# What is the best Mexican restaurant in your city? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 13, 2006, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766 "2006-01-13T02:56:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Homebrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Homebrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homebrew)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2006, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/81 "2006-01-16T16:18:17Z")
> [@SHAKES](#): > > Too many Mom and Pop shops to decide here in Dallas. I like _Mexican_ food; as opposed to “Tex-Mex”. What does this even mean? Really. It annoys me when people say this because it’s really not specific enough to mean anything. Mexican food is quite regional. Costal areas are different than the northern regions. Mexico City style is different than other areas. And it depends on whether you’re talking about the food rich folk or poor folk eat. “Tex-Mex” is authentically northern style Mexican because that’s what people in the area have been eating since before Texas was a state. Tortillas, especially corn torillas have been around since the Aztecs. Flour torillas are more popular in northern areas. It’s basic food for farmers. Tortillas and whatever you have on hand, whether it’s meat if available the more staple of beans. The Spanish introduced cheese ages ago. If you’re going to to claim you like “Mexican” rather than Tex-Mex, then you need to explain a little more. And more importantly, quit denegrating Tex-Mex. In Saint Louis, check out Chuy Arzola’s in Dogtown for good Tex-Mex. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2006, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/82 "2006-01-16T17:04:11Z")
> [@Homebrew](#): > > What does this even mean? Really. It annoys me when people say this because it’s really not specific enough to mean anything. Mexican food is quite regional. Costal areas are different than the northern regions. Mexico City style is different than other areas. And it depends on whether you’re talking about the food rich folk or poor folk eat. “Tex-Mex” is authentically northern style Mexican because that’s what people in the area have been eating since before Texas was a state. Tortillas, especially corn torillas have been around since the Aztecs. Flour torillas are more popular in northern areas. > > It’s basic food for farmers. Tortillas and whatever you have on hand, whether it’s meat if available the more staple of beans. The Spanish introduced cheese ages ago. > > If you’re going to to claim you like “Mexican” rather than Tex-Mex, then you need to explain a little more. And more importantly, quit denegrating Tex-Mex. > > In Saint Louis, check out Chuy Arzola’s in Dogtown for good Tex-Mex. In San Diego and north we would eat a lot of Cal-Mex. 😉 In my mind, Tex-Mex tries to distinguish itself from “regular” mexican food by using familiar ingredients and descriptors like “fresh” and the like. An excellent example would be [Chevy’s](http://chevys.com/frameset.html), who as far as I know doesn’t even have a restaurant in Texas. Still, their menu embodies all that I have come to think of as Tex-Mex food. I have been proudly introduced to Tex-Mex in Dallas/Ft.Worth and Austin, and I yearned for the other mexican food. Which, by the way, is also abundent in Texas. A comment I’ve heard more than once; “Mexican food is too greasy”. Like chorizo, I guess. Oh yeah, and tamales that have too much masa and not enough meat. ---
**Author:** ![Homebrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Homebrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homebrew)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2006, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/83 "2006-01-16T18:39:46Z")
I’ve been to Chevy’s here in Saint Louis. I’d rather eat at Qdoba. For me, the enchilada is the quintessential Tex-Mex food, with lots of cheese and onions and guacamole salad. You can get 'em at the LaSalle Hotel in old downtown. With iced tea and a waitress and she will smile every time. ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2006, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/84 "2006-01-16T19:19:24Z")
> [@GingerOfTheNorth](#): > > [Nacho Mama’s](http://nachomamascanton.com) is our absolute favourite hangout. The staff is consistently awesome and the food is always great. Whenever Dave and I go out without the kids, that’s where we go. Nacho Mama’s _is_ good. There’s a good place in Parkville (North Plaza Mall, out by Bateman’s) called El Salto. Run by real Mexicans, the food seems very authentic. You get a lot, and they have some really tasty specials. > [@](#): > > Plus, Natty Boh for a buck and a half! Natty Boh?!? Good Lord, what has Dave done to you? ---
**Author:** ![edwino](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@edwino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwino)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2006, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/85 "2006-01-17T11:35:54Z")
My favorites, in Houston. Mama Ninfa’s is very good and an experience, but I find it a little played out. I personally like the Cadillac Bar (good cabrito) and Cafe Adobe (killer margaritas). There is much debating. For good, unique, 24-hour food, I like Chapultapec. For authentic, Mexico City-style taquitos (not the American deep fried monstrosities, these are little soft tacos), I like 100% Taquito. One cannot ignore Taqueria Arandas, which is the McDonald’s of authentic taquerias and has like 20 locations around the city (the barbacoa burrito is great). And then there is a bevy of Guatemalan and El Salvadoran food that is great as well (whole tilapia and pupusas at El Pupusodromo!). ---
**Author:** ![mack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b19c9b/32.png) [@mack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mack)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2006, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/86 "2006-01-17T16:03:17Z")
> [@gaucho](#): > > I’ve been hoping an NYC doper would post, as I would love to find a good California-style taqueria here. La Esquina in SoHo is very good, but it’s not the same thing. _crickets_ I wish I had better news for ya. I’ve been here 15+ years and Mexican food - at least in Manhattan - has gone from virtually non-existent to slightly better than virtually non-existent. There are a bunch of okay 10-12 dollar a plate places, a few gourmet places, and a bunch of burrito joints, but there’s no place I know of that has that good cheap southwestern breakfast lunch and dinner fare. I assume there’s a Mexican food nirvana in some outer borough somewhere, but I don’t know about it. ---
**Author:** ![wevets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e9a140/32.png) [@wevets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wevets)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2006, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/87 "2006-01-17T16:23:24Z")
I dare not speak for San Francisco, too many Mexican restaurants and it’d be arrogant of me to assume I’d eaten at the best. For San Rafael, CA: **Taqueria San Jose** for the authentic Mexican food, **Taco Jane’s** for excessively delicious California Mexican. For Half Moon Bay, CA: **The Three Brothers Taqueria** (IIRC), we used to go down there for work and a stop at Three Brothers was _required_. For La Cañada, CA (near Pasadena): **Doña Maria** , also a heavily needed Mexican fix in southern CA. ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2006, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/88 "2006-01-17T16:51:59Z")
> [@BiblioCat](#): > > Nacho Mama’s _is_ good. > There’s a good place in Parkville (North Plaza Mall, out by Bateman’s) called El Salto. Run by real Mexicans, the food seems very authentic. You get a lot, and they have some really tasty specials. There’s also an El Salto on Richie Hwy in Brooklyn Park. Awesome salsa. > [@](#): > > Natty Boh?!? Good Lord, what has Dave done to you? I don’t want to talk about it. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![beergeek279](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7ea924/32.png) [@beergeek279](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beergeek279)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2006, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/89 "2006-01-18T01:55:41Z")
In Morgantown, my favorite Mexican eatery is Los Mariachis, which is fortunately all of 3 minutes drive from my apartment! Very authentic Mexican food that’s not too expensive…plus gotta love the all-you-can-eat chips! Overall, though, I’d have to say that the Mad Mex chain, with 4 in Pittsburgh and 1 each in Philadelphia, State College, PA and Columbus, OH, is probably the one I really look forward to eating at. While they certainly wouldn’t be called the most authentic Mexican food in the world by any means, tell me that the Wing-O-Rito with boneless chicken in wing sauces with black beans and rice doesn’t sound mighty tasty; plus they have a very positive attitude towards having really good beer on tap, which doesn’t hurt 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Ceejaytee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ceejaytee/32/2956_2.png) [@Ceejaytee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ceejaytee)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2006, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/90 "2006-01-18T20:55:21Z")
When I lived in Manhattan we loved to go to the Upper East Side for great traditional Mexican at Maz Mezcal (316 E 86th St), to the Upper West Side to Gabriela’s (at 2 locations: the original at 685 Amsterdam Ave, and the second at 93 Amsterdam Ave–although, looking at the 'net it appears to have closed!) and in the West Village, Mi Cocina (57 Jane St). Gabriela’s was amazing, and even economical, and I’m sorry to see that it closed. Here in N. Central NJ, I have found only one good Mexican place, [Mojave Grill](http://www.mojavegrille.com/index.html), in Westfield, but they consider themselves “Southwestern.” Either way, they have yummy, if costly, food. ---
**Author:** ![sleestak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@sleestak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleestak)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2006, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/91 "2006-01-18T23:48:41Z")
> [@Kevbo](#): > > I post from Albuquerque, making this impossible to answer. They have thier specialties, one place for Tamales (El Modello), another for beef enchiladas, and another yet for chicken enchiladas. Loc Cuates has the best salsa, etc. Then one will relocate and either improve, or too often get worse (Sadie’s isn’t Sadie’s w/o the sound of large balls rolling on wood alleys crashing into pins…the new place is too loud, and the food is cold half the time) The only places that don’t have some good food are national chains that try to survive here. > > The converse question (If I may drift the thread) I can almost answer: > The worst Mexican resteraunt I’ve ever been to was either “Senior Gringo’s” (yes really) in Ft. Smith, (or just outside) AR. Or “La Cantina” In Wellington, NZ. Yep, Albuquerque has a ton of good Mexican places. My favorite is Los Cuates. Mmmmmm, large Green beef enchilada plate, or green chile cheese fries… I used to go to the tacky small one all the time after work and get an enchilada plate and cheese fries to go. Man, I miss that place. Out here in Vegas the best I have found so far is Gardunos. It is not as good as the ones in New Mexico for some reason. They seemed to have gone all California with their menu. Too much cheese, not enough chile. It’s ok, but not great. Slee ---
**Author:** ![DiggitCamara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/df788c/32.png) [@DiggitCamara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiggitCamara)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2006, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/92 "2006-01-19T01:49:20Z")
I haven’t really read through all the posts, so I might have missed one or two. But still, no mexican posts? I find that hard to believe… So, a toast to Mexican food… from a mexican! ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2006, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/93 "2006-01-19T03:05:53Z")
Toronto, **cowgirl**? El Sol (on the Danforth between Coxwell and Greenwood, north side) is very good. Very slow, though. Don’t go if you’re in a rush. We really don’t have many good Mexican places, although we’re tripping over good Asian. I wish we had more than one good barbeque place, too. Now I want to go out for Mexican. ---
**Author:** ![DrLoveGun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@DrLoveGun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrLoveGun)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2006, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/94 "2006-01-19T04:28:59Z")
My favorite is no where near where I currently live, but it’s Ole Mole in Stamford, CT. Make sure you bring your own beer. Enjoy. ---
**Author:** ![CBEscapee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b19c9b/32.png) [@CBEscapee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CBEscapee)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2006, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/95 "2006-01-19T05:18:10Z")
> [@mangeorge](#): > > Lingua? Lengua? Tacos de lengua con salsa verde, cebolla picada y cilantro? Which can be found at any _tacos de cabeza_ street stand in Mexico. ---
**Author:** ![Future\_Londonite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9dc877/32.png) [@Future\_Londonite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Future_Londonite)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2006, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/96 "2006-01-19T15:33:39Z")
Some options to consider in DC; Authentic hole in the wall - MixTec in Adams Morgan (on Columbia Rd, just off of 18th Street) The gayest - Lauriol Plaza on 18th and S The trendiest - Rosa Mexicano near MCI Center ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2006, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/97 "2006-01-19T15:40:02Z")
Back in downtown Denver, there’s Juans (I _think_ at 1531 Stout). It’s above average, but the green chilie is nuclear. (I can’t eat it hotter than medium.) There’s no heat to speak of, but the best Carnitas I’ve ever had were at D’Corazon (1530 Blake), also just off the 16th street mall. ---
**Author:** ![Neurotik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/91b2a8/32.png) [@Neurotik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neurotik)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2006, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/98 "2006-01-19T16:00:34Z")
> [@EuroMDguy](#): > > Authentic hole in the wall - MixTec in Adams Morgan (on Columbia Rd, just off of 18th Street) Ah yes, this place is pretty good. > [@](#): > > The gayest - Lauriol Plaza on 18th and S Overrated quality-wise. Unless you’re going there mostly for the margaritas (which are great) and the food is just supposed to be an accompaniment to that. > [@](#): > > The trendiest - Rosa Mexicano near MCI Center I’ve heard good things about this place, but I haven’t been there. Of course, the people who have told me about this place would think El Torito is top of the line Mexican food, so I’m skeptical. ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2006, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/99 "2006-01-19T16:11:39Z")
> [@Unintentionally Blank](#): > > Back in downtown Denver, there’s Juans (I _think_ at 1531 Stout). It’s above average, but the green chilie is nuclear. (I can’t eat it hotter than medium.) There’s a whole string of Mexican restaurants near where I used to live, along West 38th near Tennyson. They’re good and cheap, but IMHO they don’t compare to what you will find when you travel south to New Mexico. ---
**Author:** ![Future\_Londonite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9dc877/32.png) [@Future\_Londonite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Future_Londonite)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2006, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766/100 "2006-01-19T17:09:06Z")
> [@Neurotik](#): > > I’ve heard good things about this place, but I haven’t been there. Of course, the people who have told me about this place would think El Torito is top of the line Mexican food, so I’m skeptical. Oohh that is scary indeed - I was thinking of checking them out for Restaurant Week but ended visiting a bunch of other restaurants. Oh well Restaurant Week will come around again. There’s a whole slew of mexican restaurants in Wheaton, though I don’t know which are truly authentic or merely mediocre [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-your-city/339766.md?page=6)