No Quiero Taco Bell – The Best Mexican Restaurants in Boston
Five of the Best Mexican Restaurants In Boston, Massachusetts
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for some recommendations for the best Mexican restaurants in Boston.
Many may disagree about the Boston area’s Mexican food scene. But be assured, it’s en Fuego. Whether it’s the achiote-roasted salmon, grilled ox-tongue quesadilla, or classic Mexican delicacies, the city’s adventurous and classy Mexican spots have it all.
So, here’s our list of the best Mexican restaurants in Boston. Any one of them will rock your taste buds with super delicious Mexican food!
Border Cafe
Cambridge
Border Cafe serves delicious cajun and Tex Mex-style food in a fun and friendly environment with authentic cocktails that are must-tries.
One of the best things about this particular restaurant is that it creates its dishes from scratch. Border uses only the freshest ingredients that are locally sourced.
Border Café offers a variety of Mexican specialties, most of which are made to order. One of the popular items is the Gaucho Chicken. The dish features a tender, marinated chicken breast that’s grilled over a mesquite wood fire with darkened tomato. Then, it’s finished with fresh herbs and Chimi Verde sauce. Just yum!
Other delicious options include Swordfish Tacos Veracruz and Chimichurri Steak with rice and black beans. Plus, this place also has several delicious vegetarian dishes, so there’s no reason to leave anyone out of the party!
Note: The Cambridge location has been temporarily closed for renovations needed following a fire in the kitchen in December of 2019. The good news is that it’s reopening in February, no soot left behind.
32 Church Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 Phone: (617) 864-6100
The Painted Burro
Somerville
A combination of an energetic vibe with an upscale, modern feel is what The Painted Burro offers to its visitors. This place is famous for its unique takes on Mexican food. Some of its unique delicacies include garlic mojo and avocado-doused street corn, charred octopus tacos with toasted almond mole, crispy calamari taco, and duck carnitas enchiladas. They’re certainly not typical dishes, and you may not be able to find them elsewhere in Boston.
Don’t forget to try their delicious hibiscus margaritas and new-fangled enchiladas the next time you are there.
The Burro offers glam sit-down settings for most of the year. But when the weather is warm, the eatery opens its massive storefront windows. The result is a transformation of the indoor dining area into one big outdoor lounge.
219 Elm Street, Davis Square, Somerville, MA Phone: 617-776-0005
El Centro
Dedham (and in South End and Belmont)
El Centro is a Sonora-style restaurant with a creative menu and fresh ideas. It’s situated in Boston’s South End by chef and owner Allan Rodriguez.
If you like charcoal-grilled delicacies, then you’ve got to try their classic charcoal-grilled Arrachera a la Tampiquena steak. It’s a treat that comes with delicious green sauce, and the combination is just excellent.
The restaurant also serves tender beef in a variety of ways. And, each one of them comes with freshly made add-ons, like roasted tomato salsa. My favorite, however, is carne asada. You can get the Campechanos tacos that combine carne asada and al pastor, and the result is definitely something special.
338 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026 Phone: 781-461-6177
Tenoch
Boston
Whether you opt for tacos, tamales, tostadas, or other antojitos on the menu, trust me, everything is mouthwatering at this growing food truck and takeout domain. And their specialty tortas, OMG, are to die for at Tenoch!
Thrillist even calls it “the only place you should get your tortes.”
Mouthwatering Sandwiches
Choriqueso, with gooey Oaxacan cheese and Mexican sausage, Pollo Empanizado (fried chicken), and Pescado are all exceptional delights. These sandwiches are made of traditional pressed Telera bread, filled with meat. From there, Oaxaca cheese, onions, mayo, avocado, and tomatoes are added to give that special something.
If you’re looking for quesadillas, burritos, and Mexican sodas, Tenoch has got them too. So, you can enjoy a fully authentic experience without the formal dining experience.
3 Lewis Street – North End (Medford and Davis Square, too), Boston, MA info@tenochmexican.com
El Pelón Taqueria
Fenway (and Brighton)
Do you ever wonder why such big crowds line up at both of El Pelón Taqueria spots?
Well, just try the Loaded Caramelos Tacos featuring tender skirt steak with a generous blob of guacamole, and you’ll know the reason. Apart from this must-order item, there are some other in-house favorites. A few of the other popular dishes include Braised Pork Tortas with spicy mayo and lime onions and Fried Plantains with fire-roasted salsa. You’ll also want to try the Grilled Steak Caramelos Tacos topped with yummy salsa fresca and melted Jack.
92 Peterborough Street, Boston MA Phone: 617-262-9090
Why Not Try the BEST Mexican Restaurants in Boston?
Boston’s love for Mexican food makes sure there is no shortage of superbly fresh and authentic restaurants to get the fill of tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and more. And, don’t forget to bookmark the Boston guide for more “best ofs!”
We’ve got all kinds of top-notch Mexican food suggestions. If you’re leaving New England, be sure to check out our Mexican food suggestions for San Francisco and Seattle.
Oh, and if you love shows as much as tacos, why not be a seat filler in Boston?
