A top-ranked taco spot is opening a third Triangle location this summer

Khalovera Mexican Bar & Grill is opening a second Chapel Hill location on Monday, July 13.

The restaurant, which started as a food truck, will open its third iteration at 431 West Franklin St. The business currently has locations in Durham at 2812 Erwin Road and Chapel Hill at 504 Meadowmont Village Circle.

The News & Observer reported in January on the restaurant’s Durham opening, conveniently located within walking distance from Duke University and its hospital. Their original brick-and-mortar restaurant opened in 2020 in Chapel Hill.

Owner Edy Barahona named the business after popular Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Customer demand led him to open a restaurant after ditching the wheels, The N&O reported. Now, the latest opening marks the third physical dining experience for Barahona.

“It’s an opportunity to serve more of the Chapel Hill community while continuing to share authentic Mexican food and hospitality,” a member of Khalovera’s team told The N&O in an email on Wednesday, July 8.

Taco truck to restaurant

It’s not the first Triangle restaurant with food-truck origins. The Latin Effect began serving various dishes such as arepas and pupusas from a truck in 2020. They obtained a location last year on Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street and closed in June, The N&O reported.

Kahlovera’s menu has stayed consistent since its inception but added more options as their popularity has grown. In early 2025, the restaurant ranked in the top eight for the News & Observer’s poll for the best tacos in the Triangle. The restaurant sells street tacos, burritos, huaraches, a popular traditional dish, quesabirria taco dinners and vegetarian options. Its tortillas, salsas and other menu items are made from scratch.

“We hope to continue growing while staying true to the quality and experience our customers know us for,” they said.