Tacos and Wings: a Mount Olive pickleballer’s favorite recovery food

I have these two friends, Sam and Pernell, who are pickleball fanatics. In reality, whatever the name of the pickleball association is, they should be paying them because they recruit harder for the sport they love than anyone I have ever met. I often tease them, but let’s just say they are really good at their job. No matter where we are (out to eat, in a meeting, at an event, etc.) they are going to tell every person they talk to about pickleball, young, old, and every race. They don’t discriminate. Sometimes, even if those who are just minding their own business aren’t safe. HAHA!

I’m an athlete at heart and still participate in recreational sports. So, of course, I gave in and tried it out. I have had a good time the few times I went to play. I don’t love it as much as they do, but I love seeing how passionate they are about it.

But you might be saying to yourself, this is a food column, so why is she talking about pickleball so much? It’s because the pickleball players who play at the Mount Olive Recreation Center, LOVE them some Tacos and Wings. They often go there after playing pickup pickleball. This is how I was introduced to the food. FYI…the name of it is Tacos and Wings. I’m not just saying that they love tacos…and wings. LOL!

Full view of the restaurant. Cute and cozy, and the music makes the place a whole vibe!

The restaurant is located on Breazeale Avenue in Mount Olive, and if you’re not paying attention, you might pass right by it. It’s been around for about a year or so, I believe. If you haven’t been there yet, you’re missing out! So far, I’ve tried the tacos, bowls, spinach dip, fried mushrooms, fresh grilled veggies, onion rings, the Philly cheesesteak, and the garlic bacon ranch, sweet bourbon mild, and sweet chili wings.

The bowls, spinach dip, and wings are my favorite so far. 

There are several different meats you can choose from if you get the bowl, and you can even get more than one meat. Last time, I got the chicken and steak, and BOY, do they load you up on meat. You will never be able to say you didn’t get your money’s worth. The bowl also comes with rice, grilled veggies, pineapples, and their special sauce (similar to a white sauce). It is DELICIOUS!

The fresh veggies are so savory. The sauce is similar to a white sauce, but with a Mexican twist!

The spinach dip might be the creamiest I’ve ever had, and although it tastes like spinach dip, it has its own little twist in the flavor. I don’t know what the secret is, but I love it! 

Even the chips were homemade!

The wings are always cooked to perfection for me and have plenty of sauce. I never have to ask for a side of the sauce that it’s tossed in, and can even eat them without ranch. Those who know me know that is a BIG deal! 

Homemade Ranch Wings and Sweet Bourbon

They have a sauce and toppings bar as well, so you don't have to wait for a waitress to come give you extras. That's super convenient.

Sauce bar with onions, guacamole, salsa, cilantro, and more

The only thing I can say let me down a little, was the tacos. I prefer stewed meat or finely chopped meat in my tacos over diced meat. But that’s just my preference. Also, to me, the chicken in the tacos needs a little more seasoning. But do I really need any more salt? Let’s be honest. We definitely live in a society where we use WAY too much salt, and it shows up in our health. So overall, the taco isn’t that bad because the onions and peppers are seasoned nicely, and the sauce they use on it is good. So I don’t add salt, I just throw some extra sauce up there because sauce makes everything better, right? He also has custom fruit juice-based drinks in the store that are perfect to pair with your meals.

Chicken Tacos with added avocado, cilantro, and extra onions

Another thing I love about this place is the staff, especially one of the owners, Renaldo. We love him! He is always so kind and welcoming. Although he is usually very busy, he always takes time to come chat with you. I don’t mean saying hello how is your meal and then going on about his way. He actually tries to get to know his customers, and will even crack a joke at you if you’re not careful! We ate there one Wednesday afternoon after a meeting.  I told him my favorite tacos are birria tacos. By that Friday, he had birria tacos available in the store. He is just that passionate about making his customers happy.

He talked to us about why he decided to open up the restaurant. He said he has always enjoyed cooking, and through his experience working at a restaurant, realized that it was his passion. Renaldo gives his life to his restaurant and shows in his food and the culture of the restaurant. He is also a man of faith, which is evident in the way he treats people. He talked to us about the sacrifices he has made to build his dream, and I honestly believe it will all pay off for him!

 All in all, I love going to eat there. The food is great, the manager is dope, and the music and vibes are even better. If you haven’t been there, make your way there ASAP. Now that I’ve written all this and my mouth is watering. I think I am going to head there for a bowl now! HAHA!

I give Tacos and Wings an A!