Virgil's Original Taqueria

Name: Virgil's Original Taqueria
Address: 126 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC, United States, 27601-2905
Telephone: (919) 833-3866
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4

4.0

165 Reviews

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Top Tags:

Hand Crafted Cocktails, Music Vibes, Authentic Mexican Cuisine, and Other Dope A$$ Things!

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Cocktail Bar, Traditional Mexican
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Bar Tue–Thu 9:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 9:00 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
(919) 833-3866
Website
http://www.thelocalicon.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Michelle Mathews
Catering
We offer anything from light hors d’oeuvres to full menu options for functions both onsite and offsite including wedding receptions, corporate events, boxed lunches, etc. We work with a variety of budgets. <br /><br />Please see our website for more information!

Location
126 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601-2905
Neighborhood
Cary
Cross street
East Hargett St
Parking details
On Street parking is available. There are also a myriad(up to 6) collection of parking decks within 1 to 4 blocks of our location.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

CHIPS & GUACAMOLE$8.00
mashed avocado, serrano chile, roasted tomatillo, white onion, lime GF V*
CHIPS & PICO DE GALLO$6.00
local tomato, serrano chile, white onion, cilantro GF V*
CHIPS & SALSAS$6.00
verde and roja GF V*
CHIPS & CHILE CON QUESO$9.00
roasted poblano, caramelized onion, charred serrano chile, roasted garlic GF V
TOSTADAS$15.00
3 tostadas with smoked chicken, refried black beans, pickled jalapeno, Mexican crema, pickled onion, and queso fresco GF

SIDES

MANTECA REFRIED BLACK BEANS$5.00
GF
PLANTAIN STUDDED RICE$5.00
GF V *
FRIED PLANTAINS WITH CHILE VINEGAR$5.00
GF

ENTREES

COCHINITA PIBIL$18.00
achiote braised pork, pickled onion, pickled habanero, refried black beans, served with corn tortillas G F
CARNITAS$18.00
golden pork carnitas, pickled onion and chile manzano, avocado-tomatillo salsa, refried black beans, served with corn tortillas G F
RED CHILE-TAMARIND CHULETA$20.00
red chile-tamarind marinated pork chop, grilled knob onion, salsa roja, frijoles charros GF
CARNE ASADA$30.00
red chile marinated ribeye, grilled Chile guero, salsa molcajete, guacamole, refried black beans G F

TACOS

3 Tacos per plate Served with Rice or Beans

CARNE ASADA$16.00
skirt steak, salsa molcajete, onion, cilantro GF
AL PASTOR$14.00
red chile marinated pork, grilled pineapple, fresh cabbage and radish, avocado-tomatillo salsa GF
SHRIMP$14.00
NC Shrimp, morita slaw, pickled white onion, cilantro GF
FRIED AVOCADO$14.00
morita slaw, black bean puree,cilantro, pickled red onions GF V
NOPALES$14.00
charred cactus, black bean puree, avocado-tomatillo, pico de Gallo GF V*

ENTREE SALADS AND CALDOS

VIRGIL'S CAESAR$10.00
frisee and baby kale, serrano migas, poblano Caesar dressing, queso añejo + avacado 4 / + chicken 4 / + NC shrimp 6 V
NOPALES$12.00
frisee and baby kale, pickled sundried tomato, avocado, spiced peanuts, morita-agave vinaigrette + chicken 4 / + NC shrimp 6 GF V*
POZOLE$14.00
rich red chile pork broth, nixtamal, fresh garnishes, tostada choice of pork or chicken + avacado 2 G F

DESSERTS

TRES LECHES$6.00
V
ANCHO BROWNIE WITH MEXICAN VANILLA ICE CREAM$9.00
V

What 165 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.0

4 based on all time ratings

4.1Food
4.1Service
4.2Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

165 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice intimate spot. I will be back 👍🏽
Is this helpful?
V
Vinny
Baltimore
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fun and vibrant atmosphere, buzzy drinks and we haven't even started talking about the tacos! Word of advice, get the short rib barbacoa plate for the table, some chips, queso and guac, roll your sleeves up and dive in! Maybe throw in some elote if you are feeling frisky. After dinner ask the bartender about the Merchant! It's a speakeasy cocktail bar through a hidden door in the same building that's great for after dinner drinks.
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s
shehawk07
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Virgils is a great experience, you do all your ordering through a QR code link which means you don't have to worry ab a forgetful server, food comes out quickly & is delicious.
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AL
AudreyL
Raleigh
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience3
I was a bit disappointed with our experience at Virgil’s. Other than the chips which are truly amazing, the rest of the food and drinks were just ok. The red salsa is overly smoky, the tacos Al pastor were largely flavorless, and the even the classic marg tasted watered down. We were in a room that felt like an annex with minimal ambiance. There are definitely better Mexican restaurants in the downtown area.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience4
Food was decent but I’d pick several other restaurants for this cuisine type before going back. Not bad but not the best.
Is this helpful?
KH
KatrinaH
Raleigh
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very good experience and meal….definitely will be going back.
Is this helpful?
LB
LoloB
Raleigh
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2022
overall3food3service1ambience4
Ive been here before and not had such a terrible experience. But this was truly a bad evening out with friends. They had no idea how to do restaurant week-- even though they were participants. They didn't actually ring things in as the deal. Food came out in any order-- not apps, main, dessert. One dessert actually came out frozen solid with freezer burn on it?? what?? How do you not notice your cake is frozen solid? The waitress seemed utterly confused the entire time. Its too bad- because their food is pretty decent-- but if they can't improve their service it is totally not worth it.
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ME
MaddyE
New York Area
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2022
overall2food1service4ambience3
We were very excited to eat hear as it looked so cute and hear such great things on social media, etc. The ambiance was very trendy and cute, seemed clean, music was loud to start, but they changed the music, and not a big deal for us. We got sat at a bar hightop, even though the restaurant was empty and i requested a normal table on my reservation. Not a big deal. Service was great and attentive. Drinks were good. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THE FOOD. THe best item we had were the chips and queso. Tacos were cold and bland, or just SPICY and no other flavor to offer. The carnitas inside the Flautas dish was "crunchy" and COLD. A good cocktail/happy hour spot, but would not eat dinner here again. Checked it off the list.
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S
Sherr
Raleigh
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2022
overall2food4service2ambience2
Totally unprepared for restaurant week. Server tried her best!
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TK
TonyKeoni
Raleigh
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 4, 2022
overall1food1service5ambience2
I'm really hoping we just had a bad experience, but we went to virgils for raleigh restaurant week. They were supposed to have a fixed menu for the event, but that was not offered nor could we find mention of it at the restaurant. When we arrived it, we were immediately greeted by what smelled like burnt paella. We asked the waitress what it was and she was unsure but agreed it was not normal. We ordered drinks, a mezcal and a oaxacan old fashioned. Both tasted mildly watered down, but were otherwise okay. We ordered the chips and queso, but were not aware nor informed that they put sugar on their chips instead of salt. This was really bizarre to me, but we tried it. Not really my bag, and wouldn't order them again. Then we tried the sopes. The masa base was great, the sauce provided was delicious, but the meat was incredibly dry. The meat being this dry didn't totally ruin the plate, but it did deduct from what was obviously a great dish when the pieces were all put together properly. We had planned to eat more, possibly trying the tacos, but at this point we were just not satisfied with what was presented. At this time I wouldn't recommend, but, as I said, maybe it was just a bad experience.
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T
Tyler
Raleigh
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 28, 2022
overall3food2service5ambience5
Cold food, flat drinks. Our server was outstanding!
Is this helpful?
E
Eric
Raleigh
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience1
My once favorite fusion taco spot seems unfortunately diminished from its pre covid iteration. I was much saddened to see them fall victim to the pandemic and shutter but was overjoyed when the Localicon decided to bring it back... Albeit with a stated goal of 'upping the experience level'. Hmm... It's a taqueria...the fare can only be taken so high without 1) messing the chill, casual, charming ambiance and 2)pricing the menu beyond the substance of the core cuisine (rice and beans used to come with entres... Now they are extra sides. Shrinkflation) You're not a churrasqueria. It's tacos, apps and cocktails. My latest experience while on a busy Saturday laid more bare some growing gaps. Service, while friendly and well intended, are inexperienced and inattentive. We took a table on the more 'spartan' expansion side where we were greated with very loud EDM music blaring to the point of hampering conversation on a 2 top. The almost nonexistent lighting forced us to use phone lights to read the menu. I'll ignore the fact a post celebratory (of some kind) party of 8 millenials came in and was seated next to us. It happens. In short my dates dish was flat cold inside (theyhaps were still frozen in the middle when dropped) and my tacos were ok but barely warm. They offered to remake hers but she didn't want to wait further. To their credit the kitchen remade the order anyway. My date said, Thank you, you can box it. After waiting for it and too ring out for awhile, my date went and found our server idle. We rang out and inquired about the box to be told it was sitting in back and she'd go get it. Not wanting to wait and wonder anymore, we left. They did comp my dates dish. So, bottom line... They don't do well in a rush and wait staff are inexperienced. If you go I recommend sitting only on the bar side and not going on a weekend.
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JS
JazmynS
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waitress was fantastic! She was very knowledgeable about the drink menu that they had there and checked on us at reasonable times. Me and my boyfriend definitely enjoyed his birthday dinner. Drinks were good and the food was tasty. We really enjoyed the “Pescado” the Mahi Mahi was fresh
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JK
JaidenK
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 21, 2022
overall2food1service3ambience3
Everything was okay. Just okay the food in my opinion was rushed and not as good as it looked. I got the rice and chicken and it was pretty much soup. Not a horrible place but not my first second or third choice either. Our server was great though if that counts for anything.
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D
Daniel123
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience2
Reservation at 7:45 7:55pm - Ordered food and drinks (drinks arrived quickly) 8:30pm - ask server if our chili con queso is coming out anytime soon. Table that arrived 20mins after us got theirs already. Assured it was coming soon. 8:45pm - ask server again; chili con queso finally arrives with burn chips 9:00pm - first plate of food finally arrives (ordered barbacoa and shrimp tacos); shrimp tacos no where to be found. Another table sat after us got their tacos within 10 mins or so. 9:05pm - ask where the tacos are. Get told again they are almost ready by the manager, who was quite annoyed with me for inquiring about my meal. Tell server that I am paying and leaving. Quite possibly one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had in Raleigh. Their kitchen is understaffed and not running properly. I’d avoid Virgil’s and go somewhere else.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience3
The service was terrible. The waitress never checked on us after we got our drinks. The apps took 40 mins to arrive and then our meal came immediately after. The table was never cleared. And everything was so spicy we could barely eat it. The menu didn’t dictate what was hot to the extent they were spicy.
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YY
YimYam
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Food was fabulous and the staff were very pleasant and competent.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall1food1service2ambience2
The food was not good…the chicken tinga tocos were sopping wet with extra water and grease/oil… My margarita was bland and tasteless. The shrimp and beef tacos barely had any meat in them We visited this restaurant before and decided to give it one more chance… it has not gotten any better it literally was a worse experience We also ordered a side of rice which was forgotten and we had to wait a while to see our waiter before, during, and after we finished our meal
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JC
JCEatz
Raleigh
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall2food3service2ambience2
The food was ok, but not great from a flavor perspective. The server disappeared for extended periods. They were out of one menu item, and when we were informed, the replacement came ten minutes after the other food items were already out.
1 person found this helpful
J
Jennifer
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 12, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience3
Kinda disappointed with this place. Service was pretty bad and the tacos were not good at all. Chips and quac was delicious but that was it
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful as always!
Is this helpful?
RH
RhondaH
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was awesome
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an amazing experience! It was our first wedding anniversary and they made us feel very special! Delicious food and amazing service! The drinks we spectacular too. We will definitely be back soon.
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CB
CharlesB
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience2
We had a reservation for 2 at an indoor table which was accepted as available. Upon arrival we were told there were no available tables & were seated at a high top in the bar section. Not sure why we needed to make reservations if they were not honored. Also had a DJ playing the most god awful club music.
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DM
DMD81
Raleigh
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was our first time there and overall a great experience! They have a nice drink menu with some great cocktails! The food was very flavorful and service by Sam was great. We thoroughly enjoyed everything.
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M
Matt
Raleigh
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. I can’t wait til my next visit!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
It was good experience.
Is this helpful?
AH
AlenciaH
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food there is amazing! I enjoyed being able to select a few small plates to sample many different items.
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C
Coopaloop
Raleigh
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent spot right downtown! Must Try. Great food, drinks and service. We were able to grab a seat at the bar and struck up fun conversations with the staff while watching the food being prepared. would recommend.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience2
Very good food, empty as a church on Tuesday.
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A
Anonymous244
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall3food2service2ambience2
Guac didn’t taste fresh- needed salt. The chips were cold and didn’t have any seasoning. Were not provided adequate plates to share items even though the intent of the menu is to share.
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TM
TaniaM
San Francisco
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 1, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience2
Good overall, but place was too dark. It was hard to read the menus
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BB
Bak2theBasics
Raleigh
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
Fun place for a cocktail! Food is what I’d say is Mexican fusion. Good and interesting take!
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J
Jeremy
Raleigh
82 reviews
vip
3.0
82 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
First time here. I can’t quite figure this place out. It’s got the bougie prices and club music, but it ends up being nothing special.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic service and the food was so good!!
Is this helpful?
EF
ElizabethF
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall2food2service1ambience1
Our experience was unfortunate. Took forever to get a simple water. Our waitress was inattentive and forgot our food. They also sat us right next to the door where it was freezing outside. For the price point we could have gone to chipotle.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall2food4service5ambience1
We were seated directly in front of the door on a terribly cold evening. Employees would walk outside, hold the door with their foot and talk to the hostess but didn’t realize that by doing this, they were allowing so much cold air in and we were freezing. It honestly made us want to leave sooner bc we were so uncomfortable. It seemed your entire staff had tunnel vision and weren’t paying attention to anyone they walked by… they weren’t reading the room.
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TY
TylerY
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience5
If you love long wait times for food and drinks. This is your place. Only time they were quick was when I asked for the check.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience3
Overall, I wasn’t very impressed with this place. I like the vibe they have and the food was pretty good, but not good enough for the prices you pay and the time you wait. La Santa’s food is better, has bigger portions, and you pay just about the same prices, so save your money and go there if you’re hungry. If you want drinks in a cool place and don’t mind waiting a bit, this venue is perfect.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food was ver tasty but not as hot as We all preferred.
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Diner temperature check required
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Virgil's Original Taqueria does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates. Virgil's Original Taqueria also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (919) 833-3866.

Virgil's Original Taqueria is rated 4 stars by 165 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Virgil's Original Taqueria

126 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601-2905

Additional information

Cross street
East Hargett St
Neighborhood
Cary
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Bar Tue–Thu 9:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 9:00 pm–12:00 am
Cuisines
Cocktail Bar, Traditional Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
On Street parking is available. There are also a myriad(up to 6) collection of parking decks within 1 to 4 blocks of our location.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Michelle Mathews
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thelocalicon.com/
Phone number
(919) 833-3866
Catering
We offer anything from light hors d’oeuvres to full menu options for functions both onsite and offsite including wedding receptions, corporate events, boxed lunches, etc. We work with a variety of budgets. <br /><br />Please see our website for more information!

Virgil's Original Taqueria

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

STARTERS

CHIPS & GUACAMOLE$8.00

CHIPS & PICO DE GALLO$6.00

CHIPS & SALSAS$6.00

CHIPS & CHILE CON QUESO$9.00

TOSTADAS$15.00

SIDES

MANTECA REFRIED BLACK BEANS$5.00

PLANTAIN STUDDED RICE$5.00

FRIED PLANTAINS WITH CHILE VINEGAR$5.00

ENTREES

COCHINITA PIBIL$18.00

CARNITAS$18.00

RED CHILE-TAMARIND CHULETA$20.00

CARNE ASADA$30.00

TACOS

CARNE ASADA$16.00

AL PASTOR$14.00

SHRIMP$14.00

FRIED AVOCADO$14.00

NOPALES$14.00

ENTREE SALADS AND CALDOS

VIRGIL'S CAESAR$10.00

NOPALES$12.00

POZOLE$14.00

DESSERTS

TRES LECHES$6.00

ANCHO BROWNIE WITH MEXICAN VANILLA ICE CREAM$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Virgil's Original Taqueria offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Virgil's Original Taqueria restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information