Melrose has plenty of places to grab a bite — but if you’re looking for tacos worth making the trip for, La Qchara on Franklin Street is the answer.
Tacos at La Qchara Melrose
La Qchara isn’t a Mexican restaurant in the traditional sense — it’s a Latin American café with Venezuelan roots and a menu that pulls from across the region. That includes a full taco lineup that holds its own against anything on the North Shore.
- Birria Tacos ($19.50) — braised beef, melted cheese, consommé for dipping. The standout on the menu. Order these first.
- Fish Tacos ($19.50) — fresh, light, and well-balanced. Good if you want something that won’t slow you down.
- Las Carnitas ($18.50) — slow-cooked pork with crispy edges. A classic done right.
- Taco Asado ($21.50) — grilled carne asada. Traditional, generous, and reliable.
- Portobello Tacos ($16.75) — the vegetarian option. Meaty texture, real flavor.
- Salmon Lettuce Tacos ($20.85) — served in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. The lighter pick on the menu.
More Than Tacos
The taco menu shares space with burritos, enchiladas mole, fajitas, and quesadillas — plus the Venezuelan dishes La Qchara is known for: arepas, rice bowls, tequeños, and a Latin breakfast that draws a regular crowd every morning.
If you’ve been searching for Mexican food near Melrose and ended up here — this is the closest thing on the North Shore, with a Latin American spin that makes it worth the visit on its own terms.
Where to Find Us in Melrose
La Qchara Melrose is at 506 Franklin St, Melrose, MA 02176 — easy to reach from Malden, Medford, and Stoneham. Reservations via OpenTable, walk-ins welcome.
We also have a Beverly location at 275 Cabot St, Beverly — same taco menu, same kitchen standards.
📍 La Qchara Melrose — 506 Franklin St
Order online or reserve your table.