2024 Best Mexican Restaurants in the U.S.A.

Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant Las Vegas Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant, Durango Casino & Resort, Las Vegas, NV | Photo © Joe Janet

Top 10 Mexican Restaurants in America

When it comes to Mexican food, there's plenty of room (in our bellies) for cutting-edge cuisine as well as comforting classics.

GAYOT's list of the Top 10 Mexican Restaurants in the U.S., presented in alphabetical, celebrates family-run restaurants that have been serving authentic fare for decades, as well as innovative chefs dreaming up dishes like octopus tostadas.

> SUGGESTED READING:
- Best Mexican restaurants near you
- Top 10 Taco Restaurants in America
- Best Tacos near you
- Mexican Food Terms
- Tequila & Mezcal Guide.

 
Barrio Cafe
13/20

When chef Silvana Salcido Esparza opened Barrio Cafe in 2002, she showed Phoenix that Mexican food is much, much more than tacos and burritos (though her tacos are dynamite). Her menu, filled with specialties from all over Mexico, includes cochinita pibil (dry-rubbed and slow-roasted pig) from the Yucatan. See More

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Cosme
15/20

Chef Enrique Olvera, of Mexico City restaurant Pujol, brings his non-traditional Mexican cuisine to discerning Manhattan diners in the buzzy yet romantic Cosme. Menu staples include a contemporary take on tacos al pastor that subs in cobia in place of pork. See More

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Elote Cafe
14/20

At Elote Cafe in Sedona, chef Jeff Smedstad serves cuisine inspired by decades of travels through Mexico. Sample unique offerings such as smoked pork cheeks served with cascabel chile sauce, corn cake and buttermilk cumin drizzle. See More

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Flores
14/20

At Flores in San Francisco, purists will delight in a menu stacked with simple, cohesive Mexican dishes. Savor lightly fried masa dumplings with black beans, gem lettuce, red onion, queso fresco and avocado. See More

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Guelaguetza
13/20

With its bright décor, live music and flavorful food, Guelaguetza makes guests feel like they've traveled South of the Border instead of to LA's Koreatown. This longstanding family-run institution specializes in Oaxacan cuisine with a core of flavorful mole dishes. See More

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Hugo's
15/20

Born in Mexico City, chef Hugo Ortega worked his way through the Houston restaurant scene before opening Hugo's with his restaurateur wife, Tracy Vaught. Housed in a vintage 1925 building, lovingly restored to the original brick walls and stamped-tin ceiling, Hugo's is worth seeking out for its authentic dishes. See More

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Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia
12/20

Established in 1941, Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia is the don of Mexican dining in San Antonio. Along with Tex-Mex classics, there are authentic offerings like the Monterrey special of baked cabrito (kid goat) and menudo, a tripe soup that is a legendary hangover cure. See More

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Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant
14/20

Executive chef Donald Thompson brings authenticity to his repertoire, creating coastal Mexican cuisine. He uses a wood-fired grill to add a touch of smoked BBQ flavors to his offerings. See a photo gallery. Read More

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Oyamel Cocina Mexicana
14/20

Washington, D.C.'s Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, from chef/restaurateur José Andrés, takes you heart and soul across the border down Mexico way. You'll encounter ceviches, tacos on hand-made corn tortillas, and more. See More

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Topolobampo
16/20

Chef/restaurateur Rick Bayless has championed Mexican cuisine for decades with his stable of restaurants, including the upscale Topolobampo in Chicago. The refined menu is constantly evolving. See More

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