Mexican food is a favorite among many people. It is relatively cost efficient, it tastes good, and it fills you up. There are many Mexican restaurants all across the United States and even some chain fast-food restaurants that serve Mexican inspired cuisine. Since we share a border with Mexico and have many Mexican immigrants in this country, the best Mexican food that you will get outside of Mexico, will be found in the United States. Most foodies that I know, have at least one good Mexican restaurant that they know of, and I am sure that you do as well. Since Mexican cuisine is so popular in the United States, we are going to take a look at some of the best Mexican restaurants in the country, in no particular order. While there are many Mexican restaurants in the nation, we picked out some of our favorites.
Loló – San Francisco, California
Located on 974 Valencia Street in San Francisco, California is Loló. The first thing that you will notice about this restaurant is how charming it is. The interior is very colorful, modern, and fun. The owner and head chef Jorge Martinez and his wife Lorena had opened a few successful restaurants in Guadalajara, Mexico. Since then they have moved to the Mission District in San Fran. and opened Loló. Being native Mexicans, you know you are getting good food here. The restaurant has been a massive hit and they even expanded recently to accommodate the influx of customers. Martinez serves some fusion “Jaliscan-Californian” cuisine in addition to popular favorites.
El Pinto – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Given the environment of New Mexico and how close it is to Mexico itself, you will probably feel like you are in the country when eating at El Pinto. The restaurant itself is massive and is located on twelve acres of land. The have five extravagant patios and over 140 different kinds of tequila. The salsa factory next door provides the restaurant with fresh, authentic salsa every day as well. This is as good as it gets.
Las Casuelas Terraza – Palm Springs, California
Located out in Palm Springs is Las Casuelas Terraza. This restaurant first opened up back in the 1950’s and was the first Mexican restaurant out in the deserts of Palm Springs. The restaurant is inside a massive building and it can seat many either in its multiple dining rooms or its various patios. They serve up authentic Mexican food here and hand make their own sweet corn tamales every day. All the food they serve is based on family recipes and it is certainly a great place to eat.
La Condesa – Austin, Texas
In a city and even state that is oversaturated with Tex-Mex restaurants owned and operated by people who have no ties to Mexico, La Condesa is a breath of fresh air. The restaurant is located in the downtown area of the city and it serves up “progressive Mexican food”. That is to say that they take authentic dishes, but add their own twist. The results are dishes that are unique, yet very nostalgic. They also have great happy-hour deals and serve up a sauce that takes three days to make. If you are in Austin, definitely eat here.
El Vez – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Next on our list we see a restaurant from the east coast of the country. The restaurant was opened by restauranteur Stephen Starr who has a few other restaurants in Philly. El Vez is big, colorful, and vibrant and the food matches its atmosphere. Its easily the best Mexican restaurant in the city, and some of the best in the country. The serve up creative Mexican dishes with modern twists and their guacamole menu is absolutely absurd. Oh and they make great margaritas as well.
El Centro – Boston, Massachusetts
In a city very far north that gets really cold in the winter, it can be difficult to find quality Mexican food, but the dishes they serve up at El Centro are pretty amazing. Its one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city, and one of the top in the country. Head chef and owner Allan Rodriquez serves classic “Sonora style” food that is cooked over charcoals. The dishes here are great and filling, and its definitely worth it to stop by for a bite.
Mesa Coyoacán – Brooklyn, New York
Mesa Coyoacán is located in the affluent and exciting neighborhood of Williamsburg. In an area dominated by hipsters and avant-garde restaurants, you will only find solid, authentic, and untampered Mexican food here. Head chef Ivan Garcia was born in Mexico City and he brings into the kitchen influences from his grandmothers cooking, and the classic street food of the city. Definitely check this place out.
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