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15 Best Mexican Restaurants in Sacramento

Are you craving authentic Mexican cuisine but not sure where to find it in Sacramento? Look no further!

mexican restaurants in sacramento prepares delicious soutzoukakia

We’ve compiled a list of the best Mexican restaurants in the city, where you can immerse yourself in the flavors and spices of Mexico without ever leaving town.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the top spots to indulge in Mexican classics like tacos, burritos, and chile rellenos, as well as lesser-known gems such as mole or birria.

We’ll provide detailed descriptions of each restaurant’s ambiance, dishes, and flavors, helping you plan your dining experience with ease.

Whether you prefer hearty and savory dishes or spicy and tangy flavors, the Mexican food scene in Sacramento has something to satisfy every palate.

We’ll even provide tips on navigating varying spice levels and recommendations for the best drinks to pair with your meal.

So get ready to savor the tastes and aromas of Mexico as we guide you through the top spots to eat delicious Mexican food in Sacramento. Vamanos!


Zócalo

Multiple locations
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Zócalo
Source: Zócalo

Zócalo Mexican Bar and Grill is a gorgeous, spacious Mexican restaurant and bar with multiple locations, but the one I eat at is in Midtown, on Capitol Ave.

This elegant spot is a go-to for date nights, ladies’ nights, birthdays, brunches, and happy hours alike.

It inspires a bustling environment that gets quite loud, but I think that’s a part of its charm.

In any case, you can save the conversation for later and focus on their tasty drinks, such as their mojitos and their signature blackberry margaritas.

In terms of food, I love their enchiladas, burrito bowl, and shrimp tacos.

For dessert, don’t hesitate to order their churros with vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle. Just thinking about it makes me hungry!


Chando’s Tacos

Multiple locations
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Chando’s Tacos
Source: Chando’s Tacos

Chando’s Tacos started as a food truck, but it’s now a brick-and-mortar restaurant with multiple locations throughout the Sacramento area.

Chando’s is known for its fresh, made-to-order tacos that are served quickly and at a great price.

Their most popular location is on Arden Way, northeast of downtown Sacramento.

It’s nice to go to a casual, counter-serve taco joint to pick up authentic street tacos at a reasonable price compared to what you’d get at a fancier sit-down restaurant.

And they are tastier than most tacos at fancy sit-down restaurants too!

I love the carne asada tacos the most, but you can’t go wrong with any order.

Plus, they have low-carb options, such as cheese crust and lettuce wrap tacos.


Ernesto’s Mexican Food

1901 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: 916-441-5850
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Ernesto’s Mexican Food
Source: Ernesto’s Mexican Food

Like Zócalo, Ernesto’s is another bustling and vibrant Mexican restaurant in Sacramento.

They have all the classic plates you could hold for, such as chimichangas, carne asada, shrimp tacos, quesadillas, and more.

Most of the plates also come with the classic side dishes — refried or black beans, Mexican rice, and sour cream.

Interestingly enough, while I love all of those options, I usually go for the chicken tortilla soup when I go to Ernesto’s.

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Something about it is so delightful, tasty, and comforting.

But if that’s not enough to fill me up, I’ll add one or two tacos to round out the meal.


Centro Cocina Mexicana

2730 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: 916-442-2552
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Centro Cocina Mexicana
Source: Centro Cocina Mexicana

Centro Cocina Mexicana is a slightly more upscale Mexican restaurant located in Sacramento’s Midtown neighborhood, right outside James Marshall Park.

The festive interior is perfect for a special night out, whether it’s a birthday celebration or romantic dinner.

The menu consists of all the classic eats but has some Mexican dishes you might not see everywhere, such as chicken tamales, tostadas, and queso fundido — which are all incredible.

Centro Cocina is also wonderful for happy hour because their drinks are a bit more unique.

Try the strawberry hibiscus margarita or the habanero pineapple-infused tequila.


Tres Hermanas

2416 K St, Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: 916-443-6919
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Tres Hermanas
Source: Tres Hermanas

Between Midtown and Boulevard Park, near Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, you’ll find Tres Hermanas, one of the best Mexican restaurants in Sacramento.

What makes it one of the best?

For starters, the vibe is immaculate because it’s a casual space but still trendy, welcoming, and well-designed.

I love places where I don’t have to dress up but still offer a distinct ambiance, and Tres Hermanas does just that.

Secondly, there is so much food to choose from on the menu, and I’ve never eaten anything here that I didn’t like.

You can get whatever you like — quesadillas, burritos, salads, tacos, tamales, flautas, chimichangas, combination plates, and more.

The options are endless, and there is even a whole fish and vegetarian section on the menu as well.

My advice? No matter which dish you choose, get chili verde sauce on it!


Mayahuel

1200 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-441-7200
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Mayahuel
Source: Mayahuel

Located in Sacramento’s Downtown Plaza, Mayahuel is a more upscale Mexican restaurant with a modern twist.

The space is gorgeous, and the service is wonderful.

The menu is pretty pricey, but it’s worth it for a special occasion.

They even sometimes have a live Mariachi band, which unsurprisingly adds a lot to the festive and cheery vibe.

I’m a meat eater and love the poblano pepper stuffed with crab and shrimp, but it may be helpful to share that they have an extensive vegan menu as well — arguably one of the best of all Mexican restaurants in Sacramento.


El Novillero Restaurant

4216 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95820
Phone: 916-456-4287
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El Novillero Restaurant
Source: El Novillero Restaurant

Like Mayahuel, El Novillero is another festive spot, but it is outside of downtown in the North City Farms area.

Additionally, instead of a modern twist, El Novillero sports a more traditional decor and feel, which families tend to feel drawn to.

Their enchiladas and chimichangas are incredible.

But no matter which dish you choose, come hungry because their portions tend to be quite enormous, which I love!

While young adults may celebrate their birthdays at Mayahuel or another spot in Midtown, El Novillero is also a birthday spot, but more for older adults and families.

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CABALLO BLANCO RESTAURANTE

5604 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95824
Phone: 916-428-6706
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CABALLO BLANCO RESTAURANTE
Source: CABALLO BLANCO RESTAURANTE

Another casual, family-friendly Mexican restaurant in the North City Farms area of Sacramento is called Caballo Blanco Restaurante.

Caballo is very close to the South Sacramento Pet Hospital.

People appreciate Caballo not only for its delicious, classic Mexican eats but also for its friendly and consistent service.

It’s a family-owned spot that has stood the test of time — likely due to its high-quality staff and business culture.

I love sharing the nachos with whoever I go with because Caballo never skimps on the fixings.

It’s also a lovely place to enjoy soup, and if you get a combo dinner, it’ll automatically come with a small bowl!


Chevys

1369 Garden Hwy, Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: 916-649-0390
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Chevys
Source: Chevys

Chevy’s is an exceptionally large Mexican restaurant with plenty of indoor and outdoor space, making it quite lively to go to with a larger group of friends or family.

It’s located on the Sacramento River in front of Austin B. Carroll Heritage Oak Grove.

Their food is decent, especially the crab enchiladas, but I mostly come for the drinks!

They have a unique selection of margaritas, including an exceptional coconut margarita.

They also offer classics like Palomas, Moscow mules, etc., and the environment is fun and vibrant, so you may end up staying quite a while.


Dos Coyotes Border Cafe

Multiple locations
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Dos Coyotes Border Cafe
Source: Dos Coyotes Border Cafe

If Chevys sounded a bit overwhelming to you, then maybe you’d prefer a quieter spot like Dos Coyotes.

It is still colorful and vibrant but much smaller and cozier.

The dishes at Dos Coyotes, located in Natomas south of North Natomas Regional Park, are not authentically Mexican.

Rather, they are Southwestern, so you’ll find more Tex-Mex-style dishes here.

I recommend one of their handcrafted burritos because they are absolutely delicious and packed with fresh ingredients.


La Rosa Blanca

2813 Fulton Ave #5103, Sacramento, CA 95821
Phone: 916-484-6104
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La Rosa Blanca
Source: La Rosa Blanca

La Rosa Blanca is a fun spot to go to on the weekends, especially due to their live music sessions.

I like going there when I’m in the Bohemian Village area, northeast of downtown Sacramento.

They have a lot of familiar Mexican dishes, but they are best known for their incredible chimichangas.

I also think that their nachos rival Caballo Blanca’s nachos because they are overloaded with toppings like cheese, jalapenos, pico de gallo, and olives.

No matter what menu item I choose, I always make sure to order a side of their refried beans if it doesn’t already come with my meal.

I’m not sure what they do to make them so unforgettable, but those refried beans are perhaps what keeps me traveling in that direction again and again.


Mas Taco Bar

Multiple locations
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Mas Taco Bar
Source: Mas Taco Bar

Like Dos Coyotes, Mas Taco Bar is also a Southwestern-style Mexican restaurant rather than an authentic one.

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They have locations in Midtown, Sierra Oaks, and Broadstone.

I think that their tacos are some of the best in town, and I love that they offer a variety of unique options you can’t find anywhere else, like a Korean Fried Chicken taco that combines kimchi and cilantro or their Fried Oyster taco that includes Tapatio aioli.

They also have incredibly tasty bowls, such as their Drunken Chicken bowl with tomatillo beer braised chicken and cotija cheese.

Outside of tacos and bowls, they have other unique dishes, too, like habanero fireballs.

I wouldn’t dare leave the restaurant without ordering those!


Mezcal Grill

1620 W El Camino Ave #172, Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: 916-646-4826
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Mezcal Grill
Source: Mezcal Grill

The Mezcal Grill on El Camino Ave, near Creekside Oaks Park, is a straightforward gem.

Mezcal is one of the best places to get fajitas, ceviche, and molcajete specials.

The best thing to do here is get something that includes their mole sauce, or ask for the mole sauce on the side if not.

My advice is to order the mole enchiladas if you’re not sure what to get.

The shrimp enchiladas are especially tasty, but you’ll be pleased with any of their enchiladas.


Midtown’s Cantina Alley

2320 Jazz Alley, Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: 833-232-0639
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Midtown’s Cantina Alley
Source: Midtown’s Cantina Alley

Cantina Alley is a lively, crowded, and super fun Mexican restaurant to dine at for both food and drinks in Midtown.

I’m a fan of meat tacos, but I must say, their potato tacos rival even the best meat-based tacos I’ve ever had!

It’s also a great spot to try elote, a Mexican dish of grilled corn on the cob smothered in mayo, chili powder, and cheese.

If you’re a fan of margaritas, don’t miss out on their watermelon margarita — it’s by far one of my favorites.


Nenas Mexican Cuisine

232 Jibboom St, Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: 916-321-9543
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Nenas Mexican Cuisine
Source: Nenas Mexican Cuisine

Nenas Mexican Cuisine is an unassuming spot for classic Mexican plates and drinks.

I love the location, right by the Sacramento River, near the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity.

It’s easily accessible without getting as crowded as some of the Mexican spots downtown.

That said, you’ll get more relaxed vibes here as you munch on warm plates of carne asada, quesadillas, huevos rancheros, chimichangas, and more.


There you have it — the best Mexican restaurants in Sacramento!

Mexican food is a cuisine that arguably almost every American craves every now and then, so having good Mexican food options is always a plus for any city.

Whether you’re looking for authentic dishes or something with a modern twist, the restaurants on this list are sure to please your taste buds and your belly!

Looking for some Italian food? Check out our favorite restaurants in the city!

And if you’re familiar with the Mexican restaurant scene, did we leave a restaurant out of this list?

Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!

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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.