Los Cuates is hidden away in the corner of North Market Square off of Old Wake Forest Road, but any effort exhausted in locating the restaurant will be rewarded in one of the richest Mexican meals the Triangle offers.

The decor is more subtle than most Mexican restaurants, and the menu employs more a la carte options than typical special combinations, but the prices are cheap and the serving sizes are gracious.

Tacos are served open-faced and traditionally, with chopped onions, cilantro, and pico de gallo on a soft flour or corn tortilla. It isn’t advertised, but you can ask for a hard shell taco which the cooks deep fry for a nice authentic crisp. Tacos also come in supreme servings, with the addition of guacamole, sour cream and lettuce. If you’ve never had a fish taco, Los Cuates is the place to try one.

The restaurant also offers up burritos the size of your forearm for less than $5. Whichever rendition you choose, whether it’s the marinated chicken (pollo asada), steak (carne asada) or pork (carnitas), you’ll get your money’s worth.

Though most Mexican places consider burritos mainly a rice and beans concoction, Los Cuates does not skimp on the magic of their meat marinade and grill recipes. Whatever you order, they will stuff your burrito full of it.

Los Cuates is a bit of a drive away from campus, but for the frugal college student searching for something authentic and cheap to eat, give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.

Los Cuates4524 Old Wake Forest RdRaleigh, NC 27609(919) 872-6012