Top Picks for Authentic Mexican Cuisine Across the U.S.

Chosen by reviews from Boston to San Francisco, explore the unexpected places where you can savor real Mexican flavors.

A Northern Challenge: Defying Expectations

“You can’t find good Mexican food anywhere north of Texas,” my Texan friend Tony once insisted during a visit. Residing in Massachusetts, I took that as a challenge. Just three hours later, Tony was patting his satisfied belly after dining at Tortilla Sam’s, voted Worcester’s Best Mexican Restaurant for three consecutive years. While being the best in a small northeastern city might not seem impressive initially, standing before Tortilla Sam’s window and watching freshly mixed tortillas pressed by hand changes that perception entirely. The aroma of mole sauce completes the experience of authentic Mexican cuisine here. If this place could impress a Texas native like Tony, surely there are other hidden gems across unexpected locations?

Discovering Unexpected Gems

I embarked on a quest to find outstanding Mexican restaurants in surprising places nationwide. My criteria were simple yet effective: each restaurant had to primarily serve Mexican dishes and be recognized as Best Mexican Restaurant in local polls or receive credible endorsements from those knowledgeable about genuine Mexican fare.

Charlotte, NC: A Southern Surprise

If you’re seeking traditional pinto beans or Southern barbecue while craving some spicy flair in Charlotte, head over to Taqueria Las Delicias. Ranked #8 on AOL’s CityGuide City’s Best awards list, this spot serves tamales wrapped in corn husks and offers lesser-known delights like taquitos and pupusas—certainly worth visiting when you’re down south!

Boston, MA: A Hidden Treasure

Boston may be known for baked beans and clam chowder (preferably white), but it also hosts Andale!, an intimate eatery seating just eight at its counter space! Forget typical meat mush posing as ‘Mexican’ around Massachusetts; instead indulge yourself with quesadillas made from roasted chicken pieces alongside spiced vegetables—truly fast-food excellence even if found within New England!

Philadelphia: Beyond Cheesesteaks

The next time I’m passing through Philly won’t involve cheesesteak detours; instead Prairie Wolf Crossing located outside Conshohocken offers top-rated regional options such as sugar crepes paired perfectly alongside homemade sangria according recent votes crowning them finest area establishment serving quality Mexicana-inspired meals!

Seattle WA – Coffee & Chilies Fusion?

If seeking authentic tastes amidst Seattle’s renowned coffee culture consider stopping by El Puerco Lloron whose handmade tortillas have delighted patrons over two decades now earning their spot atop numerous lists recommending great finds throughout town! When venturing towards Alaskan borders these flavorful dishes await discovery too…who knew?

Baltimore MD – Crabs or Tacos?

The folks behind Baltimore Citypaper understand irony well describing Los Amigos’ menu offerings exceptional despite location constraints similar comparing best AC salesperson residing Antarctica humorously suggested still notable inclusion should crab cake cravings ever wane unexpectedly needing alternative nourishment source ultimately leading satisfied diners back repeatedly ensuring memorable experiences remain possible anytime desired subsequently thereafter enjoyed immensely alike accordingly reflected popularly therein continuously furthermore…