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Top picks in East Side

Mexican food

A meal that stays true to its heritage instead of adapting to what is convenient for the kitchen.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
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Updated May 2026
01
La Flor Grocery Store image 1
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Carnitas shine with moist, tender texture and bold seasoning. Menudo offers a rich, flavorful experience. Tamales near the register come in spicy green and piña varieties, with a firmer texture. Nopales add a fresh, excellent touch to the menu.

Carnitas stand out with well seasoned, moist, and tender meat. Menudo is rich and flavorful, while tamales offer good flavor with some spice in the green ones and a firmer texture overall.

People are saying

"The carnitas here are so flavorful and moist."

"The carnitas here are flavorful, moist, and tender."

Good to know

1

Carnitas are available on weekends, making it a popular choice.

2

Expect a long line during peak hours, but it moves quickly.

3

Bolios and Teleras are available for those wanting carnitas in a torta.

02
Birrieria Don Luis image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican spot offers authentic birria and handmade tortillas in a clean, spacious setting. Outdoor patio with live music adds charm to the family vibe. Tacos shine with marinated chicken and flavorful salsas, making it perfect for a relaxed evening.

Birria stands out with perfect seasoning and a unique Ramen Birria twist. Tacos come in many forms, including marinated chicken, shrimp, and veggie options, all paired with flavorful green and red salsas.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos, was some of the best I've had."

"You have to try the birria ramen; it's full of flavor and meat."

"I found this place to be a true hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $30 for a three-taco dinner.

2

Credit card payments may incur extra charges.

3

Street parking is available and easy to find.

03
Birrieria Ocotlan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, crowded space creates an intimate, lively vibe perfect for authentic Mexican food lovers. Birria shines with rich flavor and tacos like tacobirria offer real Mexican taste. Cozy setting and neighborhood energy make it a standout spot.

Birria stands out with its authentic, rich Mexican flavor and is widely regarded as excellent and very tasty. The tacobirria and corazón tacos offer a delicious, real Mexican taste that many find unmatched in the area.

People are saying

"I thought the birria had a delicious, authentic Mexican taste."

"The food here is delicious and authentic Mexican."

"I loved the quesabirrias soup."

Good to know

1

They now accept credit cards, but cash is still preferred.

2

Parking on the street can be tricky; a lot is nearby.

3

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

04
Nicky'z Gyros image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small spot with rustic charm offers tasty steak tacos and popular gyros. Quiet atmosphere suits casual dining. Prices vary, some find them a bit high. Crispy fries add to the mix.

Small hole-in-the-wall spot serving steak tacos that are pretty good. Offers a mix of Mexican food and gyros in a casual setting.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and has excellent flavor."

"The gyros here are the best Greek food I've ever tasted."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is pretty good."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay extra for sides like fries and lemon pepper.

2

Prices have increased recently, affecting portion sizes.

3

The total cost for a meal averages around $11.

05
Lily's Supermarket image 1
Grocery store

Small grocery store offers exquisite tamales with single fillings sold by the dozen. Known for great carnitas and tacos, it serves fresh homemade Mexican food. Neighborhood spot feels welcoming and pleasant despite occasional odors.

Tamales come in single fillings and sell by the half or full dozen, with options like red pork and green chicken. Carnitas and tacos stand out for their fresh homemade quality and variety.

People are saying

"I found the tamales here to be exquisite and amazing."

"I felt this local grocery store truly makes a difference."

"I found the Mexican Food tamales to be exquisite and the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Tamales are only sold by the dozen or half-dozen.

2

Tamales are sold with a single filling only.

3

Lily's Supermarket has a variety of groceries and prepared meals.

06
Paleteria Mi Lindo Michoacán image 1

Ice cream shop offers mazapán popsicles and savory chicken flautas. Casual vibe with elotes and refreshing mangonadas perfect for hot days. Prices stay moderate with special orders available.

Chicken flautas stand out as a delicious choice here. The menu also features elotes and refreshing mangonadas, great for a hot day.

People are saying

"I loved the variety of delicious ice cream flavors and snacks."

"The food and ice cream here are really delicious."

"The Mexican food snacks here are always fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

This location offers a large variety of ice cream flavors and foods.

2

Prices at Paleteria Mi Lindo Michoacán are generally affordable.

3

Special orders are available for customized ice cream treats.

07
El Tapatio image 1
Mexican grocery store

Mexican grocery store offers freshly cooked tamales and weekend specials like menudo and carnitas. Shoppers find affordable prices and a well stocked selection of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meats. Perfect for quick, convenient last-minute grocery trips.

Tamales stand out as a very tasty option here. Weekends bring ready-to-eat menudo, carnitas, and barbacoa alongside other Mexican staples like chicken fajitas and taco meat.

People are saying

"I found it to be a great neighborhood grocery store."

"I found the tamales to be very tasty."

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tamales, to be very tasty."

Good to know

1

The store offers a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.

2

You can find a variety of dairy products available for purchase.

3

The meat market provides quality cuts at affordable prices.

08
Tacos Castillo #1 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining area pushes quick visits and takeout. Menu shines with authentic tacos like al pastor and steak tortas. Prices stay low, with a cash discount. Weekend tamales and creamy verde salsa add special touches.

Steak tortas with everything and burrito bowls stand out here. Tacos like asada, del pastor, and de tripa offer solid variety. Weekend tamales and creamy verde salsa add nice touches.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"I found the green salsa to be a great topping for the tacos."

"Their Mexican food, especially the tacos, is packed with flavorful meat."

Good to know

1

They offer a discount if you pay with cash instead of card.

2

There is a small seating area, and most people get their food to go.

3

Tamales are made on weekdays, so plan accordingly.

09
Los Tres Amigos #2 LLC image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic steak tacos with rich salsas in a colorful atmosphere that feels peaceful. Generous portions make meals satisfying, while late-night hours and a drive-thru add great convenience. Occasional fireworks add a fun touch to the dining experience.

Steak tacos come with lots of meat and pair well with rice and beans. Burritos and steak quesadillas feature authentic Mexican flavors complemented by delicious salsas.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were the best I've ever had."

"This Mexican food torta is the best tasting and packed with ingredients."

"This food is the best tasting, well seasoned, and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a drive-thru for convenient takeout.

2

Expect a 4% fee for card payments, which may not be disclosed upfront.

3

Prices are reasonable, with tacos starting at $6.

10
Tacos El Rey image 1
Taco restaurant

Enjoy handmade corn tortillas with perfectly seasoned chicken and al pastor for authentic Mexican flavors. The trendy taqueria vibe blends with a fun bar-like atmosphere. Relax on the cool outdoor patio away from the lively indoor space.

Tacos come with handmade corn tortillas and feature perfectly seasoned chicken and al pastor that stands out for flavor. Salsas de chile add a delicious kick, and the prices stay reasonable.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos had incomparable seasoning and amazing flavor."

"The salsas here are delicious and come in a great variety."

"I thought the Mexican food's tacos had incomparable seasoning."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not accept reservations.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour for food during peak hours.

3

Prices for meals can reach up to $45 for two dinners and three drinks.

11
MAR & SUCHII image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood shines with shrimp tacos and mango ceviche, blending Mexican zest with sushi flair. Trendy black and white decor and wood tables set a relaxing vibe. Music shifts from loud beats to live performances, making it a cool spot for food and fun.

Shrimp tacos stand out with large portions and a unique sauce unlike typical mixes. Other dishes include flavorful tacos de asada, mango ceviche, octopus tacos, and refreshing mango Agua Frescas.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and the portions are huge."

"The seafood service here is amazing and helpful."

"The Mexican food here, especially the shrimp tacos, is amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay $18 for a single sushi order of 10 pieces.

2

Langostinos cost $30 and do not include sides like rice or salad.

3

Credit card payments incur a 6% extra charge.

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