What are the Best Mexican Restaurants in Puerto Rico?
I conducted a survey through my @islanddwellerspr social media account in over five months, asking followers about the best Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico. To my surprise, I received over 600 responses throughout all the Island Dwellers social media accounts.
One thing that I realized is that locals are passionate about Mexican food in Puerto Rico. This was apparent not only in the number of responses but also in the quality.
Taco Bell Who?
It is safe to say that the days of Taco Bell and other fast-food options are far behind us. Foodies in Puerto Rico search for alternatives to eat authentic Mexican cuisine and do not rely on fast-food based restaurants. You will find various Tex-Mex restaurants on this list. But you will also find delicious authentic Mexican street food restaurants that shy away from the typical “Burrito” label and are miles away from the closest mariachi band.
In the following article, I will cover only 20 out of the hundreds of the best Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico that take #tacotuesdays to another level. Two of the restaurants on this list are my personal favorites that are not mentioned as much on our survey. I also sent some of them five questions to answer that will give you a little more information about what makes them great in their words.
I broke down the restaurants by region in Puerto Rico. Also, I will provide you with contact information and directions so that you can visit each and show your love for delicious Mexican cuisine.
Covid Restrictions:
All of the restaurants on this list have made it their priority to keep employees, and especially their customers safe from the Covid virus. So please keep in mind that due to Covid restrictions, most of the restaurants on this list of best Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico only offer delivery options. other offer reservations options, so make sure to visit their social pages for more information.
Multiple Location Restaurants
Comida Mexicana is meant to be street food. Most of the places mentioned in this article started as food trucks or stand-alone tacos and evolved into brick-and-mortar restaurants. Some restaurants still are food trucks that serve their delicious dishes throughout various towns in PR.
El Vagon
The perfect example of a food truck turned restaurant is El Vagon. Out of all the restaurants that I will mention in this article, El Vagon is one of the unique concepts you will find. They are what I like to call a hybrid restaurant in english. I say this because their locations are glorified food trucks with outdoor seating. They have five locations, and all of them are gorgeously decorated and provide a family-style atmosphere. And of course, they have a great bar that you can take advantage of full of delicious margaritas and local craft beer.
Locals love El Vagon because they provide a “sports bar” atmosphere in an outdoor setting. One thing that stands El Vagon from the rest of the restaurants on this list of best Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico, is that they brew their own beer called Vagon Ale.
My favorite taco at El Vagon is the Ceviche Taco. Many restaurants serve ceviche tacos, but El Vagon’s is definitely one of the best.
It is no surprise that El Vagon was chosen to be on this list of top 20 Mexican Restaurants in Puerto Rico.
We asked the owners a few questions so that you can get a good feeling of why they are one of the best in Puerto Rico
How would you describe the setting at your restaurant?
Our we take pride in creating a comfortable, and great vibe that you can enjoy after the beach
What is your customer’s favorite dish?
Our customers love a lot of our dishes, but the one that is requested the most is the Ceviche Nachos.
What is your favorite dish?
My favorite dish is Los Cuates. This is a crunchy fresh fish filet sandwich that pairs perfect with our own house beer Vagon Ale.
What is your favorite margarita that you serve?
Our most ordered margarita is the house margarita. we put our own unique twist to it.
What dishes are unique at El Vagon?
Our Baja Fish tacos is our staple dish. We were the first to create this dish, and our customers love it.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
El Vagon
Nacho Libre
Another outdoor hybrid Mexican restaurant in Puerto Rico is Nacho Libre. They currently have three locations in the San Juan area and are soon opening on the West coast. Nacho Libre is a great spot to go on a Tuesday to drink one of their signature margaritas and share their massive Nacho Libre dish. A wonderful thing about Nacho Libre is that you can create your own Bowl, Burrito, or Quesadilla by choosing one of their many ingredients.
But back to the margaritas. Nacho Libre’s margaritas are some of the most unique that you will ever have. I mean, have you ever tasted a margarita with Tito’s Vodka? How about one with Puerto Rican Rum? They stepped out of the box to create these flavors, and the cherry on top is the Mexican luchador sleeve that keeps your margarita cool while you eat your food.
If you love hot sauce, they also offer various delicious flavors that range from 2-5 on the hot scale.
Nacho Libre made the top 20 Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico list because of their delicious margaritas, super nachos, and most importantly, fun atmosphere with outdoor seating, and live music.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Nacho Libre
Callejeros
If you are looking for genuine Mexican street food cuisine, look no further than Callejeros. Their traditional delicious street food options are local favorites. And the main attraction on their menu is La Birra de Cordero. La Birra de Cordero is three double-wrapped, homemade tortillas that contain the most savory and soft cuts of lamb you will ever taste. It is one of the favorites on the menu, and you cannot experience Callejeros without tasting this dish. Also, on the side, you get a small bucket of sauce to dip the tacos in. It is definitely one of the best Mexican street food dishes in San Juan. It is no surprise why they were one of the most mentioned restaurants on this list. Callejeros has four locations in the San Juan area, including one in Old San Juan.
Their casual fast-food style approach to dining makes them a perfect place to grab some delicious Mexican street food on the go. They also have a large variety of Margaritas and a healthy selection of Mezcal.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Callejeros
La Nanas Cantina
Are you with a group and are in the mood for delicious Mexican food in PR? Las Nanas Cantina is your best option. Las Nanas Cantina has two indoor dining locations in San Juan. One in Condado, and the other in Carolina. They serve a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, but their most delicious feature is their homemade tortillas. Las Nanas Cantina makes their soft tortillas on the spot as orders are placed, and therefore they have some of the best tacos in San Juan. The best part is that they also offer a family-style option. For less than $40, you get around 10 tacos with all the bells and whistles, and it also includes a bottle of soft drink.
Also, Las Nanas Cantina serves various traditional Mexican dishes and plates like fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, and even ribs and chicken wings. Las Nanas Cantina has become a local favorite because of its dedication to serving fresh and delicious traditional Mexican dishes.
Finally, La Nanas has a frozen drink with natural fruit juices from Puerto Rico called Piraguitas, which is essential if you visit Las Nanas Cantina.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Las Nanas Cantina
Burrillos
Are you in the mood for some good old fashioned Tex-Mex food truck action? Well, Burrillos has your back. They have brought traditional Tex-Mex cuisine to Puerto Rico with their popular food trucks. Burillos have established five food trucks expanding from San Juan to Las Piedras in the southeast region of Puerto Rico. They claim to fame is introducing traditional Tex-Mex also with a bit of Puerto Rican cuisine influence. It is no surprise that they are a favorite from my post on Instagram: Best Mexican Restaurants in Puerto Rico.
One of the highlights on their menu is the Burribowls. Burribowls are completely customizable bowls. You can choose from a base (rice, mashed potatoes, salad), protein (chicken, beef, carnitas, tofu), and a large variety of ingredients. They also offer vegetarian options.
Burrillos is a breath of fresh air from all the “traditional Mexican street food” restaurants on this list of best Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico. They aim to please with their creative fusion of Tex-Mex and Puerto Rican cuisine.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Burrillos
Acapulco Taqueria Mexicana
Acapulco burst on the gastronomic scene in 2014 and has not looked back since. They currently have two locations in the San Juan area. The original one being at Calle Loiza. The first thing that you notice when you walk into Acapulco is the mouthwatering trompo behind the bar. This immediately makes you want to order tacos al pastor fresh from the cut, and trust me, you will not regret it.
I hold Acapulco close to my heart because they were the first place where I had my first michelada. If you are not aware of what a Michelada is, imagine a Bloody Mary, but with beer instead of vodka. It is by far one of my favorite Mexican drinks (apart from Mezcal). But to break away from my alcohol endeavors for a minute, Acapulco has some of the best authentic taco selections in San Juan. Their tacos are served in homemade tortillas and delicious ingredients that will make sure you return for more. Also, the hot sauces compliment the dishes perfectly.
And I cannot forget about their delicious margaritas. If you are at Calle Loiza, you must pass by Acapulco to try some of their famous tacos with a delicious margarita made from natural juices.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Acapulco
East Coast
Lolitas Mexican Food
When you think about Mexican restaurants on the East coast of Puerto Rico, only one name comes to mind: Lolitas. Lolitas were established in 1984, and they pioneered Comida Mexicana on the island for many years. Lolitas extensive menu covers all the traditional Mexican food you can imagine. Do not expect a creative, fancy, or innovative meal at Lolita’s. Where Lolita lacks creativity, they make it up with over 30 years of experience perfecting their recipes and giving you some of the best Mexican cuisines you will ever have.
My memories of Lolita always involve either returning or going on a boat trip in Fajardo. Lolitas is usually one of the stops for dinner and lunch. So, if you are in Luquillo and on the way further east, make sure to stop by Lolitas for delicious margaritas and fajitas.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Lolitas
South Coast
Taqueria Monterrey
There are many restaurants in Ponce, but none compare to Taqueria Monterrey. As a matter of fact, very few on this list in Puerto Rico compare to Taqueria Monterey. Taqueria Monterrey identifies itself as: “a culinary, gastronomic project based on traditional and artisan dishes from the city of Monterrey Mexico.” And one of the highlights on their menu is the Gringas de Arrachera. These are delicious beef tacos filled with cheese and cilantro, which are grilled just like a quesadilla. They are extraordinarily mind-blowing. Another dish is the BBQ tacos, which is marinated for over eight hours.
These are only some of the spectacular dishes that you can order at Taqueria Monterrey. And to top it off, all the culinary experience is adorned by beautiful decorations that make you feel like you are in a traditional Mexican family house in Monterrey. In English.
Below are a few questions that we asked the owners about what makes them stand out from the many Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico:
How would you describe the setting at your restaurant?
The ambience in our restaurant gives you the feeling that you stepped in a restaurant in Monterrey Mexico that gives you nostalgia when tasting our delicious authentic Mexican cuisine.
What is your customer’s favorite dish?
Our customers love the Gringas Arrachera. We use our homemade tortillas to create a tasty quesadilla filled with churrasco.
What is your favorite dish?
My favorite dish is El Cerro de la Silla. It’s perfect for sharing
What is your favorite margarita that you serve?
Our favorite margarita is the spicy margarita. It’s a traditional cocktail that we create by experimenting with all of the ingredients in our Mexican kitchen.
What dishes are unique at Taqueria Monterrey?
Our unique dish is the Costra de Queso rellena de Chicharrón en Salsa. We create a tortilla from the cheese, and fill it in with chicharron, and a special sauce made from our favorite variety of meats.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Taqueria Monterrey
El Potosi
If you are looking for a truly local spot to eat while you are in Humacao, El Potosi is your place. They are what I like to call off the social grid: no Facebook or Instagram accounts. If you are a local, you know. If you are not a local, you best ask somebody. Well, they do have a Facebook, but you can tell that it is not maintained. There is nothing fancy about El Potosi. In fact, if you did not know about them, you most likely would miss them. It is truly a traditional Mexican restaurant that serves a simple menu and for a reasonable price. The beautiful thing about El Potosi is that you can walk in with $20 and feed a whole family with their prices. I am talking tacos for $2 and burritos for $4.
But the main attraction is the corn on the cob covered in butter and cheese. It is hard to even write about this without my mouth watering up. El Potosi is a local favorite for a reason. And it shows by ranking high on this list for Best Mexican Restaurants in Puerto Rico.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
El Potosi
Southwest
The southwest is One of my favorite regions to visit in Puerto Rico. This area has towns Cabo Rojo, Boqueron, and also Guanica. It is known for fresh and delicious seafood. You can imagine that I was surprised to find that voters mentioned two Mexican restaurants from this area as some of the best in Puerto Rico considering.
La Calaca
¿Tex-Mex in Cabo Rojo? Yes sir!
Even though the southwest area of Puerto Rico is known for seafood restaurants, they also have La Calaca. They serve your traditional Mexican dishes that are infused with a little American influence. A notable example of this is their Calaca burger. This is a monstrous 8oz burger that is topped with guacamole, pico de gallo, lettuce, and their house Calaca sauce. If this is not the ultimate Tex-Mex dish, then I do not know what is. The mix of a juicy burger and fresh pico de gallo is an extraordinary event worth experiencing in La Calaca.
Another menu item that is loved by locals at La Calaca is the Mexi-Pizzas. They have the option for you to choose from various meats and toppings. It is a perfect dish for you to get your Pizza and Mexican fix in one seating.
It is safe to say that the menu at La Calaca touches all the bases of Tex-Mex cuisine. So, if you are in the southwest area of Puerto Rico and are in the mood to share a mountain of delicious nachos and a Mexi-Pizza, make sure to stop by La Calaca in Cabo Rojo. It is no surprise that they have been mentioned in our list of the best Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico
We asked the owners of La Calaca a few questions to get a better idea of how they are one of the best Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico
How would you describe the setting at your restaurant?
The setting of our restaurant is friendly and vibrant. We have adorned the walk with bright and colorful drawings that compliments the delicious food, and great service.
What is your customer’s favorite dish?
Our customers love Los Calacas Nachos because you can share them with a group., or eat by yourself if you’re really hungry.
What is your favorite dish?
I love Las Calacas fajitas because it has a little bit of everything, and I can customize them to my liking.
What is your favorite margarita that you serve?
My favorite margarite is La Revolucion Margarita.
What dishes are unique at Las Calacas?
Our unique dish is the Las Calacas Nachos. These nachos have everything. They are a massive tower of nachos that includes chicken, churrasco, and beef. They topped with black beans, mushrooms, guacamole, sour cream, and pick de gallo. And then we finish them off with our homemade Las Calaca sauce.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
La Calaca
Pika Pika
Pika Pika is a local favorite in Boqueron because of their wide selection of traditional Mexican dishes and their hearty cuts of meat that they put on the grill. The same love they give to their traditional Mexican dishes like tacos and fajitas, Pika Pika also gives to red meat cuts like ribs and NY steak. They assure that everyone has an option at their restaurant. It shows by the love they received on my post”: Best Mexican Restaurants in Puerto Rico. And, like every restaurant in this region, they serve delicious fresh local catch on their menu.
One of the highlight dishes at Pika Pika is the Black Ribs. These ribs are a tower of deliciousness, and the portions are enough for two people. Another favorite at Pika Pika is the burrito, El Patron. This is a footlong burrito full of every meat on the menu and looks impossible for to eat by one person. But maybe you can.
If you are in the mood for Mexican food and are in Boqueron, Pika Pika is your place. They serve delicious Mexican cuisine and some mean ribs.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Pika Pika
North Coast
And yes, San Juan is North coast as well. But this restaurant is well out of the San Juan along the North Coast.
5 de Mayo
While in Dorado, one of the few places that you can find delicious Mexican cuisine is at 5 de Mayo. 5 de Mayo is a local favorite because of its creative influences on traditional Mexican cuisine. They identify themselves as an “Urban Mexican Kitchen,” which is apparent in their gorgeous dishes and also cocktails. Each dish is presented with fantastic color and mouthwatering ingredients. Locals love 5 de Mayo for their dishes, but most importantly, their drinks. They have a large variety of tequila and Mezcal, and their mixology is on point. You will always find a beer or tequila happy hour any given day of the week at 5 de Maya.
And yes, even though the traditional Mexican food and drinks are significant at 5 de Mayo, you still need to leave space for one of their dessert dishes like the fried cheesecake and churros.
We asked the owner five questions so that yo can get to know them a little better:
How would you describe the setting at your restaurant?
We offer a unique and authentic gastronomic experience in a modern, and family friendly atmosphere.
What is your customer’s favorite dish?
Our customers love all our dishes that are prepared with carnitas.
What is your favorite dish?
I personally love the shrimp chimichangas
What is your favorite margarita that you serve?
We prepare all our margaritas on the spot with fresh ingredients. but our favorite is the Yucatan margarita which has Ginger and Cucumber.
What dishes are unique at 5 de Mayo?
Our chef is from Nayarit Mexico, and he has worked for us perfecting our menu over the years. So, we have many plates on our menu that are native from that region of Mexico like the Tuna Toasts, Shrimp Ceviche, and shrimp Chimichangas.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
5 de Mayo
West Coast
The west coast of Puerto Rico is where most of the locals from San Juan like to escape to get away from the metropolitan area’s heavy traffic. Towns like Aguada, Isabela, Aguadilla, Rincon, and also Mayaguez have some of the best international cuisine restaurants in Puerto Rico. You can find any kind of restaurant under the sun in this small area of the island.
On my poll: Best Mexican Restaurants in Puerto Rico, four restaurants from the west coast were picked to be on the list.
Tuluum 110
Tuluum has been one of my personal favorite personal Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico for over 10 years now. This love began when I tried the Jalapeño Margarita. And this marriage was solidified when I ordered the queso fundido with chorizos. Tuluum is like an old girlfriend that you visit when you are in the area. Whenever I am on the west coast, I always, always make sure to stop by Tuluum to eat. If I pass by and do not eat for some reason, I will at least order a margarita before driving back to San Juan. (Drink Responsibility and do not drink and drive).
Another stand out dish from their menu is the chicharron de queso. This traditional Mexican dish consists of a crispy tortilla made of cheese rolled into a small tube. It is a local favorite at Tuluum.
Tuluum is a restaurant on every local’s mind when you ask them to recommend a Mexican restaurant on the west coast. They serve a large variety of burrito and taco options and have vegetarian options. Tuluum is the perfect place to stop by surfing on a nearby beach and wanting to grab a bite to eat. Its laid-back atmosphere is surfer friendly and also is welcoming to new and local customers. It is our pleasure that Tuluum was mentioned as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Tuluum 110
El Tapatio
If you are looking for an under the radar Mexican restaurant with excellent margaritas, look no further than El Tapatio in Aguada. Located on the main backroad 110 in Aguada, El Tapatio offers delicious authentic Mexican cuisine and creative frozen margaritas. One of their stand-out dishes is the Family Nachos. And yes, you can feed a whole family with one dish. You think that they brought you a mountain of cheese and sour cream with the first look at the nachos. But no, the nachos and meat are right under all that delicious mess.
The margaritas are just an attraction as the nachos. If not, maybe even more. Their deliciously creative frozen margaritas are perfect for cooling down from the hectic beach day or family outing.
So, if you are traveling down 110 in Aguada and need a frozen treat, stop by El Tapatio, and you will not be disappointed.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
El Tapatio
Bandolera Restaurante Mexicano
One of the few places where you can find authentic Mexican food in Mayaguez is Bandolera. They serve delicious authentic dishes from Monterrey, and it is no surprise they are a local favorite. Stepping into Bandolera is like transporting into an old and rustic Mexican restaurant. The decoration for Bandolera is something out of a movie set with the colors and furniture. Bandolera makes their own tortillas in house, so you know that the tacos are on point, and they also serve brunch on the weekends. Their queso fundido with chorizo is a classic appetizer dish, and of course, their delicious tacos. Bandolera is loved locally for their lunch specials and spectacular Taco Tuesdays. These include homemade tortillas tacos for $2. You cannot go wrong with that.
It is no surprise that they were chosen as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico. If you are in Mayaguez and are in the mood for great authentic Mexican food, Bandolera is your spot.
We asked the owner five questions so that you can get to know them a little bit better:
How would you describe the setting at your restaurant?
We take pride is having a safe, and friendly atmosphere that is open to families. We are confident that our customers will leave with a great experience from our service. And enjoy our 100% authentic Mexican food which is done with fresh ingredients on the spot.
What is your customer’s favorite dish?
The carnitas tacos are the favorites at Bandolera. The taco tortilla is done by order, and we use ingredients which are organic and free of preservatives. This dish really gives you the experience of dining in Mexico.
What is your favorite margarita that you serve?
Our house margarita is the Margarita Patron Bandolera. My personal favorite flavor is with passionfruit that is grown at our own farm.
What dishes are unique at Bandolera?
Our Tacos, flautas, salsa, and enchiladas are all our unique dishes because they are done with recipes that have been handed down by generations in our family. Our recipes are based on cuisine from the northern part of Mexico. Other unique dishes are our quesatacos, avocado fries, and our desserts like the buñelos and the panecitos de abuela.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Bandolera
Cinco De Maya
Cinco de Maya is one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Mayaguez. They are loved locally because of their creative take on traditional Mexican food. Their creativity ranges from a delicious Quesataco to Cauliflower tacos to a 128 oz margarita tower. Cinco de Maya is a perfect spot to grab delicious Mexican food and sip on one of their many margarita variations, all while sitting inside of a luchador wrestling ring. Yes, you heard me right. Cinco de Mata has a wooden deck surrounded by wrestling ropes that get you in the mood to attack their menu.
Cinco de Maya‘s signature dish is the Birria Quesataco with Consomé. This monster is a taco wrapped in a cheese shell pressed on the grill like a quesadilla. And the best part is the Consomé marinade that will melt your tastebuds and also have you asking for more. It is a dish worth visiting Cinco de Maya for.
We asked the owner five questions about their restaurant so that you can get to know them a little better.
How would you describe the setting at your restaurant?
Our restaurant is safe, and ready to receive families from around the island.
What is your customer’s favorite dish?
Customers love our new Birratacos with Consome, as well as our chicken and carnitas quesadillas
What is your favorite dish?
Our favorite dish here is the Burrito Luchador, and you can’t forget the cheese on top
What is your favorite margarita that you serve?
Our customers love the strawberry / passion fruit margarita with a Tajin rim. So delicious!
What dishes are unique at Cinco de Maya?
Our best plate is the queso fundido. Customers from all over the island have told us that we have the best!
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Cinco de Maya
Metro (San Juan) Area
The San Juan Metro area is the most populated region of Puerto Rico. So, it is of no surprise, that in this area, you have some of the best restaurants on the island, And maybe even the Caribbean. The Metro region is comprised, of Sann Juan, which includes, Old San Juan, Condado, Santurce, Calle Loiza, Guaynabo, Rio Piedras, and other areas.
Below are some of the best Mexican restaurants from this region.
Aurorita
When you ask anybody in San Juan, which are their favorite Mexican restaurants, Aurorita will be in the top two. Aurorita Restaurant has been a staple in Mexican cuisine in San Juan since the ’70s. They have introduced thousands of locals to Mexican cuisine over the years and are still considered one of the best. At Aurorita, you get the complete Mexican experience with mariachi and all. Out of all the restaurants on this list, they are the only ones that offer mariachi bands for their customers every week. Aurorita Restaurant will blow you away with their delicious fajitas, enormous burritos, and also their large variety of margaritas.
Fresh ingredients and variety are at the center of the reason locals love to visit Aurorita for an authentic Mexican experience.
Below are a few questions that we asked the owners about what makes them stand out from the many Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico:
How would you describe the setting at your restaurant?
We make sure to create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere in our restaurant. we have very loving, and loyal customers that have been with for a long time and are considered family.
What is your customer’s favorite dish?
Our customers love our pork hard shelled tacos
What is your favorite dish?
The chihuahua special is our favorite dish
What is your favorite margarita that you serve?
Our original house margarita created in 1973
What dishes are unique at Aurorita?
Our Special Pico de Gallo
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Aurorita
El Axolote
Located on the historic Calle Cerra in Santurce, El Axolote is my personal favorite Mexican restaurant on this list. And the reason is because of their authentic Mexican street food menu. And they are not a copy-paste menu from other street food restaurants. They have opened my taste buds to new and exciting Mexican dishes that you will never see anywhere else on the island. But the food is only part of the experience at El Axolote. El Axolote is a space of gastronomic, artistic, musical, and social creativity.
Walking into El Axolote, you feel like you are walking into an art gallery/restaurant at your grandmother’s house. El Axolote encourages artistic expression and individuality, and it is apparent in the decoration and mood of the restaurant. The restaurant is the perfect place to hang out in the outdoor seating area, and meet with friends to have delicious margaritas freshly squeezed from natural fruit juices. Also, they have one of the largest selections of Mezcal in Puerto Rico. Their signature drink is a Mezcalita which is a margarita made with Mezcal. Two of these, and you will on your merry way.
But back to the food.
The first time that I tasted Pozole was at El Axolote. I have tasted it various times around the island, and none compare to El Axolote’s. My usual order at El Axolote consists of a Pozole with fresh ceviche. And, of course, a michelada on the side. They have possibly the best michelada in San Juan.
If you are in San Juan, I highly suggest that you include El Axolote on your to-do list. They are a breath of fresh air from your traditional Mexican restaurants, and you will not be disappointed. Also, if I can give you one tip: always ask for off the menu dishes.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
El Axolote
La Revolucion
Most restaurants claim to be authentic Mexican cuisine, but few push the boundaries to be truly original. La Revolucion is pushing the boundaries and breaking through to a godly level with their dishes. It is no surprise that they were voted as one of the Best Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico. They were the first restaurant to introduce various dishes in Puerto Rico, like the quesabirras de res on the island. Their dishes are as authentic as you can get from a restaurant in San Juan. Their impact has revolutionized the Mexican culinary scene in Puerto Rico.
Apart from a tasty authentic Mexican menu, what else do they have that makes them unique to the local crowd you may ask? They are the first Mexican restaurant in Puerto Rico that has introduced insects to their menu. And yes, I said insects. Grasshoppers, to be exact. They are called chapulines in Mexico, and they are served on a bed of delicious guacamole. It may not be your thing, but it is worth a try.
We asked the owner five questions so that you can get to know them a little bit better:
How would you describe the setting at your restaurant?
Our restaurant is family-friendly, elegant, and guapachoso.
What is your customer’s favorite dish?
It must be the quesabirras con consume. We were the first to bring these to the island.
What is your favorite dish?
I love the tacos de lengua, las flautas ahogadas, and the tlayuda oaxaqueña.
What is your favorite margarita that you serve?
It must be the Agave Fenix (smoked with chipotle) and the jalapeño margarita.
What dishes are unique at La Revolucion?
Ha sikil Pak (prehistoric Mayan dish)sikil pak (prehistoric Mayan dish)
Chillindrina (chicharron made from trigo)
Aguachile de camarones
Ampanadas Veracruzeñas
Tlayuda Oaxaqueña
Black Pastor
Puntas de filete al tequilla
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
La Revolucion
Tomate Cocina Mexicana
In San Juan, there are countless restaurants where you can get delicious margarita. But none compare to the margaritas at Tomate in Isla Verde. They take pride in having over 40 flavors of margaritas on their menu. But if you like micheladas, they have one of the best in Puerto Rico. It comes adorned like a bloody mary and is full of citric and spicy flavors.
My first experience with Tomate was a Sunday brunch with friends. Their brunch menu is a unique Mexican fusion with traditional breakfast items, which blew me away. And one of the best parts of their brunch is that they have bottomless mimosas. Tomate also makes their tortillas in-house and uses the best ingredients for their dishes. They serve creative variations of traditional Mexican dishes, and at the same time, maintain the simplicity of the origins of the dish.
If you are in the mood for a delicious margarita in San Juan or are looking to try something new for brunch, Tomate is your restaurant.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Tomate Cocina Mexicana
In the following section, I want to mention two restaurants that were not discussed as much as the previous restaurants. Still, I believe that should have been included on the list. One of the restaurants is new, and the other one has been around since 1984. These are two of my personal favorite restaurants, and I hope you will soon visit them to experience their menu.
Puebla
Ever since Puebla opened their doors in mid-2019 in Miramar Santurce, they have made a massive impact on the local culinary scene. Puebla uses a modern approach to traditional Mexican cuisine. Their specialties are tacos that are made with fresh ingredients and homemade plantillas. They offer some of the most creative taco selection in Puerto Rico by using ingredients that range from duck to plant-based beef. My favorite taco at Puebla is the tuna taco, like tuna tartar on a crispy and fluffy taco shell. Soooo goood.
Puebla keeps its menu simple and focus on the quality and not the number of dishes. The freshness of their ingredients is apparent in every bite that you take. It is no surprise they are a local favorite and will be on the top 20 list in years to come.
Also, Make sure to visit Puebla on Tuesday for a drop in price on tacos and margaritas.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Puebla
Mejico Lindo y Que Rico
For me, Mejico Lindo is a nostalgic classic Mexican restaurant. This is because I use to visit them when I was a small kid with my father. Mejico Lindo opened their doors in 1984 as Casa Maria and later changed its name to Mejico Lindo. They serve traditional Mexican dishes, and many years of perfecting their menu are apparent in their food’s deliciousness. They are considered one of the pioneers of “authentic” Mexican food in San Juan. Mejico Lindo takes pride in providing a quiet atmosphere for you to enjoy your lunch or dinner which is free from the typical Mariachi bands and distractions that other restaurants offer. Their primary goal is to focus on enjoying your company’s presence while having delicious authentic Mexican food.
Mejico Lindo is simple and delicious and one of the best traditional Mexican restaurants in San Juan.
Click below for photos, directions, and contact information:
Mejico Lindo y Que rico
End Notes
So, there you have it. These are the best Mexican restaurants in Puerto Rico chosen by you, the followers. I hope that this article has opened the doors to new restaurants that you will continue to explore the island for new restaurants to try.
If you are looking for the best comida Mexicana, make sure to visit these restaurants and support the local business.
Mexican restaurants near me in English?
Do you have any comments or question? Leave them below.
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