The best Mexican restaurants in Boston right now

What is it? Gato Exotico is a restaurant and bar in Cambridge Massachusetts specializing in tacos, tequila and Tiki brought to you by the team behind the award-wining Wusong Road.

Why we love it: When it’s nice out there is a small outdoor seating area, while chillier temps light up a fireplace for sitting nearby to enjoy cocktails in fun glasses (think donkeys and cactus - they have Cambridge’s widest selection of tequilas and agave-based spirits). The taco list is long, with 13 types of tasty fillings, and their tortas are piled high. The interior design is worth noting - tons of lush greenary and florals, Day of the Dead skulls, and fun hallway wallpaper with playful gatos just hanging around.  

Time Out tip: The pequeno tamales are a great way to start your meal, and the flan is definitely how to end it (it’s literally the best we’ve had in the area). Validate your parking ticket for the garage below, up to three hours for $3.

Address: 100 Cambridgeside Pl., Cambridge MA 02141

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

What is it? This tiny, family-owned space in East Boston is both authentic and inexpensive. This is one hole-in-the-wall nook you’ll be glad you popped into.

Why we love it: Soft corn tortillas are stuffed with spectacular, slow-cooked proteins like shredded beef, chicken, adobo pork, beef tongue or cheek. The house salsa, for instance, uses orange for a subtle hint of sweetness, and birria tacos come with a small bowl of jus for dipping.

Time Out tip: Fans of birria, rejoice: This place also sells these extra-cheesy tacos and customary side of rich broth for dipping. Homemade salsa and refreshing aguas frescas round out Taqueria Jalisco's solid menu of traditional, affordable fare.

Address: 293 Bennington St., East Boston, MA 02128; a new second location at 980 Saratoga St. Boston, MA 02128

Opening hours: Daily 10am-10pm

What is it? The colorful, adaptable, cheesy, spicy, hearty cuisine proffered by Lone Star Taco Bar is everything you want for lunch, dinner and late-night. The Allston outpost has been a go-to for Tex-Mex in Boston for more than a decade, and the Cambridge spot is hot with locals. The menu stems from owners Aaron Sanders and Max Toste’s early years in Texas and SoCal and is inspired by the open air markets and taquerias of Austin, Dallas, Los Angeles, Oaxaca and Mexico City.

Why we love it: The focus is on mezcal, tequila, and Mexican street food, with staples like spicy queso dip, mesquite-smoked beef barbacoa tacos on house-made corn tortillas, and Chicken Ahogado Tacos are all cornerstones.

Time Out tip: Order up the Mexican Grilled hot dog with refried beans, Longhorn cheese, sala roja, chipotle mustard and house crema on a brioche bun – you can thank us later. Both locations serve brunch every day until 4pm, and the brunch cocktails are just as tasty as daytime dishes such as Tres Leches French Toast, Papas Con Chorizo, and Griddled Corn Muffins.

Address: 477 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02134 and 635 Cambridge St. Cambridge, MA 02141

Opening hours: Thurs.-Sat. 11am-1am; Sun.-Wed. 11am-midnight

What is it? Since opening its first location in Jamaica Plain nearly a decade ago, Mexican street-foods specialist Chilacates has added 10 more locations around Boston.

Why we love it: Credit the success to consistent, convenient and oh-so-delicious tacos on homemade corn tortillas, hefty burritos, salads and more with a choice of toppings.

Time Out tip: Try the smoky chicken tinga or the pork simmered in chile verde. And don’t pass up the offer of tangy, house-made hot sauces on the side. The spice-resistant shouldn’t fear the mild green sauce, which is tasty on everything.

Address and opening hours: Check here for all 11 locations in Massachusetts and their hours of operations.

What is it? Situated just off Ball Square in Somerville, Tu y Yo is an unassuming spot for destination-worthy Mexican cuisine.

Why we love it: The varied menu of appetizers, entrees, soups, salads and more lends itself well to dining in, and there’s also a streamlined selection of Mexican cervezas, sangria and margaritas by the glass or pitcher.

Time Out tip: For something a little different, start with an order of traditional tamales, which delivers an array of five different corn dough mini bundles including subtly spicy pork wrapped in sweet masa dough and a sweet coconut variety. Tu y Yo is also open for weekend brunch, and the owner has a Jamaica Plain restaurant called Abuela's Table, which in its own right has some tasty Mexican food worth checking out.

Address: 858 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144

Opening hours: Mon.-Fri. 4-10pm; Sat. 10am-10pm; Sun. 10am-9pm

What is it? Paola Ibarra and Yhadira Guzmán bring the brightness of their beloved Mexico City to Somerville’s Union Square with Barra. While this eatery is small on space, it’s sure to leave a big impression on your taste buds.

Why we love it: Start off your meal off with traditional guacamole and chips, a banana leaf tamal, fresh, street-style shaved corn, or an aguachile amarillo (raw white fish in a passion fruit and serrano emulsion). Then dig into plates of top-notch tacos on hand-pressed tortillas, as you sip on flights of the finest mezcal, refreshing pints of michelada and margaritas rimmed with chapulines for a truly Mexican touch.

Time Out tip: They use 25 ingredients to make their house mole enchiladas (enmoladas), so don’t miss out on a plate of two.

Address: 23a Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143

Opening hours: Wed-Thu 5- 9 (bar until 10pm); Fri. and Sat. 5-10 PM (bar until late); Sun. 5-9 pm

What is it? An import from New York City, Borrachito Taqueria & Spirits is a solid taqueria in the Seaport open late every night, with a bustling, hidden cocktail bar. Gimmicks aside (you'll step through a walk-in refrigerator door to find the speakeasy), it's pretty awesome.

Why we love it: The small tacos are loaded with the likes of al pastor, lemon pepper chicken tinga, bang bang crispy shrimp and more memorable combos. The burritos and quesadillas aren’t far behind in flavor, and the bar packs a punch with craft cocktails, margaritas, cervezas, "quickie shots" and "dressed and blessed" beers like Tio Tommy, a Night Shift Nite Lite with Borrachito chipotle salsa, Tajin and lemon.

Time Out tip: Several of the dishes come in your choice of taco, burrito, bowl or quesadilla.

Address: 70 Pier 4 Blvd. Suite 270, Boston, MA 02210

Opening hours: Mon.-Wed. and Sun. 11am-midnight; Thurs.-Sat. 11am-1:30am

What is it? While tacos typically set the bar for most Mexican joints, this local chain stands out mainly because of its incredible tortas at its locations in Medford, the North End, Somerville, a new location in Cambridge’s Harvard Square, and elsewhere.

Why we love it: Tenoch is known for dishing out tasty, traditional pressed sandwiches on telera bread (similar to a French roll) stacked with your choice of savory meat or veg, a generous amount of Oaxaca cheese, chipotle mayo, onions, avocado and tomatoes.

Time Out tip: Sandwiches aside, you'll still find those tacos, quesadillas and burritos here, too, along with Mexican sodas for the full experience.

Address: Check here for their seven locations.

Opening hours: Daily 9am-9pm

What is it? Some of the city’s best Mexican food was once served out of a Beacon Hill gas station, where Villa Mexico founder Julie King gained a huge cult following for her tamales, flautas and grilled burritos. It's been at this Financial District kitchen for years, where devotees still flock during for Momma King's famous griddled burritos, tasty tamales and more authentic fare.

Why we love it: The burritos and bowls can be filled with traditional or specialty meats (hello, chorizo and chicken with mole). Our sweet teeth also love a slice of the Tres leches cake.

Time Out tip: If you can't swing the weekday lunch hours it's open, note that Villa Mexico sells its unique black salsa—which is the perfect texture and spice level—for nationwide shipping.

Address: 121 Water St, Boston, MA 02109

Opening hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9am-4pm

What is it? This Arlington spot—which also has outpost in Beverly—is celebrated among serious Mexican food enthusiasts for its use of top-notch ingredients and family recipes.

Why we love it: Its claim to fame lies in flavorful, juicy, slow-cooked meats stuffed in tacos, tortas and burritos and scattered atop plates of rice and beans.

Time Out tip: While everything on the menu is a knock-out, the standout here is the surtido taco, a tortilla packed with every tasty part of the pig—even the fatty bits and skin. Savor this meaty, spicy, drippy, delicious specialty and you'll be a total La Victoria convert. 

Address: 12 Medford St, Arlington, MA 02474

Opening hours: Mon.-Sat. 11am-9pm; Sun. 11am-8pm

What is it? This popular Mex-Cali hangout in Dorchester’s Lower Mills neighborhood—there is also South End location—gets packed with young area residents.

Why we love it: The menu is focused on slightly elevated tacos, which range from the familiar (crispy fish, carne asada and confit pork carnitas) to the creative (chili barbeque roasted duck with vanilla plantain puree or spicy pineapple glazed fried tofu).

Time Out tip: Check out the street corn nachos or Smoked Chicken Flautas to start. Refreshing cocktails are a must here, and the bar offers a lengthy list of margarita flavors, including hibiscus, coconut, and lime leaf and ginger.

Address: 354 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118 and 2297 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02124

Opening hours: Mon.-Wed. 4-10 pm; Thurs. and Fri. 4-11 pm; Sat. 11am-11pm; Sun. 11am-10pm

What is it? With 31 locations including three in Greater Boston (and a new south shore spot in Hingham), bartaco dishes up easy-going, coastal-inspired street food, tacos and drinks made with premium ingredients.

Why we love it: Check out its restaurants in the Seaport, Fenway and Washington Square in Brookline for spacious, sunny atmospheres great for meeting friends.

Time Out tip: The beloved “green” margarita exemplifies the bar’s vibe: It features a house-made green juice blend of pineapple, mango and spinach, which gives the cocktail a refreshing depth of flavor.

Address: Check here for locations and opening hours.

What is it? El Pelón Taqueria has been a Fenway food staple for nearly 30 years. The small, cheerful space gets jam-packed with people before Red Sox games, as fans eagerly pile in to grab a quick bite to eat before the opening pitch.

Why we love it: Loyal customers love El Guapo burrito with steak and fried plantains. The house tacos come in pairs and are filled with outstanding proteins like crispy, spicy cornmeal-crusted fish and grilled steak or chicken.

Time Out tip: Snag a to-go order to take into the park (yes, you can bring your own snacks into Fenway, as long as it complies with the park's bag policy—little-known fact). El Pelón also has a Brighton outpost.

Address: 2197 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02135

Opening hours: Daily 11am-9pm

What is it? Lolita Cocina offers tasty Mexican-inspired cuisine—with a side of nightlife. This hot spot with locations in Fort Point and Copley Square is popular amongst young professionals with a taste for tequila.

Why we love it: From the restaurant group behind Yvonne's and Mariel, Lolita's menu features Mexican-fusion bites like Maine lobster-topped guacamole, smoky mushroom quesadillas and spit-roasted pork al pastor tacos.

Time Out tip: The Fort Point location has a fantastic waterfront patio during the warmer months.

Address: 253 Summer St., Boston, MA 02210 and 271 Dartmouth St. Boston, MA 02116

Opening hours: Check out their site for hours.

What is it? This Back Bay mainstay is a dinner date favorite, thanks to its bright but cozy brownstone space filled with bold-colored walls and tiled tables.

Why we love it: The tacos here are never a bad idea, and the signature plates (like puerco adobado en chipotle y naranja—pork tenderloin marinated in oranges, tamarind and smoked chipotle peppers) are bursting with flavor and just begging to be paired with a strong margarita.

Time Out tip: In the summer, Casa Romero's serene back patio, adorned with hanging plants, is an intimate retreatin the city.

Address: 30 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115

Opening hours: Tues.-Fri. and Sun. 5-9pm; Sat. noon-10pm

What is it? Chef/co-owner Allan Rodriguez brings his version of Mexico to Boston, complete with real family recipes, house-made tortillas, spiced sangrias and authentic margaritas.  

Why we love it: The Shawmut Avenue location is showing off a newly revamped interior and longer bar (there’s also a location in Dedham). The menu boasts street tacos with tasty fillings (a whopping 17 types!), classic enchiladas, flautas, chimichangas, mole chicken, and more. Balance all that heat with fresh ceviche of daily catch white fish, shrimp or spicy tuna.  

Time Out tip: The tapas is an unexpected hearty menu for sharing – roasted Brussels sprouts, Patatas Bravas, Corn Masa Empanadas, Smoked Fish Quesadilla, and more.

Address: 472 Shawmut Ave. Boston, MA 02118

Opening hours: Sun. and Mon. 11am-9pm; Tues.-Sat. 11am-10pm

What is it? Be prepared to wait in line at this Harvard Square mainstay, as Felipe’s is almost always packed with students, visitors and taco lovers alike. 

Why we love it: It's a popular spot as everything on the menu is made from scratch throughout the day to ensure prime freshness. Their grill is the secret “ingredient” -  cooking on hardwood adds exciting authentic flavor to their proteins and salsas through a blend of maple, oak, and hickory.

Time Out tip: When the weather is warm enough, folks flock to Felipe's roof deck—the perfect place to split some nachos amongst friends and sip on one (or two) of the bar's prickly pear margaritas (which can also be frozen, if you so prefer).

Address: 21 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Opening hours: Sun.-Wed. 7am-1am; Thurs.-Sat. 7am-2am

What is it? These bullet-shaped burritos in silver foil packaging are credited with initiating Boston’s burrito boom.   

Why we love it: Don’t expect a phonebook-sized menu from this beloved locally owned-and-operated institution. The tightly edited list boasts only four core items—burritos, tacos, quesadillas and bowls. And given its popularity (the chain just celebrated its 30th anniversary), that’s clearly all Anna’s needs to keep 12 locations packed with fans (there’s also a Southie location coming soon).

Time Out tip: Step right up and choose your pleasure – whatever suits you, they probably have it to pack into your burrito, including a vegetarian style rice. They also have tacos, burrito bowls, and quesadillas, as well as DIY kits to take home.

Address: Check here for locations and opening hours.