellent. Definitely worth checking out if you find yourself nearby!
(4)K R.
Local Taco is one of our favorite spots. We go at least every other week. Love how fresh everything tastes. And if you like greens theirs are the best. I usually get the tequila lime chicken tacos. Another nice surprise is brunch on Sunday. I always get the scrambeld egg and country ham taco and cheese grits. Best cheese grits- they use white cheddar. $1.00 mimosas and $3 bloody Marys.
(5)Kevin S.
This place is a great option for lunch around UK. The lunch platter is about $7 and includes two tacos and a side. Can get crowded during the middle of lunch but I definitely think it is worth waiting or taking it to go.
(5)Josh M.
been going here since it open. People in charge run a great taco. Lunch or Dinner give this place time. I love Fish Taco's and this place has them. Fish, Shrimp and all kinds of taco's. Weather is good go check out the patio
(4)Giovanna P.
Local Taco is one of my go to places! The prices are reasonable, the service is quick and the food taste really good! I'm a huge fan on the the twist of taco favors, they always have a special like 4 tacos for $10,etc. it's just a cozy environment, and I love coming with my friends and family here
(5)Jesse R.
Tacos, beer, and patio. All bitchin.
(5)Bradley B.
This was a really good place for Nuevo Mexican cuisine. They have a good spin on tacos which is what I had this trip. I tried the local BBQ taco, the pulled pork was a bit dry. I was hoping for something a bit more tender or at least saucy! The Korean BBQ tacos lived up to the reviews and were a great version of Korean tacos w Asian slaw/kimchi ish slaw. The menu looked great overall and I would for sure go back again ESPECIALLY on a $4 Margarita Monday!
(4)K M.
I tried three of the tacos (korean BBQ, pulled pork, and fried chicken). They were all reasonably tasty, but I thought they were pretty small for the amount that I was charged.
(3)Brandon L.
I'm a student at UK and a frequent diner here. The food is incredible (especially the buffalo chicken quesadilla) and the sides are good as well. If you want a filling meal and the best bang for your buck, you'll want to get their chips and salsa as your side. The salsa is very well done and you can always dip your chips in extra (free) jalapeño ranch sauce. It is a little more expensive than say a chipotle or comparable restaurants, but the quality and atmosphere more than make up for it. Great beer as well.
(4)Ashley L.
Great culinary concept! Brisket tacos are awesome! I like how you can mix and match tacos too. Great location downtown.
(4)Jason G.
Loved this joint when I lived in Nashville. My business relocated to this area of town and we hit up this place a few times a week for lunch. It is great. The mexitots are stupid good, and the spicy shrimp tacos are a must have.
(5)Andrew C.
Amazing fish tacos!!!
(5)Nikki H.
Awesome lunch spot, it's very inexpensive and I love sitting out on the patio right on Limestone. The sangria is delicious and they have a nice beer selection as well, the food is good, nothing spectacular, but for what we pay I think it's well worth it. The atmosphere and location are wonderful and it's a good place to bring kids! Highly recommend the Mexi Tots or Cuban corn, so so good.
(4)Jenny D.
The tacos are interesting...but very good! The Mexican Tater-tots are so great! Highly recommended by me. And they have a 2-7 happy hour! The atmosphere is really laid back and open, great place to meet people and hang out and have some good food.
(4)Jerry N.
I've been eagerly anticipating checking this place out ever since I saw them hang their sign this summer, well before the doors opened. I finally had the chance to eat here for the first time late last week, and I enjoyed it so much I came back for the second time last night. First, I have to say the atmosphere is excellent. They've renovated an older house, and it has a very cool and casual feel to it without seeming like they're trying too hard. The Ball jars as light fixtures are a nice touch. Everything on the menu sounds great, though I've not gotten very far through the menu items. So far I've only really tried the vegetarian tacos, which have been different both times I've had them, but always delicious. Last night the onions were lightly breaded and friend, which was a nice touch. The cuban corn, which is roasted and spiced and served on-the-cob, is tasty, but up close smelled exactly like buttered movie-theatre popcorn which was a little odd. Tasty, but odd. Due to work-related obligations, I've been unable to sample their margaritas this week, but my wife has had a few and says they're quite solid. I plan to go back again tomorrow night, when I can try one for myself. If opinions change, I'll update it. I've not been to either of the other two Local Taco locations, but I see this one doing well. it fits in quite well among the other businesses along Limestone, and when the weather is warm and the garage doors across the front are open, it's that much more inviting. I'm convinced they'll continue getting plenty of my hard-earned money, and I'll be happy to give it to them.
(4)Eric N.
As per previous reviews, I thought this would be a college hangout. It proves to be much more. Nice outdoor seating, clean digs, pleasant cashier and staff. Order up front and sit down and wait. I had the buffalo chicken (very good), original BBQ ( just oK), and the Korean BBQ ( excellent). A grown man needs at least 3-4 tacos to fill up. Great find!
(4)dane h.
Southern, hipster tacos. Order up front and take a number. The fresh lime frozen margarita was well done. Steak taco was a big letdown. Too much pico de gallo, under-seasoned, under-proportioned steak. Korean taco was just ok. The smokey brisket was my favorite. I liked the pickled onions. The local bbq with cole slaw was pretty good. Both BBQ tacos were flavorful but a tad dry. Two disappointments- I tasted little or no heat in any of the tacos, and their default is flour tortillas. (I didn't realize that til my food arrived) They try to make up for the over-pricing and small portions with a combination of quality and novelty. I think it falls a tad short, but I wouldn't be opposed to going back for another margarita and to try a few other items. As a drinking/bar food spot, this could work.
(3)Kate A.
Excellent key lime chicken taco and steak taco served with flavorful black beans and Mexican rice, all for less than $9! White corn chips with delicious pico de gallo were equally impressive. All of this along with an enchanting open-air patio setting make the Local Taco a new favorite!
(5)Jeff J.
Tried the 4/$10 tacos. I tried fish, shrimp, chicken and the capresse special taco. All but the capresse were amazing (don't get the capresse it's actually pretty bad taco idea). The deck was clean and had a load back atmosphere. Would highly recommend!!!
(5)Laurie A.
For my first trip to Local Taco my husband and I ordered an assortment of tacos (i'll try and remember them all). We had the shrimp taco, fish taco, smoked brisket, Korean BBQ and the tequila lime taco. I also had a side of the jalepeno coleslaw. My daughter had the cheese quesadilla. Overall we liked the tacos, but the fish was by far the best. I liked the shrimp taco as well but all of the flavor came from the shrimp as the jalapeno coleslaw on top (which was also my side) had no flavor whatsoever. I was disappointed in that. The quesadilla my daughter ate had more cheese than I've ever seen on any other restaurant taco. The service was fast and the staff friendly. I look forward to going back to try other things on the menu. If you haven't tried Local Taco yet it is definitely worth a trip to campus for.
(4)Jeremy R.
Surprised by how good it was! Was a little worried by proximity to campus, but was genuinely happy. Only way to do it in my opinion is to get the 4 tacos for $10. I also got a side of the Cuban corn. I don't really understand the previous reviews of cost, because IT'S NOT FASTFOOD PEOPLE! it's not junk on a plate, it's real food! The margaritas were also very good. The surprising thing was that you had to order the chips and salsa. But I also completely understand that college kids would just stop by and eat those for free if they could and the place wouldn't make any money. We will go back, many times!!!! Very happy with my experience.
(5)Gordon F.
Got a variety of tacos here with a side of beans. The tacos are good, certainly nothing earth shattering, and definitely not as good as authentic tacos you would get in the southwest. They are also _tiny_ as well as expensive. Not a good combo. The side dish was also tiny... come on, if you are going to skimp on the main entree, you can at least give the customers some more beans which cost little and are pretty filling. If the food here cost oh, say, half as much, it might gain one to two stars. I won't be going back again and spending over $10 on tacos at lunch, only to go back to the office hungry.
(2)David G.
They have some really interesting tacos. I liked the spicy shrimp and lime chicken tacos. The sides were good also. I had Mexican tater tots and pinto beans. I would strongly recommend both. The Korean BBQ taco was a disappointment, however. I am a huge fan of Korean BBQ, and this just didn't have the taste and quality I'm used to with that selection. It has a nice, warm atmosphere as well. I will definitely be back to try other varieties.
(4)Ryan N.
(Note: This is a long review, because I felt like it, darn it! ) Wow. Fusion cuisine is what this place is all about. I'm currently sitting outside (it's about 50 in November), and while the chill from the outside is quite noticeable, the nice warm heat (spicyness) of the food is quite pleasing. The spice is just about right though. I ordered the two taco dinner plate, which comes with two sides (not a drink). I picked the Mexican rice and Mexican Tater Tots. For my tacos, I choose BBQ and steak. I ordered a soft drink too. I paid $11.40 (+ tip) for the meal. The price seems like it's on the high side, but it's not outrageous for this quality of restaurant. The food is tasty. I was a little apprehensive (I mean, BBQ on a taco?), but the BBQ blends with the salsa and spices. The same thing goes for the steak. It was a little chewy but of decent quality. Of note, it was also cooked medium, unlike other places which cook their taco steak well done. The spices weren't overpowering, and the flavor of the meats really came through in a good way. The tacos weren't really that hot when I got them, but I don't think it really detracts. They had a freshness to them, and everything tasted like it was made from the raw ingredients, a big plus. The tortillas are made onsite (I could see the machine, specially put near a window in the kitchen, it's so cool) and the textures reminded me more of a gyro than a taco. The flavors (salsa and cilantro and spices) had Mexican influence, a delightfully refreshing fusion. The sides were tasty too. The Mexican tots were like hush puppies (there were four of them), fried but with cheese and topped with a creamy spiced sauce. While the tots were an extra fifty cents, they were worth it. The Mexican rice is decent, perhaps a little overspiced for my liking. The portions of all the food items were just about right. I also sampled some nachos with queso and one of their desserts. The queso was awesome--creamy and with a little heat--and the chips were toasted on site with oil and salt. It reminds me of higher quality version of Qdoba's nachos, but without Qdoba's over-salting problem. Now for the dessert. Oh. My. Goodness. I don't usually like fried dough, but this thing was amazing (I don't remember what it was called, so I'll describe it). It's a layer of fried dough, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with agave nectar sauce. It's light, creamy and delicious, and it's one of their best items. Cinnamon was woven in, and the vanilla of the ice cream coalesced with the fried dough to make a decadent treat. I'm going to get it again sometime. The service, while cordial, was a little awkward in a social way, not extremely first-time user friendly. There's a counter where you order, and you're supposed to seat yourself. Technically, there isn't waiter service (I don't think), but they weren't busy and the staff brought me a drink, though it seemed like the guy was doing it as a favor instead of it actually being his responsibility. No problems, he was really nice. Plus the food came out really quickly. TIP: Order at the counter, get your own soft drink, and pick a table. It's easy. (I moved inside because it was getting cold on the patio.) The facility is awesome. Decor-wise it's one of the best restaurants in Lexington. The front room can be open-aired (presumably they close off the patio in winter) and designed with modern flair. There are many places and rooms where you can eat. The outdoor patio really adds another dimension to the place (during a summer evening, it would be more awesome than in November, but I can't win them all). The bar is in its own corner, and it seemed pretty lively; however, it didn't dominate the restaurant, which was nice. There's a room in the back which is quieter, and there's the patio. Noise level ranges. TIP: It's quieter in the back, noisier near the bar. All in all, this place serves a well-conceived fusion cuisine, hence the "Local" in the name. They pull it off, especially their dessert. While you could probably save a few bucks at other places in Lexington, this place is certainly a highlight of the Limestone Street area. The ambiance and the food quality really pull this place into the five star realm. Bring a friend, get a drink, order a taco, don't forget the dessert, and enjoy the crafted ambiance. For the price range (lower end of the $$ range), it doesn't get much better than this.
(5)Phil D.
This review is for a week day lunch. I'll start with the positives: - The food was good; I had two enchiladas, one chicken, and one cheese. I think the cheese was better but both were well prepared. Both came dressed in a red chile sauce that went unnoticed. I wanted to try their habenero lime sauce but somehow that was only available for the tacos. On the side, I got the Mexican style corn which was roasted corn on the cob with some light seasoning. It wasn't what I imagined it was but was very pleased with it. The menu said the corn was seasonal but I'm not sure how much I believe that since I got it in December. Overall, the food was above average but not mind blowing. - The atmosphere was pleasant and not too loud (although it wasn't very crowded) - The wait staff was very courteous and always willing to help. The food took 5-10 minutes to come out with 3-4 other tables occupied. Now for the negatives: - The portions of the food are quite diminutive. I don't expect a thanksgiving sized plate but 50% more food would not be out of the question. For the same cost at other local mexican restaurants, one can get 2-3x more food. Which leads me into my next point... - It is not cheap. One lunch enchilada plate, one lunch taco plate, and two waters came to $19 after tip and tax. That's on the high end for lunch for two, especially when you leave not completely full. I don't mind paying more for local ingredients but other places seem to offer a better price per plate ratio. - I said the atmosphere was pleasant, which it is, but it felt like it was trying a little too hard to be trendy. It's certainly not off-putting but it almost was if it was trying to be too much. In the end, I'm not sure I'll go back. Friends who have gone have had the same critiques I mentioned. The food is good but there isn't much of it and it's on the expensive side.
(2)blue t.
DELICIOUS fish tacos. Great atmosphere (only been for lunch), speedy service. Plus they have Mexican coke (aka in a glass bottle with actual sugar, not HFCS).
(5)Brian J.
This place was good. Everything tasted fresh, there was no wait time, and the food came out fast. It has a nice laid back atmosphere. Plenty of seating indoors and out. If go back again. It was god and a little different with some of the taco options butt nothing just said "OMG I have to go back" it's worth trying though.
(3)Joy G.
This place is okay. I've had the Korean tacos which are pretty good. The tater tots were kind of nasty which the bartender recommended. I wasn't head over heels with the place. The bar was kind of lame.
(3)Jenny H.
I like the tacos here - especially brisket and fish. The tortillas are made on site which is nice. The only problem with this place is the price. I could probably eat 4 tacos easy - which is $10, with no sides. Each taco is probably like 2-3 bites.
(3)Tracy C.
Great food & beer...always quick service!
(5)Robert T.
As several reviewers have stated, a little on the expensive side with not much to back it up as far as size of portions. But it is good, not amazing, and it is something different to try. If you're in the area, don't pass it up, but don't go out of your way for it.
(3)AM M.
Decent fresh Mex, beautiful space. Barbecue brisket taco had good smoky flavor, vegetarian taco was kinda bland vegetables (squash and zucchini), but all very fresh tasting. Chips and queso were awesome. Chips were fresh, salty, white corn which made them light yet sturdy. Queso was flavorful, although could have been thicker. Spendier, but they use local products making it worth it. Space was open with nice hardwood floors, colorful walls, and artwork. It would be a nice place to visit in the summer with the patio doors that open up onto the deck. And there is actually a parking lot in back, which is helpful on busy Limestone. We'd return to try it again, especially for the chips and dip.
(3)J R.
Not worth the price. Went here on 12/21/12 after seeing it on Secrets of the Bluegrass Chef and I was soooo excited to try it. Parking is a nightmare-we had to park way down the street and walked in the freezing cold. I also didn't realize this is a place where you order at the register. There is no waiting space and the one bench they had for waiting customers was covered in napkin dispensers. Two people working the registers-one very bored, uninterested girl and the Head Chef-I recognized him from the show. He took our order, and did not greet us, smile, or say thanks. Very shocking. Food is EXPENSIVE!! I cannot believe how this place is trying to gouge their customers. They had a lunch special on the chalkboard- two tacos and one side for 6.75, so we got that. On the tacky laminated menu it says there is an UPCHARGE if you order anything other than rice or beans as the side. So why not SPECIFY that instead of saying any side? For freaking 6.75 for two teensy, tiny tacos you should be able to get whatever you want. My boyfriend got two different steak tacos and a mexican coke. The mexican coke, taken out of a fridge, was WARM. He personally liked his food, I did not.I ordered the buffalo chicken and spicy shrimp with mexi tots. Bland, bland, bland. No heat, no flavor, and just a nasty, jumbled mess. The shrimp was tough and the food itsself was served luke warm and the tots were scalding-covered in grease but mushy on the inside-still not sure if I liked them or not. I ended up taking my food home (where I dumped salt and my own sliced up avocado on it to make it edible) because it was too loud and too many people were standing around our tiny table. Oh and my buffalo chicken taco had literally one small piece of blue cheese on it-shameful. Bottom line-unfriendly service, limited seating, loud music, and the bus boy was the only one who checked on us and offered a smile. Very, very overpriced for tiny portions and they don't even offer FREE chips or salsa and they charge for a side of salsa! Bland food, tiny servings, too expensive and the freaking executive chef was not friendly and walked around checking his iphone. Won't be back.
(2)E.J. S.
Bottom Line - The Local Taco has great food and is an exemplary business all around. It's the kind of place Lexington diners should feel lucky to have as an affordable option. If you're looking for a down and dirty cheap taqueria, then maybe it might feel a little upscale or just not be the place for you. But the food is top notch all around, fresh and from great sources, and very reasonably priced. It's stylish but not cutesy, boisterous enough to feel like a cantina but classy enough to take a date and have them feel like you actually went somewhere. I loved everything we had and I loved that I could have some tasty heat on and in the things I ordered (good salsas, good condiment choices et al). And I loved getting the feeling that I could stray from trad tastes and be safe. That's where the business model and the training that's obviously gone into the service aspect of the place really comes into play. Friendly, relaxed and informed staff, good signage and available info about purveyors, little or no reliance on non-recyclable goods, consistent bussing of the table even though there's no waitstaff....really really top notch concept and execution. One curious thing I noticed though, and I notice it at other "upscale" Mexican places - it seems odd, that in the FoodNetwork enhanced world, an obviously informed owner believes that people want Patron and other top shelf sipping tequilas as first choice for great pitcher margs. Maybe that's more a comment about the neighborhood though.. To this restaurant's credit, they simply let us change our tequila choice to a much better suited simple silver and they were great. If you're curious but not sold, go in for a cold beer and a basket of their chips - they're freshly made and far better than anyone else's in the neighborhood. Oh good, now I've made myself hungry and have nowhere but my own kitchen to go and get something. Maybe we should open a great taco place here in Berea? Maybe we should just move? haha (btw..the 'no kids" thing I checked in the survey was more about the kids and the parenting I've seen out and about lately...YOUR kids will be fine and will love the place!)
(5)eric l.
If you want fresh ingredients and a different spin on tacos, then this is the place for you. Great tacos great sides and an inviting atmosphere.
(5)Alec J.
Love the place great music great food very nice people and amazing atmosphere. The margaritas are great!!
(5)Kathryn K.
Love the Food ....However you have to fight to get a table , therefore I can't relax when I eat here. The Best drink ( my opinion only) is the Big Blue Margarita. But just too busy and Chaotic.
(4)Joseph K.
This place is great, awesome tacos (the Korean beef and spicy shrimp are my favorites) all the cocktails we had were well made and delicious, the bluegrass sour and the Mexican julep were amazing. Check this spot out! Line out the door the entire hour I was there; to the owner "your place is great and busy, hire more staff!"
(5)Kim N.
Had lunch there today and was completely "wowed" by their special taco of the day - bacon-wrapped lobster with a pineapple salsa. SOOO delicious! The brisket taco was also tasty and I had both on their corn tortillas. I basically could have eaten 10 of the lobster tacos though. Service was great and the restaurant was actually a lot bigger than it looked - there was plenty of seating. I can't wait to go back!
(4)Aditya S.
I haven't been in Lexington for a long time and was looking for a good Mexican place for my Taco Tuesday dinner, stumbled upon this joint on Yelp. Although, I ordered a T/O but I really liked the ambiance and vibe of the place. The lady on the counter was pleasant to talk to, and helped me decide on my order. You get one additional taco for free if you order three tacos. I ended up getting the Local BBQ, Korean BBQ, Smoked Brisket and Buffalo chicken along with Guac on the side. All four tacos were pretty good, but I really liked the Buffalo chicken and Local BBQ more. I wouldn't say that these are the best tacos that I have had but I really liked the food there.
(4)Kim N.
Had lunch there today and was completely "wowed" by their special taco of the day - bacon-wrapped lobster with a pineapple salsa. SOOO delicious! The brisket taco was also tasty and I had both on their corn tortillas. I basically could have eaten 10 of the lobster tacos though. Service was great and the restaurant was actually a lot bigger than it looked - there was plenty of seating. I can't wait to go back!
(4)Brandon D.
Found this place on yelp when we would be passing through town and my girlfriend loves tacos so we decided to try it out. Menu - it's an order at the register then sit down restaurant with a nice variety of taco options, about 8 if I remember and a few other non taco choices as well. Very fair priced also. Atmosphere - the place has a really cool relaxed vibe to it. We sat inside but it has an open air area so we got to enjoy the beautiful day outside as well. Worked out great for a break from driving and probably a nice place to spend a few hours between classes if at school Food - Being Taco Tuesday it was buy 3 get 1 free so I went with 4 different tacos. Korean, Steak, Tequila Chicken, and Fried Chicken if I remember the names correctly. Every one of them was good my favorite being the steak and fried chicken. We've been to several taco places and this wasn't my favorite but would definitely return if back in the area. The queso had a nice hint of spice to it too and was also really good. Service - being an order at the register type of place there isn't much to say here but the girl at the register was friendly so that was nice. Overall - if you're looking to eat some good tacos and enjoy your day. Stop at The Local Taco and you won't be let down
(4)Elaine D.
I've been to The Local Taco a few times for lunch and sat at the bar. I've had the spicy shrimp taco with jalapeno slaw, the brisket with red mole, pickled onions and cilantro, and on one lucky day, the lobster taco. Always on the corn tortillas, and avocado on the side. The two tacos with a side lunch special is only $7.50. You have to try a Beerita, at least once. Parking on Limestone can be difficult These tacos are good, albeit not authentic, just different. When I'm craving tacos, I usually head over to Maria's Kitchen on Broadway. Now those are TACOS!
(4)Stephanie G.
This is my new favorite restaurant in Lexington. Every taco I've tried has been good, but the Korean BBQ is the best. Brunch on the weekends has some tasty breakfast tacos too as well as one dollar mimosas. Service and atmosphere have always been great. And prices are reasonable.
(5)Ernie D.
I've been the last few weeks for Taco Tuesday. They have some of the most flavorful tacos that I've had here in Lexington, although they are not strictly Mexican. I don't know if I would come here for Mexican food, but I would come here for any other reason. Their brisket taco has very soft beef covered in pickled onions which are incredible. The fish tacos come with a very large piece of battered fish and fresh jalapenos that are really spicy! On Tuesdays you can get 4 tacos for $9, which is a good deal considering how full and filling each one is. It can get a little crowded at times, but that's just because it's worth it! I look forward to coming back here a lot.
(4)Steve C.
Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, and Martin Short saved a small Mexican village by jumping from the silent screen into real life and their story was immortalized in the great American classic, ¡Three Amigos! That that can do attitude and a little elbow grease, and you get The Local Taco. A great story about the Little Tortilla Boy who wants to fight against the likes of the King, a creepy clown and his psychedelic gang, and the Marlboro Man. And let me tell you, the Tortilla Boy who made his start by making tortillas out of flattened halves of hamburger buns has come of age. These tacos make you want to slap a baby and send a telegram home to tell your folks all about it. Stop. At first blush, it seems a little pricey for a small taco, but once you get into the double digits of consumption, it is strangely filling. And your consumption has been cured. It's a two'fer. Their alcohol menu is written on a chalkboard easel just like your great great great grandparents lessons were in the Aughts. The 18 Aughts. But the beer is much better than it was back then and much more of a liquid. I know you're thinking, "Is this too good to be true?" The answer is yes! But they somehow turned your wildest fantasies into reality by Willa Wonka-ing the hell out of their service. It is quick, even if there is a line out the front door, which happens pretty regularly. The only lag time is the people ahead of you deciding which tacos to try and whether or not they want to just get crunk or turnt up. By the way, Beeritas are mandatory. Shoes and shirts aren't. (The city is exploring the option of loincloths, so will update this review when the report is made public.) Even when they have to turn away customers due to the Fire Marshall mandating that only 100 people could die tragically instead of 101, you get your food pretty quickly. Why four out of five stars and not five out of five stars? Because my rating system is arbitrary and I get to choose, that's why. And because i wish the parking was a little better. You may say that it isn't their fault, but they could have leveled the building next door and made and additional 20 spaces. So, as my mother says, "You best not be snackin'. You better Tex-Mex yo'self befo' you wreck yo'self. And go doo-doo in yo' pants, Son!"
(4)Laura H.
We went here for the first time last weekend and loved it! They have a great fun atmosphere, good drinks and a very affordable food menu. Out of everything we ordered the shrimp tacos were by far the best. You just can't beat their crispy shrimp covered in refreshing garnishes, wrapped in the soft corn tortillas (you can request corn over flour when ordering). The brisket tacos were also great and we would defiently order them again! If I could rate this restaurant on atmosphere and those two items alone it would be five stars, hands down. Unfortunately some of the other tacos were not as good. The beef was more bbq then it was Mexican and lacked the freshness you would want in a taco. The drinks were very good, and you can't beat sitting out on their patio on a nice night with a good margarita. Overall we really loved this place and will definitely return next time we are in town!
(4)Melissa W.
I visited Local Taco for lunch with a friend. We decided to arrive around 11:30 since my friend told me that it gets busy over lunch - boy was she right! Maybe 2 minutes after we got in line, the line was so long it was out the front door. I didn't have any trouble finding parking on Limestone, but that may be due to the fact that I got there a little earlier than the lunch rush. They do have limited parking in back too. I ordered the lunch special - two tacos and a side. I opted for the smoked brisket tacos and the spicy shrimp taco, and I wasn't disappointed! For my side I opted for chips and queso. The queso is so creamy and delicious! Local Taco may look small from the outside, but they have ample seating outdoors in front and along the side, and lots of indoor seating. The line moves quickly, so even if the line is long, you won't have to wait too long! If you're in Lexington and jonesing for some tacos, give Local Taco a try!
(4)Wes C.
The good: the food, service, the interior. The bad: the parking, the portion size. The rundown: this is on campus so be prepared for issues with parking, even though they do have a small lot around back. They have patio seating as well as inside which has a plethora of TV's tuned to sports. Their beer selection does change based upon the season but is a small selection to say the least. In terms of food you can choose from a snack to as much food as you want since they price their food per taco. They have mahi, steak, chicken and shrimp that go on your style of taco. The bang bang sauce is great, though for most May be a little on the spicy side (though I very much appreciate it). Their salsa is chunky and rustic, a little smokey and wonderful. The interior also features some old photos of Lexington and it is pretty amazing to see what used to be on the same streets we use every day. It also features some local artists work which I always enjoy. The impression: this is a great place for lunch or to catch a game of UK stomping Louisville. Unfortunately parking can be difficult on those game days so you may be in for a worthwhile walk. The only thing missing is a bit of a guide as to how much food you can expect from your order, otherwise you may be back for seconds and having to wait in a decent line.
(4)brandon h.
Huge fan of the atmosphere of being in the heart of UK campus and the Buffalo chicken tacos as well as the hand squeezed margaritas one of the best in Lexington!
(4)Megan B.
This is one of our favorite spots in Lexington. Great, fresh, local food. Fun atmosphere. Lot's of TVs for game day. Friendly staff. Quick service. You can't beat it!
(5)Joanna S.
It's OK. We've had friendly service, but my expectations were too high. It's a good place to take a group, really great atmosphere on nice days with the large open patio that transitions in the restaurant, but the variety was a bit lacking for me. Most dishes I've had have been kind of bland (though I've only been here a handful of times, so I haven't tried everything.) I just wanted fresher ingredients and more flavor. I wanted Folley Beach's Taco Boy...and this just doesn't compare.
(3)Jorge H.
When we arrived at this restaurant today, the line at the cash register was backed up to the door that opens to South Limestone. As was the case with all our previous visits, only one cashier was working (despite the fact that there are two cash registers). While the majority of the workers appear to be UK undergrads, usually there is an older gentleman (late 20s/early 30s) standing around and doing nothing. It appears he's the one in charge. He wasn't there today. It makes no difference when he is anyway. Fortunately, we made it through the line in five minutes. My wife and I both ordered the lunch baskets (two tacos plus a side). We then proceeded to wait at least 30 minutes at our table before ANYONE ever brought us anything. Keep in mind, it's not like we ordered steak or even a pizza. We just wanted some tacos, rice, and chips. During this time we observed the lone cashier having to constantly leave her station to go back to the kitchen and deliver information. The people around us kept checking their watches. Needless to say, Gordon Ramsay would have a field day with this place. The ONLY reason this place gets three stars is because the food is actually really good. But, here's the deal: I can get food that is just as good as this with way better service at multiple other similar restaurants in Lexington. Oh, and before I forget, finding a place to sit is always an issue at The Local Taco. Also, there is now a 10 percent fee on all takeout orders.
(3)Matt C.
Very cool place! Great food and not toooooo crowded during a busy lunchtime.
(5)Keri S.
There is a Chipotle that is one block over that is 10 times this restaurant. Of course the ratings are high bc college kids love anything wrapped in a tortilla, as do I, but this was disastrous. I had the Cuban corn, which was over cooked and had no seasoning. It was sprinkled with some cotija cheese and that's it! The margarita on the rocks was so sweet I thought I was going to catch diabetes. The Korean taco and the brisket taco were just ok, but anyone that knows anything about cooking at all can out do this culinary catastrophe. Again, go to chipotle.
(1)Daniel D.
If I could choose the number of stars it would be 3.5. The place is not average but it is not very good. The service we got was very good, servers were helpful at the time of getting a table, but this place gets crowded so there might be a wait for a table. The food it self was reasonably priced, not cheap but not very expensive for the quality. I tried different types of tacos and even though they were not bad, the tacos are not to die for. In other words it's an above average taco.
(4)Mark A.
Too often the cashiers, who are typically young students, are rude/indifferent/irritated to be taking orders. Not alot of customer service when the younger staff is at the register. However, the food is phenomenal and the dining room staff is always outstanding.
(3)Andrew J.
Local Taco is a great spot for unique tacos!
(4)Mike T.
I rate this 4-stars because I'm a fan of the food, but I would not say 'Yay!' about the service. This is a fast-casual concept, with extraordinary soft tacos and enchiladas. Go here to try some flavorful food. The selection of tacos is delicious. But be prepared to wait in a line for the one cashier to take your order. On one occasion, after finding a seat and waiting patiently for our food, a staff member delivered our order and we realized we didn't have utensils. We asked for a fork and he replied, "Yeah you can get it over there", and pointed to where the cashier and drink station was, and walked away. Okay, I get it. Grab everything you need and only expect MINIMAL help from the staff. Honestly, they might as well just leave your food at the counter and let you pick it up yourself. It makes the "TIPS" jar at the counter laughable. Why leave a tip? It's basically Taco Bell when it comes to service. So, I would recommend Local Taco for the INCREDIBLE food (and people watching in the warm weather months), but don't expect fast, friendly, or helpful service.
(4)Rebecca A.
What a nice surprise! I was at Good Sam for my CT Scan and saw the Local Taco across the street. Since I was starving to death, food was the first thing on my mind. Wow! Everything we had was great! They even watched out for my Tomato Allergy. Can't wait till I come to Lexington for my next CT Scan, that means a Trip to Local Taco!!! XD
(5)Jacqueline H.
So this is NOT Mexican. lol. It is however, VERY good food that appears somewhat Mexican. I recommend it to anyone because they have a options, it is affordable and their drinks aren't too bad! I'm visiting from California so enjoying some good local restaurants is always on my "things to do" list. I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)Kate S.
(It helps if you read this review with a Southern accent :-) Dear Local Taco, I regret that my note of thanks comes so long after our first meal together, and I vowed not to let one more day pass without expressing my appreciation and thanks for your wonderful food. It seems only yesterday that I walked in to your airy establishment, the scent of freshly made tortillas in the air, to appease my hunger. It was a Tuesday, our first Taco Tuesday, and I struggled to choose the perfect tacos from the list of delicious choices. I chose shrimp, fish, brisket, and southern fried and my sangria and I retired to our table to await their arrival. Moments later, my sangria barely touched and so many people unwatched, my tacos arrived. They were utterly surprising in their flavor and deeply satisfying in their combination of fresh ingredients.. The shrimp taco was my first love and remains so to this day. The pickled jalapeños with the fish was a sublime combination, and the brisket was moist and tender and reminded me of my friend The BBQ Master, in California. I nearly wept with delight. Since that first meal, I have had the pleasure of sampling many items from your menu and I have never been disappointed. The queso dip, the chicken tortilla soup, the taco specials, the beerita...I'm feeling a bit light headed remembering all the delicious morsels with which you have delighted my taste buds. After all these years, I have no regrets and I am proud to call you my friend. Very truly yours, An Admirer
(4)Brianna M.
Great food and taco selections. Looks like a sit down restaurant but everything is self serve. Great environment & service is quick!
(5)Leigh W.
Our party of seven entered the establishment during a UK football game, so the place was packed. Luckily, we landed a table, ordered at the register and were served quickly. Though they seemed at their busiest, we got our food in a timely fashion. I ordered a queso guacamole for the table and chose the roja salsa. As with all Mexican restaurants, the app made a nice complement to the pitchers of beer and margaritas. I chose a vegetarian taco, triple crown cheese enchilada and a mushroom spinach enchilada. The enchiladas were served with a side of rice and lettuce. They were good, but paled in comparison to the vegetarian taco. If I visit again, I'll just order three of those. The triple crown enchilada was to my expectations, but I didn't imagine the spinach and mushrooms would be pureed into a pasty filling of the other. The consistency rather than the flavor threw me for a loop. For the quality of food, the price was excellent.
(4)Leslie V.
I have been waiting over 25 minutes for the chips and salsa ordered as an appetizer. Incredibly poor service today. I love the good but it seems like the service has gone way downhill recently.
(2)Jenna T.
This place was absolutely wonderful! The food was excellent and the margaritas were even better. The only suggestion I have for those coming is to sit inside or near it because the flys can be pretty bad!
(5)Adam B.
I feel like the beach should be on the other side of the street. Great patio, great food. I love how the feel of this place allows you to drink, eat a bit, drink a bit more, eat a little more, and just relax. Drink specials are not great, but are not terrible. If drinks were slightly cheaper, it would be a 5/5 for me.
(4)Ashley M.
First Visit, on an overcast summer day for lunch. We parked on a side road closer to Upper and walked in through the back. Almost vomited from the smell of rotting garbage from the nearby canisters. As we entered, we noticed the plastic covered menus mounted on the wall so we grabbed one and took about 5 minutes standing in front the "order here" sign to figure out our options. The employee at the counter waited to greet us until we fully approached the counter and verbally indicated we were ready. She was nice enough but not very helpful. We didn't even know to get our own drink. We walked away, leaving our cup, but she didn't notice that and we figured it out after picking out a table & looking around. We chose to sit in the back because it was hot & humid with a drizzle of rain and since the front is opened up onto a patio you couldn't feel the air conditioning there. I would recommend the owners put something over the windows to block unsightly views (see pics). Nothing fancy, enough to let light through but haze the sight of the half naked college students next door, cars, and trash, just in the farthest back corner. About 8 minutes later our food came out and it tasted just as good as it looked! My husband ordered one chicken & one steak taco with Pinto beans and I wasn't very hungry so I ordered off the kids menu, one fried chicken taco with Pinto beans. We both decided the pinto beans were good but too peppery for our taste. I didn't care for all the celery cooked in but I did like the chunks of meat. The salsa on my husband's tacos were very fresh and flavorful. We enjoyed the food and the portions are just right if your trying to not over-eat. Next time we'll try something more unique & adventurous.
(4)Aditya S.
I haven't been in Lexington for a long time and was looking for a good Mexican place for my Taco Tuesday dinner, stumbled upon this joint on Yelp. Although, I ordered a T/O but I really liked the ambiance and vibe of the place. The lady on the counter was pleasant to talk to, and helped me decide on my order. You get one additional taco for free if you order three tacos. I ended up getting the Local BBQ, Korean BBQ, Smoked Brisket and Buffalo chicken along with Guac on the side. All four tacos were pretty good, but I really liked the Buffalo chicken and Local BBQ more. I wouldn't say that these are the best tacos that I have had but I really liked the food there.
(4)eric l.
If you want fresh ingredients and a different spin on tacos, then this is the place for you. Great tacos great sides and an inviting atmosphere.
(5)Alec J.
Love the place great music great food very nice people and amazing atmosphere. The margaritas are great!!
(5)Kathryn K.
Love the Food ....However you have to fight to get a table , therefore I can't relax when I eat here. The Best drink ( my opinion only) is the Big Blue Margarita. But just too busy and Chaotic.
(4)Joseph K.
This place is great, awesome tacos (the Korean beef and spicy shrimp are my favorites) all the cocktails we had were well made and delicious, the bluegrass sour and the Mexican julep were amazing. Check this spot out! Line out the door the entire hour I was there; to the owner "your place is great and busy, hire more staff!"
(5)Heather P.
I have driven by this place many times, noticing the patio always being packed, when the weather permits. If I go back, I will opt for the patio experience. With so many local Mexican options, I thought this place was over priced and over rated. When I think of tacos, I think of chips and salsa, but at LT you have to buy the chips and the salsa in addition to your meal...or order them in place of a side. I ordered the two tacos basket which came with a side and I chose the Mexican tots. I thought the tots would be a potato of sorts but they were more like hush puppies, except they were mushy in the middle. The tots are definitely not something that I would recommend. The four tacos for $10 seems like a good deal, so the next time, that's what I'll order. One last observation: they serve coffee from Georgia Coffee Company. With so many local coffee options, I hope that they catch on soon.
(3)Shannon C.
This place is soooooo good!! I love the atmosphere and they have great customer service!
(5)Kate E.
Wonderful college atmosphere. In warmer weather the garage doors open and create a cool open layout restaurant that almost feels like you're somewhere besides the bluegrass. The tacos are unique but unfortunately are mostly misses in my opinion. I have only had 2-3 that I actually liked and I have tried almost the entire menu. The ingredients just don't seem as fresh as you would think. Overall, this is a great place for groups - especially groups watching games on their TVs. Nice casual place!
(3)Susan M.
I really wanted to like this place. Unfortunately, there were a few things lacking. We ordered a trio of salsas: green tomatillos, black bean and corn, and pico de gallo. The first two were great! The pico was virtually flavorless though. It seemed to lack salt, lime, and garlic. The queso we ordered was great. Classic margarita: good. Hard to mess this up. I had the chicken lime taco and three cheese enchilada. Taco was great! Enchilada...weird flavors. One of the cheeses is smoked provolone which threw us off. We actually were questioning if the cheese they used was bad because one of them ordered tasted different from the others...hmm. My sister had one of the chicken enchiladas (don't remember which one) and it was very good. The brisket taco she ordered was lacking in flavor and a bit salty. Atmosphere is nice though! On a nitpicky note, they do need weighted stands for the numbers for their tables, as the stand repeatedly flipped over onto us and our food. I may return here but was overall unimpressed.
(3)Heather A.
Went on a Tuesday and their special was buy 3 get 1 free. We both got 4 tacos and also got mexi tater tots so we were stuffed! Korean bbq was my favorite.
(4)Benjamin M.
The Local Taco serves up some great, creative tacos, and I think Lexington is lucky to have a place like this. Although some Yelpers have complained about prices being steep, I feel that the prices are in-line with the quality of the food. If you want to stuff your face with cheap, chemically-laden tacos, there's this one chain called Taco Bell. The Local Taco has a $10 deal for four tacos and they allow mix-and-matching. That's an awesome lunch deal, and you should definitely check it out if you're in the UK campus area.
(4)Anna R.
I have heard so much about this place but I have to say I was disappointed. First the good things- the guacamole and the mexi-tots are good! The tortillas are homemade and have a lot of texture. The outdoor seating is nice too. The atmosphere is chill and a good place to hang out. Then the bad- the taco flavors we tried were only ok. The best was the steak but it was dry. Be sure to add the lime juice. The shrimp itself was really good but the jalapeño slaw was bland. The actual meat of tequila lime chicken was dry though there was a decent amount sauce. The southern fried chicken was good but average. The Cuban corn was starchy and clearly had been harvest way too mature (not necessarily the restaurants fault) and the chili powder added very little to the dish. Overall, I can immediately name at least three places in Lexington within 10 miles where I would rather eat Mexican. I don't think we will be back.
(2)Tabitha H.
Shrimp taco is a must. Mexican corn that will go great as a side with queso that will rock your world. Great brunch on the weekend and the margs are a nice addition to any meal. Oh & don't forget $1 mimosas on the weekends for brunch.
(4)Emily B.
This is one of my husband's favorite places and I like it alright. It obviously isn't meant to be an authentic Mexican place and they serve a wide range of tacos. However, nothing comes with a side, which makes Local Taco quickly get expensive. I have a toddler, and I do like the children's menu options for him. I appreciate restaurants who serve smaller portions of fully flavored food for kids rather than super bland items or junk food. At Local Taco, we are able to get him a quesadilla with grilled chicken and flavorful cheese and a generous side of slightly spicy black beans for $4, which I feel is reasonable. Adults are allowed to order a children's meal as well so if you're a fairly light eater or just not very hungry, that may be a good option.
(3)Brooke M.
I frequently visit this restaurant for dinner. Tonight while sitting on the patio, two men came right outside the door of the restaurant and smoked. They have a cigarette tray right beside the door, right beside where people eat. Many staff members walked by and saw that they were smoking near eating costumers and nothing was said. I complained as I left the store to the cashier. I can't eat with smoke in my face.
(2)Olwen C.
One of my favorites!! I do wish the portions were bigger. This is what I'd call fancy-american-mex. Nice presentation and great taste but small portions and slightly over priced. Also, watch out when you order because almost every time I've been charged the wrong price. Some of the side items are higher priced and they dont always tell you that when you order. The patio is great, one of the best in town, and the servers are usually pretty friendly.
(5)Clara H.
Great college spot. Tacos are fantastic and a very friendly staff. Vivian and Lyndsey are great!
(4)Ambo D.
Mediocre tacos. Salsas are nothing to rant over. Brisket taco was a let down. Meat was hard and dry. Korean taco tasted like nothing but sesame oil. Menu sounds good but it always falls a bit short.
(2)Adam R.
The food is phenomenal, as well as the beer menu. However, I sat at the bar, and the bartender was rude, and her service was absolutely horrendous. Given that, I would highly recommend trying the food, just avoid the bar.
(3)Miss G.
My first experience here was okay. I'm not a big fan of taco but the local taco is definitely different than any taco fast food resto (for example: taco bell). the price is ok since it's located around the campus area (Univ of Kentucky) so $10 for 4 tacos or $2.75 each?? can't complain. korean bbq tacos and spicy shrimp tacos are highly recommended. the queso is also recommended, especially because its a free chips refill. the frozen lime margarita is the only reason why i gave 4 stars, i didn't really think that's an alcoholic beverage (more like icee/slushy from 7/11), it was good but unlike what i expected. the ambiance is okay but not really recommended for kids during dinner time (full bar service)~ definitely will be back when i come back to Lexington ..... :)
(4)Megan M.
Some tasty items on menu and great brunch specials, but food wise I do think it's overrated. However, on a nice day, the patio is wonderful.
(3)Matt R.
Great place. Tried it out tonight on a friends recommendation and it lived up to my expectations. They have a great menu and good drinks. I had chips with a variety of dips and steak tacos. It was all cooked well and seasoned really well. The margaritas were great. I did try the beer, not sure what brand it was but it was pretty gross. Other than that it was a great experience. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Natasha S.
Super quick food with a nice atmosphere (kinda college and chill sports bar rolled into one). I LOVE the fried fish tacos. It is basically all I will order. So crispy and delicious, and the sauce they put on the taco is basically heaven. The regular fried chicken taco is fantastic as well. I'm not a big fan of any of the beef tacos though, every time I've tried one I've found them a bit dry and lacking in flavor. Queso is great, prices are fairly reasonable if slightly high (I usually get 3 tacos (~$8) as a smaller girl, guys will want 4-6 - which is $10-15). Also grab a beerita, those are great. I wish they put a mini beer upside down in a margarita glass the way they're done in Texas, but for Kentucky this is the next best thing.
(5)Hansel B.
This place is pretty quick and laid back, much better than going to a fast food place and higher quality. I would recommend for take out or sit down. The Korean BBQ tacos are great!
(3)Stephenie T.
The Local Taco has quickly become one of my husband and my favorite places to get tacos. I always get the steak tacos and they are always delicious. The guacamole is traditionally prepared and perfect! It's just a great place to have a great meal!
(5)TP M.
Our 2nd visit to this cool taco joint did not disappoint. Super yUmMy, very fresh and even better than I remembered from our first visit last year. Queso, guacamole and salsa were very good, excellent pitcher of margaritas, delicious enchiladas and of course fabulous tacos. Haven't been? What are you waiting for?
(4)Lee P.
I like this place; the menu is simple but each taco has a good flavor, The Korean BBQ tacos are amazing.
(4)Mindy R.
Local Taco is one of my favorite places for lunch or a quick dinner. The food is always consistently good! I usually get the taco basket (2 tacos and 2 sides ...or chips/salsa). My favorite taco's are the spicy shrimp with a jalapeno coleslaw on it...so, so good! Chips are fresh, salsa is fresh, and one of the best queso's in Lexington! Now onto my favorite Local Taco item...the Margarita's. They are by far, the absolute best in town! Brunch taco's on the weekends are always good too (think chicken and waffle tacos!). They also have $1 mimosas till 3 PM Saturday and Sunday. They come in small flutes, but they are strong so don't be deceived!
(4)Kirk H.
Everything is good but I especially love the buttermilk shrimp tacos with jalapeno slaw. Chips and queso are a must for me each time I go. Buffalo chicken tacos are excellent as well. Fresh, cheap, good and filling. Local ingredients. Fast service. What's not to like?
(5)Sarah V.
This is a pretty tasty Mexican/southwestern lunch choice downtown. I went on a weekday and had the tequila lime chicken taco lunch special with Mexican rice. I don't know how expensive it was because another person paid for our group. The Mexican rice was so-so, though it did have a nice spice to it, maybe cinnamon. The tacos were quite tasty, with the chicken being very tender. The soft taco shells were good, too, reminding me almost of flatbread with their softness. It was a somewhat small serving size, but it filled me up. I tried the Mexi-tots that others in my group got and thought they were okay, if a little too fatty; I probably wouldn't order those myself. The interior was pretty nice, and you could sit outside on their patio, too. We chose to sit indoors, though we did have to test a couple of tables before finding one that didn't rock back and forth. Being downtown, it's a pain to park (we got a meter outside), but if you're walking from your office that's not a problem.
(3)Rebecca S.
Every time I visit Lexington, KY to see my brother, we make it a priority to come here. Now, I live in Houston, TX, so I pride myself on being well-versed in the art of the taco. Local Taco is fantastic! They have unique and flavorful tacos. I always have the brisket taco and tequila lime chicken with a side of their fresh guacamole. The brisket is always perfectly cooked and the bbq sauce adds just enough kick. The tequila lime chicken also has great flavor and I love the salsa verde that comes with it. The toppings are always abundant, but not too overpowering. I tried a bit of their mexi-tater tots and boy are they good! I highly recommend the side of guacamole. It's very fresh and if you don't want it on your taco, you can have it with the chips that come on the side. On this visit, we also did the pick three salsas to start. The black bean and corn was awesome! The corn was fresh and crunchy (not soggy like some) and it was served cool. The pico de gallo is pretty standard, although, the tomatoes were also very fresh and we had their basic tomato salsa. The salsas are fairly standard in terms of the flavor you'd expect from those particular salsas; however, these ingredients are really fresh and served like they should be at the right temperature. Some places leave their salsa out and it gets a little warm and soggy, not The Local Taco. My dining companions had the buffalo chicken tacos and the shrimp tacos, which I was told are also fantastic. I love the atmosphere, price, and availability of seating. They have a nice little outdoor deck at the Lexington location and they keep the doors open in the spring and summer, so even if you sit inside you still get the outside feeling. The lunch basket is a very reasonable price and you don't walk out feeling stuffed for lunch. The lunch basket comes with two tacos and a side, which is the perfect portion. The dinner portion is three tacos, but they're pretty flexible on the time of day you can get the lunch or dinner portion. They also usually have some sort of deal every day, so check their chalkboard to see what their specials are. Hope to be back soon! Thanks for a great dining experience, Local Taco!
(4)Tim P.
I tried The Local Taco for lunch today. I for the buy 3 get 1 free Taco Tuesday deal. I tried the Korean bbq, pulled pork, & 2 fish tacos. I was fairly unimpressed with the first two. The fish tacos were slightly better. The highlight of the meal would have to be the chips and salsa. I'll give the place another chance. Maybe it was just an odd day for them.
(3)Steven V.
Great food! In town for a football game and saw the reviews of this place, so we had to check it out. So glad we did. The southern fried chicken taco and the fish taco were excellent. We also had the mushroom and spinach enchilada....and it was wonderful. We sat outdoors and enjoyed the beautiful evening and the curbside ambiance. The delivery of our food was fast! Great job, folks!!!
(5)Gerri F.
I watched their chef on our local tv station and he showed how they make different soft tacos. They did a pulled brisket with mojo sauce and a vegaterain taco. IT looks so good and I said that I knew where that place was and had seen it several times. So I went today for dinner. I ordered the 2 soft tacos that was shown on tv and I must say, I was very impressed and in heaven. It came with 2 sides, so I had pinto beans and ham hocks plus mexican tator tots. OH MY GOOSH TO DIE FOR. Now get the thought out of your head as to the traditional frozen tator tots for no way close. It was round and so mouth watering good. They have other great foods such as enchidados(mispelled),and a kids menu too. You could have 4 tacos for $10. Domestic beer $2 and ales are $3. You can seat inside or outside. I would diffenetly go back there again.
(5)Megan O.
Who doesn't love a quality taco stand? Local Taco is great - superb food (in price, quality, and options), nice drink selection, and a lively atmosphere. On top of all that, we sat down at a table that hadn't been bussed...and a few minutes later a manager dropped off a coupon for a free taco for our trouble. You don't get that kind of service every day (unfortunately). Highly recommend!
(5)Ryan S.
the tacos were okay, overpriced for not-fresh bland food. The enchilada I had was disgusting. I took one bite and that was it. I am almost sure it had been frozen and was microwaved to order. Really bad food for this price. I have no idea how this has gotten so many positive reviews.
(1)David S.
Fantastic food, atmosphere, and good service. The ordering style is not one I prefer, order and receive a number, but the food was so good that I can overlook it. I think that at least around lunch time they could move to full server staffing and get some efficiency. I had a chicken black bean quesadilla that was fantastic along with an order of chips and queso. For a side I chose rice and beans. I don't think I'd get the rice and beans again. Companion had fish tacos, which she thoroughly enjoyed. All in all this was probably our favorite place in Lexington.
(5)Jon T.
Awesome (albeit tiny) tacos - I had the fried chicken and Korean BBQ tacos, and while the former was much better than the latter, both were excellent. Definitely worth checking out if you find yourself nearby!
(4)K R.
Local Taco is one of our favorite spots. We go at least every other week. Love how fresh everything tastes. And if you like greens theirs are the best. I usually get the tequila lime chicken tacos. Another nice surprise is brunch on Sunday. I always get the scrambeld egg and country ham taco and cheese grits. Best cheese grits- they use white cheddar. $1.00 mimosas and $3 bloody Marys.
(5)Cassidy B.
My boyfriend and I ate here on a Sunday morning. The parking wasn't to great, there's only like 9 parking spots in the back. So we had to enter from the back of the restaurant , and didn't really know where to go because we've never been there. Then we waited in the line to order, we weren't handed a menu and didn't know where to get them. Once we were in front of the line we were told that the menus were on the front of the door. The cashier helped us order, and seemed nice. She didn't inform us on where to get our drinks or where to sit (being a first time customer). The cashier forgot our soft drink cups. We had to get them from her, we stood awkwardly waiting for tables to clear up. We quickly grabbed a table after another couple left, no one cleaned the table after them. We placed our order number on the table. The food came out quickly really quickly. At first we thought it was small portions, but we quickly realized we we wrong. The tacos WERE AMAZING, we had gotten two lunch baskets. 2 buffalo chicken tacos with chips and salsa. The second order was steak, and chicken tacos with tex mex tots. Sitting outside was not a very pleasant experience, lots of flies and bees bumping into us as we ate. Which can be expected when eating outside. The atmosphere was lively, fun, clean, new, refreshing, and a great place to start your day.
(5)Chandler L.
No complaints here. The atmosphere is an A. The food is an A and the lunch price for under $10 is also fantastic. Great location in downtown Lex. I recommend you stop by if you're in the area.
(5)Jessica D.
Spicy shrimp and Korean BBQ tacos just literally rocked my world. And try the Cuban corn. You won't be sorry. I'll be back next time I'm in Lexington. Heck. I may even come back again before I leave!
(5)Paula W.
I love the location and the atmosphere. I wasn't overly impressed with the food but I would definitely go back.
(4)Kim T.
My family and I visited Lexington, KY over the weekend and was looking for a place to eat. We ended up downtown on the campus of University of Kentucky. We walked into The Local Taco......WOW...IT WAS THE BEST! HIGHLY recommended.
(5)Becc W.
Drinks are great. Food is great. But the cost doesn't always give you a great deal of food. But still very good and unique.
(3)Will H.
Great spot for drinks, Mexican, people watching. Nice creative Mexican menu with daily specials
(5)Chasity B.
The food was decent and the prices were not that bad. However, it was a little confusing when ordering. You don't really have a waitress you have to go up and order it but they do bring it out to you. This is what makes getting your food take some time. They just wonder around looking for your number at all the tables. The staff is really friendly but I think they would benefit from a different ordering and delivering system.
(3)Kevin S.
This place is a great option for lunch around UK. The lunch platter is about $7 and includes two tacos and a side. Can get crowded during the middle of lunch but I definitely think it is worth waiting or taking it to go.
(5)Josh M.
been going here since it open. People in charge run a great taco. Lunch or Dinner give this place time. I love Fish Taco's and this place has them. Fish, Shrimp and all kinds of taco's. Weather is good go check out the patio
(4)Giovanna P.
Local Taco is one of my go to places! The prices are reasonable, the service is quick and the food taste really good! I'm a huge fan on the the twist of taco favors, they always have a special like 4 tacos for $10,etc. it's just a cozy environment, and I love coming with my friends and family here
(5)Jesse R.
Tacos, beer, and patio. All bitchin.
(5)Bradley B.
This was a really good place for Nuevo Mexican cuisine. They have a good spin on tacos which is what I had this trip. I tried the local BBQ taco, the pulled pork was a bit dry. I was hoping for something a bit more tender or at least saucy! The Korean BBQ tacos lived up to the reviews and were a great version of Korean tacos w Asian slaw/kimchi ish slaw. The menu looked great overall and I would for sure go back again ESPECIALLY on a $4 Margarita Monday!
(4)K M.
I tried three of the tacos (korean BBQ, pulled pork, and fried chicken). They were all reasonably tasty, but I thought they were pretty small for the amount that I was charged.
(3)Brandon L.
I'm a student at UK and a frequent diner here. The food is incredible (especially the buffalo chicken quesadilla) and the sides are good as well. If you want a filling meal and the best bang for your buck, you'll want to get their chips and salsa as your side. The salsa is very well done and you can always dip your chips in extra (free) jalapeño ranch sauce. It is a little more expensive than say a chipotle or comparable restaurants, but the quality and atmosphere more than make up for it. Great beer as well.
(4)Ashley L.
Great culinary concept! Brisket tacos are awesome! I like how you can mix and match tacos too. Great location downtown.
(4)Jason G.
Loved this joint when I lived in Nashville. My business relocated to this area of town and we hit up this place a few times a week for lunch. It is great. The mexitots are stupid good, and the spicy shrimp tacos are a must have.
(5)Jerry N.
I've been eagerly anticipating checking this place out ever since I saw them hang their sign this summer, well before the doors opened. I finally had the chance to eat here for the first time late last week, and I enjoyed it so much I came back for the second time last night. First, I have to say the atmosphere is excellent. They've renovated an older house, and it has a very cool and casual feel to it without seeming like they're trying too hard. The Ball jars as light fixtures are a nice touch. Everything on the menu sounds great, though I've not gotten very far through the menu items. So far I've only really tried the vegetarian tacos, which have been different both times I've had them, but always delicious. Last night the onions were lightly breaded and friend, which was a nice touch. The cuban corn, which is roasted and spiced and served on-the-cob, is tasty, but up close smelled exactly like buttered movie-theatre popcorn which was a little odd. Tasty, but odd. Due to work-related obligations, I've been unable to sample their margaritas this week, but my wife has had a few and says they're quite solid. I plan to go back again tomorrow night, when I can try one for myself. If opinions change, I'll update it. I've not been to either of the other two Local Taco locations, but I see this one doing well. it fits in quite well among the other businesses along Limestone, and when the weather is warm and the garage doors across the front are open, it's that much more inviting. I'm convinced they'll continue getting plenty of my hard-earned money, and I'll be happy to give it to them.
(4)Eric N.
As per previous reviews, I thought this would be a college hangout. It proves to be much more. Nice outdoor seating, clean digs, pleasant cashier and staff. Order up front and sit down and wait. I had the buffalo chicken (very good), original BBQ ( just oK), and the Korean BBQ ( excellent). A grown man needs at least 3-4 tacos to fill up. Great find!
(4)dane h.
Southern, hipster tacos. Order up front and take a number. The fresh lime frozen margarita was well done. Steak taco was a big letdown. Too much pico de gallo, under-seasoned, under-proportioned steak. Korean taco was just ok. The smokey brisket was my favorite. I liked the pickled onions. The local bbq with cole slaw was pretty good. Both BBQ tacos were flavorful but a tad dry. Two disappointments- I tasted little or no heat in any of the tacos, and their default is flour tortillas. (I didn't realize that til my food arrived) They try to make up for the over-pricing and small portions with a combination of quality and novelty. I think it falls a tad short, but I wouldn't be opposed to going back for another margarita and to try a few other items. As a drinking/bar food spot, this could work.
(3)Jenny D.
The tacos are interesting...but very good! The Mexican Tater-tots are so great! Highly recommended by me. And they have a 2-7 happy hour! The atmosphere is really laid back and open, great place to meet people and hang out and have some good food.
(4)Kate A.
Excellent key lime chicken taco and steak taco served with flavorful black beans and Mexican rice, all for less than $9! White corn chips with delicious pico de gallo were equally impressive. All of this along with an enchanting open-air patio setting make the Local Taco a new favorite!
(5)Laurie A.
For my first trip to Local Taco my husband and I ordered an assortment of tacos (i'll try and remember them all). We had the shrimp taco, fish taco, smoked brisket, Korean BBQ and the tequila lime taco. I also had a side of the jalepeno coleslaw. My daughter had the cheese quesadilla. Overall we liked the tacos, but the fish was by far the best. I liked the shrimp taco as well but all of the flavor came from the shrimp as the jalapeno coleslaw on top (which was also my side) had no flavor whatsoever. I was disappointed in that. The quesadilla my daughter ate had more cheese than I've ever seen on any other restaurant taco. The service was fast and the staff friendly. I look forward to going back to try other things on the menu. If you haven't tried Local Taco yet it is definitely worth a trip to campus for.
(4)Jeremy R.
Surprised by how good it was! Was a little worried by proximity to campus, but was genuinely happy. Only way to do it in my opinion is to get the 4 tacos for $10. I also got a side of the Cuban corn. I don't really understand the previous reviews of cost, because IT'S NOT FASTFOOD PEOPLE! it's not junk on a plate, it's real food! The margaritas were also very good. The surprising thing was that you had to order the chips and salsa. But I also completely understand that college kids would just stop by and eat those for free if they could and the place wouldn't make any money. We will go back, many times!!!! Very happy with my experience.
(5)Gordon F.
Got a variety of tacos here with a side of beans. The tacos are good, certainly nothing earth shattering, and definitely not as good as authentic tacos you would get in the southwest. They are also _tiny_ as well as expensive. Not a good combo. The side dish was also tiny... come on, if you are going to skimp on the main entree, you can at least give the customers some more beans which cost little and are pretty filling. If the food here cost oh, say, half as much, it might gain one to two stars. I won't be going back again and spending over $10 on tacos at lunch, only to go back to the office hungry.
(2)David G.
They have some really interesting tacos. I liked the spicy shrimp and lime chicken tacos. The sides were good also. I had Mexican tater tots and pinto beans. I would strongly recommend both. The Korean BBQ taco was a disappointment, however. I am a huge fan of Korean BBQ, and this just didn't have the taste and quality I'm used to with that selection. It has a nice, warm atmosphere as well. I will definitely be back to try other varieties.
(4)Ryan N.
(Note: This is a long review, because I felt like it, darn it! ) Wow. Fusion cuisine is what this place is all about. I'm currently sitting outside (it's about 50 in November), and while the chill from the outside is quite noticeable, the nice warm heat (spicyness) of the food is quite pleasing. The spice is just about right though. I ordered the two taco dinner plate, which comes with two sides (not a drink). I picked the Mexican rice and Mexican Tater Tots. For my tacos, I choose BBQ and steak. I ordered a soft drink too. I paid $11.40 (+ tip) for the meal. The price seems like it's on the high side, but it's not outrageous for this quality of restaurant. The food is tasty. I was a little apprehensive (I mean, BBQ on a taco?), but the BBQ blends with the salsa and spices. The same thing goes for the steak. It was a little chewy but of decent quality. Of note, it was also cooked medium, unlike other places which cook their taco steak well done. The spices weren't overpowering, and the flavor of the meats really came through in a good way. The tacos weren't really that hot when I got them, but I don't think it really detracts. They had a freshness to them, and everything tasted like it was made from the raw ingredients, a big plus. The tortillas are made onsite (I could see the machine, specially put near a window in the kitchen, it's so cool) and the textures reminded me more of a gyro than a taco. The flavors (salsa and cilantro and spices) had Mexican influence, a delightfully refreshing fusion. The sides were tasty too. The Mexican tots were like hush puppies (there were four of them), fried but with cheese and topped with a creamy spiced sauce. While the tots were an extra fifty cents, they were worth it. The Mexican rice is decent, perhaps a little overspiced for my liking. The portions of all the food items were just about right. I also sampled some nachos with queso and one of their desserts. The queso was awesome--creamy and with a little heat--and the chips were toasted on site with oil and salt. It reminds me of higher quality version of Qdoba's nachos, but without Qdoba's over-salting problem. Now for the dessert. Oh. My. Goodness. I don't usually like fried dough, but this thing was amazing (I don't remember what it was called, so I'll describe it). It's a layer of fried dough, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with agave nectar sauce. It's light, creamy and delicious, and it's one of their best items. Cinnamon was woven in, and the vanilla of the ice cream coalesced with the fried dough to make a decadent treat. I'm going to get it again sometime. The service, while cordial, was a little awkward in a social way, not extremely first-time user friendly. There's a counter where you order, and you're supposed to seat yourself. Technically, there isn't waiter service (I don't think), but they weren't busy and the staff brought me a drink, though it seemed like the guy was doing it as a favor instead of it actually being his responsibility. No problems, he was really nice. Plus the food came out really quickly. TIP: Order at the counter, get your own soft drink, and pick a table. It's easy. (I moved inside because it was getting cold on the patio.) The facility is awesome. Decor-wise it's one of the best restaurants in Lexington. The front room can be open-aired (presumably they close off the patio in winter) and designed with modern flair. There are many places and rooms where you can eat. The outdoor patio really adds another dimension to the place (during a summer evening, it would be more awesome than in November, but I can't win them all). The bar is in its own corner, and it seemed pretty lively; however, it didn't dominate the restaurant, which was nice. There's a room in the back which is quieter, and there's the patio. Noise level ranges. TIP: It's quieter in the back, noisier near the bar. All in all, this place serves a well-conceived fusion cuisine, hence the "Local" in the name. They pull it off, especially their dessert. While you could probably save a few bucks at other places in Lexington, this place is certainly a highlight of the Limestone Street area. The ambiance and the food quality really pull this place into the five star realm. Bring a friend, get a drink, order a taco, don't forget the dessert, and enjoy the crafted ambiance. For the price range (lower end of the $$ range), it doesn't get much better than this.
(5)Andrew C.
Amazing fish tacos!!!
(5)Nikki H.
Awesome lunch spot, it's very inexpensive and I love sitting out on the patio right on Limestone. The sangria is delicious and they have a nice beer selection as well, the food is good, nothing spectacular, but for what we pay I think it's well worth it. The atmosphere and location are wonderful and it's a good place to bring kids! Highly recommend the Mexi Tots or Cuban corn, so so good.
(4)Phil D.
This review is for a week day lunch. I'll start with the positives: - The food was good; I had two enchiladas, one chicken, and one cheese. I think the cheese was better but both were well prepared. Both came dressed in a red chile sauce that went unnoticed. I wanted to try their habenero lime sauce but somehow that was only available for the tacos. On the side, I got the Mexican style corn which was roasted corn on the cob with some light seasoning. It wasn't what I imagined it was but was very pleased with it. The menu said the corn was seasonal but I'm not sure how much I believe that since I got it in December. Overall, the food was above average but not mind blowing. - The atmosphere was pleasant and not too loud (although it wasn't very crowded) - The wait staff was very courteous and always willing to help. The food took 5-10 minutes to come out with 3-4 other tables occupied. Now for the negatives: - The portions of the food are quite diminutive. I don't expect a thanksgiving sized plate but 50% more food would not be out of the question. For the same cost at other local mexican restaurants, one can get 2-3x more food. Which leads me into my next point... - It is not cheap. One lunch enchilada plate, one lunch taco plate, and two waters came to $19 after tip and tax. That's on the high end for lunch for two, especially when you leave not completely full. I don't mind paying more for local ingredients but other places seem to offer a better price per plate ratio. - I said the atmosphere was pleasant, which it is, but it felt like it was trying a little too hard to be trendy. It's certainly not off-putting but it almost was if it was trying to be too much. In the end, I'm not sure I'll go back. Friends who have gone have had the same critiques I mentioned. The food is good but there isn't much of it and it's on the expensive side.
(2)blue t.
DELICIOUS fish tacos. Great atmosphere (only been for lunch), speedy service. Plus they have Mexican coke (aka in a glass bottle with actual sugar, not HFCS).
(5)Brian J.
This place was good. Everything tasted fresh, there was no wait time, and the food came out fast. It has a nice laid back atmosphere. Plenty of seating indoors and out. If go back again. It was god and a little different with some of the taco options butt nothing just said "OMG I have to go back" it's worth trying though.
(3)Joy G.
This place is okay. I've had the Korean tacos which are pretty good. The tater tots were kind of nasty which the bartender recommended. I wasn't head over heels with the place. The bar was kind of lame.
(3)Jenny H.
I like the tacos here - especially brisket and fish. The tortillas are made on site which is nice. The only problem with this place is the price. I could probably eat 4 tacos easy - which is $10, with no sides. Each taco is probably like 2-3 bites.
(3)Tracy C.
Great food & beer...always quick service!
(5)Robert T.
As several reviewers have stated, a little on the expensive side with not much to back it up as far as size of portions. But it is good, not amazing, and it is something different to try. If you're in the area, don't pass it up, but don't go out of your way for it.
(3)Jeff J.
Tried the 4/$10 tacos. I tried fish, shrimp, chicken and the capresse special taco. All but the capresse were amazing (don't get the capresse it's actually pretty bad taco idea). The deck was clean and had a load back atmosphere. Would highly recommend!!!
(5)AM M.
Decent fresh Mex, beautiful space. Barbecue brisket taco had good smoky flavor, vegetarian taco was kinda bland vegetables (squash and zucchini), but all very fresh tasting. Chips and queso were awesome. Chips were fresh, salty, white corn which made them light yet sturdy. Queso was flavorful, although could have been thicker. Spendier, but they use local products making it worth it. Space was open with nice hardwood floors, colorful walls, and artwork. It would be a nice place to visit in the summer with the patio doors that open up onto the deck. And there is actually a parking lot in back, which is helpful on busy Limestone. We'd return to try it again, especially for the chips and dip.
(3)J R.
Not worth the price. Went here on 12/21/12 after seeing it on Secrets of the Bluegrass Chef and I was soooo excited to try it. Parking is a nightmare-we had to park way down the street and walked in the freezing cold. I also didn't realize this is a place where you order at the register. There is no waiting space and the one bench they had for waiting customers was covered in napkin dispensers. Two people working the registers-one very bored, uninterested girl and the Head Chef-I recognized him from the show. He took our order, and did not greet us, smile, or say thanks. Very shocking. Food is EXPENSIVE!! I cannot believe how this place is trying to gouge their customers. They had a lunch special on the chalkboard- two tacos and one side for 6.75, so we got that. On the tacky laminated menu it says there is an UPCHARGE if you order anything other than rice or beans as the side. So why not SPECIFY that instead of saying any side? For freaking 6.75 for two teensy, tiny tacos you should be able to get whatever you want. My boyfriend got two different steak tacos and a mexican coke. The mexican coke, taken out of a fridge, was WARM. He personally liked his food, I did not.I ordered the buffalo chicken and spicy shrimp with mexi tots. Bland, bland, bland. No heat, no flavor, and just a nasty, jumbled mess. The shrimp was tough and the food itsself was served luke warm and the tots were scalding-covered in grease but mushy on the inside-still not sure if I liked them or not. I ended up taking my food home (where I dumped salt and my own sliced up avocado on it to make it edible) because it was too loud and too many people were standing around our tiny table. Oh and my buffalo chicken taco had literally one small piece of blue cheese on it-shameful. Bottom line-unfriendly service, limited seating, loud music, and the bus boy was the only one who checked on us and offered a smile. Very, very overpriced for tiny portions and they don't even offer FREE chips or salsa and they charge for a side of salsa! Bland food, tiny servings, too expensive and the freaking executive chef was not friendly and walked around checking his iphone. Won't be back.
(2)E.J. S.
Bottom Line - The Local Taco has great food and is an exemplary business all around. It's the kind of place Lexington diners should feel lucky to have as an affordable option. If you're looking for a down and dirty cheap taqueria, then maybe it might feel a little upscale or just not be the place for you. But the food is top notch all around, fresh and from great sources, and very reasonably priced. It's stylish but not cutesy, boisterous enough to feel like a cantina but classy enough to take a date and have them feel like you actually went somewhere. I loved everything we had and I loved that I could have some tasty heat on and in the things I ordered (good salsas, good condiment choices et al). And I loved getting the feeling that I could stray from trad tastes and be safe. That's where the business model and the training that's obviously gone into the service aspect of the place really comes into play. Friendly, relaxed and informed staff, good signage and available info about purveyors, little or no reliance on non-recyclable goods, consistent bussing of the table even though there's no waitstaff....really really top notch concept and execution. One curious thing I noticed though, and I notice it at other "upscale" Mexican places - it seems odd, that in the FoodNetwork enhanced world, an obviously informed owner believes that people want Patron and other top shelf sipping tequilas as first choice for great pitcher margs. Maybe that's more a comment about the neighborhood though.. To this restaurant's credit, they simply let us change our tequila choice to a much better suited simple silver and they were great. If you're curious but not sold, go in for a cold beer and a basket of their chips - they're freshly made and far better than anyone else's in the neighborhood. Oh good, now I've made myself hungry and have nowhere but my own kitchen to go and get something. Maybe we should open a great taco place here in Berea? Maybe we should just move? haha (btw..the 'no kids" thing I checked in the survey was more about the kids and the parenting I've seen out and about lately...YOUR kids will be fine and will love the place!)
(5)Brandon L.
I'm a student at UK and a frequent diner here. The food is incredible (especially the buffalo chicken quesadilla) and the sides are good as well. If you want a filling meal and the best bang for your buck, you'll want to get their chips and salsa as your side. The salsa is very well done and you can always dip your chips in extra (free) jalapeño ranch sauce. It is a little more expensive than say a chipotle or comparable restaurants, but the quality and atmosphere more than make up for it. Great beer as well.
(4)Ashley L.
Great culinary concept! Brisket tacos are awesome! I like how you can mix and match tacos too. Great location downtown.
(4)Jason G.
Loved this joint when I lived in Nashville. My business relocated to this area of town and we hit up this place a few times a week for lunch. It is great. The mexitots are stupid good, and the spicy shrimp tacos are a must have.
(5)Adam B.
I feel like the beach should be on the other side of the street. Great patio, great food. I love how the feel of this place allows you to drink, eat a bit, drink a bit more, eat a little more, and just relax. Drink specials are not great, but are not terrible. If drinks were slightly cheaper, it would be a 5/5 for me.
(4)Brandon D.
Found this place on yelp when we would be passing through town and my girlfriend loves tacos so we decided to try it out. Menu - it's an order at the register then sit down restaurant with a nice variety of taco options, about 8 if I remember and a few other non taco choices as well. Very fair priced also. Atmosphere - the place has a really cool relaxed vibe to it. We sat inside but it has an open air area so we got to enjoy the beautiful day outside as well. Worked out great for a break from driving and probably a nice place to spend a few hours between classes if at school Food - Being Taco Tuesday it was buy 3 get 1 free so I went with 4 different tacos. Korean, Steak, Tequila Chicken, and Fried Chicken if I remember the names correctly. Every one of them was good my favorite being the steak and fried chicken. We've been to several taco places and this wasn't my favorite but would definitely return if back in the area. The queso had a nice hint of spice to it too and was also really good. Service - being an order at the register type of place there isn't much to say here but the girl at the register was friendly so that was nice. Overall - if you're looking to eat some good tacos and enjoy your day. Stop at The Local Taco and you won't be let down
(4)Elaine D.
I've been to The Local Taco a few times for lunch and sat at the bar. I've had the spicy shrimp taco with jalapeno slaw, the brisket with red mole, pickled onions and cilantro, and on one lucky day, the lobster taco. Always on the corn tortillas, and avocado on the side. The two tacos with a side lunch special is only $7.50. You have to try a Beerita, at least once. Parking on Limestone can be difficult These tacos are good, albeit not authentic, just different. When I'm craving tacos, I usually head over to Maria's Kitchen on Broadway. Now those are TACOS!
(4)Stephanie G.
This is my new favorite restaurant in Lexington. Every taco I've tried has been good, but the Korean BBQ is the best. Brunch on the weekends has some tasty breakfast tacos too as well as one dollar mimosas. Service and atmosphere have always been great. And prices are reasonable.
(5)Ernie D.
I've been the last few weeks for Taco Tuesday. They have some of the most flavorful tacos that I've had here in Lexington, although they are not strictly Mexican. I don't know if I would come here for Mexican food, but I would come here for any other reason. Their brisket taco has very soft beef covered in pickled onions which are incredible. The fish tacos come with a very large piece of battered fish and fresh jalapenos that are really spicy! On Tuesdays you can get 4 tacos for $9, which is a good deal considering how full and filling each one is. It can get a little crowded at times, but that's just because it's worth it! I look forward to coming back here a lot.
(4)Melissa W.
I visited Local Taco for lunch with a friend. We decided to arrive around 11:30 since my friend told me that it gets busy over lunch - boy was she right! Maybe 2 minutes after we got in line, the line was so long it was out the front door. I didn't have any trouble finding parking on Limestone, but that may be due to the fact that I got there a little earlier than the lunch rush. They do have limited parking in back too. I ordered the lunch special - two tacos and a side. I opted for the smoked brisket tacos and the spicy shrimp taco, and I wasn't disappointed! For my side I opted for chips and queso. The queso is so creamy and delicious! Local Taco may look small from the outside, but they have ample seating outdoors in front and along the side, and lots of indoor seating. The line moves quickly, so even if the line is long, you won't have to wait too long! If you're in Lexington and jonesing for some tacos, give Local Taco a try!
(4)Wes C.
The good: the food, service, the interior. The bad: the parking, the portion size. The rundown: this is on campus so be prepared for issues with parking, even though they do have a small lot around back. They have patio seating as well as inside which has a plethora of TV's tuned to sports. Their beer selection does change based upon the season but is a small selection to say the least. In terms of food you can choose from a snack to as much food as you want since they price their food per taco. They have mahi, steak, chicken and shrimp that go on your style of taco. The bang bang sauce is great, though for most May be a little on the spicy side (though I very much appreciate it). Their salsa is chunky and rustic, a little smokey and wonderful. The interior also features some old photos of Lexington and it is pretty amazing to see what used to be on the same streets we use every day. It also features some local artists work which I always enjoy. The impression: this is a great place for lunch or to catch a game of UK stomping Louisville. Unfortunately parking can be difficult on those game days so you may be in for a worthwhile walk. The only thing missing is a bit of a guide as to how much food you can expect from your order, otherwise you may be back for seconds and having to wait in a decent line.
(4)brandon h.
Huge fan of the atmosphere of being in the heart of UK campus and the Buffalo chicken tacos as well as the hand squeezed margaritas one of the best in Lexington!
(4)Megan B.
This is one of our favorite spots in Lexington. Great, fresh, local food. Fun atmosphere. Lot's of TVs for game day. Friendly staff. Quick service. You can't beat it!
(5)Joanna S.
It's OK. We've had friendly service, but my expectations were too high. It's a good place to take a group, really great atmosphere on nice days with the large open patio that transitions in the restaurant, but the variety was a bit lacking for me. Most dishes I've had have been kind of bland (though I've only been here a handful of times, so I haven't tried everything.) I just wanted fresher ingredients and more flavor. I wanted Folley Beach's Taco Boy...and this just doesn't compare.
(3)Jorge H.
When we arrived at this restaurant today, the line at the cash register was backed up to the door that opens to South Limestone. As was the case with all our previous visits, only one cashier was working (despite the fact that there are two cash registers). While the majority of the workers appear to be UK undergrads, usually there is an older gentleman (late 20s/early 30s) standing around and doing nothing. It appears he's the one in charge. He wasn't there today. It makes no difference when he is anyway. Fortunately, we made it through the line in five minutes. My wife and I both ordered the lunch baskets (two tacos plus a side). We then proceeded to wait at least 30 minutes at our table before ANYONE ever brought us anything. Keep in mind, it's not like we ordered steak or even a pizza. We just wanted some tacos, rice, and chips. During this time we observed the lone cashier having to constantly leave her station to go back to the kitchen and deliver information. The people around us kept checking their watches. Needless to say, Gordon Ramsay would have a field day with this place. The ONLY reason this place gets three stars is because the food is actually really good. But, here's the deal: I can get food that is just as good as this with way better service at multiple other similar restaurants in Lexington. Oh, and before I forget, finding a place to sit is always an issue at The Local Taco. Also, there is now a 10 percent fee on all takeout orders.
(3)Matt C.
Very cool place! Great food and not toooooo crowded during a busy lunchtime.
(5)Keri S.
There is a Chipotle that is one block over that is 10 times this restaurant. Of course the ratings are high bc college kids love anything wrapped in a tortilla, as do I, but this was disastrous. I had the Cuban corn, which was over cooked and had no seasoning. It was sprinkled with some cotija cheese and that's it! The margarita on the rocks was so sweet I thought I was going to catch diabetes. The Korean taco and the brisket taco were just ok, but anyone that knows anything about cooking at all can out do this culinary catastrophe. Again, go to chipotle.
(1)Daniel D.
If I could choose the number of stars it would be 3.5. The place is not average but it is not very good. The service we got was very good, servers were helpful at the time of getting a table, but this place gets crowded so there might be a wait for a table. The food it self was reasonably priced, not cheap but not very expensive for the quality. I tried different types of tacos and even though they were not bad, the tacos are not to die for. In other words it's an above average taco.
(4)Mark A.
Too often the cashiers, who are typically young students, are rude/indifferent/irritated to be taking orders. Not alot of customer service when the younger staff is at the register. However, the food is phenomenal and the dining room staff is always outstanding.
(3)Andrew J.
Local Taco is a great spot for unique tacos!
(4)Mike T.
I rate this 4-stars because I'm a fan of the food, but I would not say 'Yay!' about the service. This is a fast-casual concept, with extraordinary soft tacos and enchiladas. Go here to try some flavorful food. The selection of tacos is delicious. But be prepared to wait in a line for the one cashier to take your order. On one occasion, after finding a seat and waiting patiently for our food, a staff member delivered our order and we realized we didn't have utensils. We asked for a fork and he replied, "Yeah you can get it over there", and pointed to where the cashier and drink station was, and walked away. Okay, I get it. Grab everything you need and only expect MINIMAL help from the staff. Honestly, they might as well just leave your food at the counter and let you pick it up yourself. It makes the "TIPS" jar at the counter laughable. Why leave a tip? It's basically Taco Bell when it comes to service. So, I would recommend Local Taco for the INCREDIBLE food (and people watching in the warm weather months), but don't expect fast, friendly, or helpful service.
(4)Rebecca A.
What a nice surprise! I was at Good Sam for my CT Scan and saw the Local Taco across the street. Since I was starving to death, food was the first thing on my mind. Wow! Everything we had was great! They even watched out for my Tomato Allergy. Can't wait till I come to Lexington for my next CT Scan, that means a Trip to Local Taco!!! XD
(5)Jacqueline H.
So this is NOT Mexican. lol. It is however, VERY good food that appears somewhat Mexican. I recommend it to anyone because they have a options, it is affordable and their drinks aren't too bad! I'm visiting from California so enjoying some good local restaurants is always on my "things to do" list. I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)Kate S.
(It helps if you read this review with a Southern accent :-) Dear Local Taco, I regret that my note of thanks comes so long after our first meal together, and I vowed not to let one more day pass without expressing my appreciation and thanks for your wonderful food. It seems only yesterday that I walked in to your airy establishment, the scent of freshly made tortillas in the air, to appease my hunger. It was a Tuesday, our first Taco Tuesday, and I struggled to choose the perfect tacos from the list of delicious choices. I chose shrimp, fish, brisket, and southern fried and my sangria and I retired to our table to await their arrival. Moments later, my sangria barely touched and so many people unwatched, my tacos arrived. They were utterly surprising in their flavor and deeply satisfying in their combination of fresh ingredients.. The shrimp taco was my first love and remains so to this day. The pickled jalapeños with the fish was a sublime combination, and the brisket was moist and tender and reminded me of my friend The BBQ Master, in California. I nearly wept with delight. Since that first meal, I have had the pleasure of sampling many items from your menu and I have never been disappointed. The queso dip, the chicken tortilla soup, the taco specials, the beerita...I'm feeling a bit light headed remembering all the delicious morsels with which you have delighted my taste buds. After all these years, I have no regrets and I am proud to call you my friend. Very truly yours, An Admirer
(4)Brianna M.
Great food and taco selections. Looks like a sit down restaurant but everything is self serve. Great environment & service is quick!
(5)Leigh W.
Our party of seven entered the establishment during a UK football game, so the place was packed. Luckily, we landed a table, ordered at the register and were served quickly. Though they seemed at their busiest, we got our food in a timely fashion. I ordered a queso guacamole for the table and chose the roja salsa. As with all Mexican restaurants, the app made a nice complement to the pitchers of beer and margaritas. I chose a vegetarian taco, triple crown cheese enchilada and a mushroom spinach enchilada. The enchiladas were served with a side of rice and lettuce. They were good, but paled in comparison to the vegetarian taco. If I visit again, I'll just order three of those. The triple crown enchilada was to my expectations, but I didn't imagine the spinach and mushrooms would be pureed into a pasty filling of the other. The consistency rather than the flavor threw me for a loop. For the quality of food, the price was excellent.
(4)Leslie V.
I have been waiting over 25 minutes for the chips and salsa ordered as an appetizer. Incredibly poor service today. I love the good but it seems like the service has gone way downhill recently.
(2)Jenna T.
This place was absolutely wonderful! The food was excellent and the margaritas were even better. The only suggestion I have for those coming is to sit inside or near it because the flys can be pretty bad!
(5)Susan M.
I really wanted to like this place. Unfortunately, there were a few things lacking. We ordered a trio of salsas: green tomatillos, black bean and corn, and pico de gallo. The first two were great! The pico was virtually flavorless though. It seemed to lack salt, lime, and garlic. The queso we ordered was great. Classic margarita: good. Hard to mess this up. I had the chicken lime taco and three cheese enchilada. Taco was great! Enchilada...weird flavors. One of the cheeses is smoked provolone which threw us off. We actually were questioning if the cheese they used was bad because one of them ordered tasted different from the others...hmm. My sister had one of the chicken enchiladas (don't remember which one) and it was very good. The brisket taco she ordered was lacking in flavor and a bit salty. Atmosphere is nice though! On a nitpicky note, they do need weighted stands for the numbers for their tables, as the stand repeatedly flipped over onto us and our food. I may return here but was overall unimpressed.
(3)Heather A.
Went on a Tuesday and their special was buy 3 get 1 free. We both got 4 tacos and also got mexi tater tots so we were stuffed! Korean bbq was my favorite.
(4)Benjamin M.
The Local Taco serves up some great, creative tacos, and I think Lexington is lucky to have a place like this. Although some Yelpers have complained about prices being steep, I feel that the prices are in-line with the quality of the food. If you want to stuff your face with cheap, chemically-laden tacos, there's this one chain called Taco Bell. The Local Taco has a $10 deal for four tacos and they allow mix-and-matching. That's an awesome lunch deal, and you should definitely check it out if you're in the UK campus area.
(4)Anna R.
I have heard so much about this place but I have to say I was disappointed. First the good things- the guacamole and the mexi-tots are good! The tortillas are homemade and have a lot of texture. The outdoor seating is nice too. The atmosphere is chill and a good place to hang out. Then the bad- the taco flavors we tried were only ok. The best was the steak but it was dry. Be sure to add the lime juice. The shrimp itself was really good but the jalapeño slaw was bland. The actual meat of tequila lime chicken was dry though there was a decent amount sauce. The southern fried chicken was good but average. The Cuban corn was starchy and clearly had been harvest way too mature (not necessarily the restaurants fault) and the chili powder added very little to the dish. Overall, I can immediately name at least three places in Lexington within 10 miles where I would rather eat Mexican. I don't think we will be back.
(2)Tabitha H.
Shrimp taco is a must. Mexican corn that will go great as a side with queso that will rock your world. Great brunch on the weekend and the margs are a nice addition to any meal. Oh & don't forget $1 mimosas on the weekends for brunch.
(4)Kathryn K.
Love the Food ....However you have to fight to get a table , therefore I can't relax when I eat here. The Best drink ( my opinion only) is the Big Blue Margarita. But just too busy and Chaotic.
(4)Joseph K.
This place is great, awesome tacos (the Korean beef and spicy shrimp are my favorites) all the cocktails we had were well made and delicious, the bluegrass sour and the Mexican julep were amazing. Check this spot out! Line out the door the entire hour I was there; to the owner "your place is great and busy, hire more staff!"
(5)Andrew C.
Amazing fish tacos!!!
(5)K M.
I tried three of the tacos (korean BBQ, pulled pork, and fried chicken). They were all reasonably tasty, but I thought they were pretty small for the amount that I was charged.
(3)Jeff J.
Tried the 4/$10 tacos. I tried fish, shrimp, chicken and the capresse special taco. All but the capresse were amazing (don't get the capresse it's actually pretty bad taco idea). The deck was clean and had a load back atmosphere. Would highly recommend!!!
(5)AM M.
Decent fresh Mex, beautiful space. Barbecue brisket taco had good smoky flavor, vegetarian taco was kinda bland vegetables (squash and zucchini), but all very fresh tasting. Chips and queso were awesome. Chips were fresh, salty, white corn which made them light yet sturdy. Queso was flavorful, although could have been thicker. Spendier, but they use local products making it worth it. Space was open with nice hardwood floors, colorful walls, and artwork. It would be a nice place to visit in the summer with the patio doors that open up onto the deck. And there is actually a parking lot in back, which is helpful on busy Limestone. We'd return to try it again, especially for the chips and dip.
(3)Steve C.
Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, and Martin Short saved a small Mexican village by jumping from the silent screen into real life and their story was immortalized in the great American classic, ¡Three Amigos! That that can do attitude and a little elbow grease, and you get The Local Taco. A great story about the Little Tortilla Boy who wants to fight against the likes of the King, a creepy clown and his psychedelic gang, and the Marlboro Man. And let me tell you, the Tortilla Boy who made his start by making tortillas out of flattened halves of hamburger buns has come of age. These tacos make you want to slap a baby and send a telegram home to tell your folks all about it. Stop. At first blush, it seems a little pricey for a small taco, but once you get into the double digits of consumption, it is strangely filling. And your consumption has been cured. It's a two'fer. Their alcohol menu is written on a chalkboard easel just like your great great great grandparents lessons were in the Aughts. The 18 Aughts. But the beer is much better than it was back then and much more of a liquid. I know you're thinking, "Is this too good to be true?" The answer is yes! But they somehow turned your wildest fantasies into reality by Willa Wonka-ing the hell out of their service. It is quick, even if there is a line out the front door, which happens pretty regularly. The only lag time is the people ahead of you deciding which tacos to try and whether or not they want to just get crunk or turnt up. By the way, Beeritas are mandatory. Shoes and shirts aren't. (The city is exploring the option of loincloths, so will update this review when the report is made public.) Even when they have to turn away customers due to the Fire Marshall mandating that only 100 people could die tragically instead of 101, you get your food pretty quickly. Why four out of five stars and not five out of five stars? Because my rating system is arbitrary and I get to choose, that's why. And because i wish the parking was a little better. You may say that it isn't their fault, but they could have leveled the building next door and made and additional 20 spaces. So, as my mother says, "You best not be snackin'. You better Tex-Mex yo'self befo' you wreck yo'self. And go doo-doo in yo' pants, Son!"
(4)Laura H.
We went here for the first time last weekend and loved it! They have a great fun atmosphere, good drinks and a very affordable food menu. Out of everything we ordered the shrimp tacos were by far the best. You just can't beat their crispy shrimp covered in refreshing garnishes, wrapped in the soft corn tortillas (you can request corn over flour when ordering). The brisket tacos were also great and we would defiently order them again! If I could rate this restaurant on atmosphere and those two items alone it would be five stars, hands down. Unfortunately some of the other tacos were not as good. The beef was more bbq then it was Mexican and lacked the freshness you would want in a taco. The drinks were very good, and you can't beat sitting out on their patio on a nice night with a good margarita. Overall we really loved this place and will definitely return next time we are in town!
(4)Ashley M.
First Visit, on an overcast summer day for lunch. We parked on a side road closer to Upper and walked in through the back. Almost vomited from the smell of rotting garbage from the nearby canisters. As we entered, we noticed the plastic covered menus mounted on the wall so we grabbed one and took about 5 minutes standing in front the "order here" sign to figure out our options. The employee at the counter waited to greet us until we fully approached the counter and verbally indicated we were ready. She was nice enough but not very helpful. We didn't even know to get our own drink. We walked away, leaving our cup, but she didn't notice that and we figured it out after picking out a table & looking around. We chose to sit in the back because it was hot & humid with a drizzle of rain and since the front is opened up onto a patio you couldn't feel the air conditioning there. I would recommend the owners put something over the windows to block unsightly views (see pics). Nothing fancy, enough to let light through but haze the sight of the half naked college students next door, cars, and trash, just in the farthest back corner. About 8 minutes later our food came out and it tasted just as good as it looked! My husband ordered one chicken & one steak taco with Pinto beans and I wasn't very hungry so I ordered off the kids menu, one fried chicken taco with Pinto beans. We both decided the pinto beans were good but too peppery for our taste. I didn't care for all the celery cooked in but I did like the chunks of meat. The salsa on my husband's tacos were very fresh and flavorful. We enjoyed the food and the portions are just right if your trying to not over-eat. Next time we'll try something more unique & adventurous.
(4)Alec J.
Love the place great music great food very nice people and amazing atmosphere. The margaritas are great!!
(5)Heather P.
I have driven by this place many times, noticing the patio always being packed, when the weather permits. If I go back, I will opt for the patio experience. With so many local Mexican options, I thought this place was over priced and over rated. When I think of tacos, I think of chips and salsa, but at LT you have to buy the chips and the salsa in addition to your meal...or order them in place of a side. I ordered the two tacos basket which came with a side and I chose the Mexican tots. I thought the tots would be a potato of sorts but they were more like hush puppies, except they were mushy in the middle. The tots are definitely not something that I would recommend. The four tacos for $10 seems like a good deal, so the next time, that's what I'll order. One last observation: they serve coffee from Georgia Coffee Company. With so many local coffee options, I hope that they catch on soon.
(3)Jerry N.
I've been eagerly anticipating checking this place out ever since I saw them hang their sign this summer, well before the doors opened. I finally had the chance to eat here for the first time late last week, and I enjoyed it so much I came back for the second time last night. First, I have to say the atmosphere is excellent. They've renovated an older house, and it has a very cool and casual feel to it without seeming like they're trying too hard. The Ball jars as light fixtures are a nice touch. Everything on the menu sounds great, though I've not gotten very far through the menu items. So far I've only really tried the vegetarian tacos, which have been different both times I've had them, but always delicious. Last night the onions were lightly breaded and friend, which was a nice touch. The cuban corn, which is roasted and spiced and served on-the-cob, is tasty, but up close smelled exactly like buttered movie-theatre popcorn which was a little odd. Tasty, but odd. Due to work-related obligations, I've been unable to sample their margaritas this week, but my wife has had a few and says they're quite solid. I plan to go back again tomorrow night, when I can try one for myself. If opinions change, I'll update it. I've not been to either of the other two Local Taco locations, but I see this one doing well. it fits in quite well among the other businesses along Limestone, and when the weather is warm and the garage doors across the front are open, it's that much more inviting. I'm convinced they'll continue getting plenty of my hard-earned money, and I'll be happy to give it to them.
(4)Eric N.
As per previous reviews, I thought this would be a college hangout. It proves to be much more. Nice outdoor seating, clean digs, pleasant cashier and staff. Order up front and sit down and wait. I had the buffalo chicken (very good), original BBQ ( just oK), and the Korean BBQ ( excellent). A grown man needs at least 3-4 tacos to fill up. Great find!
(4)dane h.
Southern, hipster tacos. Order up front and take a number. The fresh lime frozen margarita was well done. Steak taco was a big letdown. Too much pico de gallo, under-seasoned, under-proportioned steak. Korean taco was just ok. The smokey brisket was my favorite. I liked the pickled onions. The local bbq with cole slaw was pretty good. Both BBQ tacos were flavorful but a tad dry. Two disappointments- I tasted little or no heat in any of the tacos, and their default is flour tortillas. (I didn't realize that til my food arrived) They try to make up for the over-pricing and small portions with a combination of quality and novelty. I think it falls a tad short, but I wouldn't be opposed to going back for another margarita and to try a few other items. As a drinking/bar food spot, this could work.
(3)Jenny D.
The tacos are interesting...but very good! The Mexican Tater-tots are so great! Highly recommended by me. And they have a 2-7 happy hour! The atmosphere is really laid back and open, great place to meet people and hang out and have some good food.
(4)Kate A.
Excellent key lime chicken taco and steak taco served with flavorful black beans and Mexican rice, all for less than $9! White corn chips with delicious pico de gallo were equally impressive. All of this along with an enchanting open-air patio setting make the Local Taco a new favorite!
(5)Laurie A.
For my first trip to Local Taco my husband and I ordered an assortment of tacos (i'll try and remember them all). We had the shrimp taco, fish taco, smoked brisket, Korean BBQ and the tequila lime taco. I also had a side of the jalepeno coleslaw. My daughter had the cheese quesadilla. Overall we liked the tacos, but the fish was by far the best. I liked the shrimp taco as well but all of the flavor came from the shrimp as the jalapeno coleslaw on top (which was also my side) had no flavor whatsoever. I was disappointed in that. The quesadilla my daughter ate had more cheese than I've ever seen on any other restaurant taco. The service was fast and the staff friendly. I look forward to going back to try other things on the menu. If you haven't tried Local Taco yet it is definitely worth a trip to campus for.
(4)Jeremy R.
Surprised by how good it was! Was a little worried by proximity to campus, but was genuinely happy. Only way to do it in my opinion is to get the 4 tacos for $10. I also got a side of the Cuban corn. I don't really understand the previous reviews of cost, because IT'S NOT FASTFOOD PEOPLE! it's not junk on a plate, it's real food! The margaritas were also very good. The surprising thing was that you had to order the chips and salsa. But I also completely understand that college kids would just stop by and eat those for free if they could and the place wouldn't make any money. We will go back, many times!!!! Very happy with my experience.
(5)Gordon F.
Got a variety of tacos here with a side of beans. The tacos are good, certainly nothing earth shattering, and definitely not as good as authentic tacos you would get in the southwest. They are also _tiny_ as well as expensive. Not a good combo. The side dish was also tiny... come on, if you are going to skimp on the main entree, you can at least give the customers some more beans which cost little and are pretty filling. If the food here cost oh, say, half as much, it might gain one to two stars. I won't be going back again and spending over $10 on tacos at lunch, only to go back to the office hungry.
(2)David G.
They have some really interesting tacos. I liked the spicy shrimp and lime chicken tacos. The sides were good also. I had Mexican tater tots and pinto beans. I would strongly recommend both. The Korean BBQ taco was a disappointment, however. I am a huge fan of Korean BBQ, and this just didn't have the taste and quality I'm used to with that selection. It has a nice, warm atmosphere as well. I will definitely be back to try other varieties.
(4)Ryan N.
(Note: This is a long review, because I felt like it, darn it! ) Wow. Fusion cuisine is what this place is all about. I'm currently sitting outside (it's about 50 in November), and while the chill from the outside is quite noticeable, the nice warm heat (spicyness) of the food is quite pleasing. The spice is just about right though. I ordered the two taco dinner plate, which comes with two sides (not a drink). I picked the Mexican rice and Mexican Tater Tots. For my tacos, I choose BBQ and steak. I ordered a soft drink too. I paid $11.40 (+ tip) for the meal. The price seems like it's on the high side, but it's not outrageous for this quality of restaurant. The food is tasty. I was a little apprehensive (I mean, BBQ on a taco?), but the BBQ blends with the salsa and spices. The same thing goes for the steak. It was a little chewy but of decent quality. Of note, it was also cooked medium, unlike other places which cook their taco steak well done. The spices weren't overpowering, and the flavor of the meats really came through in a good way. The tacos weren't really that hot when I got them, but I don't think it really detracts. They had a freshness to them, and everything tasted like it was made from the raw ingredients, a big plus. The tortillas are made onsite (I could see the machine, specially put near a window in the kitchen, it's so cool) and the textures reminded me more of a gyro than a taco. The flavors (salsa and cilantro and spices) had Mexican influence, a delightfully refreshing fusion. The sides were tasty too. The Mexican tots were like hush puppies (there were four of them), fried but with cheese and topped with a creamy spiced sauce. While the tots were an extra fifty cents, they were worth it. The Mexican rice is decent, perhaps a little overspiced for my liking. The portions of all the food items were just about right. I also sampled some nachos with queso and one of their desserts. The queso was awesome--creamy and with a little heat--and the chips were toasted on site with oil and salt. It reminds me of higher quality version of Qdoba's nachos, but without Qdoba's over-salting problem. Now for the dessert. Oh. My. Goodness. I don't usually like fried dough, but this thing was amazing (I don't remember what it was called, so I'll describe it). It's a layer of fried dough, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with agave nectar sauce. It's light, creamy and delicious, and it's one of their best items. Cinnamon was woven in, and the vanilla of the ice cream coalesced with the fried dough to make a decadent treat. I'm going to get it again sometime. The service, while cordial, was a little awkward in a social way, not extremely first-time user friendly. There's a counter where you order, and you're supposed to seat yourself. Technically, there isn't waiter service (I don't think), but they weren't busy and the staff brought me a drink, though it seemed like the guy was doing it as a favor instead of it actually being his responsibility. No problems, he was really nice. Plus the food came out really quickly. TIP: Order at the counter, get your own soft drink, and pick a table. It's easy. (I moved inside because it was getting cold on the patio.) The facility is awesome. Decor-wise it's one of the best restaurants in Lexington. The front room can be open-aired (presumably they close off the patio in winter) and designed with modern flair. There are many places and rooms where you can eat. The outdoor patio really adds another dimension to the place (during a summer evening, it would be more awesome than in November, but I can't win them all). The bar is in its own corner, and it seemed pretty lively; however, it didn't dominate the restaurant, which was nice. There's a room in the back which is quieter, and there's the patio. Noise level ranges. TIP: It's quieter in the back, noisier near the bar. All in all, this place serves a well-conceived fusion cuisine, hence the "Local" in the name. They pull it off, especially their dessert. While you could probably save a few bucks at other places in Lexington, this place is certainly a highlight of the Limestone Street area. The ambiance and the food quality really pull this place into the five star realm. Bring a friend, get a drink, order a taco, don't forget the dessert, and enjoy the crafted ambiance. For the price range (lower end of the $$ range), it doesn't get much better than this.
(5)Nikki H.
Awesome lunch spot, it's very inexpensive and I love sitting out on the patio right on Limestone. The sangria is delicious and they have a nice beer selection as well, the food is good, nothing spectacular, but for what we pay I think it's well worth it. The atmosphere and location are wonderful and it's a good place to bring kids! Highly recommend the Mexi Tots or Cuban corn, so so good.
(4)Phil D.
This review is for a week day lunch. I'll start with the positives: - The food was good; I had two enchiladas, one chicken, and one cheese. I think the cheese was better but both were well prepared. Both came dressed in a red chile sauce that went unnoticed. I wanted to try their habenero lime sauce but somehow that was only available for the tacos. On the side, I got the Mexican style corn which was roasted corn on the cob with some light seasoning. It wasn't what I imagined it was but was very pleased with it. The menu said the corn was seasonal but I'm not sure how much I believe that since I got it in December. Overall, the food was above average but not mind blowing. - The atmosphere was pleasant and not too loud (although it wasn't very crowded) - The wait staff was very courteous and always willing to help. The food took 5-10 minutes to come out with 3-4 other tables occupied. Now for the negatives: - The portions of the food are quite diminutive. I don't expect a thanksgiving sized plate but 50% more food would not be out of the question. For the same cost at other local mexican restaurants, one can get 2-3x more food. Which leads me into my next point... - It is not cheap. One lunch enchilada plate, one lunch taco plate, and two waters came to $19 after tip and tax. That's on the high end for lunch for two, especially when you leave not completely full. I don't mind paying more for local ingredients but other places seem to offer a better price per plate ratio. - I said the atmosphere was pleasant, which it is, but it felt like it was trying a little too hard to be trendy. It's certainly not off-putting but it almost was if it was trying to be too much. In the end, I'm not sure I'll go back. Friends who have gone have had the same critiques I mentioned. The food is good but there isn't much of it and it's on the expensive side.
(2)blue t.
DELICIOUS fish tacos. Great atmosphere (only been for lunch), speedy service. Plus they have Mexican coke (aka in a glass bottle with actual sugar, not HFCS).
(5)Brian J.
This place was good. Everything tasted fresh, there was no wait time, and the food came out fast. It has a nice laid back atmosphere. Plenty of seating indoors and out. If go back again. It was god and a little different with some of the taco options butt nothing just said "OMG I have to go back" it's worth trying though.
(3)Joy G.
This place is okay. I've had the Korean tacos which are pretty good. The tater tots were kind of nasty which the bartender recommended. I wasn't head over heels with the place. The bar was kind of lame.
(3)Jenny H.
I like the tacos here - especially brisket and fish. The tortillas are made on site which is nice. The only problem with this place is the price. I could probably eat 4 tacos easy - which is $10, with no sides. Each taco is probably like 2-3 bites.
(3)Tracy C.
Great food & beer...always quick service!
(5)Robert T.
As several reviewers have stated, a little on the expensive side with not much to back it up as far as size of portions. But it is good, not amazing, and it is something different to try. If you're in the area, don't pass it up, but don't go out of your way for it.
(3)J R.
Not worth the price. Went here on 12/21/12 after seeing it on Secrets of the Bluegrass Chef and I was soooo excited to try it. Parking is a nightmare-we had to park way down the street and walked in the freezing cold. I also didn't realize this is a place where you order at the register. There is no waiting space and the one bench they had for waiting customers was covered in napkin dispensers. Two people working the registers-one very bored, uninterested girl and the Head Chef-I recognized him from the show. He took our order, and did not greet us, smile, or say thanks. Very shocking. Food is EXPENSIVE!! I cannot believe how this place is trying to gouge their customers. They had a lunch special on the chalkboard- two tacos and one side for 6.75, so we got that. On the tacky laminated menu it says there is an UPCHARGE if you order anything other than rice or beans as the side. So why not SPECIFY that instead of saying any side? For freaking 6.75 for two teensy, tiny tacos you should be able to get whatever you want. My boyfriend got two different steak tacos and a mexican coke. The mexican coke, taken out of a fridge, was WARM. He personally liked his food, I did not.I ordered the buffalo chicken and spicy shrimp with mexi tots. Bland, bland, bland. No heat, no flavor, and just a nasty, jumbled mess. The shrimp was tough and the food itsself was served luke warm and the tots were scalding-covered in grease but mushy on the inside-still not sure if I liked them or not. I ended up taking my food home (where I dumped salt and my own sliced up avocado on it to make it edible) because it was too loud and too many people were standing around our tiny table. Oh and my buffalo chicken taco had literally one small piece of blue cheese on it-shameful. Bottom line-unfriendly service, limited seating, loud music, and the bus boy was the only one who checked on us and offered a smile. Very, very overpriced for tiny portions and they don't even offer FREE chips or salsa and they charge for a side of salsa! Bland food, tiny servings, too expensive and the freaking executive chef was not friendly and walked around checking his iphone. Won't be back.
(2)E.J. S.
Bottom Line - The Local Taco has great food and is an exemplary business all around. It's the kind of place Lexington diners should feel lucky to have as an affordable option. If you're looking for a down and dirty cheap taqueria, then maybe it might feel a little upscale or just not be the place for you. But the food is top notch all around, fresh and from great sources, and very reasonably priced. It's stylish but not cutesy, boisterous enough to feel like a cantina but classy enough to take a date and have them feel like you actually went somewhere. I loved everything we had and I loved that I could have some tasty heat on and in the things I ordered (good salsas, good condiment choices et al). And I loved getting the feeling that I could stray from trad tastes and be safe. That's where the business model and the training that's obviously gone into the service aspect of the place really comes into play. Friendly, relaxed and informed staff, good signage and available info about purveyors, little or no reliance on non-recyclable goods, consistent bussing of the table even though there's no waitstaff....really really top notch concept and execution. One curious thing I noticed though, and I notice it at other "upscale" Mexican places - it seems odd, that in the FoodNetwork enhanced world, an obviously informed owner believes that people want Patron and other top shelf sipping tequilas as first choice for great pitcher margs. Maybe that's more a comment about the neighborhood though.. To this restaurant's credit, they simply let us change our tequila choice to a much better suited simple silver and they were great. If you're curious but not sold, go in for a cold beer and a basket of their chips - they're freshly made and far better than anyone else's in the neighborhood. Oh good, now I've made myself hungry and have nowhere but my own kitchen to go and get something. Maybe we should open a great taco place here in Berea? Maybe we should just move? haha (btw..the 'no kids" thing I checked in the survey was more about the kids and the parenting I've seen out and about lately...YOUR kids will be fine and will love the place!)
(5)Kim N.
Had lunch there today and was completely "wowed" by their special taco of the day - bacon-wrapped lobster with a pineapple salsa. SOOO delicious! The brisket taco was also tasty and I had both on their corn tortillas. I basically could have eaten 10 of the lobster tacos though. Service was great and the restaurant was actually a lot bigger than it looked - there was plenty of seating. I can't wait to go back!
(4)Aditya S.
I haven't been in Lexington for a long time and was looking for a good Mexican place for my Taco Tuesday dinner, stumbled upon this joint on Yelp. Although, I ordered a T/O but I really liked the ambiance and vibe of the place. The lady on the counter was pleasant to talk to, and helped me decide on my order. You get one additional taco for free if you order three tacos. I ended up getting the Local BBQ, Korean BBQ, Smoked Brisket and Buffalo chicken along with Guac on the side. All four tacos were pretty good, but I really liked the Buffalo chicken and Local BBQ more. I wouldn't say that these are the best tacos that I have had but I really liked the food there.
(4)eric l.
If you want fresh ingredients and a different spin on tacos, then this is the place for you. Great tacos great sides and an inviting atmosphere.
(5)Shannon C.
This place is soooooo good!! I love the atmosphere and they have great customer service!
(5)Cassidy B.
My boyfriend and I ate here on a Sunday morning. The parking wasn't to great, there's only like 9 parking spots in the back. So we had to enter from the back of the restaurant , and didn't really know where to go because we've never been there. Then we waited in the line to order, we weren't handed a menu and didn't know where to get them. Once we were in front of the line we were told that the menus were on the front of the door. The cashier helped us order, and seemed nice. She didn't inform us on where to get our drinks or where to sit (being a first time customer). The cashier forgot our soft drink cups. We had to get them from her, we stood awkwardly waiting for tables to clear up. We quickly grabbed a table after another couple left, no one cleaned the table after them. We placed our order number on the table. The food came out quickly really quickly. At first we thought it was small portions, but we quickly realized we we wrong. The tacos WERE AMAZING, we had gotten two lunch baskets. 2 buffalo chicken tacos with chips and salsa. The second order was steak, and chicken tacos with tex mex tots. Sitting outside was not a very pleasant experience, lots of flies and bees bumping into us as we ate. Which can be expected when eating outside. The atmosphere was lively, fun, clean, new, refreshing, and a great place to start your day.
(5)Chandler L.
No complaints here. The atmosphere is an A. The food is an A and the lunch price for under $10 is also fantastic. Great location in downtown Lex. I recommend you stop by if you're in the area.
(5)Jessica D.
Spicy shrimp and Korean BBQ tacos just literally rocked my world. And try the Cuban corn. You won't be sorry. I'll be back next time I'm in Lexington. Heck. I may even come back again before I leave!
(5)Paula W.
I love the location and the atmosphere. I wasn't overly impressed with the food but I would definitely go back.
(4)Kim T.
My family and I visited Lexington, KY over the weekend and was looking for a place to eat. We ended up downtown on the campus of University of Kentucky. We walked into The Local Taco......WOW...IT WAS THE BEST! HIGHLY recommended.
(5)Becc W.
Drinks are great. Food is great. But the cost doesn't always give you a great deal of food. But still very good and unique.
(3)Will H.
Great spot for drinks, Mexican, people watching. Nice creative Mexican menu with daily specials
(5)Chasity B.
The food was decent and the prices were not that bad. However, it was a little confusing when ordering. You don't really have a waitress you have to go up and order it but they do bring it out to you. This is what makes getting your food take some time. They just wonder around looking for your number at all the tables. The staff is really friendly but I think they would benefit from a different ordering and delivering system.
(3)Emily B.
This is one of my husband's favorite places and I like it alright. It obviously isn't meant to be an authentic Mexican place and they serve a wide range of tacos. However, nothing comes with a side, which makes Local Taco quickly get expensive. I have a toddler, and I do like the children's menu options for him. I appreciate restaurants who serve smaller portions of fully flavored food for kids rather than super bland items or junk food. At Local Taco, we are able to get him a quesadilla with grilled chicken and flavorful cheese and a generous side of slightly spicy black beans for $4, which I feel is reasonable. Adults are allowed to order a children's meal as well so if you're a fairly light eater or just not very hungry, that may be a good option.
(3)Brooke M.
I frequently visit this restaurant for dinner. Tonight while sitting on the patio, two men came right outside the door of the restaurant and smoked. They have a cigarette tray right beside the door, right beside where people eat. Many staff members walked by and saw that they were smoking near eating costumers and nothing was said. I complained as I left the store to the cashier. I can't eat with smoke in my face.
(2)Olwen C.
One of my favorites!! I do wish the portions were bigger. This is what I'd call fancy-american-mex. Nice presentation and great taste but small portions and slightly over priced. Also, watch out when you order because almost every time I've been charged the wrong price. Some of the side items are higher priced and they dont always tell you that when you order. The patio is great, one of the best in town, and the servers are usually pretty friendly.
(5)Clara H.
Great college spot. Tacos are fantastic and a very friendly staff. Vivian and Lyndsey are great!
(4)Ambo D.
Mediocre tacos. Salsas are nothing to rant over. Brisket taco was a let down. Meat was hard and dry. Korean taco tasted like nothing but sesame oil. Menu sounds good but it always falls a bit short.
(2)Adam R.
The food is phenomenal, as well as the beer menu. However, I sat at the bar, and the bartender was rude, and her service was absolutely horrendous. Given that, I would highly recommend trying the food, just avoid the bar.
(3)Miss G.
My first experience here was okay. I'm not a big fan of taco but the local taco is definitely different than any taco fast food resto (for example: taco bell). the price is ok since it's located around the campus area (Univ of Kentucky) so $10 for 4 tacos or $2.75 each?? can't complain. korean bbq tacos and spicy shrimp tacos are highly recommended. the queso is also recommended, especially because its a free chips refill. the frozen lime margarita is the only reason why i gave 4 stars, i didn't really think that's an alcoholic beverage (more like icee/slushy from 7/11), it was good but unlike what i expected. the ambiance is okay but not really recommended for kids during dinner time (full bar service)~ definitely will be back when i come back to Lexington ..... :)
(4)Megan M.
Some tasty items on menu and great brunch specials, but food wise I do think it's overrated. However, on a nice day, the patio is wonderful.
(3)Kate E.
Wonderful college atmosphere. In warmer weather the garage doors open and create a cool open layout restaurant that almost feels like you're somewhere besides the bluegrass. The tacos are unique but unfortunately are mostly misses in my opinion. I have only had 2-3 that I actually liked and I have tried almost the entire menu. The ingredients just don't seem as fresh as you would think. Overall, this is a great place for groups - especially groups watching games on their TVs. Nice casual place!
(3)Matt R.
Great place. Tried it out tonight on a friends recommendation and it lived up to my expectations. They have a great menu and good drinks. I had chips with a variety of dips and steak tacos. It was all cooked well and seasoned really well. The margaritas were great. I did try the beer, not sure what brand it was but it was pretty gross. Other than that it was a great experience. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Natasha S.
Super quick food with a nice atmosphere (kinda college and chill sports bar rolled into one). I LOVE the fried fish tacos. It is basically all I will order. So crispy and delicious, and the sauce they put on the taco is basically heaven. The regular fried chicken taco is fantastic as well. I'm not a big fan of any of the beef tacos though, every time I've tried one I've found them a bit dry and lacking in flavor. Queso is great, prices are fairly reasonable if slightly high (I usually get 3 tacos (~$8) as a smaller girl, guys will want 4-6 - which is $10-15). Also grab a beerita, those are great. I wish they put a mini beer upside down in a margarita glass the way they're done in Texas, but for Kentucky this is the next best thing.
(5)Hansel B.
This place is pretty quick and laid back, much better than going to a fast food place and higher quality. I would recommend for take out or sit down. The Korean BBQ tacos are great!
(3)Stephenie T.
The Local Taco has quickly become one of my husband and my favorite places to get tacos. I always get the steak tacos and they are always delicious. The guacamole is traditionally prepared and perfect! It's just a great place to have a great meal!
(5)TP M.
Our 2nd visit to this cool taco joint did not disappoint. Super yUmMy, very fresh and even better than I remembered from our first visit last year. Queso, guacamole and salsa were very good, excellent pitcher of margaritas, delicious enchiladas and of course fabulous tacos. Haven't been? What are you waiting for?
(4)Lee P.
I like this place; the menu is simple but each taco has a good flavor, The Korean BBQ tacos are amazing.
(4)Mindy R.
Local Taco is one of my favorite places for lunch or a quick dinner. The food is always consistently good! I usually get the taco basket (2 tacos and 2 sides ...or chips/salsa). My favorite taco's are the spicy shrimp with a jalapeno coleslaw on it...so, so good! Chips are fresh, salsa is fresh, and one of the best queso's in Lexington! Now onto my favorite Local Taco item...the Margarita's. They are by far, the absolute best in town! Brunch taco's on the weekends are always good too (think chicken and waffle tacos!). They also have $1 mimosas till 3 PM Saturday and Sunday. They come in small flutes, but they are strong so don't be deceived!
(4)Kirk H.
Everything is good but I especially love the buttermilk shrimp tacos with jalapeno slaw. Chips and queso are a must for me each time I go. Buffalo chicken tacos are excellent as well. Fresh, cheap, good and filling. Local ingredients. Fast service. What's not to like?
(5)Sarah V.
This is a pretty tasty Mexican/southwestern lunch choice downtown. I went on a weekday and had the tequila lime chicken taco lunch special with Mexican rice. I don't know how expensive it was because another person paid for our group. The Mexican rice was so-so, though it did have a nice spice to it, maybe cinnamon. The tacos were quite tasty, with the chicken being very tender. The soft taco shells were good, too, reminding me almost of flatbread with their softness. It was a somewhat small serving size, but it filled me up. I tried the Mexi-tots that others in my group got and thought they were okay, if a little too fatty; I probably wouldn't order those myself. The interior was pretty nice, and you could sit outside on their patio, too. We chose to sit indoors, though we did have to test a couple of tables before finding one that didn't rock back and forth. Being downtown, it's a pain to park (we got a meter outside), but if you're walking from your office that's not a problem.
(3)Rebecca S.
Every time I visit Lexington, KY to see my brother, we make it a priority to come here. Now, I live in Houston, TX, so I pride myself on being well-versed in the art of the taco. Local Taco is fantastic! They have unique and flavorful tacos. I always have the brisket taco and tequila lime chicken with a side of their fresh guacamole. The brisket is always perfectly cooked and the bbq sauce adds just enough kick. The tequila lime chicken also has great flavor and I love the salsa verde that comes with it. The toppings are always abundant, but not too overpowering. I tried a bit of their mexi-tater tots and boy are they good! I highly recommend the side of guacamole. It's very fresh and if you don't want it on your taco, you can have it with the chips that come on the side. On this visit, we also did the pick three salsas to start. The black bean and corn was awesome! The corn was fresh and crunchy (not soggy like some) and it was served cool. The pico de gallo is pretty standard, although, the tomatoes were also very fresh and we had their basic tomato salsa. The salsas are fairly standard in terms of the flavor you'd expect from those particular salsas; however, these ingredients are really fresh and served like they should be at the right temperature. Some places leave their salsa out and it gets a little warm and soggy, not The Local Taco. My dining companions had the buffalo chicken tacos and the shrimp tacos, which I was told are also fantastic. I love the atmosphere, price, and availability of seating. They have a nice little outdoor deck at the Lexington location and they keep the doors open in the spring and summer, so even if you sit inside you still get the outside feeling. The lunch basket is a very reasonable price and you don't walk out feeling stuffed for lunch. The lunch basket comes with two tacos and a side, which is the perfect portion. The dinner portion is three tacos, but they're pretty flexible on the time of day you can get the lunch or dinner portion. They also usually have some sort of deal every day, so check their chalkboard to see what their specials are. Hope to be back soon! Thanks for a great dining experience, Local Taco!
(4)Tim P.
I tried The Local Taco for lunch today. I for the buy 3 get 1 free Taco Tuesday deal. I tried the Korean bbq, pulled pork, & 2 fish tacos. I was fairly unimpressed with the first two. The fish tacos were slightly better. The highlight of the meal would have to be the chips and salsa. I'll give the place another chance. Maybe it was just an odd day for them.
(3)Steven V.
Great food! In town for a football game and saw the reviews of this place, so we had to check it out. So glad we did. The southern fried chicken taco and the fish taco were excellent. We also had the mushroom and spinach enchilada....and it was wonderful. We sat outdoors and enjoyed the beautiful evening and the curbside ambiance. The delivery of our food was fast! Great job, folks!!!
(5)Gerri F.
I watched their chef on our local tv station and he showed how they make different soft tacos. They did a pulled brisket with mojo sauce and a vegaterain taco. IT looks so good and I said that I knew where that place was and had seen it several times. So I went today for dinner. I ordered the 2 soft tacos that was shown on tv and I must say, I was very impressed and in heaven. It came with 2 sides, so I had pinto beans and ham hocks plus mexican tator tots. OH MY GOOSH TO DIE FOR. Now get the thought out of your head as to the traditional frozen tator tots for no way close. It was round and so mouth watering good. They have other great foods such as enchidados(mispelled),and a kids menu too. You could have 4 tacos for $10. Domestic beer $2 and ales are $3. You can seat inside or outside. I would diffenetly go back there again.
(5)Megan O.
Who doesn't love a quality taco stand? Local Taco is great - superb food (in price, quality, and options), nice drink selection, and a lively atmosphere. On top of all that, we sat down at a table that hadn't been bussed...and a few minutes later a manager dropped off a coupon for a free taco for our trouble. You don't get that kind of service every day (unfortunately). Highly recommend!
(5)Ryan S.
the tacos were okay, overpriced for not-fresh bland food. The enchilada I had was disgusting. I took one bite and that was it. I am almost sure it had been frozen and was microwaved to order. Really bad food for this price. I have no idea how this has gotten so many positive reviews.
(1)David S.
Fantastic food, atmosphere, and good service. The ordering style is not one I prefer, order and receive a number, but the food was so good that I can overlook it. I think that at least around lunch time they could move to full server staffing and get some efficiency. I had a chicken black bean quesadilla that was fantastic along with an order of chips and queso. For a side I chose rice and beans. I don't think I'd get the rice and beans again. Companion had fish tacos, which she thoroughly enjoyed. All in all this was probably our favorite place in Lexington.
(5)Jon T.
Awesome (albeit tiny) tacos - I had the fried chicken and Korean BBQ tacos, and while the former was much better than the latter, both were excellent. Definitely worth checking out if you find yourself nearby!
(4)K R.
Local Taco is one of our favorite spots. We go at least every other week. Love how fresh everything tastes. And if you like greens theirs are the best. I usually get the tequila lime chicken tacos. Another nice surprise is brunch on Sunday. I always get the scrambeld egg and country ham taco and cheese grits. Best cheese grits- they use white cheddar. $1.00 mimosas and $3 bloody Marys.
(5)Kevin S.
This place is a great option for lunch around UK. The lunch platter is about $7 and includes two tacos and a side. Can get crowded during the middle of lunch but I definitely think it is worth waiting or taking it to go.
(5)Josh M.
been going here since it open. People in charge run a great taco. Lunch or Dinner give this place time. I love Fish Taco's and this place has them. Fish, Shrimp and all kinds of taco's. Weather is good go check out the patio
(4)Giovanna P.
Local Taco is one of my go to places! The prices are reasonable, the service is quick and the food taste really good! I'm a huge fan on the the twist of taco favors, they always have a special like 4 tacos for $10,etc. it's just a cozy environment, and I love coming with my friends and family here
(5)Jesse R.
Tacos, beer, and patio. All bitchin.
(5)Bradley B.
This was a really good place for Nuevo Mexican cuisine. They have a good spin on tacos which is what I had this trip. I tried the local BBQ taco, the pulled pork was a bit dry. I was hoping for something a bit more tender or at least saucy! The Korean BBQ tacos lived up to the reviews and were a great version of Korean tacos w Asian slaw/kimchi ish slaw. The menu looked great overall and I would for sure go back again ESPECIALLY on a $4 Margarita Monday!
(4)