You have to go a long way to find a place in the United States where there isn’t a Mexican restaurant. As the country’s second most popular ethnic food, most counties have at least one, according to Pew Research. It’s easy to understand why it’s so popular: Mexican food offers a world of flavor from seven main regions, all underpinned by a rich, diverse culture.
There’s something for everyone, too, from the beef-forward Norteño and the tortilla-based recipes of Oaxaca, to the cosmopolitan mix of Yucateco food, threaded through with achiote spice. Throw in the much-loved Tex-Mex combo and there’s no denying this colorful, complex, and above all delicious cuisine lights up the lives of foodies across America. With so much diversity on offer, there’s no wonder plenty of outlets are competing for diners’ attention. From food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants, Mexican food runs the gastronomic gamut. But will your favorite spot feature among our run down of the best Mexican restaurant in every state, hands down?
Read more: 12 Old-School Diner Foods That Are No Longer Popular
El Barrio in Birmingham, Alabama
A trio of crunchy tacos from El Barrio in Alabama – El Barrio Restaurante / Facebook
Many Mexican restaurants shout about their authenticity, but at El Barrio its up front about being “Mexican inspired.” It takes some of the best of every region and giving it its own twist.
Produce is sourced seasonally, and locally, while all the meat is raised humanely, so it’s good for the soul as well as the stomach. The menu, which includes plantain nachos (which remind us of this side to serve with chilaquiles) and chicken mole to die for, has seen accolades aplenty — rightly so.
elbarriobirmingham.com
Multiple locations
Salsa Oaxaqueñas in Anchorage, Alaska
A plate of food from Salsa Oaxaqueñas in Alaska – Salsas Oaxaqueñas / Facebook
Mexico is more than 3,770 miles from Anchorage but Salsa Oaxaqueña brings all its color and warmth to the Alaskan city, and locals cannot get enough. The complex, spicy mole delights everyone who tries it, while the piping hot, handmade tortillas — always a sign of quality — are also a massive hit.
Expect to pay above the odds for dishes on Salsa Oaxaqueña’s authentic, flavorful Mexican menu. But every cent will be worth it.
salsaoaxaquena.com
(907) 865-5375
3505 Spenard Rd Ste B, Anchorage, AK 99503
Chilte in Phoenix, Arizona
Hand-finishing a dish from Chilte in Arizona – Chilte / Facebook
The team behind this incredible eatery say the mantra is “me vale” (I don’t care), but the people behind this restaurant clearly do, and very deeply, when it comes to food. With feted chef Lawrence “LT” Smith at the helm, it’s gone from a pop-up tent to Mexican food phenom in the Egyptian Motor Hotel. Go for the black tortillas (they’re colored with squid ink) and stay for all the culinary magic Smith and his crew are whipping up.
chiltephx.com
(602) 807-5226
765 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Casa Alejo in Springdale, Arkansas
Tacos and sides served up at Casa Alejo in Arkansas – casa.alejo.nwa / Instagram
Kayce may not speak Spanish but that doesn’t matter, because she and the crew of this friendly, vibrant restaurant, with two outlets and a third in the offing, are all fluent in great food. From the divine quesabirria and insanely good veggie quesadillas, to the fact you can turn literally anything into a bowl, Casa Alejo’s bold yet fun menu is put together with fresh ingredients and packed with flavor.
facebook.com/casa.alejo.nwa
Multiple locations
Cantina Los Mayas in San Francisco, California
Mole poured over chicken from Cantina Los Mayas in California – cantinalosmayas / Instagram
“Amazing” is a word that comes up a lot when people talk about Cantina Los Mayas, often multiple times in the same sentence. One draw is the wine bar stocked exclusively with 100% Mexican labels, but the main reason locals flock there is the food.
Bursting with Yucatán flavors, there are too many standouts to list here, but the sopes, branzino frito and sikil pak are all… what’s the word? Amazing!
cantinalosmayas.com
(415) 571-8027
431 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94118
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal in Denver, Colorado
Pozole from La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal in Colorado – La Diabla Denver / Facebook
In 2021, chef Jose Avila opened the doors on this, Denver’s first pozoleria. Since then, this incredible restaurant is helping to change Colorado’s image as a slept-on destination for Mexican food. Avila is hands-on with everything, too.
He and his team hand-nixtamalize the corn for pozoles, and he raises the pigs cooked in the restaurant. Everything is impossibly good here, and for those who love sustainability and flavor, it’s worth watching the fast-moving guisado section.
ladiabladenver.com
(720) 827-4158
2233 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Comomango in Madison, Connecticut
Guacamole and chips from Comomango in Connecticut – comomango_madison / Instagram
The menu at Comomango is smaller than some Mexican restaurants but every single thing on it, from the tacos to the chile relleno absolutely slaps. Locals know the portions may be a little smaller and the prices a little steeper than other places, but the bar here is set incredibly high.
Check out the birria tacos and the phenomenal Baja fish for starters, and tell us we’re wrong. Hint: We’re not.
comomangomadison.com
(203) 421-6963
52 Wall St, Madison, CT 06443
El Cantarito in New Castle, Delaware
A dish of food from El Cantarito in Delaware – El Cantarito Mexican Restaurant / Facebook
Don’t be fooled by the simple white building housing this hidden gem. Inside, it’s packed with color, especially in the food, which is authentically Mexican with a capital “A.”
You can gorge on a range of puebla-style cabeza sandwiches, or a deeply satisfying sope campechano, but it’s the weekends that locals can’t wait for. That’s when they flock to El Cantarito for hand-made tortillas filled with slow-cooked carnitas and barbacoas.
elcantaritomexicanrestaurantde.com
(302) 599-6310
181 S Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720
Chilangos Mexican Grill in Plantation, Florida
A steak taco from Chilangos Mexican Grill in Florida – chilangos_mexicangrill / Instagram
Tucked away in a strip mall you’ll find Chilangos, a Mexican restaurant that offers a family friendly, welcoming vibe alongside some truly delicious food. The tacos are a big hit with locals, and the pairing of quesabirria tacos with consomme soup is nothing short of divine. Patience is needed during busier periods, but while you’re waiting you can soak up the cute interior while sipping on a cold one.
chilangos-mexican-grill.foodjoyy.com
(954) 368-8913
339 S State Rd 7, Plantation, FL 33317
La Joya in Dublin, Georgia
Entomatadas from La Joya Mexican restaurant in Georgia – La Joya, Mexican Restaurant / Facebook
This community fave has been keeping locals supplied with top-notch Mexican food since 2011, expanding from its back-of-the-grocery-store beginnings to a fully-fledged restaurant. Don’t be fooled by the quiet, unassuming interior — that’s just the Clark Kent to its Superman menu, which includes mouthwatering carnitas, tacos that will make the average street food aficionado blush, and the crowd-pleasing pollo la chipotle. It’s a tiny but mighty outlet, so expect lines.
la-joya.restaurants-world.com
(478) 296-9901
1501-A Rice Ave, Dublin, GA 31021
Los Chaparros in Honolulu, Hawaii
A dish from Los Chaparros in Hawaii – frynbryan / Instagram
Co-owners Mario and Lisa may be the “shorties” or Los Chaparros of this restaurant’s name, but their Mexican food stands head and shoulders above the competition. Must-haves include the freshly made horchata, fire-roasted salsa, and menudo, while the banana flauta is always a hit with diners. Keep an eye out for the daily lunch specials and be aware that parking next to the restaurant is very limited.
loschaparros.com/index.php
(808) 951-6399
2140 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96826
Despo’s in Ketchum, Idaho
A plate of food from Despo’s in Idaho – despossv / Instagram
When Amy Harris took over from original founder Jim Funk in 2019, locals who loved Despo’s were on tenterhooks, waiting to see what would change. Luckily for them, the answer was: pretty much nuthin’.
The same commitment to top-drawer ingredients and using materials with respect for the environment remains, bolstering a menu serving up great Mexican food “with altitude.” Diners love everything about this place, and rightly so.
despossv.com
(208) 726-3068
211 4th St E, Ketchum, ID 83340
Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois
Camarones guanacevi from Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant in Illinois – xochimilco_mexican_restaurant / Instagram
Voted Chicago’s best restaurant by Yelp in 2023, family-owned Mexican eatery Xochimilco can add our state accolade to its trophy cabinet. It combines delicious food (check out the tampiquena — it’s out of this world) with a cool vibe and affordability, all served up in such a friendly, welcoming way that you actually feel bad about destroying their beautifully-presented dishes. But only for a minute.
xochimilcochicago.net
(773) 661-1534
2030 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Camila’s in Columbus, Indiana
Quesadillas from Camila’s Mexican restaurant in Indiana – Camila’s
Named after the owner’s daughter, and with two outlets across Columbus, this family-run business is a great big hug of a place, serving up big portions of authentic Mexican food that consistently hits the spot for local diners. The guacamole is made table side — it doesn’t get fresher than that — while the molcajete is divine, and the seafood fajitas, which combine tilapia, crab meat, and shrimp, are joys to dig a fork into.
camilasmexrestaurant.com
Multiple locations
Fiesta Mexican Restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa
Tacos from Fiesta Mexican Restaurant in Iowa – Fiesta Mexican Restaurant / Facebook
Everybody wants to eat well when they eat out, but not every restaurant welcomes children with open arms. That’s definitely not the case at Fiesta.
It has a great reputation on social media as both a family-friendly hotspot and somewhere that serves outstanding Mexican food. Job done for owner Antonio Berber, whose aim is to make diners feel like part of his family whenever they visit his three eateries.
fiestaiowa.com
Multiple locations
Connie’s Mexico Cafe in Wichita, Kansas
A plate of food from Connie’s Mexico Cafe – Connie’s Mexico Cafe
In business since 1963, Wichita locals flock to this beloved Mexican eatery for the great service, amazing food and tradition you can almost taste. But dependable doesn’t mean complacent, especially when it comes to flavor. From top-tier hot salsa to the mouthwatering pork deluxe burrito, it’s all good at Connie’s. Be aware it can get quite lively during busy times, so it’s not a space for business meetings or quiet contemplation.
conniesmexicocafeict.com
(316) 832-9636
2227 N Broadway Ave, Wichita, KS 67219
SavorMex in La Grange, Kentucky
Mexican food from SavorMex in Kentucky – SavorMex
This family-owned hidden gem, located in a shopping center, may not look fancy, but don’t be fooled: All the love and effort goes into the food, which is exactly how it should be. Regulars rave about everything from the guacamole to the gorditas, as well as the made-to-order tacos and the agua de horchata.
It’s the kind of place people bring their friends to, then swear them to secrecy. We might have spoiled that.
savormexrestaurantky.com
(502) 771-7224
307 S 1st St, La Grange, KY 40031
El Pavo Real in New Orleans, Louisiana
Chile en nogada from El Pavo Real in Louisiana – elpavorealnola / Instagram
You know somewhere’s great to eat when the locals who head there in droves tell everyone else about it, too. So it goes for El Pavo Real and its masterful menu.
Authentic Mexican dishes are given a genuinely interesting twist, from the rajas con queso to a shrimp taco described as a “masterpiece” by diners. The team at El Pavo have been hitting home runs since 2015 and it feels like they’re just getting started.
elpavorealnola.com
(504) 266-2022
4401 S Broad Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125
Taco Escobarr in Portland, Maine
A plate of tacos from Taco Escobarr in Maine – Taco Escobarr / Facebook
Fun and flavor are both on the menu at this wildly popular Mexican restaurant. It was showered with awards in 2024 and diners who come for the laid-back vibe but they stay (and come back) for the amazing food.
The street corn is always a hit, the carne asada tacos are a must-try, and the steak quesadilla has a kick all its own. Be prepared to wait as seating is limited.
tacoescobarr.com
(207) 541-9097
548 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Maximón in Baltimore, Maryland
Rockfish zarandeado from Maximón in Maryland – Maximón / Facebook
Eating at Maximón’s, part of Baltimore’s Four Seasons Hotel, isn’t just about the food (which is exceptional). It’s also about the fine-dining experience.
You are whisked to Latin America via the combination of surroundings and flavors, and although the menu is pricey, it’s utterly mouthwatering. The tacos are made from heirloom corn, while standout dishes include wild blue catfish frito and rack of lamb with mole adobado.
maximonrestaurant.com
(410) 927-3020
200 International Dr, Baltimore, MD 21202
Mexico City Taqueria in Ashland, Massachusetts
A plate of food from Mexico City Taqueria – Mexico City Taqueria
Prepare to be dazzled by everything at this Ashland eatery. It has grown from seven to more than 120 seats over the years.
The brightly colored decor may be a feast for the eyes, but the food soon takes over and refuses to let go of all your other senses. Expect rich, deeply flavorful pozole, outstanding birria tacos, and spicy carnitas, all expertly made from scratch.
mexicocitytaqueria.com
(508) 881-3500
1 W Union St, Ashland, MA 01721
Carajillo in Ferndale, Michigan
A dish of food from Carajillo Mexican restaurant – carajilloferndale / Instagram
A lot of Mexican restaurants trade on their authenticity. At Carajillo, originality is the name of the game, and boy do they play it well.
Sink your teeth into a pambazos, slathered the house salsa (among other goodies), or devour a huitlacoche or arrachera-filled burrito. Will you have room for any dessert? When Carajillo’s arroz con leche is in the offing, there’s only one answer: Pass the spoon.
carajilloferndale.com
(248) 292-8500
22700 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220
Andale Taqueria Y Mercado in Richfield, Minnesota
A plate of tacos from Andale Taqueria Y Mercado Mexican restaurant – Andale Taqueria & Mercado / Facebook
Foodies in Minnesota know what they like, and when it comes to Mexican restaurants, Andale Taqueria Y Mercado is the yardstick by which others are measured. The staff’s focus is on the food, so expect businesslike service, as staff supply diners with tacos that leave them begging for more.
If you’re a lengua fan, they have that, too. Be warned, parking can be tricky.
andaletaqueriaymercado.com
(612) 259-8929
7700 Nicollet Ave, Richfield, MN 55423
El Colibrí in Oxford, Mississippi
Mexican food from El Colibrí – nighbryan / Instagram
There are some places so beloved by locals that they barely whisper about them, in case everyone shows up demanding to be fed. You won’t find much online about the El Colibrí food truck, but those who have worshipped at this scarlet altar know how incredible it is. Authentic, flavorful, and packed with punch, this is Mexican food that delivers every time.
facebook.com/p/El-Colibr
(662) 801-1938
1420 N Lamar Blvd, Oxford, MS 38655
Lilly’s Cantina in Kansas City, Missouri
Plates of food from Lilly’s Cantina Mexican restaurant – Lilly’s Cantina
If you want to find the best Mexican restaurant in Missouri, ask a Kansas City foodie. They’ll point you toward this West Side eatery, and probably with a big grin.
Owner Teresa Grado and her sons will be serving up platefuls of delicious food that tastes amazing and won’t break the bank. Try Jessy’s burrito spread, and be blown away by the cheese enchiladas with mole.
lillyscantinakc.com
(816) 652-8444
900 SW Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64108
La Tinga in Billings, Montana
Mexican food from La Tinga restaurant – La Tinga Billings / Facebook
People come to La Tinga for the friendly service and welcoming vibe but it’s the food that makes the biggest impression. Diners rave about the freshness of the dishes, from the burritos to the tacos and spicy salsa, delighting anyone fed up of bland Mexican fare.
Everything is made to order, so patience is needed at busier times, but you’ll be glad you stopped by. Tell Evelyn we said hi.
la-tinga-billings.menu-world.com
(406) 696-8828
113 N 30th St, Billings, MT 59101
El Muchacho Alegre in Omaha, Nebraska
Mexican food from El Muchacho Alegre – El Muchacho Alegre Authentic Mexican Cuisine / Facebook
“Always” is a word that often appears in reviews for this lively Mexican restaurant, because the people writing them have dined there multiple times and always come away delighted. As for local favorites on the menu, that’s tricky. Literally everything has been recommended by numerous diners so you can’t go wrong, though standouts include the chori pollo (add extra jalapeños) and the thin, crispy chips.
elmuchachoalegremenu.com
(402) 359-1309
6222 N 72nd St, Omaha, NE 68134
La Vecindad in Las Vegas, Nevada
Mexican food from La Vecindad restaurant – La Vecindad / Facebook
What do you get if you cross the vibrancy of Mexican culture with the dazzle of Las Vegas? This acclaimed eatery — whose theme is Mexican show “El Chavo Del Ocho” — is the answer.
Everything may look cartoonish but make no mistake, La Vecindad is all about artisanal, authentic recipes, and the food proves it. Diners can’t get enough of the carnitas, and as for the refried beans? The name may be misleading but we give then a chef’s kiss.
lavecindadlv.com
(702) 431-0056
953 E Sahara Ave Suite E-27, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Cielito in Bristol, New Hampshire
A plate of food from Cielito Mexican restaurant – Cielito Mexican Restaurant / Facebook
Plenty of restaurants serve Instagram-worthy dishes but there’s not always substance beneath the style. New Hampshire’s Cielito Mexican restaurant is unlikely to ever face this criticism.
The food there tastes as amazing as it looks, and diners are lining up to say so. Alongside the corn tortillas, the carne asada and tacos are wildly popular among regulars, as are the giant-sized burritos.
cielitomexicanrestaurant.com
(603) 744-2044
50 S Main St, Bristol, NH 03222
Orale Mexican Kitchen in Jersey City, New Jersey
Food from Orale Mexican Kitchen – Orale Mexican Kitchen / Facebook
If you like your eatery to serve up lots of personality, as well as mouthwatering, authentic Mexican flavor, then Orale is the place for you. It manages to be both child friendly and a vibe, all while serving up delicious food. Menu standouts include tacos — notably the machin, with its amazing bone marrow and pork belly filling. There are multiple locations, but the Jersey City one is the OG.
oralemk.com
(201) 333-0001
341 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
La Guelaguetza in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Food from La Guelaguetza Mexican Restaurant – La Guelaguetza Mexican Restaurant / Facebook
This family-run eatery may not look like much compared to other Mexican restaurants, but trust us, the fiesta is in the food. Flavors are drawn from across Mexico, despite the owners’ Oaxacan origins, and the results are mind-blowingly good. There’s barely anything on the menu that hasn’t been praised in reviews, from the quesobirria tacos to the three types of mole on offer.
la-guelaguetza.foodjoyy.com
(505) 916-0095
816 Old Coors Dr SW Ste B, Albuquerque, NM 87121
Cocina Consuelo in New York City, New York
Mexican food from Cocina Consuelo restaurant – Cocina Consuelo / Facebook
A visit to this tiny Hamilton Heights eatery is like dropping in on friends, such is the warm welcome on offer, and it’s only surpassed by the food. Even in a city as diverse as New York, Cocina Consuelo has been rightly showered with praise. Make a beeline for the hibiscus quedadilla at brunch, while for dinner, the birria bone marrow is a must.
cocinaconsuelonyc.com
(646) 250-7172
130 Hamilton Pl, New York, NY 10031
La Capital MX in Charlotte, North Carolina
A plate of food from La Capital MX restaurant – La Capital MX—Charlotte / Facebook
Locals flock to this Mexican restaurant for birthdays and date nights and it’s easy to see why. The classy atmosphere and attentive service are all hits with diners, while the food is consistently straight out of the top drawer, whether you’re a devoted meat-eater or a committed vegetarian. Diners singled out the tacos, chicharron de ribeye, and frijoles charros, but there isn’t a bum note on the entire menu.
lacapitalmxclt.com
(704) 870-7555
1910 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Charras & Tequila in Bismarck, North Dakota
A plate of Mexican food from Charras Bismarck restaurant – Charras Bismarck / Facebook
“The best ever” is a comment that comes up again and again in customer reviews for Charras & Tequila. It has two lively, very busy outlets in North Dakota.
The enthusiastic vote of approval is given to everything from the fajitas and refried beans to the margaritas, though the rib eye taco bucks the trend with a “world class” description. There’s no wonder people will drive for hundreds of miles to eat here.
charrasandtequila.com
(701) 751-2233
4503 Skyline Crossings, Bismarck, ND 58503
Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine in Columbus, Ohio
Close-up of food from Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine – Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine / Facebook
The dining room of this local favorite may be small but the portions are generous, while the food is delicious and full of authentic flavors. Fish foodies get to push the boat out with plenty of shrimp options (we recommend the shrimp Michelada), while the sopa azteca is heaven in a bowl, especially when washed down with a handmade margarita.
lupitasmexicancuisineandbaroh.com
(614) 372-5299
1586 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207
La Cocina de Doña Nena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Mexican food from La Cocina de Doña Nena restaurant – La Cocina de Doña Nena / Facebook
People who order the gorditas from this family-run gem can’t stop talking about how good they are, and the rest of the menu gets just as much love. Everything is prepared to order, and there’s often live music to entertain you as you eat. La Cocina de Doña Nena is a bustling, popular place, but the food is more than worth the wait.
la-cocina-de-doa-nena.res-menu.com
(405) 605-2600
3710 S May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73119
Nuestra Cocina in Portland, Oregon
A plate of food from Nuestra Cocina Mexican restaurant – nuestracocina / Instagram
Husband-and-wife owners Benjamin and Shannon have created something really special at Nuestra Cocina. From the tortillas made by hand using his grandfather’s wooden press to the breadth of authentic, Mexican flavors on the menu, it’s impossible not to be charmed by the home-from-home atmosphere. The moles are always a hit with diners, as are the sopes de chorizo, the tacos de puerco, and chips and guacamole.
nuestracocina.com
(503) 232-2135
2135 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
Blue Corn Mexican Restaurant and Bar in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A plate of food from Blue Corn Mexican Restaurant – Blue Corn Mexican Restaurant & Bar / Facebook
There’s a lot to like about this cash-only place, where the blue corn tacos fly out of the door regularly. Tourists may come for the colorful creations but regulars stay for the specials, which can be mind blowing, according to those in the know. When locals sing the praises of something as simple as the nachos, you know you’re in for a good time.
bluecornmexphilly.com
(215) 925-1010
940 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Cielito Mexican Kitchen in Providence, Rhode Island
A plate of food from Cielito Mexican Kitchen – cielitomexicankitchen / Instagram
If you’ve visited the Michoacán region of Mexico, don’t worry. All that complexity and depth of flavor is in every dish served up by James Beard semi-finalist Diego Alcantar and his mother Maria.
There’s so much to shout about, from the mole de olla to the enchiladas verdes, it’s easy to see why Alcantar has such a devoted following. For authentic Mexican food with character, this is your spot.
cielitomexicankitchen.toast.site
(401) 563-7026
186 Union St, Providence, RI 02903
La Poblanita in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Mexican food from La Poblanita restaurant – La Poblanita
You can tell a good hole-in-the-wall by how many of the locals eat there. If parking’s tricky, you’re onto a winner.
So it goes with La Poblanita, but nobody’s complaining. This Myrtle Beach jewel turns even the most straightforward Mexican dishes into something extraordinary, whether it’s their delicious empanadas or their soft, hand-pressed tortillas. You’ll leave with a full belly, fond memories, and still have money in the bank.
lapoblanitarestaurantsc.com
(843) 448-3150
311 Hwy 15, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Ma Cualli in Rapid City, South Dakota
A taco tray from Ma Cualli Mexican restaurant – Ma Cualli/ Facebook
Online reviews for this popular, family-run Mexican restaurant are peppered with exclamation points as diners share their experiences of Ma Cualli. The quality of service gets plenty of praise but the real love is saved for the food. People rave about the chile relleno and cazuela, as well as the arrachera and pollo chipotle.
ma-cualli.com
(605) 503-7606
4831 5th St Suite 101, Rapid City, SD 57701
Lona in Nashville, Tennessee
A breakfast burrito from Lona Mexican restaurant – lonanashville / Instagram
Chefs Richard Sandoval and Pablo Salas are the brains behind this near-flawless Mexican restaurant, serving up a host of traditional flavors with a contemporary twist and at surprisingly affordable prices. The third outlet for the Lona brand has a colorful yet comfortable interior, but nobody’s really there for the decor. The bold menu is where it’s at, from the mouthwatering beef aguachile and delicious portabella pastor, to a simply incredible Baja-style fish.
lonanashville.com
(615) 610-7835
200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
Xochi in Houston, Texas
Quesadillas from Xochi Mexican restaurant – xochihou / Instagram
James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega puts his innovative spin on Oaxacan cuisine in this extraordinary restaurant, located in the Marriott Marquis Houston. The surroundings are elegant but comfortable, allowing the food to play its starring role to perfection.
The moles are incredible (someone should find out what’s in them), the memela and barbacoa hit all the right notes, and the empanadas are a bullseye. Forget taking photos of your food, just eat and enjoy.
xochihouston.com
(713) 400-3330
1777 Walker St Suite A, Houston, TX 77010
Red Iguana in Salt Lake City, Utah
Mexican food from Red Iguana restaurant – Red Iguana Restaurant / Facebook
It’s a brave restaurant that claims to sell “killer” food but the team at Red Iguana mean it in the very best way. It is among Utah’s most popular eateries, and devotees of good Mexican food know the long lines outside the locations are worth joining for the moles alone. Throw in the child-friendly vibe, generous portions, and friendly wait staff, and there’s no wonder it’s so beloved among locals.
rediguana.com
(801) 322-1489
736 W North Temple St, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
The Avocado Pit in Bennington, Vermont
Burritos from The Avocado Pit Mexican restaurant – The Avocado Pit – Stowe / Facebook
When one door closes, another opens, and that’s exactly what happened at OG The Avocado Pit location in Bennington (there are now four). In 2022 it took over where former Mexican restaurant Cilantro left off, and has been a huge hit among taco, burrito, and bowl-loving diners. Fresh ingredients, smartly turned into amazing dishes, alongside a commitment to supporting the Vermont community has cemented this eatery’s reputation as beloved among locals.
stowe.avocadopit.com
(802) 753-7003
201 South St, Bennington, VT 0520
Casa Del Barco in Richmond, Virginia
Mexican food from the Casa del Barco restaurant – Casa del Barco / Facebook
All the flavors of Mexico are on display at this popular eatery, which has two sites to serve the residents of Richmond, and they can’t get enough. The range of tacos is a big hit (the baha and barría ones go down particularly well) as is the range of margaritas and cocktails. Casa Del Barco regularly crops up in lists of the locals’ best places to eat, drink and be merry in full fiesta fashion.
casadelbarco.com
(804) 775-2628
320 S 12th St, Richmond, VA 23219
La Carta De Oaxaca in Seattle, Washington
Mexican food from La Carta de Oaxaca x El Mezcalito – La Carta de Oaxaca x El Mezcalito / Facebook
Unless you’re standing on the doorstep the moment this Mexican eatery opens for business, you will have to wait to get in and can’t hang around once you’re seated, so make sure you know what you’re ordering. Diners flock to La Carta for the specialty moles, though consider the costillas de puerco or carne asada: two dishes in a fantastic menu that expertly balance flair and flavor.
seattlemeetsoaxaca.com
(206) 782-8722
5431 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
La Tapatia Market and Tacos, Morgantown, West Virginia
Mexican food from La Tapatia Market and Tacos – La Tapatia Market and Tacos
Social media buzz can make or break any business, but Morgantown’s La Tapatia has local keyboard warriors’ loyalty all sewn up. Newcomers might be surprised to find the kitchen outside and the eating space in the store but it’s all part of the authentic Mexican experience.
Everything’s made from scratch and the tacos are by far and away the go-to menu item, especially the asada. Go hungry and be prepared to demolish everything.
latapatiawv.com
(304) 241-1545
1200 Green Bag Rd #14, Morgantown, WV 26508
Botanas Restaurant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mexican food from Botanas Restaurant – Botanas Restaurant
The team behind Botanas have been keeping diners coming back for more for over 20 years, and the Mexican eatery is regularly voted the city’s best. Portions are very generous (the “One Big Chimichanga” lives up to its name) and the varied menu is packed with flavor. Watch out for the strength of the margaritas — they have more than this added extra to give them a boost — and be aware of the 18% gratuity after 9 p.m.
botanasoriginal.com
(414) 672-3755
816 S 5th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Merry Piglets in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Food at Merry Piglets Mexican restaurant – The Merry Piglets Mexican Grill / Facebook
There’s 50 years of experience behind this well-loved Mexican restaurant, which has an outlet in Montana, and it shows in everything they do. The vibe is casual and fun, while the food is delicious and backed by top-notch service. Among the Tex-Mex menu faves for regulars is the carne asada, both in enchiladas or a burrito, (though the two are not the same) and the fajita grilled chicken.
merrypiglets.com
(307) 733-2966
160 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001
Methodology
Holding a Mexican taco – Semenovp/Getty Images
There are thousands of Mexican restaurants across the United States and to find the best, we searched for the places where locals ate. We looked at thousands of recommendations, reviews and ratings from customers, food critics, and influencers, as well as comments that discussed the quality of food and level of service. We also factored in any regional or state awards.
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