Best New Jersey Mexican Restaurants
Discover the Best New Jersey Mexican Resturants. Our picks for the best NJ local and chain Mexican restaurants
Is there such a thing as "authentic Mexican food?"
Yes, though you are apt to find difficulty in locating authentic, traditional Mexican food from the overwhelming number of Tex-Mex restaurants that are present in nearly every neighborhood and Mexican chain restaurant in NJ
Tex Mex is an American style of Mexican cooking that has evolved during the last half of the 20th century, beginning along the Texas Mexican border where restaurant owners began to introduce flavors and ingredients to accommodate the tastes of " gringo's".
Authentic, traditional food in Mexico can be found across 32 federal entities with each of these entities having their own style of Mexican cuisine. The styles of cuisine amongst entities varies widely depending on the regions use of ingredients, flavors, and style of preparation.
The North of Mexico reflects the presence of the of cattle ranches. Dishes often include grilled beef, and the most popular dishes include machaca, arrachera (Fajitas) and cabrito (baby goat). The use Cheeses are also popular and the region produces the widest varieties of cheese in Mexico, including queso fresco (fresh farmer's cheese), and ranchero (similar to Monterey Jack).
The South of Mexico (Campeche, Yucatan, Quintana Roo) style of Mexican cuisine is distinct from the rest of Mexico and is based on Mayan, Cuban, and other Caribbean island influences. Corn is the basic staple. Chicken, sea food, and vegetables with corn tortillas, black beans, and plantains, being ingredients most widely used.
Tex Mex has also evolved. Today, many of the high-end Mexican restaurants in NJ and the United States have taken Tex-Mex to a higher level with creating new twists of Tex Mex introducing new flavors and fresh farm to table ingredients to accommodate the trend of Americans wanting lighter fares, healthy food, Tapas portions, and upscale ambiance
The Best Northern New Jersey Mexican Restaurants
Charrito's
974 J.F.K. Boulevard
Weehawken, NJ
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Here you can get authentic, traditional Mexican cuisine from the region of Oaxaca, in southern Mexico. This region is known for chocolate-infused moles. Many of the region dried spices are shipped in from relatives in Oaxaca, Mexico. The story is not complete without describing another highlight --- it's awesome scenic views of the Manhattan sky as far north as the George Washington Bridge and as far south as the Verrazano Bridge. During the warmer months, there is outside dining on the terrace.
Folklore Artisinal Tacos
Chatham, Cranford, and West Orange, NJ
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Family owned are operated by Sergio Capdevielle who emigrated from Teziutlan, Puebla Mexico, bringing his authentic generations-old recipes and style of cooking from the Mexico City region.
The "go to" North jersey Mexican restaurant for tacos. Taco flavors include those filled with hibiscus flower, short rib, steak, and more.
Leyendas de Mexico
71 New Rd
Parsippany, New Jersey
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Small, BYOB with colorful Mexican murals adorning the walls with a lively, cheerful atmosphere. Serves huge portions from a limited menu with mix of authentic traditional items and some Tex-Mex favorites. Delivers, flavorful food using fresh ingredients
Orale Mexican Kitchen
341 Grove St
Jersey City, NJ
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One of Three Orale Mexican Restaurants. The others located in Hoboken and Morristown.
This vibrant, trendy, floor to ceiling exposed brick, attractive setting with a full bar is a popular spot with millenials.
It's not just ambiance that attracts diners, they have an urban style sharing menu with many Mexican classics infused with modern twists.
The Best Central New Jersey Mexican Restaurants
Acapulco
124 Thompson St.
Raritan, NJ
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This small Mexican restaurant with full bar service specializes in hand made servings and cocktails. The menu features a variety of wwel-made dishes from across Mexico.
Barrio Costero
610 Bangs Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ
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The fare at Barrio Costero is Coastal Mexican Cuisine. It's light fare, creatively prepared using fresh ingredients sourced from local seafood and produce purveyors, complemented by imported authentic Mexican ingredients.
Barrio Costero's ambiance is trendy, upscale yet casual, industrial chic with a vibrant atmosphere. The high quality of the food and the ambiance are just part of the story at Barrio Costero. They have full bar service bar service featuring their creative cutting-edge Mexican-influenced cocktails using exotic ingredients.
El Meson
Freehold, NJ
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A long time Mexican restaurant popular with Western Monmouth CVisit their site to learn moreounty diners who come for well prepared "Tex - Mex" food, though the menu has preparations with North, Gulf and sometimes South Mexican, and American influences.
Review
La Catrina
144 Easton Ave,
New Brunswick, NJ
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BYOB with well-prepared Tex-Mex food with vegetarian options in an attractive, clean setting. Great value, affordably priced.The ambiance is attractive mexican themed with bright colors and walls adorned with textiles and art work.
La China Poblana
556 Rt. 18 North
East Brunswick, NJ
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They serve a healthy, fresh, and flavorful Mexican menu prepared with high quality ingredients.
It's a small restaurant with a festive vibe. Walls adorned with colorful Mexican attire, and hand-painted tables and chairs.
La Malinche
1588 Irving Street
Rahway, NJ 07065
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La Malinche is a small BYOB that across the street from the Union County Arts Center. They serve a well prepared, creative, flavorful menu with a variety of Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican favorites. It's a cozy. simply decorated, ten table restaurant. The menu is popular with Spanish locals and features Spanish descriptions with English translations.
Tequila N Tacos Sports Bar & Grill
560 Stelton Rd.
Piscataway, NJ
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This 130 seat Mexican sports bar restaurant with full bar service and large screen TV's is a popular pace for diners who enjoy a colorful, vibrant atmosphere with excellent tequila cocktails , tacos, and sports.
The Best Southern New Jersey Mexican Restaurants
Bandanas Mexican Grille
5607 Atlantic Ave
Wildwood Crest, NJ
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Their innovative Mexican Cuisine is influenced by
international culinary techniques and creative recipes from all over the world.
Ingredients are high quality, using fresh fruits and seasonal Jersey vegetables, supplemented by herbs and spices from their on-site garden. They offer indoor and outdoor patio seating.
El Guacamole
Millville and Ocean City, NJ
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The Millville restaurant located in the Glasstown Arts District, is a small Mexican restaurant serving traditional dishes from Oaxaca, the Pacific region known for mescal, moles, and chocolate.
The restaurant is family owned by Paulina Reyna and her husband Eric Herrera. Food is sourced from local purveyors, with many dishes made with organic ingredients, Their signaure spread is the guacamole, made with organic ingredients: Mexican avocados, lemons, local tomatoes, onions, cilantro. It's BYOB, however, if you bring tequila they will make you an outstanding margarita.
La Cita
911 Marlton Pike West
Cherry Hill, NJ
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Owned by Mexican immigrants Olivia and Regulo Reyes, this small, BYOB. specializes in serving well prepared traditional Mexican favorites from Puebla, (southeast of Mexico City) and the Yucatan using recipes from their native land.
Parrilla La Nueva Fogata
25-27 W White Horse Pike
Berlin, NJ
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Small, BYOB located in a strip mall specializes in serving a fusion of traditional dishes from the state of Puebla and street food from Mexico City. Popular with Latinos
Tacos El Tio
Egg Harbor Township and Medford, NJ
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The Egg Harbor Twp location serves well prepared, creative Tex-Mex food using fresh, quality ingredients including Angus Beef, all-natural chicken, and fresh vegetables. The atmosphere is festive with full bar service featuring creative margarita and tequila cocktails. The restaurant seats 165 with an open floor plan and high ceilings.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey’s top Mexican spots span North, Central, and South, mixing authentic regional cooking (Oaxaca, Puebla, Yucatán) with Tex-Mex.
- Expect tacos, moles, coastal seafood, and creative cocktails.
- Many are BYOB, focus on fresh, local ingredients, and offer lively settings from cozy murals to trendy bars.
Your Guide to NJ’s Best Mexican Restaurants: FAQs
Where are the strongest hubs for great Mexican food in New Jersey?
Jersey City leads, with standouts like Orale Mexican Kitchen, Taqueria Downtown, and Taqueria Viva Mexico Kitchen Cafe. Hoboken has Los Charritos. South Jersey has gems too, like El Pueblo Taqueria in North Cape May and Azteca Restaurant in Belmar.
What spots get the most consistent praise right now?
Orale Mexican Kitchen and Taqueria Downtown in Jersey City stay busy with strong reviews. El Asadero Mexican Grill, with locations in North Jersey, also draws steady raves for birria and molcajetes. El Pueblo Taqueria is a favorite at the shore.
Do I need reservations?
For popular dinner times, yes. Many places take reservations on OpenTable, especially in Jersey City and Hoboken. Casual taquerias usually work for walk-ins but expect waits on weekends.
What price range should I expect?
Casual taquerias run about 3 to 5 dollars per taco and 12 to 18 dollars for plates. Sit-down cantinas with full bars usually range from 16 to 28 dollars for mains.
Which places are best for tacos?
Taqueria Downtown and Taqueria Viva Mexico Kitchen Cafe are known for al pastor, carnitas, and fish tacos. El Pueblo Taqueria also gets credit for fresh, well-seasoned tacos.
Where can I find regional specialties like mole or birria?
Try Los Charritos for mole poblano and seasonal dishes. El Asadero is known for birria quesadillas and molcajetes. Look for Oaxacan and Puebla influences on menus statewide.
Are there good vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. Many spots offer veggie tacos, mushroom or squash blossom quesadillas, and hearty bean dishes. Ask about lard-free beans and vegetable stock for truly vegetarian plates.
Do most places serve alcohol or are they BYOB?
It varies. Some restaurants have full bars with margaritas. Others are BYOB, which in NJ usually means beer or wine only. Call ahead if drinks are important to you.
What are the wait times like on weekends?
Popular spots in Jersey City and Hoboken can hit 30 to 60 minutes after 6 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Join the list early or grab a late lunch to skip the rush.
Is outdoor seating common?
Seasonally, yes. Many restaurants set up sidewalks, patios, or parklets. Seating is first-come at most casual places. Reservations help at sit-down spots with patios.
Can I find gluten-free choices?
Corn tortillas are often gluten-free, but cross-contact is common on shared griddles. Ask for dedicated prep if needed and confirm sauces and marinades.
Are these restaurants family-friendly?
Most are. Casual taquerias work well for families, and many have high chairs and shareable plates. Some cantinas skew louder in the evening.
Do they offer delivery or takeout?
Yes. Many partner with apps and also take direct pickup orders. For best quality, pickup beats delivery for crispy items like tacos dorados and chips.
What should first-timers order?
Start with guacamole or elote, then try al pastor or carnitas tacos. If you prefer a fork-and-knife dish, go for enchiladas with mole or a carne asada plate.
How spicy is the food?
Heat levels vary. Salsas often range from mild tomatillo to hot habanero. Ask for salsa on the side if you’re unsure, and taste before pouring.
Any tips for getting the best table or service?
Go early, especially on weekends. Book a reservation when possible. If it’s BYOB, bring a chilled bottle. Ask staff for their favorite dishes, they’ll guide you well.
