Mexican restaurants in North America
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Azul y Oro
Chef Ricardo Muñoz searches high and low in Mexico for traditional recipes that he re-invents to perfection. Fruits of his research include crispy ravioli stuffed with duck and the most scrumptious sopa de tortilla (tortilla soup).
reviewed
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B
Casa de Pancho
It couldn't be more simple: a few plastic tables set up in a mostly-bare room. But the economical pozole, enchiladas and other basic dishes are simply splendid. Carlos, the genial waiter/cook/owner, loves to spread the gospel of salsa.
reviewed
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C
Karne Garibaldi
This place has two specialties: carne en su jugo (meat cooked in its own broth flavored with beans, bacon and green tomatoes) and fast service (so speedy it landed in the Guinness Book of Records in 1996). Neither will disappoint.
reviewed
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Shady Grove
This 1940s state-park replica, complete with Airstream trailer and metal-lawn-chair kitsch, makes a great place to hang out. Munch on black-bean burritos under lights strung between pecan trees. Thursday night April to November unplugged musicians play.
reviewed
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D
La Taqueria
Rabble-rouser, are you? Ask a group of San Franciscans where to get the best burrito in town, then as voices rise, quietly slip off to La Taqueria. There's no debatable saffron rice, spinach tortilla or mango salsa here – just perfectly grilled meats, flavorful beans and classic tomatillo or mesquite salsa wrapped in a flour tortilla. They're purists at La Taqueria – if you don't want beans, you'll pay extra because they pack in more meat – but add-ons of spicy pickled vegetables and crema (Mexican sour cream) are true burrito bliss.
reviewed
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E
Pancho Villa
The hero of the downtrodden and burrito-deprived, delivering a fresh, heaping condiments bar and tinfoil-wrapped meals the girth of your forearm. The line moves fast going in, and as you leave, the door is held open for you and your newly acquired Pancho's paunch.
reviewed
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F
Baja Cantina
This is Cabo at its un-swanky best: outdoor seating over the marina, anglers downing margaritas over chips and salsa, great service, huge plates of tasty (though slightly Americanized) Mexican food, stiff drinks and relatively reasonable prices. No fluff here. Good breakfasts.
reviewed
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Restaurant el Cordobes
This locals’ joint, near Hotel Miralmar, is on the north side of the plaza in a 100-year-old building. Weak ‘American’ coffee is served quickly, with a warm smile, and it’s a perfect place to relax for a bit, sluice down a cerveza (beer) and look out on the main plaza.
reviewed
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G
Penny's Palapa
This tiny, flower-and-flag-decked floating hut and patio in the harbor is a lovely spot for an alfresco meal among the jostling boats. An inventive, well-priced menu of Mexican delights includes seasonal seafood specials – the signature halibut tacos are recommended – plus some good vegetarian options. Arrive early: the dining area fills rapidly on balmy summer evenings. Drinks- wise: it's all about the margaritas.
reviewed
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La Antigua
The location and ambience outshine the food at this charming terrace restaurant overlooking the plaza. But it’s worth considering for the made-to-order salsa and tortillas and the sizzling molcajete de arrachera, a traditional beef and cheese stew simmering in a spicy chili sauce.
reviewed
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Restaurante Onix
Definitely the finest eating in La Crucecita, this airy upstairs eatery overlooking the Plaza Principal offers very well prepared Mexican and European dishes. Try the mussels with ham and cheese or the sopa de tortilla, followed by steak or tuna al chipotle (in a fermented-chili sauce).
reviewed
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Birriería La Guadalajara
Birriería La Guadalajara Birria (stewed goat, beef or lamb) is the specialty here, and you can order it made de borrego (lamb), de res (beef) or de chivo (goat). Big steaming bowls (or tacos, if you wish) will land on your table and keep you energized for hours.
reviewed
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K
Buen Tiempo Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Bursting with locals at bar stools and families filling the booths, this is a good-time spot. From the chile-rubbed sirloin to the posole served with warm tortillas, Buen Tiempo delivers. Start with a signature margarita, served with chips and spicy homemade salsa. You can end with a satisfying scoop of deep-fried ice cream. But if you want to find out how the dollars got on the ceiling, it will cost you.
reviewed
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Eucalipto
Named after the droopy looking eucalyptus gum tree in the courtyard, this pleasant place conjures up a perkier range of pastas and an array of meat dishes (thankfully, not koala) - from rib eye to T-bone - and a selection of wines, from Chile to France. It's one of the priciest in town, but it's excellent quality cuisine.
reviewed
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El Cid 2
The tart, fresh margaritas and fish tacos (not batter fried, simply grilled) steal the show at this bright, friendly Mexican, which is a stone’s throw from the Logan Square El stop. On busy nights an acoustic minstrel sets up indoors, and when its warm patrons head out back to the romantic patio to dine under strings of lights.
reviewed
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María Bonita
Come here for economical and tasty traditional Oaxacan food. Precede your fish, steak or mole with a good appetizer or soup, such as the sopa Xóchitl (squash, squash blossom and sweet corn). There’s a good breakfast range too. The old building is on a noisy corner, but the tasteful art and relaxed service make it all OK.
reviewed
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Mijares Mexican Restaurant
Pasadeneans have flocked to the tapestry-lined walls of sprawling Mijares for almost 90 years. Although the focus is more on fun than fine cuisine, addictive chips and salsa, traditional combo platters and powerful margaritas keep the patios filled with families, friendsters and a business team or two. Try the yummy avocado- and chip-filled tortilla soup.
reviewed
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Tacos el Asador
For an authentic taste of old Mexico, tether your horse to a bike rack and sit your saddle-sore behind down in this taco-sized Koreatown canteen. Burritos, enchiladas, nachos, tostadas and guacamole clatter across tiny timber tables beneath Mexican flags. Crane your neck to check the hockey score on the TV and swallow some cold Corona in the same movement.
reviewed
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Casa Romero
The entrance to this hidden treasure is in the public alley off Gloucester St. Step inside and find yourself in a cozy casa – filled with folk art and Talavera tiles – which is wonderful and warm during winter months. In pleasant weather, dine under the stars on the delightful patio.
This is not your average taqueria – be prepared to pay for the experience (unless you arrive before 6pm, in which case you can take advantage of the early bird special, a three-course meal for $22).
reviewed
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Gabriel’s
It’s worth the 12-mile drive north of Santa Fe to eat at Gabriel’s. The scenic patio and beautiful interior, hung with Miguel Martinez’s art, are fabulous spots to enjoy fresh guacamole, made to order at your table, excellent New Mexican cuisine and even better ribs. Plan to drop by if you’re headed to the flea market or points north.
reviewed
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Restaurant Las Tinajas
It doesn’t take long to figure out why this place is always busy. It slings enormous portions of excellent home-style food, and it’s enough to keep you (and possibly another person) fueled up for hours. Pollo a la veracruzana (chicken in a tomato/olives/onion sauce) and camarones al guajillo (shrimp with a not-too-hot type of chili) are both delicious, as is the house salsa.
reviewed
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R
Cenaduría Tlayudas Libres
Drivers double-park along the entire block to eat here. The filling, tasty tlayudas are large, light, crisp, hot tortillas folded over frijoles, quesillo and your choice of salsa. Half the fun is taking in the late-night scene as motherly cooks fan the streetside charcoal grills, raising showers of sparks. Sit on benches around the range or at tables in the adjacent building.
reviewed
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Villa Saverios
Villa Saverios takes the concept of 'Baja Med' to absurd heights. The results? Try beef cheeks stuffed with ancho chilies; mesquite-grilled quail; tuna sashimi; gourmet burritos; sliced raw lobster with a chile vinaigrette; filet mignon carpaccio; or abalone served in its shell and smothered with chipotle cream sauce (gulp). Classical music tinkles over a fairly formal dining room, so dress appropriately.
reviewed
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Tecalitlan
Weighing in at more than a pound and costing less than $6, the carne asada (roast meat) burrito with cheese is not just one of the city’s best food values, it’s one of the city’s best foods. Add the optional avocado and you’ll have a full day’s worth of food groups wrapped in a huge flour tortilla. The horchata (a rice-based beverage made with water, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and lime) is creamy and refreshing.
reviewed
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Antigua Hacienda de Tlalpan
The setting is sublime; an 18th-century hacienda tastefully resurrected into one of the city’s quintessential colonial-style restaurants. The dining rooms are set around lovely gardens, complete with showy peacocks and a small pond with swans. The menu reads like a novel, with a vast choice including some delectable soups: pumpkin flower, cold avocado, lobster bisque and black bean. Follow this with a fish or spicy meat dish like roast pork loin in a chili sauce.
reviewed