The Mightiest Mexican All Around
Sure, Chipotle always works in a pinch, but if you’re traveling across the country and you’re craving Mexican food, there’s usually a better option. Don’t believe us? Take a look at these restaurants in each state (plus Washington D.C. because we couldn’t leave out the nation’s capital) that are incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike.
From the flavors of Oaxaca to Guadalajara, here are some of the best Mexican restaurants in the country, according to customer reviews, critics’ picks, and our own personal experience.
Alabama: El Barrio
Birmingham
El Barrio’s menu stretches across many regions of Mexico, and Birmingham locals have spoken: They can’t get enough, particularly when it comes to that smoky bacon bean dip.
Alaska: El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant
Anchorage
Alaska may not be known for Mexican food, but at El Rodeo you might forget that. The place is famous for its crunchy, melty chimichanga, so don’t skip it.
Arizona: El Charro Café
Tucson
Sonoran-style food is the draw at El Charro, and it has been for the past 100 years (it’s also one of our favorite old-school Mexican restaurants). Are you not even in Tucson? Don’t worry about that; they’re on Goldbelly.
Arkansas: Rolando’s Nuevo Latino
Hot Springs
The recipes at Rolando’s Nuevo Latino are old classics, but so is the building it resides in. Head to Hot Springs’ famous bathhouse district to dine in a 19th-century building, and make sure the famous black bean salsa is on the table.
California: Guelaguetza
Los Angeles
For mole beyond your wildest dreams, you’ll want to check out the family-run Guelaguetza. Widely considered to be some of the best Oaxacan restaurants in the country, it’s a place you’re gonna want to try some new stuff. Including the sauteéd grasshoppers.
Colorado: Jaime’s Mexican Restaurant
Denver & Englewood
Family-run and famous across Colorado, Jaime’s has exploded in popularity in its nearly 10-year run. And if you need a break from burritos for a while, locals swear by the burger.
Connecticut: Geronimo Southwest Grill
New Haven
While it’s impressive to be cooking bold, Southwestern flavors in New Haven, Connecticut, it’s even more impressive to hang onto a tequila list like the one Geronimo is hanging onto. With over 500 tequilas, they lay claim to the biggest selection on the East Coast. Better get in there and try a few.
Delaware: Border Cafe
Newark
You’re at Border Cafe for Tex-Mex and Cajun staples. More specifically? You’re at Border Cafe for the shrimp quesadillas.
District of Columbia: Amparo Fondita
Dupont Circle
Modern and stylish, but not devoid of fun, Amparo Fondita is vocal about using the best ingredients and supporting family farms. The result is a restaurant full of great food; particularly the ever-raved about ceviche.
Florida: Koko
Miami
Even the basics are complex at Koko, where even the tortillas are made from imported Oaxacan corn and the chips are toasted over cherry wood. Mole, of course, is mandatory.
Georgia: Nuevo Laredo Cantina
Atlanta
Come hungry to Nuevo Laredo Cantina, as the portion sizes are consistently humongous. That goes for the margaritas, too.
Hawaii: Búho Cocina y Cantina
Honolulu
Take Honolulu’s aloha spirit, inject it into classic cantina food, and you’ve got Búho. Come for the big margaritas, stay for the live music.
Idaho: Despo’s
Ketchum
When it comes to going “green”, a lot of restaurants talk the talk, but Despo’s walks the walk. Making use of green cleaning supplies, donated oil, and more, the restaurant is doing a great job to reduce its footprint. Oh, and the burritos are terrific too.
Illinois: Frontera Grill
Chicago
Very often, famous, touristy restaurants aren’t what they’re cracked up to be, but this isn’t the case with Frontera Grill . The iconic Mexican restaurant opened in the late ’80s and helped launch modern Mexican food into the public eye in a major way. The menu continues to change and evolve, so don’t miss an opportunity to see what’s going on in that kitchen.
Indiana: Nada
Indianapolis
Modern and stylish, Nada is a perfect special occasion spot. Fresh guacamole and caramelized cauliflower tacos are highlights, but don’t forget about the signature al pastor.
Iowa: La Regia Taqueria
Iowa City
Between takeout, sit-down service, and an attached grocery store, La Regia Taqueria has everything you need. You might even spend the day.
Kansas: Ricos Tacos Lupe
Kansas City
Cheap, delicious, and elevated by a host of homemade salsas, Ricos Tacos Lupe has everything you’re craving. Including Taco Tuesday deals.
Kentucky: Mayan Cafe
Louisville
Yucatán-style cooking is the specialty at Louisville’s Mayan Cafe. Don’t leave without trying the cochinita pibil, a citrusy barbecue pork dish that may be the star of Yucatánean cooking.
Louisiana: Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine
Baton Rouge
Mexican, Creole, and Cajun flavors smash into each other beautifully at Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine. You’re in Louisiana, so go for a crawfish and spinach quesadilla.
Maine: Taco Escobarr
Portland
Colorful, chic, and occasionally raucous, Taco Escobarr is one of the most fun places to get some food in Portland. And when you’re on the water, fish tacos are in order.
Maryland: Tortilleria Sinaloa
Baltimore
It should come as no surprise that Tortilleria Sinaloa is slinging some of the best handmade tortillas in Maryland. But what may surprise you? You can get meat by the pound.
Massachusetts: Taqueria Jalisco
Boston
Birria, tamales, and salsas to write home about will draw you into Taqueria Jalisco. You won’t think much about leaving after that.
Michigan: Xochimilco Restaurant
Detroit
Casual, lively, and worshiped by Detroiters, Xochimilco is worth a stop if you’re in town. Flautas are especially popular.
Minnesota: Homi Mexican Restaurant
St. Paul
St. Paul is far more flush with multicultural flavors than it gets credit for, and Homi is a great example. With a menu hundreds of miles long, you may not know where to start; fans love the tamales and the pozole.
Mississippi: Fat Mama’s Tamales
Natchez
Fun, quirky Mexican fare is most of the menu at Fat Mama’s , but beyond the taco soup and namesake tamales (made with New Mexico-style red sauce) you can lean into Cajun flavors, too. Po’ boys, anybody?
Missouri: Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Kansas City
Split some queso dip. Split some fajitas. Split a burrito. Whatever you get, Ponak’s portion sizes make it enough for two.
Montana: Rosita’s
Libby
Homemade salsas are one of the first things you should look for when trying to spot a good Mexican restaurant, and at Rosita’s that is no issue. Locals love the gigantic burritos the place is known for, all served on homemade tortillas.
Nebraska: Agave Azteca
Omaha
Margaritas and enchiladas are popular at this Omaha gem, where you’ll find a lot more than just the classic Mexican dishes, like slow-cooked beef tongue, seafood chimichangas, and more.
Nevada: Lindo Michoacan
Las Vegas
Feeling casual? Grab some tacos. Feeling extra special? Grab some lobster tails. Lindo Michoacan has got it all.
New Hampshire: El Rincón Zacatecano Taquería
Manchester
You don’t get restaurants with family recipes this authentic very often, and certainly not in the middle of New Hampshire. Don’t forget the tamales.
New Jersey: Chili Willie’s
Boonton
The Tex-Mex-BBQ mashup feels out of place in New Jersey, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Who says you can’t put salsa roja on your barbecue ribs?
New Mexico: Weck’s
Albuquerque
Weck’s is somewhere between a taqueria and a Denny’s, which means it’s perfect. The hatch green chiles that make the southwest famous are at their top form here at Weck’s, so make sure you’ve got some in your order.
New York: Casa Enrique
Long Island City
New York isn’t known for Mexican food, let alone Michelin-starred Mexican food, but that’s exactly what Casa Enrique is. Modern techniques and traditional flavors make this place as special as it is popular, so make reservations.
North Carolina: Chida Taco
Raleigh
Chida Taco keeps it simple, and with three thriving locations in the Raleigh area, that’s exactly how people like it. Whether you’re there for chile relleno tacos or fat, homey tortas, you’re in good hands.
North Dakota: Vinyl Taco
Fargo
It’s all about music and tacos at Vinyl Taco, which has taken Fargo by storm. The menu has everything you need, from barbacoa and chicken tinga to “gringo” tacos on crunchy hard shells.
Ohio: Momocho
Cleveland
Everything is wrestling-themed at Momocho, where fun decor and a huge Tequila list pairs nicely with one of the signature guacamole flights.
Oklahoma: Ted’s Café Escondido
Oklahoma City
The love for Ted’s Cafe Escondido sweeps far and wide across Oklahoma, and you’re likely to hear a recommendation if you talk to any locals long enough. Still need more proof? How bout this: Since 1991, Ted’s Cafe Escondido has won “Best Mexican Restaurant’ in The Oklahoman 13 times.
Oregon: Nuestra Cocina
Portland
The husband and wife team behind the treasured Nuestra Cocina have cultivated a strong community in Portland, with recipes spanning from Zacatecas to Vera Cruz and beyond.
Pennsylvania: El Rey
Philadelphia
Warm, Mexican flavors and retro-diner vibes collide at El Rey, one of Philly’s most popular Mexican restaurants. Dinner is the main event, but brunch is also worth a stop.
Rhode Island: Tallulah’s Taqueria
Providence
Casual, cheap, and friendly, Tallulah’s has been a big hit in the ever-growing food city of Providence. Don’t forget dessert, because those churros are special.
South Carolina: Minero
Johns Island
Heirloom Mexican corn and live-fire cooking are what set Minero apart. The weekend breakfast specials are what lock it in as one of Charleston’s best.
South Dakota: Que Pasa Cantina
Rapid City
The rooftop deck will draw you in. The tasty nachos and rotating margarita specials will keep you there.
Tennessee: Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana
Nashville and Memphis
This family-owned spot is extremely cherished in both its Germantown and East Memphis locations. Tacos are available, but Las Tortugas is famous for its tortas, particularly the braised pork shoulder.
Texas: Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia
San Antonio
It’s almost worth a visit to San Antonio just to eat at Mi Tierra, which has been serving some of the city’s favorite Mexican classics since 1941. As one of the biggest cornerstones of San Antonio culture, it’d almost be wrong to skip it.
Utah: Red Iguana
Salt Lake City
Red Iguana is famous for mole; so famous in fact, that you’re gonna want to make a reservation, because wait times tend to be pretty off the hook.
Vermont: The Mad Taco
Waitsfield
Smoked pork with kimchi. Roasted yams. Pan-seared whitefish. Flavors are bountiful at The Mad Taco, and that’s just the taco section of the menu.
Virginia: La Milpa Mexican Restaurant
Richmond
Enchiladas, fried shrimp, flautas, and more await you at La Milpa, which has made a name for itself in Richmond thanks to its buzzy atmosphere and focus on old-school recipes.
Washington: Fonda la Catrina
Seattle
Head to Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood to hit Fonda la Catrina. Bring friends, because you’ve got a lot of appetizers to share, like ceviche, sopes, and queso.
West Virginia: Black Bear Burritos
Morgantown
Huge portions, casual ambience, homey Mexican cooking, and the Appalachian mountains. You really don’t need much else.
Wisconsin: La Dama
Milwaukee
Locals love La Dama’s upscale Mexican fare, which showcases food as simple as oysters on the half shell all the way to dishes as labor-intensive as lamb shank birria.
Wyoming: Merry Piglets
Jackson Hole
An unpretentious restaurant? In a town that’s mostly for rich snobs? Merry Piglets is a breath of fresh Wyoming air, and you’ll find even more valuable riches in the flavors of this Tex-Mex haunt.
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This article was originally published on Cheapism
