Original VaHi Taco Mac

People ask us all of the time…

“What is the deal with the name?” Why do we have the name of what appears to be a Mexican restaurant, when we have the best places to drink beer, watch a game, and get the southeast’s original Buffalo-style chicken wings? Well, it is not a long story, so if you are one of those people who have always wondered about the name, here goes:

In 1979, a couple of guys from Buffalo made a stop in Atlanta on the way to Florida. Turns out that they liked Atlanta, and decided to stay. They had bigger ideas than they had bank accounts, but eventually found a spot to open their restaurant. The idea was to offer Buffalostyle chicken wings–something totally new in the south–in a relaxing, neighborhood pub setting. What they found was a little taco stand on the corner of Virginia and North Highland Avenues. The rest, as they say, is history.

What happened next, so many years ago, is the critical piece to the story. When these guys finally had a few bucks, it was time to change the sign out front to something–anything–other than Taco Mac. But they also had some badly needed kitchen repairs to address. So the sign stayed. And this went on, until eventually everyone in the neighborhood knew the beer and wing place, their favorite little hang-out, as Taco Mac. You can still visit the original location in the heart of Virginia-Highland, just miles from downtown Atlanta. It still has the original sign, and the clock that always reads seven o’clock. But the clock is another story….

As the founders grew a bit older, some old friends came down to help open new locations. Taco Mac began to take on a slightly different identity, but always staying true to its roots. The menu expanded, the beer selection grew (and grew, and grew…), and Taco Mac became a more family-friendly atmosphere. Now we are proud to have over 25 locations across three states. Taco Mac offers an incredible beer selection, the best TV set-up anywhere, and a food menu that includes something for everyone. We still sell the southeast’s original Buffalo-style chicken wings, and yes, we have tacos.

At the heart of it all is that we love what we do. We like to get a bite to eat with friends and family in a fun atmosphere. We enjoy a beer or two while we’re watching a game. So sit back, relax, and see if Taco Mac isn’t right up your alley too. We’re glad you’re here.