Taqueria Del Sol in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Taqueria Del Sol is one of those Atlanta spots that locals mention when someone asks, “Where should I get tacos?” It blends Southern comfort food with Mexican-inspired flavors, and over time it has become a casual go-to for quick lunches, early dinners, and easy meetups.

If you live in Atlanta, are new in town, or are here for a visit, this guide walks you through how Taqueria Del Sol works, what to expect at each location, and how to get the most out of your visit.

Where You’ll Find Taqueria Del Sol in Atlanta

Taqueria Del Sol has multiple locations in and around Atlanta. Exact addresses and hours can change, so it’s always wise to confirm before you go, but these are some of the core in-town and nearby spots many Atlantans use:

  • Westside / Howell Mill area – Popular with people who work or live on the Westside, near the design district and tech offices.
  • Decatur – Walkable from downtown Decatur, this is convenient for Emory-area residents and those inside the Perimeter on the east side.
  • Chamblee / Peachtree Industrial area – A good option for those in north Dekalb and around Brookhaven or Chamblee.
  • Other metro locations – There are also suburban locations outside the immediate city, often used by commuters and families.

Because these are well-established restaurants rather than pop-ups, they tend to keep stable hours, but lines and wait times can vary a lot by day and time of day.

What Makes Taqueria Del Sol Stand Out in Atlanta

A blend of Southern and Mexican-inspired flavors

Taqueria Del Sol isn’t a traditional Mexican taqueria. Instead, it builds a short, focused menu around:

  • Tacos with both Mexican and Southern twists
  • Enchiladas with rotating sauces
  • A handful of sides like rice, beans, and slaw
  • Regular specials that lean into Southern or “international” flavors

You’ll often see Southern ingredients like fried chicken, pulled pork, or brisket showing up alongside salsas and tortillas, which fits right in with Atlanta’s broader food scene—especially on the Westside and in Decatur, where “southern fusion” is common.

Fast-casual setup with counter ordering

Most Atlanta locations follow a similar pattern:

  1. Line up to order at the counter
  2. Place your order and pay
  3. Take a number and find a table
  4. Food is brought out to you when it’s ready

There’s often a noticeable line during weekday lunch hours and early evenings, especially at the Westside and Decatur locations. Many Atlantans plan around this by:

  • Going early (right at opening) or
  • Going a bit after peak lunch, often after 1:15–1:30 p.m.

If you’re visiting from out of town and staying near Midtown, downtown, or Decatur, it can be easier to arrive slightly off-peak to avoid long waits.

Popular Menu Items and How Locals Tend to Order

Menu details can shift, but there are some staples Atlantans tend to know well.

Tacos: Small, mix-and-match style

Tacos are usually served individually, which makes it easy to mix different flavors. A typical in-town order is 2–3 tacos per person, depending on how hungry you are and whether you’re getting sides.

Common approaches locals use:

  • Mix of classics and something new – One familiar taco plus one or two specials.
  • Shared strategy – A group orders several different tacos to share and taste.

Because tacos are on the smaller side compared to some other Atlanta spots, many regulars pair them with rice, beans, or chips and salsa.

Enchiladas and plates

Beyond tacos, there are usually enchilada options with different fillings and sauces. Locals often treat these as:

  • A slightly heartier option than tacos
  • A good choice if you’re not in the mood for mix-and-match ordering

If you’re new to the restaurant, a common approach is:

  • First visit: Try a taco-focused meal to get a feel for the style
  • Later visits: Experiment with enchiladas, specials, or different sauces

Sides and add-ons

Standard sides typically include:

  • Rice and beans – Common add-on for a more filling meal
  • Slaw or simple salads – Used to balance heavier tacos
  • Chips with salsa or queso – Shared at the table, especially with groups

In Atlanta’s hot months, many people aim for lighter combinations—such as one heavier taco, one lighter taco, and slaw—rather than all-fried or all-heavy options.

Price Range and What to Expect at Checkout

Pricing is generally in the fast-casual range:

  • Tacos are usually priced individually, adding up depending on how many you order.
  • Sides and enchiladas add to the total but typically stay under what you’d pay at a full-service sit-down restaurant in Midtown or Buckhead.

People in Atlanta often use Taqueria Del Sol as:

  • An affordable lunch spot compared with many nearby restaurants
  • A casual early dinner option that works well before events, concerts, or games

Plan for tax and tip (even though you order at the counter, many people still leave a tip at checkout). If you’re on a budget, a common move is:

  • 2 tacos + one shared side
  • Skip extras like queso or alcoholic drinks for a lower total per person

Atmosphere, Seating, and Noise Level

Casual, lively, and often busy

Inside, most locations feel:

  • Informal and energetic – Conversations, quick turnover of tables, and steady foot traffic
  • Comfortable for groups or solo diners – Counter ordering makes it easy to eat alone without feeling awkward

The vibe fits a lot of everyday Atlanta situations:

  • Quick bites between errands
  • Lunch breaks from nearby offices
  • Low-stress dinners with friends before you head to another spot

Outdoor seating

Many Atlantans look for patio seating when the weather is nice. Some Taqueria Del Sol locations offer outdoor or semi-outdoor seating, which is especially popular in spring and fall.

Outdoor seating is often:

  • The first to fill up on pleasant days
  • A good option if you want it a little quieter than the inside during peak times

If you’re bringing kids, strollers, or a larger group, outdoor areas can sometimes be easier to navigate.

When to Go: Timing Tips for Atlanta Diners

Because of Atlanta’s traffic patterns and work schedules, timing can make a big difference.

Busiest times

Expect the biggest crowds:

  • Weekday lunch – Especially 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m., near office-heavy areas
  • Friday evenings – After work, as people wind down the week
  • Weekend early dinners – Particularly around 6–7 p.m., when families and groups go out

Lines can stretch out the door at some locations, especially Westside and Decatur. The line usually moves steadily, but if you’re fitting this into a short lunch break, aim to:

  • Arrive closer to opening, or
  • Go after the main lunch rush

Better times for shorter waits

You’ll typically have an easier time finding parking and seating:

  • Mid-afternoon (roughly 2–4 p.m.)
  • Early weekday evenings before the main dinner rush
  • On rainy or very cold days, when patios are less appealing

For visitors staying downtown or in Midtown, planning a late lunch can help you avoid both traffic and long lines.

Parking, Transit, and Getting There

Each Taqueria Del Sol location sits in a slightly different type of neighborhood, so your experience getting there will vary.

Parking

Common patterns around Atlanta locations:

  • Westside / Howell Mill – Parking lots can get tight during peak hours due to multiple popular restaurants nearby. You may need to circle or wait a bit.
  • Decatur – Mix of small lots and street parking; keep an eye on meters and time limits, especially around the courthouse square.
  • Chamblee / Peachtree Industrial – Often more suburban-style parking, with larger lots, though they can still fill during busy times.

If you’re trying to avoid parking hassles:

  • Consider arriving slightly before or after the main lunch rush.
  • Allow extra time if you’re heading to busy corridors like Howell Mill or downtown Decatur.

Using MARTA and rideshares

Some locations are more accessible than others by public transit:

  • Decatur – MARTA rail stops at Decatur Station, and from there you can walk through the square to many restaurants in the area.
  • Westside – Less direct rail access; typically needs a bus connection or rideshare.

Rideshare services are commonly used by Atlantans who:

  • Don’t want to deal with parking or traffic
  • Plan to visit multiple neighborhoods in one outing

Dietary Considerations and Customization

Taqueria Del Sol is not a specialized allergy- or diet-focused restaurant, but there are still some choices and strategies people commonly use.

Vegetarian options

While the menu is meat-heavy, vegetarian diners in Atlanta often:

  • Choose bean-based or veggie tacos, when available
  • Build a meal from sides like rice, beans, and slaw
  • Ask staff about cheese, sauces, and preparation methods if they’re avoiding certain ingredients

Availability and selection can vary by location and day, so it helps to ask at the counter what works best for your needs.

Spiciness and seasoning

Sauces and salsas can range from mild to more assertive. To keep things manageable:

  • Ask which tacos or sauces are mild, medium, or on the hotter side
  • Start with a milder choice if you’re sensitive to spice, especially if you’re not used to Atlanta’s often warm weather plus hot food

Many Atlantans who visit regularly find one or two sauces that fit their comfort level and stick to them.

Allergies and dietary restrictions

If you have serious food allergies or specific dietary needs:

  • Let the staff know clearly when you order.
  • Ask about common ingredients (for example, wheat, dairy, or nuts in certain dishes or sauces).

The staff at most Atlanta locations are accustomed to questions, but it’s still important to advocate for your needs and double-check.

How Taqueria Del Sol Fits into Atlanta’s “International Cuisine” Scene

Atlanta’s “international cuisine” category is broad—covering everything from Buford Highway’s deeply traditional restaurants to fusion spots in Inman Park, West Midtown, and Decatur.

Taqueria Del Sol sits at the intersection of:

  • Mexican-inspired dishes
  • Southern ingredients and flavors
  • A fast-casual, counter-service format

For locals, this makes it:

  • An easy weeknight choice that feels more interesting than a basic chain
  • A familiar-but-different place to take out-of-town visitors who want something “Atlanta” without being overly formal
  • A practical option near other destinations—such as art galleries on the Westside, venues in Decatur, or errands along Peachtree Industrial

If you want deeply traditional Mexican food, many Atlantans will also point you toward other neighborhoods (especially stretches of Buford Highway). But if you’re looking for approachable, cross-cultural dishes in a casual setting, Taqueria Del Sol aligns well with that niche.

Tips for a Smooth Visit

Here’s a quick reference section you can skim before you go:

TopicAtlanta-Friendly Tips
Best time to goAim for off-peak: late lunch (after 1:15 p.m.) or early dinner on weekdays
Line & orderingExpect a counter-service line; decide your order while you wait to move faster
How much to orderPlan on 2–3 tacos per adult, plus shared sides if you’re hungry
ParkingAllow extra time at Westside and Decatur; lots can fill up quickly
Outdoor seatingGo early on nice days; patios fill up fast in spring and fall
Diet preferencesAsk at the counter about vegetarian-friendly and milder options
With kids or groupsConsider slightly off-peak times for easier seating and less noise

When Taqueria Del Sol Makes Sense for You

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, Taqueria Del Sol is most useful when you want:

  • Fast-casual, sit-down food that still feels distinct from typical chains
  • A reliable option near busy corridors like Howell Mill, downtown Decatur, or Chamblee
  • A place to mix Southern and Mexican-inspired flavors in a simple, affordable format

If you plan your visit around traffic, parking, and peak hours—very much an Atlanta necessity—you can usually enjoy a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and easy to work into your day.