Western Boulevard was in need of some new blood. Renovations at Wendy’s had been the extent of culinary excitement on the block for some time. Renewal came from Virginia-based Wicked Taco, when they retooled a vacant KFC into the latest fast-casual taco option.The competitors vying for casual taco supremacy are plentiful. Within miles radius of Wicked Tacos are a handful of other establishments trying to lure in college inebriates for the late night taco munchies.

If this were a few years ago my late night weekend visit to Wicked Taco would have entailed convincing my designated driver to go through the drive-thru as I incoherently attempted to recite an order. Instead Sara and I arrived at the restaurant with a sleepy baby in hand to sneaked a “late” night dinner, which at this point of our lives constitutes as 10PM.

Students returning to school still weeks away, Wicked Taco was pleasantly calm for 10 o’clock on a Saturday night. In place of intoxicated college students, across from our table was another family attempting to settle their children in hopes to enjoy a midnight meal. With nearly twenty tacos listed on their menu, I agonized between getting a signature taco or a breakfast taco, which is served all day.

Printed next to the “Freddy Likes It Hot” taco was a cartoon pitchfork warning me that this taco was spicy. However, there was little to be afraid of as the heat was minuscule. Although the taco lacked heat, it didn’t have an issue with portions. A topping size mountain sat on top of the flour tortilla with contents spilling out the sides with each bite.

Whereas the tacos are monstrous, the sides at Wicked Taco are petite. I splurged on a combo meal to try Wicked Taco’s beans but felt as if my money would’ve been better spent on purchasing another taco. Wicked Taco’s menu does a masterful job painting an glorious image of their sides but in the end, its the same refried beans you’ve had at any other Mexican establishment. Not that they were particularly unpleasing but a forgettable part of the meal.

Being that it was the first day of Sara’s non-dairy diet, she was understandably miffed when a salad covered with queso fresco arrived at the table after explicitly requesting no cheese. But Wicked Taco was able to turn an unpleasing situation into a positive one. Apologetically they quickly swapped Sara’s salad. Throughout the meal the staff as attentive and friendly, service beyond what’s expected from fast-casual dining.

Layers of lettuce, steak, guac and tortillas were stacked together for a decently plentiful taco salad. Greens were fresh and toppings were abundant but it didn’t make much of an impact on Sara.

With a basket full of tortilla chips on hand, I sought out one of the main attractions to a fast-causal taco place, the salsa bar. Maybe I’m spoiled with the rows of salsas at places like Chubby’s Guacamaya, but Wicked Tacos limited selection had me wanting more. The pico de gallo was your standard fare but has gotten some raved review from others in the bloggerverse.

As it approached midnight with our baby still asleep, we packed up and headed out the door as a steady stream of customers were still trickling in to satisfy their taco cravings. Was Wicked Taco an earth shattering taqueria? Not quite, but for late nights in West Raleigh, its a welcomed option.

Wicked Taco

www.wickedtaco.com

3928 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606

(919) 322-0446



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