Over the years, Chubby’s Tacos has been a standard for more authentic Mexican eats in the Triangle. With multiple locations in Durham and Raleigh, it was only a matter of time before they expanded to points in between like many Triangle businesses. And finally Chubby’s did expand to Cary, sort of. In the midst of a name and re-brand, you’ll find Guacamaya out in the Stone Creek Village shopping plaza.
Like many strip plazas in the area, you can’t tell much about Guacamaya from the outside. Bland store-front with discrete signage, as you approach you immediately notice their large sidewalk patio under cover. Plenty of tables and space out here to extend their dining area. Inside you’ll be surprised at the high ceilings and 2nd floor dining area overlooking the counter. On the right hand side you’ll find a nice bar with stools along with options for beer and margaritas. If this is the new Chubby’s all I can say is that I like it already!
The menu is pretty much the same: tacos, burritos, chubbychangas and more. Prices don’t seem to be any/much higher which makes me happy, I order up a taco trio and some queso to share. Salsa bar in the back, we load up and then head on out to the patio.
It only takes about 10 minutes and our food gets brought out on trays, and it’s a lot! You can upgrade any meal with rice, beans, chips and a drink for $2.99 and my combo plate (chicken tinga, carnitas, steak fajita) with the extras is $9.49. Not cheap but there’s a lot of calories here.
Guacamaya uses double-corn tortillas and good ingredients. Tacos are very well-stuffed and that means you are going to be well stuffed, my friend! I can only make it through two and the last one is going home with me. While my friend is chatting with the Guacamaya Operations Manager Bobbi, I check out the upstairs section which is quite nice with wrought-iron railings and such.
It’s going to be sad to say goodbye to the Chubby’s name (trademark dispute) but sometimes change can be a good thing and that’s the case here with Guacamaya. If the re-brand leads to a refreshed store interior with the same great Chubby’s food, it will be a win all-around for the customers and owners. So good luck Guacamaya, I don’t think you’ll need it but don’t forget Guacamaya = Chubby’s Plus!
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