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New Yorkers 1st Choice
National City's best

Mexican Food

Made for those who have a deep-seated loyalty to traditional Mexican cuisine.

Based on 825 Opinions
+822
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Updated July 2026
01
Mr. Pulpo Sea Food image 1
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Seafood shines with fresh fish tacos and ceviche verde offering bold, vibrant flavors. The spot has a quiet, chill vibe in a renovated dive bar setting. Prices stay affordable with generous portions in a clean, welcoming space.

Tacos stand out with fresh fish and shrimp options that taste vibrant and satisfying. The tostada ceviche verde and spicy shrimp taco add variety and bold flavors to the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish tacos here are perfectly fried and seasoned."

"These fish tacos are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Fish tacos cost $2 on Taco Tuesday.

2

Parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

3

The facility is very clean and well-maintained.

02
LA MALCRIADA BIRRIERIA image 1

Small, quaint spot offers birria tacos with rich flavor and less fat. Spacious indoor seating and a patio deck create a family-friendly atmosphere with good music. Outdoor photo spots like a big red chair add charm to the casual vibe.

Birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and less fat saturation than typical spots. The menu features birria ramen and queso birria, alongside a highly praised salsa and tortillas.

People are saying

"This Mexican food tastes just like Tijuana, not Tex-Mex."

"The fish tacos here are really good and fresh."

"The ramen birria was surprisingly delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday specials offer regular Birria tacos for $2.50 all day.

2

Parking is easy and accessible near the restaurant.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of birria options.

03
Cesar's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic Mexican flavors with big tacos like birria and barbacoa at a chill, family-friendly stand. Despite limited seating and chaotic parking, prices stay affordable and service is good.

Tacos come big and well served with options like birria, barbacoa, cabeza, carne asada, and trompa. The spot offers authentic Mexican flavors and a chill vibe with good service.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is the best."

"I thought the tacos here were fire."

"I found the food here to be very good."

Good to know

1

Parking can be chaotic and difficult to find near the taco shop.

2

The taco shop has limited seating and can get crowded.

3

Prices at the taco shop are generally affordable.

04
Mi Pastor Town image 1
Mexican restaurant

Kitchen inside a liquor store creates a cozy, lively atmosphere filled with authentic Mexican aromas. Tacos shine with juicy, flavorful meat and unique al pastor flavors. Burritos like Cowboy and Ironman offer large, tasty portions that transport diners to Mexico.

Tacos feature juicy, flavorful meat with simple but outstanding toppings. Unique green and pink al pastor creations stand out alongside perfectly seasoned carne asada and large, tasty burritos like the Cowboy and Ironman.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is authentic and delicious."

"I thought the California burrito was delicious and packed with meat."

"The fish tacos here are so good."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited at this location, requiring a short walk.

2

The place is located inside a mart and is not really a sit-down dining area.

3

The tacos contain nuts, so customers should be cautious if they have nut allergies.

05
Gosen produce image 1
Produce market

Family-owned market shines with Carne Asada's tender texture and amazing seasoning. Fresh fruits and flavorful salsas boost the lively vibe. Economical prices make it a great spot for natural products and tasty Mexican food.

Carne Asada stands out with its amazing seasoning and tender texture that separates easily by hand. The salsas complement the dishes well, and the tortas offer solid options.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food's carne asada seasoning was amazing and so soft."

Good to know

1

Gosen produce offers a wide variety of natural products, including shampoo powder.

2

Prices at Gosen produce are generally economical and competitive.

3

Gosen produce is a family-owned business, supporting local entrepreneurship.

06
Jugosh image 1
Restaurant

Small spot serves authentic tortas with toasted bread and well-seasoned meat. Mid-afternoon visits offer a calm atmosphere with no lines. Prices stay affordable, making it great for casual Mexican dining.

Tortas here stand out with authentic ingredients and generous portions like the Torta de Lomo that can be shared. Options like Carne Asada and Milanesa tortas bring solid, traditional Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"I loved getting the tortas; they reminded me of Mexico."

"I found the food here to be great and yummy."

Good to know

1

A meal costs around $12.

2

There was no line on Sunday at 2 pm.

3

It's a small business, offering a unique experience.

07
Machete Bar image 1

Bar features a craft beer selection with many IPAs and simple Mexican eats like flavorful tacos served outside. Atmosphere is chill and divey with old black and white movies on screen, attracting a younger crowd. Food pairs well with cold brews for a casual vibe.

Tacos served outside offer a solid flavor and pair well with a cold brew. The spot combines casual vibes with simple Mexican eats.

People are saying

"I loved the great craft beer selection here."

"It's a chill vibe with pool tables and live music."

"The Mexican food outside is excellent."

Good to know

1

Machete Bar has a food truck out front for food options.

2

There is no parking available at Machete Bar.

3

Food is not available inside Machete Bar, only from the food truck.

08
Fiesta Market image 1
Grocery store

Grocery store shines with fresh meat selection and clean, organized shelves. Outdoor spot serves TJ style street tacos with bold flavors and various meats. Don't miss the pistachio ice cream priced competitively for a sweet finish.

Carne asada burritos come with guacamole inside and feature thin sliced meat that works well for BBQ. Street tacos offer a variety of meats and deliver strong flavor in a TJ style.

People are saying

"I found the food here so good and cooked fresh."

"I exclaimed that it was the best carne asada burrito I had ever had."

"I exclaimed that their Mexican Food was the best I had ever had."

Good to know

1

They serve hot food on Saturday and Sunday.

2

The store is clean and well-organized.

3

The meat looks fresh and high quality.

09
Taqueria Los Famosos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small taco shop shines with handmade tortillas and affordable adobada tacos featuring a unique cinnamon twist. Clean, casual vibe suits quick bites or takeout. Bold flavors and generous portions make it a top spot for Mexican food lovers.

Tacos here come with fresh soft tortillas, generous meat portions, and vibrant toppings. The adobada tacos cost just over a dollar and pack bold flavor, while the California burrito stands out with its unique taste.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

"I ordered tacos and ended up ordering seconds and thirds."

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Adding guacamole increases the price to $2.33.

2

There are limited seating options, so takeout is recommended.

3

The adobada tacos are priced at only $1 and some change.

10
Carnitas Quiroga image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, clean spot offers family-friendly vibe with inside and outside seating. Carnitas are incredibly flavorful and tender, making them a must-try. Guests enjoy free samples and tacos, adding to the welcoming atmosphere despite some annoying music.

Carnitas stand out as incredibly flavorful and tender, often described as some of the best in town. The menu also features chilaquiles rojos con carnitas and tortas de asada, both highly praised for their taste and authenticity.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas here to be the best I ever had."

"I found the tacos here to be amazing and delicious."

"The carnitas here are amazing Mexican food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is fairly new and currently has no wait for a table.

2

They have package deals that include carnitas, rice, beans, salsa, and tortillas for $21.

3

The 2.99 Taco Tuesday deal applies only to mini tacos, not regular-sized tacos.

11
Nandri Indian Cafe image 1
Indian restaurant

Spacious cafe with an open roof offers a homey atmosphere and live band for lively vibes. Unique curry tamales blend Indian spices with Mexican flavors. Plenty of board games like checkers and chess make it kid-friendly and fun.

Curry tamales stand out with Indian spices in the masa and curry inside and on top. The menu also features dishes like chicken Nandri Taco and vegetarian cauliflower taco, offering a mix of flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the dosa."

"The owners are so kind and welcoming, making the curry experience special."

"You've got to try the curry tamales; I was hooked after the first bite."

Good to know

1

You can host events there.

2

There are microphones and speakers, suggesting they might host karaoke nights.

3

The parking lot in the back is a big plus.

12
TacoMan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with limited parking creates a cozy, bustling vibe perfect for quick, flavorful meals. Bold carne asada and carnitas shine with perfect seasoning and generous portions. Warm tortillas and spicy salsas add fresh, authentic Mexican flavors.

Carnitas and carne asada stand out with perfect seasoning and generous portions. Warm tortillas and spicy salsas complement fresh, flavorful tacos and burritos.

People are saying

"The tacos here are packed with flavor and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the carne asada."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited with only four spots available.

2

Expect difficulty finding parking due to one-way streets nearby.

3

Taco Tuesday deals offer great value for budget-conscious diners.

13
Chào XO Kitchen image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, elegant spot blends modern design with vibrant Asian art and plants for a warm, family-friendly vibe. Birria bursts with rich flavor from a unique pepper and spice mix. Fusion shines in the birria pho, mixing Mexican and Asian tastes perfectly.

Birria shines with rich flavor and a blend of three peppers, cinnamon, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The birria pho stands out as a phenomenal fusion dish combining Mexican and Asian influences.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and yummy."

"The coconut ceviche here is amazing and presented very prettily."

"I thought the birria pho was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant's grand opening is on March 21, 2024.

2

A special menu is available for Restaurant Week.

3

Parking is available in a shared lot, but can be limited.

14
Guanatos Mexican and Seafood image 1

Small Mexican spot shines with authentic seafood and crispy fish tacos. Cozy indoor and outdoor seating creates a warm family vibe. Pair dishes like shrimp quesadillas with refreshing horchata or lemonade for a relaxed, tasty experience.

Fish tacos stand out with their crispy fried and grilled options, paired well with horchata or lemonade. The menu also features shrimp quesadillas, burrito de adobada, menudo, and guacamole with notably good chips.

People are saying

"I thought the seafood here was excellent and well prepared."

"The chips for the Mexican food are the best I have ever had."

"I found the Mexican seafood cuisine here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant is very small with about five tables.

3

Prices are moderate, around $12 for a beef burrito and $20 for spicy shrimp.

15
Mariscos La Capital (Mexican Seafood Restaurant) image 1

Small space with an intimate vibe feels like a nightclub. Fresh seafood shines in shrimp tacos and ceviche. Tacos dorados are a must-try, paired perfectly with great margaritas for authentic Mexican flavors.

Tacos dorados stand out as extremely delicious and a highlight of the menu. Fresh seafood options like shrimp tacos, tostada mixta, and ceviche offer flavorful, well-prepared Mexican dishes.

People are saying

"The fish tacos and ceviche here are so fresh and flavorful."

"I thought the seafood here was the best I ever had."

"I found parking available right out front."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street, and it's usually easy to find.

2

The restaurant closes at 8 pm on Saturdays.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for street vendors nearby.

16
Manolo Farmers Market image 1

Market shines with freshly made tortillas and authentic Mexican dishes like tamales and carne asada. Clean, organized space offers plenty of parking but prices run high, balanced by weekly specials. Atmosphere is subdued with occasional freshness concerns.

Freshly made tortillas stand out, with both flour and corn varieties available. Tamales come in flavors like chicken and cheese jalapeño and pork, alongside carne asada and chicharrones.

People are saying

"This grocery store has delicious fresh food and bakery items."

"The fresh items at this Market are super yummy."

"I found the Mexican food tortillas to be the best."

Good to know

1

Parking is readily available with plenty of spaces.

2

Expect to wait about twenty minutes for 'Good to Go' orders.

3

Prices for items like chicken wings have increased significantly.

17
La Casa De Oro Mexican Restaurant image 1

Cozy diner with fresh handmade tortillas sets a home-like mood. Authentic Mexican dishes like birria and mole shine alongside standout chips and salsa. Loud music adds lively energy to the peaceful, family-friendly space.

Freshly made homemade tortillas greet you at the entrance, crafted by hand in plain view. The menu features birria, menudo, and mole, all paired with chips and salsa that stand out.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be authentic, fresh, and delicious."

"You have to try the handmade tortillas; they're delicious."

"You have to try the handmade tortillas with the Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 20 to 60 minutes if arriving after 9 a.m.

2

The restaurant limits dining time to 90 minutes once seated.

3

Parking is available in the plaza, but spots can be hard to find during busy hours.

18
La Original Casa Del Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic Mexican food with super tender birria and chicken mole enchiladas. Relax in a quiet, homey atmosphere with outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi. Perfect for celebrations and catering, it welcomes many elderly guests with fresh flavors and reasonable prices.

Authentic Mexican food shines with super tender birria, chicken mole enchiladas, and fresh, flavorful salsa. Complimentary chips and salsa start the meal, while tortillas taste like grandma's, adding a homey touch.

People are saying

"Their authentic Mexican food, especially the tacos, is delicious."

"I found the food here to be excellent and very tasty."

"I thought the carne asada and birria tacos were great."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are available and considered good and affordable.

2

The venue space can be rented for events like weddings.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness.

19
Taqueria Los Chuchys - National City image 1

Small Mexican spot shines with handmade tortillas and a fresh salsa bar featuring radishes and hot carrots. Cozy, unpolished vibe sets a relaxed mood. Tacos, especially carne asada with grill char, deliver authentic, bold flavors.

Carne asada has a real grill char and fresh ingredients. Thick, handmade tortillas hold large, tasty tacos and quesadillas. Salsas and aguas frescas add flavorful touches to a solid menu.

People are saying

"The carne asada tacos here are smoky, tender, and have an authentic Tijuana taste."

"The handmade tortillas here are thick and delicious."

"The carne asada tacos here are the best Mexican food I've had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has very few tables, so expect limited seating.

2

There was plenty of parking available for convenience.

3

The wait time wasn’t bad at all during my visit.

20
Chiroy's Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Cozy space with indigenous Guatemalan art offers a peaceful, family vibe. Bold flavors shine in chilaquiles and pozole, while some dishes need extra salsa. Soft music adds to the calm energy, making it warm and inviting.

Chilaquiles and pozole stand out with bold flavors and tender meat. Salsas are consistently excellent, but enchiladas and burritos can be dry and bland, needing extra salt and salsa.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"You have to try their breakfast burritos; they're the best I've ever had."

"I loved the chilaquiles verde and the beans and rice."

Good to know

1

Daily food specials are available.

2

Ordering online is cheaper than calling in.

3

Menu prices may not be updated and can be higher than listed.

21
664 TJ Birriería image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with simple decor creates a cozy setting. Birria tacos offer rich flavor and perfectly cooked tortillas that hold up well when dipped. Atmosphere feels warm and lively despite being cramped and hot.

Birria here tastes just like in Mexico with rich flavor and lots of meat. The quesabirria tacos and birra quesadilla come with perfectly cooked tortillas that hold up well when dipped.

People are saying

"The birria here is really good and flavorful."

"The birria tacos here are rich, flavorful, and packed with meat."

"I found the food to be delicious and original."

Good to know

1

The location closes early at 7 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Tacos cost almost $5 each, which is reasonable for the portion size.

3

They only offer one salsa option for the tacos.

22
Carnival Supermarket image 1

Narrow aisles buzz with a crowd drawn by freshly made tortillas and a hot deli serving authentic Mexican dishes like tamales and carnitas. Bright energy fills the space with a wide selection of Spanish brands and ready meals. Shoppers enjoy great prices and a friendly vibe throughout.

Freshly made flour tortillas stand out here, crafted on-site and served hot. The selection includes tamales, carnitas, and other ready-to-eat Mexican dishes, all priced lower than many other spots.

People are saying

"I found this grocery store to have great prices and quality."

"I thought the fresh flour tortillas were the best."

"You have to try the fresh, hot Mexican food tortillas here."

Good to know

1

Hot food costs $10.99 per pound, which can add up quickly.

2

Parking can be tight, especially during peak hours.

3

Carnival Supermarket has a good variety of fresh meats and produce.

23
LAS UVAS TEJUINO LA DONA image 1

Juice shop shines with 100% natural recipes and a family-run vibe. Tortas, especially lomo tortas, offer authentic Mexican flavors. Unique drinks like tejuino and refreshing shaved ice complete the experience.

Tortas stand out with the lomo tortas being especially good. Tacos come served without lemon, which might catch some off guard.

People are saying

"I loved the Mexican food here; the tejuino was really good."

"I loved the tejuino with ice cream, it was really good."

Good to know

1

They charge around $20 for a 32-ounce cup of tejuino with lemon and ice cream.

2

The place offers various options like raspados and ice cream.

3

This local, family-run business is unique in the area.

24
Los Burritos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers Monster Burritos packed with rich flavors and Tacos de cabeza with double tortillas. Casual vibe with a clean patio and bright flowers invites quick, family-style dining. Drive-thru adds convenience for a fast, tasty meal.

Monster Burritos come very well seasoned and dressed, offering rich flavors. Tacos de cabeza feature double tortillas and enough meat for two tacos, standing out as a favorite. The queso birria and salsa quemada add authentic Mexican taste, complemented by a good horchata.

People are saying

"The tacos here are fresh and flavorful."

"The outdoor seating area is always so clean and bright with flowers."

"The Mexican Food here is so well seasoned and dressed."

Good to know

1

The menu includes popular Mexican dishes like burritos, chile relleno, and carne asada.

2

Los Burritos has a drive-thru option for quick service.

3

Expect to pay around $20 if you add beans and rice to your burrito.

25
Casa Brava image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small spot buzzes with chipotle chilaquiles and cafe de olla. Vegetarian choices add variety. Casual seating spills into market hallways, creating a lively vibe on busy Sundays.

Chilaquiles stand out with chipotle sauce, poblano cream, and crispy tortilla slices. Machaca with eggs and cafe de olla also feature on the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"Their chilaquiles have a great crunch and rich, smoky flavor."

"The coffee here is delicious and well balanced."

Good to know

1

Parking is hard to find, but there is street parking nearby.

2

Prices are reasonable and fair for the area.

3

The restaurant offers vegetarian options on the menu.

26
Kimball Bar & Eatery image 1

Oceanfront dining offers mesmerizing decor and a lively atmosphere with live music and a warm fire pit. Mexican dishes shine with bold fajitas and authentic quesadillas paired with spicy morita salsa. The spot blends family-friendly vibes with vibrant nightlife energy.

Fajitas come with a unique twist and bold flavors that stand out. Quesadillas taste like authentic Mexico City street food, paired with incredible morita salsa that adds a flavorful kick.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and flavorful."

"I loved the food and enjoyed the live music."

"I found the vegetarian burger out of this world."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great prices.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

3

Live music events happen every Saturday night, attracting large crowds.

27
El Super image 1
Grocery store

Offers fresh queso fresco and tacos for 99 cents on Tuesdays, showcasing authentic Mexican flavors. Features a small restaurant area for quick meals and a busy butcher ensuring fresh meat. Prices stay affordable with a clean, well-stocked store atmosphere.

Tacos cost 99 cents on Tuesday with fresh queso fresco and good tortillas. Tamales and pan dulce also appear alongside classic Mexican staples.

People are saying

"This grocery store has so many Mexican products you can't find elsewhere."

"I found lots of cheap items, especially on fruits and vegetables."

"I found the best Mexican food for Taco Tuesday."

Good to know

1

El Super offers a wide variety of foods, including traditional Hispanic ingredients.

2

Prices at El Super are generally lower than at other grocery stores.

3

Parking at El Super can be challenging, especially during peak hours.

28
Rodeo's Meat image 1
Butcher shop

Butcher shop serves authentic tacos like al pastor and carnitas at great prices. Casual spot features a self-serve toppings bar with creamy avocado and spicy salsas. Perfect for quick bites or relaxed meals with tasty sides like elotes in a cup.

Tacos come with authentic flavors like al pastor, carnitas, asada, and adobada, all at reasonable prices around $2.59 each. A self-serve toppings bar offers various salsas including creamy avocado and spicy red-orange options, plus elotes in a cup add a tasty side.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were really good and flavorful."

"You have to try the elote; it's delicious."

"The food here is delicious and has an authentic taste."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost just $1 each on Saturdays.

2

Prices for tacos are reasonable even outside of special days.

3

The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes.

29
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Casual Mexican spot offers fresh grilled chicken and creamy cilantro salsa that brighten dishes like avocado tacos and shrimp tostadas. Clean, organized space with relaxing music sets a chill vibe. Frequent diners enjoy perks through a rewards app for faster service and deals.

Chicken and shrimp tostada stands out with strong flavor. Creamy cilantro salsa and other salsas add great taste. Burritos and avocado tacos come in generous portions and taste fresh.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and fresh."

"This Mexican food is so fresh and juicy, especially the chicken."

"Isabel makes my lunch spot visits better with her positive attitude."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean and organized.

2

Prices have increased from $6.99 to over $8.

3

The location is under new management, improving service quality.

30
Menudería Don Vicente image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining space creates a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Signature menudo with patas and rich birria highlight authentic Mexican flavors. A serve-yourself salsa bar adds casual, interactive fun, making it a popular spot especially on weekend mornings.

Menudo with patas stands out as a signature dish, served with care to order. The birria and red pork pozole offer rich, authentic flavors alongside a salsa bar that complements the meal well.

People are saying

"The menudo and pozole here are really tasty and authentic."

"The food here is delicious, especially the menudo and pozole."

"The tortillas here are hot and freshly made."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait during busy weekend mornings.

2

Parking is difficult; it may take up to 45 minutes to find a spot.

3

Prices have increased recently, with some dishes costing $18 for a small bowl.

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