Disclaimers:
1. I eat Mexican food, or a variety of what could be called Mexican, at least twice a week. Many weeks it is much more. (No details needed)
2. I despise strip malls and most everything in them.
The thought of combining these two things seems like a conflict of interest. Then again, Dos Taquitos on Creedmoor is one of my favorite restaurants in the Raleigh area. More confessions: I’m a bit of an urban snob. I rarely frequent restaurants that aren’t in the downtown grid. Maybe it’s a proximity issue, maybe it’s, as mentioned, a highbrow way to snub restaurants that are sporadically located throughout the sprawling city that is Raleigh. But, as discussed extensively on last week’s Chatter episode, Raleigh does have a handful of exquisite strip mall restaurants. Some are more upscale, and others, like Chubby’s are just there to add damn good food and a bit of character funk into otherwise bland shopping strips.
Chubby’s Tacos is located in the same parking lot loaded strip center that houses Sushi Thai, 2nd City Grill, a Starbucks, McDonald’s, Bear Rock Grill, Tuesday Morning and a Food Lion. Aside from Sushi Thai and 2nd City, chains litter the area, making it very unpleasant to visit for an urban snob like me. Sushi Thai is one of the cheapest, quality, Thai restaurants in the area. Now, it has a worthy neighbor that rivals its hidden charm.
Neons and an outline of a Speedy Gonzales look-a-like with a taco in hand announce Chubby’s shotgun location (just over 1,000 sq. feet) at the corner of the suburban brick village, beaming to pedestrians, simply wanting some milk from the grocer, “Come here for bad ass tacos.” The truth is that while very simple and precise, the tacos at Chubby’s are indeed fantastic. They rival many of the taco trucks that spread around urban centers every day, shelling out cheap, authentic, tacos to construction workers and truck spotters alike. If I didn’t have a full time job, I’d probably become a taco truck groupie, following them around the country in search of the perfect taco.
Another piece of comparison to Chubby’s Tacos is the style and taste of almost every Taqueria in Austin, TX. From El Pastor to Carne Asada, Chubby’s style is a step above most in the area and on a level with many that I have had in Austin (although Migas would be a fantastic addition). The Tilapia is unique and tasty, the Carne Asada and El Pastor are both very flavorful, not to mention the 8+ homemade salsas at the salsa bar in the rear of the space. There are over 15 different fillings for the tacos as well as quesadillas, gorditas and more to choose from. A very thorough and option-filled menu.
It doesn’t take much to create character and charm. Many places in urban settings as well as suburban ones try too hard to brand themselves with themes and lavish decorations, menus and (ahem) “style”. Chubby’s does the opposite. From the pepper-themed table covers to the margarita and piña colada machines, Chubby’s knows how to turn simplicity into richness. And many may blush at the sight. of the “Have You Had a Chubby Today?” t-shirts.
The original Chubby’s in Durham opened only a year ago and it’s spin-off seems to be thriving. Chubby’s Tacos is the new king of the Western corridor of Raleigh strip mall restaurants. Try a taco or 10, it’s good for your soul, urban and suburban alike.
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