While I do love my Mexican eats, the sub-category of Tex-Mex can be equally delicious! Known for its use of beef, queso, chiles, and more, I always felt Tex-Mex was more Americanized Mexican, similar to Chinese-American eats. And thankfully, we’ve got some great options in the Triangle for Tex-Mex ranging from Chuy’s to Torchy’s Tacos and now Little Rey (Little King in Spanish)! Brought to you by Chef Ford Fry based out of Atlanta, Little Rey offers a fun and casual take on his more upscale Tex-Mex menu at Superica in Fenton. And you know what? I really like what he’s doing here. Read on to find out why!
Little Rey, Raleigh – Location, Interior
Little Rey has a premium spot at Raleigh Iron Works sitting at the main entrance off of Whitaker Mill Road. Two parking lots on this end of the development means there’s usually a short walk to dine here. Large lattice windows sit on the outside giving you a clear view of the patio and businesses across the way. Pull open the heavy door and you’ll be right in front of the quick-casual counter order area. The large open dining room offers a mix of natural colors and textures primarily in browns and deep greens (along with pops of pink), reminiscent of the Southwest. The room columns are covered in ceramic tile and plants sit perched on tops of suspending shelves. The order counter is highlighted and lit up with a long stretch of colored neon and bare fluorescent lights are hung off the ceiling. It all feels nicely put together and quirky, they have definitely spent some money on decor at Little Rey!
Right outside is the Little Rey patio along with some public Raleigh Iron Works tables, perfect to enjoy a margarita on when the weather is nice. There’s a second door leading out to this patio area further down in the main dining room, it’s an easier option to head outside after ordering.
Little Rey, Raleigh – Menu, Food
I’ve had a chance to visit Little Rey several times (once comped, twice paid out of pocket) and the menu is pretty tight and focused. A small list of appetizers (chips, quacamole, queso fries, chicken wings) along with roast chicken, salads, quesadillas, and tacos, perfect for indecisive people. Note that Little Rey opens early and also offers a breakfast menu for early birds. After you order, you’ll get a table sign stand with a card featuring a famous personality, grab some utensils/napkins and for sure, don’t miss the salsa and hot sauce bar! Love Little Rey’s sauce bar, they are fresh, vibrant and spicy, perfect for chip dipping or drizzled on top of your tacos.
For starters, you can’t go wrong with the creamy, buttery queso at Little Rey! Paired up with their creamy hot sauce makes for a delicious, flavor-packed bite. The elote (Mexican corn) is perfectly coated with mayo, cheese, and spices. Lime wedges squeezed on top give a citrus hit to cut back on all the creamy richness. And the wings at Little Rey have some serious spice. Smoked and smeared with salsa macha (peanuts, chiles), they are really tasty and messy, and worth all the napkins you’ll need to clean up afterwards.
But the star of the show at Little Rey are the tacos! You can get them Al Carbon (flour tortillas) or traditional (corn tortillas) and they are dee-licious! Choose from roast chicken, pork belly or steak as your protein, they are loaded up on chewy, grilled tortillas and topped with pico de gallo, jalapenos, grilled onions, cilantro and more. It’s really more basic than other fancier taco options but for me, it works really well. I enjoy the simplicity of great ingredients prepared well at Little Rey. The tacos are substantial, too. Two should be enough for most appetites given how well-filled they are served.
Their breakfast tacos are also amazing, loaded up with migas (scrambled egg, crushed tortilla chips) and protein of choice (chorizo, bacon, steak, potato, or Oaxaca cheese). While I love my breakfast burritos, these tacos are a good alternative in the morning. Love the crispy bacon bits they use here. And yes, there are some sweets at Little Rey (plantains, soft-serve) but you’ll likely be pretty full at the end of your meal! And don’t forget, Andia’s Ice Cream is right around the corner at Raleigh Iron Works!
Little Rey, Raleigh – Service, Conclusion
Overall I’ve been really happy with my meals at Little Rey. The food takes a bit of time to come out to your table so I’d definitely recommend a starter or two. Service is solid and they’ll check to make sure everything is ok and clear your table quickly when done. Little Rey is definitely a place where the service is quick casual but the overall goal is to sit back and enjoy all that meal deliciousness!
While I have enjoyed my visits to Superica in Fenton, I always did feel that it was on the edge of acceptable due to its prices. Little Rey will give you 90% of the flavor at Superica but at a much lower price point, a big win in my eyes. And I’ll have to say that after three visits or so, it’s become my favorite Tex-Mex option in the Triangle! Along with the other great restaurants at Raleigh Iron Works (Ponysaurus Brewing, Brodeto, Eastcut Sandwich Bar, Jaguar Bolera), Little Rey is definitely a dining destination for me when I’m in the mood for satisfying, tasty Tex-Mex eats!
Little Rey at Raleigh Iron Works
1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27604
919.355.3479
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