There are two things that set Velvet Taco apart from other taco shops in Atlanta: 1) The diverse, globally inspired recipes, and 2) the size of the tacos. 

I’ve become accustomed to the street-size tacos that have become trendy around Atlanta in the last couple of years. The kind of tacos where you need 3-5 of them per person for a full meal. So that’s what I was expecting on my recent trip to the newly opened Velvet Taco at the Interlock in West Midtown. 

I ordered 3 tacos, a side, a drink, and a dessert -- and had leftovers for days! The tacos at Velvet Taco are much more sizable than street tacos. 2-3 is plenty, depending on how hungry you are and what else you order. 

But here’s the dilemma: It’s so difficult to choose which tacos to get! Velvet Taco menu items are all vastly different. There are almost 20 globally inspired tacos to choose from, from Korean fried rice tacos, to shrimp & grits tacos, to falafel tacos. Velvet Taco offers a wide variety of international flavors and protein choices -- including some plant-based ones -- to suit your cravings and dietary needs. 

All the tacos sound drool-worthy, but here’s what I tried and what I’d recommend: 

• If you eat red meat, you can’t go wrong with the slow-roasted angus beef brisket taco. It is stuffed with barbacoa-style beef and is topped with an avocado relish, queso blanco, and cilantro. The best part -- it’s served in a cheese-crusted tortilla! 

• If you’re looking for a healthy option, try the grilled salmon taco. It’s served in a corn tortilla, making it gluten-free. And it’s topped with napa cabbage slaw, roasted corn pico and avocado crema. Delicious!

• If you’re craving brunch flavors, even outside of brunch hours, you have to get the chicken & waffles taco. Inside the waffle (!) tortilla, crisp chicken tenders are topped with peppercorn gravy, bacon, and a green apple slaw. So good, y’all! 

  • Pro tip: Add a shrimp & grits taco to your order, as well as a side of the crisp tots & local egg, and you’ve got a full-blown brunch meal. The tots are topped with herbed goat cheese, chile butter, bacon, and smoked cheddar. They’re great for sharing or devouring all on your own. 

The beautiful thing about Velvet Taco’s menu is that it lends itself nicely to sharing. If you’re not sure what to choose, just order a bunch of tacos and sides that sound appealing and share with your table. 

Throw in a couple of drinks, like ranch water or Velvet Taco’s famous kick ass margarita, and enjoy your meal on the restaurant’s cool patio or indoor seating. There’s also a convenient pick up window, should you prefer to nosh in the comfort of your home. 

About Velvet Taco
Founded in 2011, the Dallas, Texas-based concept set out to elevate the taco through globally inspired recipes and the freshest ingredients. The acclaimed restaurant provides a broad sampling of international tastes and inventive combinations, delivering flavors that are as memorable as they are delicious. In 2016, Velvet Taco was awarded Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Hot Concept” and in 2020 they were named Nation’s Restaurant News’ MenuMasters Award winner in the category of Best Limited Time Offer for their Weekly Taco Feature. Velvet Taco has locations in San Antonio, Lubbock, Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. For more information, including a complete menu, visit velvettaco.com and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram @VelvetTaco.

Anna Lanfreschi is a digital content creator and strategist based in Atlanta. She posts about food and travel on her blog, AnnaFeasts, and on Instagram @AnnaFeasts.

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