El Huarache | Mexican is a mexican restaurant in Durham, NC. Open: Mon–Sun 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Phone: (919) 220-0907. Average rating is 4.6 stars from 324 reviews. Website: https://elhuarachenc.com/.
El Huarache | Mexican
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The interior kitchen of El Huarache restaurant. — El Huarache | Mexican
4.6 324 reviews Today 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Handmade Mexican Food, Every Single Day

From scratch tortillas to sizzling asada, real Durham flavor on North Roxboro Street.

About Us

Customers dining and ordering in a cozy Mexican restaurant interior. — El Huarache | Mexican
Customers dining and ordering in a cozy Mexican restaurant interior.

The name says it all. El Huarache is built around one of Mexico's most beloved street foods, a thick, sandal-shaped masa base piled with slow-cooked meats, queso fresco, and house-made salsa rosa. Every item on the menu is prepared the way it has always been done, by hand, from scratch, right here on North Roxboro Street.

The tortillas alone are worth the trip. Guests consistently point them out because handmade tortillas are increasingly rare, and the difference is immediate the moment you take a bite. The Huarache con Asada arrives beautifully plated with charred carne asada, onion, cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and that signature salsa rosa, a dish that earns repeat visits on its own.

The dining room is clean, the menu is rooted in Latino tradition, and the staff will happily walk you through every option if you need a guide. With a 4.6-star rating across hundreds of reviews, El Huarache has quietly become one of Durham's most trusted spots for authentic Mexican cooking. Open seven days a week, 9 AM to 8 PM.

What We Offer

El Huarache serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, which means you can start a Saturday morning with a warm plate of chilaquiles or end a weekday with a full asada dinner without rescheduling your life.

The menu centers on the huarache, but stretches well beyond it. Expect tacos, tortas, and combination plates built from proteins like carne asada, al pastor, carnitas, and more. House-made tortillas accompany nearly everything, and the salsas are prepared in-house rather than poured from a jar. Prices sit in the same range as a quality food truck or casual diner, so you get restaurant-caliber food without the restaurant markup.

Dine in at the clean, welcoming counter-service space, or grab an order to go. The entire menu is in Spanish, a sign that the kitchen cooks for an audience that knows what it wants, but the staff is ready to translate and recommend for anyone new to the experience.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

“The food was all homemade. Even the tortillas! I would highly recommend!”

— Andy McGrail

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7 months ago
"The food was all homemade. Even the tortillas! I would highly recommend!"
— Andy McGrail
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 years ago
"Next to the highway so weren’t too sure. Entire menu in Latino, but cashier walked us through recommendations. Place is very clean. Prices were consistent with a dine in restaurant and food trucks, and serving size was above average. Food? Wow…found a gem, more like comfort food."
— John Leschak
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 months ago
"The Huarache con Asada is delicious; they serve them with onion and cilantro, FYI! Next time ill order wo the onion, but it is so wonderfully plated with queso fresco and salsa rosa has a great flavor. The costillas (ribs) en chile are so good too, and the rice is wonderful! Great prices 13$ for 2 gorditas !"
— Monserrat Banda
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9 months ago
"First time here. It’s a nice place and the food was amazing. Would definitely recommend it and come back for sure."
— Simon Chowdhury
⭐⭐⭐⭐
7 months ago
"This is a very authentic Hispanic restaurant. The menu is all in Spanish. Most of the workers appear to also be Spanish or Hispanic. They do not offer some of the traditional Americanized Mexican food. I ordered a carne asada which came with beans and rice some sort of green beans and onions. It was pretty good. The clientele is almost exclusively Hispanic."
— Trey Thompson

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a huarache, and what comes on it?

A huarache is a thick, oval-shaped masa cake, named for its resemblance to a sandal. At El Huarache, the signature version is topped with carne asada, onion, cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and house-made salsa rosa. You can ask for modifications like holding the onion if you prefer.

Are the tortillas really made from scratch?

Yes. Multiple reviewers specifically call out the handmade tortillas as a highlight. They are prepared fresh in-house, which is increasingly uncommon and makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture.

What are El Huarache's hours?

El Huarache is open Monday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Seven days a week, no exceptions.

Is the menu in English or Spanish?

The printed menu is in Spanish, which reflects the restaurant's authentic roots. The staff is happy to walk you through options and make recommendations, so do not hesitate to ask.

What proteins are available for the huaraches and tacos?

The kitchen offers traditional Mexican proteins including carne asada, al pastor, and carnitas, among others. Ask the staff about daily availability when you order.

How much should I expect to spend?

Prices are consistent with a quality food truck or casual dine-in restaurant. You can expect a satisfying full meal without spending much more than you would at a typical fast-casual spot.

Where is El Huarache located and is parking available?

El Huarache is at 2001 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27704. The location is near the highway and accessible by car. Street and lot parking are available on site.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 8:00 PM
Monday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday Today 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
84° Clear Durham
Tue 85° 61°
Wed 92° 61°
Thu 94° 72°
Fri 88° 72°
Sat 82° 72°
Sun 91° 71°
Mon 98° 77°

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