Boston's Best Mexican Food 2008

This home-styled Mexican restaurant is the area’s most authentic antidote to Taco Bell.

Reviews:

• “Good Stuff”
• “Excellent food, unique and tasty!!”
• “Definitely NOT $…try $$$”
• “Best Mexican! "
• “denied service”

Tips: If burritos are what you crave, try your luck elsewhere: A sign on the door helpfully points out that they’re not served here.

Tu Y Yo or email Tu Y Yo

Massive margaritas and affordable Tex-Mex fare combine to yield one of Harvard Square’s most popular restaurants.

Reviews:

• “The most disorganized and lying management ever!”
• “Easy, cheap and fast!”
• “Do not go there as the folks running the place are extremely rude!”
• “HORRIBLE service (especially manager)”
• “Good food, horrific attitude”

Tips: Vegetarians take heart: The restaurant offers a full page of meatless menu options.

Border Cafe

One of Inman Square’s liveliest restaurants buzzes with authentic Mexican colors and flavors.

Reviews:

• “Worst service I have ever experienced!”
• “Poor service”
• “best mexican restaurant”
• “Great Mexican on the East Coast? – Yes!”
• “Best Mexican Food In Boston (i am from Austin, TX) – Service is a struggle at times, and never plan a party there”

Tips: Try your luck with the small metered lot next door. Because there’s no train stop within walking distance of Inman Square, most diners are forced to drive.

Ole Mexican Grill or email Ole Mexican Grill

Casual Mexican eatery brings the authentic flavors of Oaxaca and Veracruz to Brighton.

Reviews:

• “Best Sangria in Boston!”
• “Sunday Brunch”
• “nice atmosphere, salsa, guacamole and sangria”
• “Great food, great service, great atmosphere”
• “Bad service, food okay”

Zocalo Cocina Mexicana or email Zocalo Cocina Mexicana

Colorful Southwestern outpost rewards Back Bay palates in Copley Square.

Reviews:

• “Great margaritas and fresh fish specials”
• “A really great time”
• “Horrible Service”
• “Great for functions”
• “Don’t believe the hype! Cottonwood Never Again!!!”

Tips: It’s advisable to make reservations to ensure a seat at the popular Sunday brunch, especially when the patio is open.

Cottonwood Cafe

Fiery Mexican grub and an even hotter bar scene heat up the Back Bay’s answer to Southwestern chic.

Reviews:

• “Wish there was one close to home :(”
• “GO HERE!”
• “A+ MARGARITAS”
• “Great Food & Great Drinks”
• “nice decor; average food”

Tips: Show up early to beat the after-work crowd and enjoy half-price appetizers from 4pm to 7pm (Mondays through Thursdays).

Cactus Club or email Cactus Club

Popular local Mexican take-out joint specializes in creative, health-conscious fare (no lard, fat-free salsas).

Reviews:

• “Going downhill?”
• “The best burritos!”
• “Perfect! "
• “BEST Mexican Food in Boston!!!!!”

Picante Restaurant

This labor of love lures devoted diners down a nondescript alley in the Back Bay for standout Mexican cuisine.

Reviews:

• “Awful service……. awful manager”
• “What a surprise!”
• “not feeling the love”
• “A hidden gem! "
• “Awful Mexican!”

Tips: Look for L’Espalier: Hard-to-spot Casa Romero is located behind this venerable French establishment.

Casa Romero or email Casa Romero

Some of the city’s best, most authentic tacos and burritos are wildly popular with budget-conscious students.

Reviews:

• “One of my favorite restaurants”
• “Not impressed, much better options for Mexican out there”
• “the best in boston!”
• “Best fish tacos and burritos, ever”
• “Best fish tacos and plantains”

Tips: Keep an eye on the Sox schedule. When there’s a game, parking will be impossible to come by, and lines may be long. And remember, you can bring your burritos into the park (just no drinks).

El Pelon Taqueria or email El Pelon Taqueria

One of the Boston area’s top spots for authentic Mexican fare is located in Quincy’s Newport Center.

Reviews:

• “Just plain ol good”
• “I love Tammy!”
• “Good food and drinks!!”
• “Pretty good”
• “Excellent!”

Tips: Reservations are not available on Friday and Saturday so be sure to come early.

La Paloma or email La Paloma

Droves of diners head to downtown Watertown for award-winning, multi-regional Latin cuisine.

Reviews:

• “Great Mojitos”
• “Perfecto!”
• “Bland food, good drinks”
• “Good place for lunch”
• “Never Again!!!”

Tips: The menu fails to offer descriptions of several dishes. Ask, if you don’t know that Morcilla is blood sausage.

La Casa De Pedro

Local chain satisfies suburban families with its heaping portions of affordable Mexican comfort fare.

Reviews:

• “delicious”

Tips: Lunch specials, served daily, cost around $8 and are large enough to ensure that most diners will have leftovers for dinner as well.

Acapulcos Mexican Family Restaurant & Cantina

Mexican specialties including chile rellenos, enchiladas and tamales, plus tall margaritas and dozens of tequilas available by the shot.

Reviews:

• “Wonderful food”
• “Great Margaritas!”
• “Great Food, Poor Service”
• “THE BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN CAMBRIDGE!!!!!!!”

Jose’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Ole’s little sibling serves tasty Mexican takeout in Inman Square.

Reviews:

• “Terrific burritos!!!”

Tips: Vegetarians should be aware that the food is cooked in the traditional manner which means with lard, even the menu items without meat.

Olecito

Authentic Mexican dishes and beers, served in simple, colorful environs.

Reviews:

• “I’m coming back again and again.”
• “Best Mexican Food in the Boston Area”
• “Great Mexican Eat Out”
• “Not so good”
• “This Is the REAL Thing!”

Taqueria Mexico