Happy National Taco Day (also taco Tuesday). Check out this list of Cincinnati's best Mexican restaurants, originally posted in April 2015.
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Any time of the year, Mexican food is a favorite. Do you know the best place to grab your tacos, tostadas, burritos and guacamole?
We all have our favorite places, but here are WCPO's Top 9 picks for the best Mexican food in Cincinnati.
DOWNTOWN/OVER-THE-RHINE
Bakersfield (Over-the-Rhine): Guacamole, tortas and tacos are the highlight of the small but delicious menu at always-hopping Bakersfield. Pop inside and sample some of the best dishes, including queso with chorizo and the Milanesa torta.
Nada (Downtown): Nada's chips are fresh and nearly impossible to put down, and the pork belly tacos are what dreams are made of (at least my pork-laden dreams). It also has a delicious brunch, with fantastic huevos rancheros and an inventive eggs Benedicto.
EAST
Mazunte (Oakley): Reasonably priced and extra delicious, Mazunte has everything from tacos (choose three of one filling or a mixed plate) to quesadillas, handmade tamales and chiles relleno. Finish your meal with freshly fried churros and wash it down with a margarita or sangria.
CENTRAL
Django Western Taco (Northside): This Northside restaurant serves tasty, chef-driven tacos and other Mexican-style specialties. Chef Andrew Mersmann takes traditional flavors and melds them with solid technique. Chiles rellenos, molcajete seafood stew and al Pastor tacos are all favorites. Try the pork belly or queso chorizo for a delicious start to your meal.
Habanero (Clifton): That national burrito chain has nothing on this Clifton classic. Flour tortilla chips and house salsa (or any of a number of other freshly made salsas; pineapple is a favorite) are a great accompaniment to the enormous burritos, chimichangas and flavorful quesadillas. Vegetarians and vegans, rejoice: The sour cream is vegan and Habanero has a variety of vegetarian and vegan fillings, including sweet potato or roasted vegetables, along with classics like chicken, beef and fish.
NORTH
Plaza Sol Los Reyes de Supermarket (Mason): There isn't really a menu at this taqueria. Tell the server what you would like (taquitos, burritos, tortas) and what kind of meat you want (beef, chicken, chorizo, several others) and if you would like toppings (just say yes). She'll bring you some of the best Mexican you've ever had. Wash it down with a Mexican Coke or tamarind soda.
WEST
Taqueria Yolandita (South Fairmount): The first time this taco truck moved, I nearly had a heart attack. Where would I get my fast, inexpensive chorizo tacos? Thankfully, it had just moved up the street. There are a couple of places to sit outside, but this is strictly take-out, rain or shine. Barbacoa and the aforementioned chorizo are standouts, and be sure to take plenty of napkins (and raid the Tide Pen stash). They're oh-so-messy but delicious.
NORTHERN KENTUCKY
La Mexicana: This tiny restaurant, attached to a Mexican grocery store, has spicy guacamole, delicious carnitas and birria tacos served quickly and efficiently. For vegetarians, they feature squash blossom tacos — difficult to find, but worth the search. Really hungry? Try a burrito with the sweet and spicy pastor as the filling.
Frida 602: Think tacos, nachos with refried beans and spit-roasted chicken (these aren't ballpark nachos), pozole and Cuban sandwiches (which aren't Mexican, but they sure are delicious). Frida offers them all, as well as sweets like tres leche cake. Don't forget the mezcal: Frida has one of the best selections in the region, as well as a huge selection of Mexican beer, local beer, Spanish wines and margaritas, micheladas and sangria.
BONUS: MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Taqueria Mercado: At locations in Fairfield and Downtown, you can get the classic, Mexican-American-style fajitas, refried beans and rice or enchiladas Suizas with a frozen margarita. Or, try something a little out of the ordinary, like the buttery shrimp quesadilla — a little different, but you'll find yourself craving a bite every time you walk or drive by.
