There’s no need to sit down at a restaurant for tip-top Mexican food, much less head south of the border. The U.S. boasts Mexican restaurants serving delicious, authentic fare from coast to coast for delivery or takeout. Some are humble mom-and-pop taquerias offering cheap eats, while others are full-service restaurants that aim to elevate Mexican cuisine with inventive menus. Whether you want a basic burrito or a multi-course feast, these restaurants have your cravings covered, to-go.
Note: While many states have ordered restaurants to close to dine-in customers, all of the establishments on this list are offering takeout and/or delivery.
Related: 21 Budget-Friendly Mexican Dishes
El Barrio | Birmingham, Alabama
Downtown Birmingham’s El Barrio is “nothing short of spectacular” because of its off-beat, locally sourced menu, according to the Alabama news website Al.com. Reviewers on TripAdvisor agree. The grilled chorizo meatloaf and grapefruit margaritas are among diners’ favorite items.
La Cabaña | Anchorage, Alaska
Good Mexican food in Alaska? Reviewers say La Cabaña makes it possible. This restaurant is worth a visit for its friendly staff and consistently good food, diners say. Look for the halibut Veracruz.
Rolando’s Nuevo Latino | Hot Springs, Arkansas
Housed in a 19th-century building in the city’s historic bathhouse district, Rolando’s serves Mexican and other Latin food with a more modern spin. Signature dishes include pollo bohemia, chicken marinated in a Cuban mojo, sautéed in lime and tequila, served with peppers, onions, and parsley.
Geronimo Southwest Grill | New Haven, Connecticut
Are you a tequila connoisseur? Geronimo claims to have the largest selection on the East Coast, and even offers tequila flights. Added bonus: The food is also great, and even the New York Times calls many of the dishes “sensational,” including the tequila and citrus-marinated pork pibil.
Border Café | Newark, Delaware
This Massachusetts import (it began in Harvard Square) has become one of the best-loved restaurants in Delaware, and the menu offers both Tex-Mex and Cajun favorites. Reviewers highlight the tasty fajitas and shrimp and crawfish quesadillas.
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El Rey Del Taco | Atlanta
El Rey Del Taco has attracted the attention of some prominent critics, landing a spot on Travel + Leisure’s list of the nation’s best Mexican restaurants. The lengua (tongue) taco on housemade tortillas is tops on Zagat’s list of “12 Tacos Every Atlantan Needs to Try.” Diners vouch for the food’s authenticity.
Despo’s | Ketchum, Idaho
Despite the “no-frills” feel at Despo’s, Zagat says the traditional food at this longtime local favorite hits the spot. The owners “lean green” and aim to serve locally sourced ingredients, too. Diners agree that everything is fresh; many recommend the burritos and tortilla soup.
La Regia Taqueria | Iowa City, Iowa
La Regia offers classic, no-frills takeout so popular that you’ll want to place your order well in advance. Reviewers recommend grabbing a glass bottle of Mexican soda to go with the simple fare, though if you’re adventurous, taco and burrito fillings include tripe and tongue.
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Jarocho | Kansas City, Kansas
Known for its Mexican seafood, Jarocho also has very reasonable prices. Diners say the ceviche and seafood paella are among the highlights here. Family packs for four are also available.
Juan’s Flying Burrito | New Orleans
This laid-back spot in the Garden District is noted for its massive burritos and dash of Creole flavors that accompany its traditional Tex-Mex, Zagat says. The menu at Juan’s makes use of Gulf shrimp whenever possible, and reviewers say the nachos and margaritas are among the best offerings.
Taco Escobarr | Portland, Maine
Lobster-happy Maine isn’t exactly a hotspot for Mexican food, but Taco Escobarr more than does its part to add some culinary diversity. Eater Maine says it’s one of the best spots for tacos in the state, calling out the wide variety of tortillas and fillings. The burritos are also great, reviewers say.
Tortilleria Sinaloa | Baltimore
Tortilleria Sinaloa‘s devotees say that this is the place to call for some of the most delicious, authentic tacos in town. That doesn’t mean there’s no local flavor, though: Specialties include a tilapia taco with Old Bay butter sauce.
El Sarape | Weymouth Landing, Massachusetts
El Sarape has earned accolades from both The Daily Meal and Travel + Leisure as one of the country’s best, most authentic Mexican restaurants. The latter publication recommends staples including carnitas and enchiladas verde, or the guisado con chile ancho — that’s chicken or beef casserole with potatoes, onions, and red chile sauce.
El Asador | Detroit
This Mexican steakhouse is relatively new, but it’s already created a lot of buzz in Detroit dining circles. El Asador emphasizes from-scratch recipes, and (of course) steaks with a south-of-the-border twist. Reviewers are also complimentary about all of the seafood dishes, including shrimp tacos and lobster quesadillas.
El Burrito Mercado | St. Paul, Minnesota
Whether you want a quick, cafeteria-style meal or a traditional dinner, El Burrito Mercado has you covered. An attached grocery offers a wide range of imported favorites, too. Reviewers say you can’t beat the authenticity at this 30-year favorite, praising staples such as tacos and burritos.
Fat Mama’s Tamales | Natchez, Mississippi
Fat Mama’s is a mashup of Mexican and Southern favorites — po’ boys are also on the menu — but the hot tamales are the real draw here, reviewers say. Named the best in the state by Mississippi magazine, they come by the half-dozen and are worth the drive, reviewers say. The margaritas are also well-loved.
Mission Taco Joint | St. Louis
Zagat calls Mission a “hip gourmet street-taco specialist,” and something must be working, because there are now several locations of this local favorite. Reviewers say the biggest “must” on the menu is the side of street corn, which is grilled and served in garlic-lime mayonnaise. They also love the carne asada tacos.
Rosita’s | Libby, Montana
Authentic Mexican food isn’t exactly around every corner in Montana, and to try Rosita’s, you’re looking at a long drive unless you’re already passing through. Still, a few reviewers say the food is worth it at this no-frills café. They particularly recommend the massive burritos.
Agave Azteca | Omaha, Nebraska
The Omaha World-Herald says Agave Azteca makes good on its claims of authenticity, providing traditional favorites right for more discerning Mexican-food fans right alongside the usual staples. Its reviewer recommended the cochinita pibil, a pork dish from the Yucatán, while other diners say the fajitas are a solid choice.
El Rincón Zacatecano Taquería | Manchester, New Hampshire
The name may be a mouthful, but this Manchester favorite is worth seeking out for its authentic Mexican dishes made from family recipes that date back generations. Diners recommend El Rincon’s quesadillas and gorditas, and, being near the sea, the shrimp dishes also recieve a lot of praise.
Taqueria Downtown | Jersey City, New Jersey
Ted’s Café Escondido | Oklahoma City
Ted’s is so popular that it has grown into a chain with more than a dozen locations, and locals haven’t stopped raving about this place. Voted “Best Mexican Restaurant” 20 times by The Oklahoman newspaper, it has a wide-ranging Tex-Mex menu that diners love. Highlights include the fresh-made tortillas and complimentary sopapillas, they say.
Mi Tierra Café Y Panadería | San Antonio
Red Iguana | Salt Lake City
The Mad Taco | Waitsfield, Vermont
Despite its humble strip-mall location, reviewers say The Mad Taco serves up some of Vermont’s best Mexican food. Of course, it does so with a local twist and features several local craft beers as well. The smoked pork, kimchi, and cilantro taco is a particular favorite.
Taco Bamba | Falls Church, Virginia
The best Mexican food in Virginia can be found at four locations (and even one in D.C.). The tacos and tortas at Taco Bamba get raves from reviewers, who call it “the best street food” in the area.
La Carta De Oaxaca | Seattle
This one’s a little fancier than your typical Mexican joint, but not so much that it’s stuffy, reviewers say. Zagat says La Carta de Oaxaca‘s homemade tortillas and moles are worth waiting for a table when it’s busy. Diners recommend the fish tacos, accompanied by one of the tasty house margaritas.
Café Corazón | Milwaukee
A funky little restaurant now with three locations, Café Corazón earns a shout-out from Zagat for its “delicious, locally sourced” food. The brunch menu — featuring a range of breakfast tacos, breakfast burritos, tostada plates, and much more — earns particular praise from reviewers.
Merry Piglets | Jackson Hole, Wyoming
An unpretentious favorite in tourist haven Jackson Hole, Merry Piglets first opened in 1969 just north of the town square. Diners recommend the fajitas and street tacos — if you don’t fill up on the tasty chips and salsa.
