There is nothing better than a cold margarita paired with warm queso, spicy mole and a big burrito. Heck, every day is taco Tuesday if you say it is.
Whether you’re on the hunt for the best Mexican restaurant in your city or planning some delicious eats for an upcoming trip, our editors across the country curated the ultimate list of best Mexican restaurants in their town, so you don't ever have to go without.
See also: These Are The 20 Most Instagrammable BBQ Restaurants in the U.S.
From California to New York, Miami to Chicago, these are some of the best Mexican restaurants across the United States.
Aspen - Chica
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501 E Dean Street / Website
Chica is relatively new to the Aspen dining scene, but it is already making waves with its decadent and unique Latin American menu. Dig into crowd favorites, including the crispy Peruvian octopus and lobster mac and cheese, or go traditonal with wagyu empanadas and more. The exquisitely designed interior will instantly transport you to Latin America, and its apres-ski parties are sure to spice up ski season. For more great haunts in the Aspen area, check out the full list of best Mexican restaurants in the area!
Boston - Citrus and Salt
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142 Berkeley Street / Website
This Baja-inspired restaurant reflects chef Jason Santos’ enthusiasm for the cuisine of Southern California and Mexico. Fun and bright coastal-inspired décor add to the allure, while savory cocktails and brilliant bites headline the menu. Sip on the Citrus & Salt Margarita made with Monte Alban tequila, orange liquor, lime and citrus as you bask in stunning floral murals that adorn the restaurant’s walls. To check out more great restaurants in the area, take a look at the full list of best Mexican restaurants in Boston!
Chicago - Dos Urban Cantina
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2829 W. Armitage Ave. / Website
Husband-and-wife chef team Brian Enyart and Jennifer Jones Enyart met while working under master chefs Rick Bayless and Charlie Trotter. Together, the duo opened Dos Urban Cantina, embracing contemporary flavors inspired by the bold flavors and ingredients in Mexico. Snag a seat in the dining room to sample electric entrees, or hit the taqueria for some takeout—the carne asada tacos are to die for. For more great Mexican spots in Chicago, check out the full list!
Dallas - Mi Cocina
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77 Highland Park Village / Website
Cheer for your favorite team over Tex-Mex eats and a margarita or an ice cold beer (or two!). Using the freshest ingredients, Mi Cocina serves up chile con queso with brisket; shrimp brochette with bacon and poblano crema; spinach enchiladas with ranchero sauce; and shrimp tacos with bacon, lime, serrano and Jack cheese. Wash it all down with the Mambo Taxi—Sauza Silver tequila, lime juice and housemade sangria with pinot noir, brandy and fruit juices—and plenty of cervezas. The great Mexican food is abundant in Dallas, so check out the full list of best spots!
Hamptons - La Fondita
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74 Montauk Highway / Website
The Honest Man Group’s La Fondita serves traditional Mexican street food in an authentic outdoor setting. The wide variety of taco options leaves a customer with difficult choices, but no bad options. Insider tip: Before you leave, be sure to pick up bottles of the housemade hot sauces. Check out the full list of best Mexican restaurants in the Hamptons for more!
Hawaii - Buho Cocina y Cantina
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2250 Kalakaua Ave., #525, Honolulu / Website
Take the elevator on up to a gorgeous rooftop in Waikiki where modern Mexican flavors abound. A hot take on traditional cuisine, the “build your own'' tacos are a game changer accompanied by a margarita, a breeze and an incredible view. Start with the nachos and indulge in cinnamon churros dipped in pineapple sauce, or mango sorbet with tajin to top off a delicious and scenic meal. For more great eats on the islands, check out the full list!
Houston - Candente
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4306 Yoakum Blvd. / Website
What does Candente mean? Burning, a ‘hot topic’, or incandescent? At this restaurant, it means Tex-Mex done right with a personal and smoky twist! Located off Montrose in the Museum District, this eatery’s menu and ambiance is full of life. Enjoy the iconic Jalisco brisket nachos, birria, smoked redfish, or more traditional Tex-Mex style cheesy enchiladas and tacos. Candente digs into rich Houston taste centered around the custom-built wood burning grill, bursting with flavors of wood and smoke. Warning: once you spot the enticingly visible smoker, you won’t be able to resist this decadent barbecue experience! For more Houston eateries, check out the full list!
Las Vegas - Javier’s
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730 S Las Vegas Blvd. / Website
Whether coming for margaritas, rare tequilas or the restaurant’s No. 1 prime angus beef from Nebraska, Javier’s at ARIA Resort & Casino knows just how to satisfy a Mexican food craving. The high-energy ambiance of Las Vegas paired with the beloved recipes of Javier’s creates a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Diners near and far rave about the costilla de res, braised in a spicy tomato and Serrano chile sauce. This radiant spot transports diners to Mexico with its opulent wall art, authentic Mexican cuisine and unique Aztec chainsaw wood carving. Check out the full list of best Mexican restaurants in Las Vegas!
Los Angeles - Casa Vega
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13301 Ventura Blvd. / Website
Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Casa Vega has been in operation for 65 years and doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. The restaurant is set on Ventura Boulevard and has been one of the longest continuously family-owned restaurants in all of Los Angeles. Currently headed by Christina Vega, this spot serves up authentic Mexican food in an invitingly warm atmosphere, a combination that’s sure to capture hearts and appetites. To explore more great Mexican restaurants in LA, check out the full list!
Miami - Coyo Taco
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2320 NW 2nd Ave. / Website
As a Miami favorite, Coyo Taco cooks up a flavorful taste of Mexico in its multiple locations all over the city. The casual eatery offers street-style Mexican food with fresh and healthy ingredients in a vibrant setting. Dishing out delectable tacos and burritos, the toppings are what make these dishes truly special. From queso fresco and pico de gallo, to cilantro and zesty guacamole, Coyo Taco keeps Mexican culture alive by bringing a genuine Hispanic flair to the community. With the kitchen helmed by Miami-icon Scott Linquist, relax and enjoy your food in a happy environment created by fabulous chefs and servers. Check out Miami's full list for more!
NYC - Cosme
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25 E. 21st Street / Website
At Cosme, you'll find some of the finest dining NYC has to offer. Its sleek look and dynamic sharing plates promise an unforgettable culinary experience. The Mexican-influenced contemporary fare celebrates local ingredients and seasonality, and the artisan tequila and mezcal cocktails enhance every bite. To check out the plethora of great Mexican restaurants in NYC, check out the full list!
Orange County - Descanso
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1555 Adams Ave #103 / Website
Imagine strolling through a quaint town in Mexico, where you’re sure to find a street-side Taquero or taco stand that captivates your senses with the freshest, tastiest meats and veggies grilled before you. Concept creator Rob Arellano brings this vision to life in Costa Mesa with modern taqueria Descanso, a full-service restaurant that embodies the flavor and charm of authentic street stands. Blending tradition with modernity, these tacos, quesadillas and alambres are made with ingredients cooked in front of guests on a traditional plancha. Try the citrus-marinated shrimp or chili-seasoned red snapper, or come for an authentic street-side taco stand experience on Taquero Tuesdays. For more delicious days in Orange County, check out the full list of Mexican restaurants in the area!
Silicon Valley - Aqui
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1145 Lincoln Ave. / Website
Aqui opened in 1994 with a goal to provide inspired California-Mexican cuisine. Although it started in Willow Glen, there are now have five locations across the valley, including Cupertino and Downtown Campbell. Known for the elevated, health-conscious food, Aqui offers new specials every day, and some of the most interesting drinks around. Aqui specializes in Swirls—various drinks blended with special Industrial Strength Margarita. For more, check out the full list of best Mexican spots in Silicon Valley!
Palm Beach - Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar
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224 Clematis Street / Website
Rocco’s Taco & Tequila Bar serves up homemade and handmade delights. Enjoy guacamole prepared tableside, and corn tortillas made by hand and griddled fresh on the comal. Then indulge in carne, seafood, or surf and turf served sizzling in a traditional lava rock molcajete. With 200 varieties of tequila stock at the bar, you must try the sour mix you’ll taste nowhere else… because it’s made right on the premises. Every day of the week presents choice specials: from Mezcal Monday to all-you-can-eat Taco Tuesday, and all-you-can-drink mimosas during Saturday and Sunday brunch. For more great meals in the Palm Beach area, check out the full list!
Philadelphia - El Rey
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2013 Chestnut Street / Website
One of many delectable establishments from Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr, this eclectic eatery occupies the space of a former all-night diner, now redesigned to invoke cantina charm. Folk art and Spanish movie posters dot your surroundings, while you enjoy inventive plates including the must-try lamb merguez burrito with spicy lamb sausage, pickled vegetables and black bean hummus. We also recommend the pulpo ala diabla ceviche with marinated octopus, fried cauliflower and spicy salsa. Check out the full list of best Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia!
San Diego - Cocina de Barrio
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3707 Fifth Ave. / Website
Chef Jose J. Flores brings the flavors of Oaxaca to San Diego at Cocina De Barrio’s two locations, in Point Loma and Hillcrest branch. The colorful and lively atmosphere enhances the fresh seafood and authentic Mexican staples, such as short ribs in mole negro and Oaxacan seafood soup. Many plant-based dishes are also offered, and a brunch menu features decadent favorites including huevos oaxaqueños and arroz con leche pancakes. A happy hour is also ideal for sampling the Mexican wines and full tequila and mezcal bar selections. For more delicious drinks and meals, check out the full list!
San Francisco - Nopalito
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306 Broderick Street / Website
Nopalito started in a small village called El Aguila in Veracruz, Mexico. The chef-owner Gonzalo Guzman learned to cook traditionally from his mother, and was knee-deep in the growing and preparation process of ingredients on the fields when he was growing up. Try the standout Tacos Dorados De Camote with sweet potato, or the Champurrado and Norte54 Concha, which is Masa-based hot chocolate and Mexican pan dulce.
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7114 E. Stetson Drive, Ste. 105 / Website
Authenticity and quality of ingredients are at the heart of this award-winning eatery. Each menu item is made from scratch, and utilizes authentic mouthwatering recipes that give a glimpse of many regions of Mexico. The proteins are marinated and made fresh every day, along with housemade tortillas. Chiles en Nogada—a roasted poblano pepper filled with chicken, apples, pears, dried apricots, golden raisins, walnuts, onions and garlic, covered in a light creamy almond sauce—is chef Julio Mata’s favorite. “Chiles en Nogada celebrates Mexico’s independence and the colors represent the Mexican flag,” he says. To ensure pure authenticity, founders Linda and Steve actively travel throughout Mexico to find the newest trends and traditions, then bring them back to share with guests. Along with creative and colorful menu options, sourced artwork from native Latino artists paints the walls and invites customers to embrace Mexican culture. The sweet Mexican hot chocolate, spiked with 1921 Crema de Tequila and topped with whipped cream and Mexican shaved chocolate, is a must-try. Read more about Scottsdale's Mexican cuisine scene in the full list.
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1280 4th Street NE / Website
If you appreciate artistry in food, look no further than the perfectly curated plates at Destino. Opened during the height of the pandemic, this restaurant features a small menu of imaginative and delectable dishes. Indulge in the mole verde, which includes pork belly, cilantro mole and egg noodles; or the tamal which boasts a 42-ingredient mole negro. For a sweet ending, try the “Sundae” with black sesame ice cream, peanut sorbet and pomegranate ice. Still hungry? Try one of the other restaurants on D.C.'s full list of best Mexican restaurants.
Photography by: Jarett Lopez / Unsplash
