Came here to eat with the family definitely recommend Food is amazing Every time we come. Locally own great way to support the community. Recommend as a quick bite for lunch or dinner great options. Staff is always friendly great environment.
Overview
If you're in the mood for a fresh take on Mexican food with a twist, Rico's Mexitacos on 1722 N Kerr Ave in Wilmington, NC is the place to be. This spot is more than just another taco joint-it’s a celebration of bold flavors, creative combinations, and authentic Mexican ingredients all wrapped into one delicious experience.
As soon as you step into Rico’s Mexitacos, the vibe hits you. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with colorful décor that sets the tone for a fun meal. Whether you’re coming in for a quick bite or planning a casual night out, the space feels just right. The staff is friendly, and the service is consistently fast, ensuring you’re never waiting long to indulge in your favorite dish.
When it comes to the menu, Rico's Mexitacos offers a unique twist on traditional Mexican tacos. Instead of just serving the usual suspects, this place takes tacos to a whole new level. You’ll find a wide range of options, from classic carne asada and carnitas to more adventurous choices like shrimp and even their signature fish tacos. The taco shells themselves are perfectly crisp on the outside while still maintaining that soft, chewy texture that makes each bite a joy.
One standout item is their Mexitaco Supreme, which combines seasoned meats with fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and their house-made salsa. The flavors are bold without being overwhelming, striking the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh. Plus, their salsas-whether mild or extra spicy-add the perfect finishing touch to every taco.
What sets Rico's Mexitacos apart is not just the tacos but also the extras. The sides, such as the Mexican street corn (elote), are a perfect complement. The corn is charred just right, topped with crema, cheese, and chili powder, making for a smoky and creamy side that pairs beautifully with the tacos. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, be sure to try their churros, which are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside-absolutely mouthwatering.
The restaurant also prides itself on offering fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether it’s the guacamole made with ripe avocados or the pico de gallo prepared daily, everything at Rico’s feels like it’s made with care and attention to detail. Even the tortillas, often overlooked at other places, are made in-house, giving each taco a homemade feel that’s hard to beat.
For those who want something a little different, Rico's Mexitacos also offers bowls, quesadillas, and burritos. But no matter what you order, you can count on fresh ingredients and big flavors. If you're lucky enough to visit on a weekend, you might even catch one of their special menu items, which they rotate regularly. From spicy chicken to grilled vegetables, there's always something new to try.
In terms of value, Rico’s delivers a satisfying experience at a reasonable price. The portions are generous, and the food quality easily matches what you’d expect from a more upscale establishment. Whether you're stopping by for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, you’ll get your money's worth every time.
What’s also great about Rico's Mexitacos is that it’s not just a local favorite; it's a place that’s starting to get noticed outside Wilmington as well. The food speaks for itself, and word of mouth has made it a go-to spot for anyone in the area looking for a taste of something special. Reviews from regulars rave about the consistency of the food and the high standard of service.
For those who want to eat on the go, Rico’s also offers convenient takeout options. You can easily grab your meal and enjoy it at home or wherever you choose. And while there’s a nice little dining area, the casual vibe and fast service make it ideal for a quick stop on a busy day.
Next time you’re in Wilmington, NC, and craving Mexican food that offers a little more flair, Rico's Mexitacos is definitely worth a visit. From the tacos to the salsas, and even the unexpected sides, every bite offers something fresh and delicious. Whether you're a taco enthusiast or just someone who appreciates good food, this spot will likely become your new favorite.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ SeatingAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ QuietCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ LocalsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
One of the best authentic Mexican food around!! Everything is fresh and full of flavor. The atmosphere is very welcoming and I recommend the birria tacos and street corn!!
We live nearby and always wanted to try the food truck on the corner but never saw it when we remembered actually remembered it. Finally got to go into the restaurant for the first time and man, a few bites in and we realized we found our new spot! The Mexican corn was beyond delicious! Full of flavor and juicy! The grilled chicken tacos were so fresh and so tasty with the chipotle ranch! We also got a chicken quesadilla with “the works”…which I think is almost everything they have on it. Absolutely to die for! The people in front of us ordered it and once we saw it we new we had to do the same since it looked amazing! Needless to say, we’ll be back! Thank you guys!!! UPDATE: it’s been about a year since my initial review and the food has only gotten better! Not only that, but the amazing people who work here have become friends and we look forward to stopping in weekly to see them! Thank you for always greeting us with a smile and for the consistently delicious food!
If you know about this place, then you know! They used to be a food truck, and since moving into this building the food and service have remained the same with a slight expansion on the menu. I enjoy most of their menu but my favorite is the Mexican street corn and the tacos. The meat of your choosing is always delicious, well-seasoned, and never dry. While the corn is cooked to perfection with a generous amount of toppings. I have yet to dine in but the atmosphere of the restaurant is welcoming and clean.
This is by far the best, most authentic, mexican food in Wilmington!! They also rate at 98 on their sanitation NC report. The place is extremely clean and the toppings are very fresh. It took me 2.5 months to find this place after moving here. But I will be able to find it on autopilot right away as this will be a normal spot for me on a weekly basis. You guys rock and I will be back soon.
Awesome place, foods great & great prices. A big highlight also is 100% on their health code score. Great job
We loved this local gem. Great tacos. Great prices. Loved the chips and guacamole and shrimp tacos. Highly recommend.