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New Yorkers 1st Choice
South Side's best

Mexican food

Made for those who demand that their daily meals reflect the deep-rooted culinary traditions of the region.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated July 2026
01
Antojitos El Barrio image 1
Antojitos El Barrio image 2
Antojitos El Barrio image 3
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Fast food restaurant

Street truck serves homemade Mexican food with fresh ingredients and incredible seasoning. Atmosphere stays chill and inviting, attracting a steady crowd during weekdays. Food offerings include varied tacos and refreshing shaved ice, all prepared quickly and reasonably priced.

Food comes out fast and fresh with consistently delicious Mexican flavors. The dishes are finger-licking good and highly tasty every time.

Birria tacos and quesa birrias stand out for their rich flavor and perfect cooking. Mini tacos, flautas, and chicharron tacos offer a variety of authentic tastes, while dishes like menudo, enchiladas mexicanas, and carne asada with chorizo add depth to the menu.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the food from these food trucks; it's amazing."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers real homemade Mexican food made fresh daily.

2

They are open Monday through Friday, but hours may vary.

3

No prices are posted, so be prepared for reasonable costs.

02
El Chunky image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with cozy lounge and outdoor patio offers a friendly, relaxing atmosphere with immaculate vibes and music in the side room. Seating is limited, favoring intimate groups over large parties. Bar area adjacent to dining space provides a casual spot for drinks.

Food stands out for being consistently delicious and matching its pictures. Service complements the awesome food with great care and attention.

Fajita nachos come with meat piled high over crispy chips and melted cheese. Tacos and Mexican hot dogs stand out with fresh flavors and a great salsa.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The sausage here has a perfect snap, it's a chef's kiss."

"The Mexican food, especially the hot dogs, is amazing."

Good to know

1

Specialty drinks are available until 2 AM on certain days.

2

They offer a value deal that includes a hot dog, loaded fries, and a can of soda for about $15.

3

There is no indoor seating; only a single outdoor table is available.

03
La Barca De Jalisco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small seating area creates a cozy atmosphere with casual vibe and ordinary music. The place fills up during brunch, attracting locals who appreciate homemade tortillas and classic Mexican dishes. Prices remain very reasonable, making it a popular spot for quick breakfast or lunch.

Food comes out fresh and hot with fresh tortillas often served. Meals taste delicious and affordable across breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Fresh, homemade tortillas stand out, both flour and corn varieties. The enchiladas verdes and barbacoa offer rich, authentic flavors, while breakfast tacos and fajitas deliver solid, tasty options.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious, I'd dream about it."

"The tortillas here are fresh and homemade."

"You have to try the enchiladas verdes; they're the best Mexican Food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Prices are very reasonable for breakfast and lunch options.

2

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

3

Expect limited seating, especially during busy brunch hours.

04
Mini Tacos El Primito Food Truck image 1

Food truck serves mini tacos cooked to order with a short wait time. Tacos feature flavorful trompo and grilled onions, with tortillas that stay soft. Quesadillas come large and cheesy, offering a filling option alongside the tacos.

Food comes out fresh and cooked to order within 5 to 8 minutes. Mini tacos and charro beans stand out as authentic and delicious offerings.

Tacos come in mini size with fresh, soft tortillas and bold flavors like asada and al pastor. Quesadillas are huge, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making the food both filling and satisfying.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos, were the best I ever had."

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

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

Good to know

1

Food is cooked to order and takes about 5 to 8 minutes.

2

Expect a wait time at the food truck during peak hours.

3

Arrive early to avoid long lines, as it's a popular spot.

05
Pepe's Barbacoa image 1
Tamale shop

Small take-out spot with a family-owned and homey atmosphere. Known for fresh barbacoa and tamales served with corn tortillas and hot sauce. Cash-only and accessible, it draws those seeking authentic flavors in modest portions.

Food comes out with great flavor and feels made with love and care. The spot serves up grab-and-go meals that taste fantastic.

Barbacoa and tamales stand out with rich, all-meat flavors served with corn tortillas and salsa. Friendly staff slice avocados and offer generous portions at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I thought the barbacoa was the best Mexican food I'd had in years."

"The barbacoa, corn tortillas, and salsa were on point."

"I thought the food here was top tier and amazing."

Good to know

1

Pepe's Barbacoa accepts only cash; ATMs are available nearby.

2

They open as early as 6:50 AM on weekends.

3

The price is $10 for half a pound and $17.95 for 1 pound.

06
Pete's Hot Chicken image 1

Food truck inside a renovated gas station creates a cozy, sheltered environment with both indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels relaxed and cool, featuring dim lighting and a killer music playlist. Outdoor area is dog friendly with games like corn hole, making it a casual hangout spot.

Hot chicken stands out with its delicious flavor that often surprises beyond photos. The food is so good it rarely needs extra condiments like ranch.

Elote-style corn comes beautifully charred with just the right seasoning, and the corn ribs stand out as fantastic. Chilaquiles get eaten quickly and taste delicious, while pineapple and watermelon Agua Frescas refresh well.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and served hot."

"This American food is the best fried chicken I ever had."

"The Mexican food here is so flavorful and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, but there is a valet service next door and a paid parking lot.

2

They offer both dine-in and take-out options.

3

Customers can choose their spice level.

07
El Cevichero Restaurant y Cantina image 1

Small space with colorful decor and loud Latin music creates a cultural, inviting atmosphere. Energetic live performances include a talented mariachi band and a DJ playing popular Latin hits. The vibe is friendly and lively, drawing people who enjoy vibrant music and intimate settings.

Food tastes consistently amazing and delicious with high quality. Dishes pair well with drinks, creating a satisfying dining experience.

Birria tacos and birriadillas stand out with rich, savory flavors. Classic dishes like shrimp ceviche and zesty octopus tostadas highlight Mexican coastal cuisine.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, full of flavor and beautifully presented."

"I thought the ceviche here was the greatest I ever had."

"The birria tacos here are flavorful and great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks from 4-6pm daily.

2

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early to secure a table.

08
Daniel's Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-owned Mexican restaurant with a clean, humble hole-in-the-wall vibe and calming Gospel music playing. The atmosphere feels friendly and homey, attracting locals and tourists alike. Known for generous portions and Tex Mex specialties with fresh, homemade tortillas.

Food features homemade rastel bacon and breakfast tacos that taste delicious. Prices stay reasonable while the menu offers a family-owned feel with dishes that bring back memories.

Breakfast tacos stand out with fresh homemade tortillas and flavorful fillings like potatoes and egg or bean and sausage. Chilaquiles come layered with cheese and topped with a rich, balanced salsa. Refried beans and salsa ranchera add to the authentic taste.

People are saying

"You have to try the breakfast tacos; the homemade tortillas are amazing."

"The food here is so delicious and satisfying."

"The Mexican food here is packed with flavor and perfectly layered."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dinner service.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours.

3

Parking can be limited, especially during busy times.

09
Torito Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Restaurant offers a home-like environment with a beautifully remodeled interior and exterior featuring an antique Mexican aesthetic and an old jukebox. It serves affordable Mexican food with quick service and a variety of tacos and combination plates. The atmosphere is comfortable and budget-friendly, reflecting a family-owned, mom-and-pop style.

Food tastes like homemade Mexican cooking with fresh ingredients. Homemade chips and crispy tacos stand out as especially good and affordable.

Juicy barbacoa and perfect menudo stand out here. Homemade tortillas, crispy tacos, and breakfast tacos offer solid Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"This Mexican food tastes like homemade cooking."

"The crispy tacos and homemade tortillas were delicious."

"I found the food here to be delicious and homemade."

Good to know

1

Dinner specials include beef fajitas on Wednesdays.

2

The restaurant offers a $4.99 taco deal with mix and match options.

3

Complimentary chips and salsa are provided with meals.

10
Taqueria Guadalajara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright dining room with big windows creates an open feel while loud atmosphere fills the space. Hand-made tortillas and a variety of salsas highlight authentic Mexican flavors. The place stays open late and offers affordable prices with iced beer and enjoyable cocktails.

Delicious Mexican food stands out here with many options that are consistently very good and always delicious. The food draws a busy crowd thanks to its strong flavors and quality.

Breakfast tacos and carne guisada tacos with cheese stand out for their flavor and quality. The menu includes varied salsas, crispy tortilla chips, and dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, gorditas, and birria tacos, all served with attention to detail.

People are saying

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

"I considered this the best Mexican food I ever visited."

"I loved their salsa and crispy tortilla chips."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available, offering great value for meals.

2

The restaurant closes at midnight, making it a late-night option.

3

Expect no wait times during lunch hours, ensuring quick service.

11
Delicious Tamales Factory #3 image 1

Tamale shop offers a homey atmosphere that feels like stepping into a time machine. The space is family-friendly with a steady flow of locals enjoying authentic tamales filled with plenty of meat and balanced flavors.

Food here stands out for its amazing flavor and consistent quality. Every dish delivers a really good taste that keeps you coming back.

Tamales filled with plenty of meat come in regular and jalapeรฑo varieties. The tamales are homemade with good flavor and consistently delicious.

People are saying

"These tamales are the best Mexican food in San Antonio."

"These tamales are amazing and taste great."

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

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $20 for a dozen chicken tamales, including taxes.

2

Similar quality tamales can be found for about $13 at other places.

3

Delicious Tamales Factory #3 is a well-known local tradition.

12
Don's Molino image 1
Tamale shop

Small tamale shop with a walk-in, walk-out setup and no wait to be seated. Atmosphere is super clean and busy, reflecting a long-standing reputation of over 45 years. Known for best tamales and great barbacoa, it offers a straightforward, efficient experience.

Delicious Mexican food features here with small, finger-food size tamales in both pork and chicken varieties. The dishes consistently taste very good and satisfy cravings for authentic flavors.

Fresh tamales come in traditional flavors with just the right balance, not spicy but flavorful. The barbacoa is all meat and very tasty, and the flour tortillas stand out as some of the best around.

People are saying

"You have to try their amazing Mexican food, especially the tamales."

"I loved their tamales; they were so fresh and flavorful."

"I thought the food here was delicious and well worth it."

Good to know

1

Don's Molino operates on a walk-in, walk-out basis.

2

There was no wait to be seated during my visit.

3

Prices are $12.99 per dozen for tamales.

13
Arturo's Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and cluttered soundscape from multiple music sources. Known for huge monster tacos and homemade tortillas, it draws a quiet crowd early in the day. Limited parking and space create a compact, informal setting.

Food here is authentic and very tasty. Dishes come out perfectly cooked and consistently delicious.

Monster tacos stand out for their huge size and great flavor, perfect for big appetites. Homemade tortillas add a fresh, authentic touch, and the tacos are notably not greasy like some other spots.

People are saying

"The monster tacos here are huge and delicious Mexican food."

"I've never had tortillas this delicious before."

"The food here is authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited due to ongoing construction around the area.

2

The cafe is small, so expect a cozy atmosphere with limited seating.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a great value for breakfast.

14
Reyna's Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Lavender scent fills the air in a calm, spacious setting with ample seating and homemade tortillas. The atmosphere stays relaxed even when crowded, offering reasonably priced Mexican dishes. Accessibility and cleanliness add to the straightforward dining experience.

Food comes out fresh and hot, made to order with authentic Mexican flavors. Quality stays consistent whether dining in or ordering pickup, with staff quick to handle requests and refills.

Breakfast tacos arrive quickly with fresh, homemade tortillas that are always fluffy. The migas taco offers a perfect crunch from fried tortilla chips, and stews like menudo and carne guisada come with consistent quality and good service.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and always made to order."

"The tortillas here are fresh and fluffy."

"I tried the breakfast tacos; they were excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect higher prices for breakfast tacos compared to other places.

2

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant has a clean environment and good hygiene standards.

15
Judy's Food To Go image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with homemade tortillas and authentic dishes offers a family-friendly atmosphere with hilarious ceiling signs. The place stays busy during lunch hours and features a pickup window for easy service. Food focuses on traditional flavors with fresh, daily-made items and a welcoming vibe.

Food here is consistently fresh and plentiful with a focus on returning to its original style. The service is great and friendly, and ordering through the pickup window is convenient.

Soft, non-greasy barbacoa pairs well with flavorful chilaquiles and rich menudo. Breakfast tacos and carne guisada with cheese tacos stand out with fresh tortillas and solid taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be excellent and great tasting."

"The Mexican food here, especially the barbacoa, is so soft and not greasy."

"I loved their fresh, daily-made flour tortillas."

Good to know

1

They are only open until 3:00 pm from Monday to Saturday.

2

Judy's Food To Go is very popular, and it gets packed during lunch hours.

3

The pickup window makes grabbing food easier than heading inside.

16
Taqueria La Perla de Jalisco image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere with live mariachi music adding to the vibe. The place gets crowded quickly, especially on weekends, reflecting its popularity. Affordable prices and authentic dishes like carne asada tacos and pozole define the experience.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with a perfect heat level that complements dishes well. Plates like the cheese enchilada come fresh, hot, and affordable, offering a satisfying variety.

Tacos and enchiladas stand out with authentic flavors and rich fillings like barbacoa and beef fajitas. The menu also features traditional soups such as pozole, menudo, and tortilla soup that complement the hearty plates.

People are saying

"The green chicken enchiladas taste like a grandmother would make them."

"I loved the steak and eggs for breakfast here."

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

Good to know

1

From Monday to Friday before 11 am, they offer a special of three tacos for $3.

2

Karaoke happens on Friday nights with a two-drink minimum.

3

Expect the place to get crowded on Saturdays, so arrive early for lunch.

17
Lupitas La Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant opens early with breakfast tacos and lunch specials served until mid-afternoon. Lively atmosphere attracts a mix of people, and a drive-through option adds convenience. Located in a less glamorous area, it offers plenty of parking and rarely requires waiting for a table.

Food comes fresh and tastes really good here. The dishes have a delicious flavor and show clear fresh preparation.

Breakfast tacos come fully stuffed and pair well with homemade drinks like lemonade, Jamaica, and Horchata. Enchilada plates and breakfast specials include sides like potatoes, beans, and tortillas, with hot sauce adding extra flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and fresh."

"You have to try the breakfast tacos; they're fully stuffed."

"The breakfast tacos here are fully stuffed and exciting."

Good to know

1

Lupitas La Cocina opens at 5:30 AM for early breakfast.

2

The place is always clean with plenty of parking available.

3

Expect no wait for a table during lunch hours.

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