Authentic Taqueria Fare in Cashiers NC

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: December - 2022 | Photograph By: Marjorie Christiansen Photography

We made a point to invite our friend Jessica to our Saturday night meal at Las Margaritas.

It’s not simply because Jessica is charming company (which she is, of course) but because of her experiences of life in San Diego. 

You see, when Jessica lived her life in that filled-to-bursting metropolis, she had discovered a little taqueria that served, in her words, “the best Mexican food on the planet.” 

It was a tiny place – no tables, just a single drive-through window – and it would force her to drive 20 miles to get her fix. 

Think of that – are there any dishes that could prompt your taste buds to highjack your sensibilities and drive across 20 miles of asphalt-girded San Diego traffic to achieve satisfaction?

So, there we were, ready to put Las Margaritas to the test with a friend who could sniff out a peacock from a field of puffins. Maybe it wasn’t fair to the kitchen and the staff, but that’s why I’m paid the Big Bucks, plus I’m pretty ruthless when I’m hungry. 

We were promptly seated in the expansive dining room and quickly ordered a round of margaritas and cervezas. Of course, it’s important to stay properly lubricated when sampling a Mexican menu. 

The margaritas were delicious and, let me pull out my Spanish Phrase Book, grande. Even the medium-sized ones were only slightly smaller than the hot tub at my old apartment complex in Asheville. Were I daring enough to order a large, I’m pretty sure I’d have ended up doing the backstroke in the pond behind the restaurant. Happy, but supremely stupid.

But the proof in the pudding – or let me again pull out my Phrase Book, the verdict in the flan – would of course be the products of the kitchen.

Our table groaned under the bounty. 

First up, Pollo Loco, a sublime blending of grilled chicken breast topped with onions, rice, beans, and melted cheese; followed by Molcajete, a spectacular pile-up of ribeye steak, chicken, shrimp chorizo, melted cheese, cactus, onions, and jalapeños; and the endlessly surprising Pollo Dolce – grilled chicken, zucchini, onions, bell peppers and mushrooms, all served with rice, pico de gallo, cream, and mango sauce – if someone at your table orders this, see if they’ll share with you!

And of course, Jessica’s Tacos – a trio of corn tortillas loaded with pastor (marinated pork) laced with cilantro, onions, radishes and cucumbers. Her verdict – this is as close to authentic taqueria fare as we’re ever going to get in this corner of Western North Carolina. Plus, you don’t have to drive through 20 miles of So-Cal traffic to enjoy them!

Las Margaritas is located at 127 64 East in Cashiers (the same location as the late, lamented Randevu). You can also order takeout at (828) 743-6900.