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Where to Eat Authentic Mexican Food in Boston

Boston is one of the most famous cities in the entire country, and it’s elementary to understand why. It’s a massive metropolis right on the Atlantic Ocean featuring some truly iconic American institutions like Fenway Park and the Paul Revere House.

traditional tacos at boston mexican restaurants

Of course, there’s no shortage of outstanding museums in Boston, ranging from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Sports Museum.

Boston is also a foodie destination, serving fantastic renditions of classic and fusion cuisines.

So if you’re looking for great Mexican food, Check out my list of the best Mexican restaurants in Boston below!


Angela’s Cafe

Multiple locations
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No matter where you are in Boston, an Angela’s Cafe is bound to be near you. Angela’s Cafe is a Boston legend, serving authentic and tasty Mexican food that is also reasonably priced.

Some favorites include their tilapia tacos with fresh and fiery chipotle sauce and green chilaquiles. One of the primary reasons why people flock to Angela’s Cafe is how versatile they are.

You can get phenomenal Mexican food at Angelas or a great brunch with Nutella pancakes or huevos rancheros. There truly is something for everyone on the menu at Angela’s Cafe.


El Centro Mexican Restaurant

472 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-262-5708
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Just a block from Blackstone Square, El Centro Mexican Restaurant is one of Boston’s best-loved restaurants.

Although you can get fantastic Mexican food at El Centro, one of my favorite things to order is the Caesar Salad.

It comes with freshly-baked croutons and homemade dressing. I also love the entrees at El Centro Mexican Restaurant, specifically the roasted pork and mole.

You can taste tons of different flavor layers in each bite, but none of the tastes are overwhelming. It’s a master class in balance and flavor. Other notables include the Chile Relleno and chimichangas.


El Pelón Taquería

Multiple locations
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Whether you find yourself in Boston’s North End, Allston, or anywhere in between, there’s bound to be an El Pelon Taqueria near you.

This convenient, fresh, and authentic chain of best Mexican restaurants in Boston specializes in fresh ingredients and traditional pairings.

Some of my favorite menu items, like plantains, are also a bit more obscure. It’s easy to make plantains greasy and unappetizing.

But El Pelon Taqueria cooks them light and fresh and serves them with a tasty dipping sauce. The fish tacos are delicious too.

Make sure you load up on plenty of sauces at El Pelon Taqueria because many are homemade.


Lone Star Taco Bar

479 Cambridge St #477, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-782-8226
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Only two blocks away from Simoni Skating Rink, Lone Star Taco Bar waits to tempt your tastebuds.

Lone Star Taco Bar is a Boston institution serving ice-cold margaritas and authentic Mexican treats. Plus, the staff are super friendly and can give you loads of recommendations on the menu.

There’s a lot to love about Lone Star Taco Bar, but some of my top favorites have to be the spicy beef tacos, carnitas, or fish tacos with fresh vegetables.

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The margaritas are fresh, flavorful, and offer the perfect citrus counterpunch to your meal. Just remember that this place tends to get crowded, so you might be in for a wait.


Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar

412 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127
Phone: 617-917-5626
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Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar is very close to Thomas Park in Dorchester Heights and, like most of the best Mexican restaurants in Boston, offers a varied menu and plenty of cold drinks to wash everything down with.

If you like margaritas, you should definitely try their Hefe margarita on for size. This drink goes well with sweet and butter street corn and tacos.

Although you might not think about getting wings at a Mexican place, you should consider ordering them up at Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar.

The wings at this place are top-of-the-line with plenty of authentic cojita cheese.


Taquería Jalisco

291 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128
Phone: 617-567-6367

Just two blocks away from Bremen Street Community Park, Taqueria Jalisco is a trendy Bostonian icon that offers accessible and tasty food that’s also totally authentic.

Even the simplest things at Taqueria Jalisco are exceptional, like salsa and fresh chips. But, of course, if you’re feeling hungrier, you can always go for one of their entrees.

The burritos at Taqueria Jalisco are huge. I love their egg and chorizo burrito, but you can get yours with virtually any different types of proteins.

Taqueria Jalisco’s tacos are as authentic as they come with plenty of fresh traditional toppings like radishes and fresh lime juice.


Tenoch Mexican

3 Lewis St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 617-248-9537
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Take a short walk down from the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and you’ll find Tenoch Mexican.

This family-friendly restaurant hits all of the high points thanks to its excellent service and authentic Mexican cuisine. Plus, you really can’t beat the location.

I love the tacos at Tenoch Mexican. Even though you can get tasty tacos just about anywhere in the city, there’s something special about these.

The tortillas are made fresh and packed with all sorts of tender, seasoned meats like steak and carnitas and topped with avocado, cheese, and many different types of relishes. 


Villa Mexico Cafe

121 Water St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 617-957-0725
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Villa Mexico Cafe is very close to Boston’s Jenney Plaza and offers fantastic food in a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.

This restaurant delivers on many different levels, so if you’re looking for a good selection of food and knowledgable and friendly wait staff, it’s a must-visit in Boston.

They can also make substitutions for food allergies. I love the burrito bowls at Villa Mexico Cafe. Each one comes with tons of meats, cheeses, and fresh ingredients.

So it’s best to go there on an empty stomach or with good company to share your meal with because you get a ton of food.


Chilacates

Multiple locations
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Chilacates is another Boston staple, with plenty of locations around the city. One thing I love about Chilacates is that you can get lighter, vegetarian fare.

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They even have gluten-free and vegan dishes. The vegetarian dishes aren’t an afterthought either, as with some restaurants.

If you like meat, the pastor tacos are second to none, and adventurous eaters will undoubtedly want to try the lengua – or beef tongue.

Additional stand-outs are rice and beans and enchiladas. The food is fresh and flavorful but never greasy, making this a five-star dining experience in my book.


La Victoria Taqueria

12 Medford St, Arlington, MA 02474
Phone: 781-859-5503
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La Victoria Taqueria is next to Mt. Pleasant Cemetary in Arlington Center, and if you’re a Mexican food connoisseur, you should make a point to visit it.

There are many different options, and you can customize your entree to suit your taste. Try the homemade salsa for a real treat.

Plus, you’ll get your meal in a matter of minutes, making La Victoria Taqueria a wonderful place to dine if you’re in a hurry.

The only downside is that the restaurant is small, so you might have to wait for a seat during busy times.

The enchiladas with green sauce and Mexican rice are the top menu items.


The Painted Burro

219 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144
Phone: 617-776-0005
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Travel right around the corner from Kenney Park, and you’ll find The Painted Burro. This cute and whimsical restaurant famously serves some of the best fish tacos in all of Boston.

They’re fresh, citrus heavy, and go perfectly with rice and beans. Best of all, you won’t be overly full after your trip to The Painted Burro, making it the ideal lunch spot.

There are also plenty of traditional Mexican sides at The Painted Burro, including papas bravas. Other excellent menu items include chicharrones, homemade guacamole, and short ribs tacos.

Since The Painted Burro is such a popular hot spot, you should consider making a reservation.


Yellow Door Taqueria

Multiple locations
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If you’re craving tasty food, there’s probably a Yellow Door Taqueria nearby. Yellow Door Taquerias have plenty of fusion Mexican food on the menu, plus delectable passion fruit margaritas to wash it all down.

Some of my favorites are the queso fondita and coconut shrimp. You also can’t go wrong with any meal at Yellow Door Taqueria.

Brunch tends to be packed, so get there early to get a seat and enjoy their avocado tostadas and different drink options.

It’s an eclectic, fun, and exciting place to get your Mexican food fix in the heart of Boston, and you certainly won’t regret visiting.


Anna’s Taqueria

Multiple locations
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Anna’s Taqueria has many locations in metro Boston and the surrounding areas, offering vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore food in a flash.

One of the things that I like about Anna’s Taqueria is that there’s guaranteed to be something on the menu for everyone in your group, regardless of their dietary needs.

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Although you’d have a hard time finding something not to love on the menu, there are a few things that are genuinely next-level, like their super burritos and taquitos.

Get them with the meat or veggie filling of your choice. Likewise, nachos and guacamole are excellent choices if you want something to share.


Barra

23a Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143
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A mere block from Walnut Street Park, you’ll find Bara, one of Somerville’s top authentic Mexican restaurants.

From the apps to the main dishes, there’s much to fall in love with on the menu. Try their homemade guacamole or shrimp with lime juice and cilantro.

You’ll find traditional Mexican fare at Barra, plus a few fusion surprises. I like the tuna tostaditas with raw tuna, leeks, avocado, and mayonnaise.

All of the ingredients work well together, with the leeks adding a nice mellow note at the end. The cactus salad is tasty and tart too.


Casa Romero

30 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-536-4341
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Take a trip to the Domingo F. Sarmiento statue, and you’ll be just a minute or two away from Casa Romero, a Boston gem offering excellent service, tasty Mexican food, and a wonderful ambiance.

Their servers are amicable and accommodating and can make menu recommendations based on your tastes.

Everything on the menu is fresh and flavorful, from the homemade salsa to Casa Romero’s signature enchiladas.

If you can, save some room for dessert because the churros at Casa Romero are out of this world. I absolutely recommend that you try to make a reservation, especially during busier times. 


There are plenty of reasons you should explore the beautiful city of Boston, Massachusetts. It’s a historical hub with excellent museums, a thriving cultural scene, and good nightlife.

There are also plenty of incredible restaurants around every corner, and if you’re craving something good, these Mexican restaurants in Boston will hit the spot. If you’re looking for some place to eat that’s a bit more scenic, then definitely check out these awesome waterfront spots around town!

Did we miss your favorite Boston Mexican restaurant? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll be sure to check it out.

Why Trust Us?

When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Boston.eater.com and Timeout.com. 

We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible. 

Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.

https://boston.eater.com/maps/best-mexican-food-boston
https://www.timeout.com/boston/restaurants/best-mexican-restaurants-in-boston
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60745-c29-Boston_Massachusetts.html
https://bostonuncovered.com/mexican-restaurants-boston/
https://www.thrillist.com/eat/boston/best-mexican-food-in-boston
https://www.opentable.com/cuisine-in-metro/boston-restaurants/mexican

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Quora, Google Guide and Facebook.