Let’s Taco ’Bout My Favorite Tacos

From smoky brisket to fiery shrimp, these coastal taco spots serve up bold flavors, breezy vibes and bites worth coming back for.

When asked to pick my top tacos, it’s a bit like being asked to choose my favorite child — impossible! Chicken or fish? Soft shell or hard? Some of it simply comes down to personal preference.

When searching for the region’s best tacos, I considered certain criteria — delicious flavor, presentation and value — plus gave extra credit for a great atmosphere, standout service and stellar views. Here are my top five coastal taco destinations that check all the boxes.

BBQ SOUTHERN BRISKET TACOS at Taco Mundo Kitchen y Cantina

Barefoot Landing, 4732 U.S. Highway 17 S., North Myrtle Beach, SC

Flavor 10
Presentation 9
Value 9
Atmoshere 10
TOTAL 38/40

From the bar and tables on the patio at Taco Mundo, there is a stellar view of the Intracoastal Waterway. The Mexican décor, art and music create a festive Cinco De Mayo atmosphere for every visit.

The food at Taco Mundo gets high marks in all categories. Favorite tacos include the Hawaiian Chicken and the BBQ Southern Brisket (Premium). There is also a great deal of flexibility when ordering, mixing and matching tacos to customize your platter. And corn tortillas are available upon request.

Each platter comes with authentic black beans and Mexican rice on the side. To complement your meal, order a specialty cocktail, Mexican beer or frozen margarita, including several skinny versions.

BLACKENED FISH TACOS at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill

4907 Fish Factory Road SE, Southport

Flavor 10
Presentation 9
Value 8
Atmoshere 10
TOTAL 37/40

At the very end of Fish Factory Road in Southport, Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill sits along the Intracoastal Waterway across from Oak Island. It is situated within the South Harbour Village Marina in Southport. Its rustic waterfront charm is very welcoming.

Select fresh catch, steak, blackened shrimp or jerk chicken to fill your Dockside Tacos. On my most recent visit, redfish was the catch-of-the-day and came on a flour tortilla with mango salsa, jicama slaw, cotija cheese, avocado and Pico de Gallo. The plate also included tortilla chips and Texas Caviar, a delicious mix of black-eyed peas, chopped veggies and a bright dressing.

Hang out at the bar until your table is ready. Enjoy a cold beer or a house cocktail, like Berry Me By The Sea Mojito with rum, blueberries and mint. The large outdoor deck hosts bands in the warmer months, and the view at sunset is spectacular.

CABO TACOS at Cape Fear Seafood Company

1386 U.S. Highway 17 N, North Myrtle Beach, SC

Flavor 10
Presentation 9
Value 9
Atmoshere 8
TOTAL 36/40

Cabo Tacos are fresh, bright and flavorful, tasting like something you would eat on the beach in Mexico. Choose between shrimp and fish, then select how it is prepared. Shrimp can be fried or grilled, while fish is beer battered or blackened. The blackened fresh catch is a good choice!

A meal will include two tacos with the same protein on flour tortillas. They are served with mango salsa, sour cream, cabbage, corn salad and chipotle ranch sauce, which brings some heat to the dish.

Indicated by the name, you can expect nautical decor at Cape Fear Seafood Company. The expansive bar makes a statement, as it runs the length of the restaurant and offers an array of liquors to include in specialty drinks and house cocktails.

RANCHO CHICKEN TACOS at Maya Fine Food and Tequilas

1564 Marketplace Boulevard #1000, Ocean Isle Beach

Flavor 10
Presentation 9
Value 8
Atmoshere 8
TOTAL 35/40

Sitting at the end of the Publix Plaza in Ocean Isle Beach, you will find Maya Fine Foods and Tequilas. With its ultra-modern decor and neon-blue bar, it makes an impression on visitors.

The street-style tacos are a must-try! Three tacos are served on corn or flour tortillas with a protein of your choice. Rancho tacos feature chipotle-marinated chicken topped with cheese and onions. Ask for the chipotle crema on the side if you do not like it spicy.

All seven taco choices come with your choice of beans or a pyramid of rice. Enjoy any meal with a beautiful house-made cocktail, such as the Mayan Gold, a fruit-forward Margarita with mango, cucumber and lime flavors.

FIRECRACKER SHRIMP TACOS at Sharky’s Waterfront Bar and Grill

61 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach

Flavor 9
Presentation 9
Value 7
Atmoshere 9
TOTAL 34/40

If you are looking for a rustic, casual place with a beachy vibe, Sharky’s is the place to be in OIB. Surf boards hanging overheard and Buffett music playing in the background remind you that it is vacation time. The water view is just as inviting and can be seen from the dining room or the “poop deck” outside.

The long-standing menu features handhelds, main entrees, pizza and, yes, tacos! Choose between blackened grouper or firecracker shrimp tacos, which are sweet and crunchy. Shrimp is lightly breaded and fried to a golden brown, and served with Baja slaw, firecracker sauce and cilantro on a flour tortilla. Two tacos come with tortilla chips and house-made salsa.