Mexican cuisine is among the most popular in the US, whether that means the best fish tacos from a truck or pretty, modern and flavor-packed dishes. From favorite spots for tacos to long-running neighborhood joints and acclaimed restaurants serving regional Mexican cuisine, here are the best places to eat Mexican food in every US state.

El Barrio is a Birmingham hot spot and one of the highest-rated Mexican restaurants in the state, known for its urban chic décor and a menu that champions locally-sourced ingredients. There are all the classics like quesadillas and tacos, but people also love that the menu goes beyond Tex-Mex and adds its own tasty twists. The plantain nachos and green pozole soup are among the standout dishes.

With cheerful décor and dishes that burst with flavor, El Dorado is a go-to spot for many Anchorage residents and visitors. People love the fresh, zingy dishes and the fact that the portions are more than generous – diners should plan for taking some leftovers away with them. Everything is delicious, from staples like rice and beans to tostadas and seafood chimichangas (like a deep-fried burrito).

Vividly decorated inside and out, Barrio Café has been serving chef-owner Silvana Salcido Esparza’s creative menu since 2002 and it remains a wildly popular Phoenix haunt. For many, this isn’t just the best Mexican food in the city or even the state – it’s some of the best in the US. The menu, including dishes like the acclaimed cochinita pibil (a slow-cooked pork dish) and guacamole with pomegranate seeds, has won the restaurant many fans – as has the extensive range of tequilas.

The award-winning neighborhood favorite Baja Grill in Little Rock is known for its flavorful food, so much so that the restaurant has won several awards (including best tacos in and around Arkansas). As well as a range of burritos and tacos, with blackened shrimp among diners’ favorites, people love the enormous quesadillas and the Baja crab cakes, made with lump crab and drizzled with chipotle aioli.

Choosing a best Mexican restaurant in California – a state famed for the cuisine – is a tall order. However, a restaurant that repeatedly pops up is La Taqueria in San Francisco’s Mission District, the heart of the city’s Latino community. Now, nearly 30 years-old, the no-frills restaurant reportedly serves the best burritos in the state, packed with meat, fish or veggies and with no “fillers” like rice. The tacos are pretty amazing too.

Tacos Tequila Whiskey started as a food truck before branching out with three bricks-and-mortar restaurants in Denver. Chef Kevin Morrison pays homage to Mexican cuisine while putting his own spin on classics. Among the delicious dishes that diners rave about are repollo tiernos (fried Brussels sprouts with spicy homemade dressing and cotija cheese), chicharrones (fried chicken skins with salsa) and tacos with beer-battered fish. The Margaritas are pretty good too.

Chic restaurant chain Bartaco has earned a reputation for its authentic tacos and fresh, zesty dishes, so much so that there are 16 restaurants in nine states, three of which are in Connecticut (the others are in Stamford and Westport). The West Hartford spot is especially popular – the kind of place that people return to on a regular basis. People love the fun, beachy vibe, but mostly, it’s the food that keeps people coming back, from flavorsome cauliflower and mushroom tacos to crave-worthy street corn.

With its tagline proudly declaring “burritos from scratch”, El Diablo – which has four casual restaurants in Wilmington and one in nearby Newark – has proved a hit with diners. Many have described the burritos and tacos as the best they’ve tasted, while the salad bowls, or “naked” burritos, are pretty good too. The varied, crowd-pleasing menu and standout dishes like the braised short rib mean it puts other Mexican restaurants in the shade.

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Located in Coral Gables, a few miles south of Miami, Talavera Cocina Mexicana is named after Mexico’s famous pottery. The inspiring menu combines classic Mexican cuisine, regional street food and seasonal specialties. The magnificent moles are made from scratch on a daily basis and the el huarache grill – homemade fresh corn masa flatbreads with black bean purée, salsa verde and goats' cheese – is a favorite.

More recently opened Mexican restaurants may be snapping at the heels of this established Atlanta restaurant, which opened in 1992, but Nuevo Laredo Cantina remains as popular as always. The vibe is friendly, the décor is charmingly colorful, and the Mexican and Tex-Mex-inspired menu is full of crowd-pleasers, including the restaurant’s signature dish, brisket barbacoa. Even when there’s a queue, it’s well worth the wait.

Every plate, bowl and cocktail glass at Frida’s Beach House in Lahaina, Maui, bursts with vibrant color and flavor. Among diners’ favorites are the crispy duck wings with mango salsa and chipotle sauce; the grilled panela cheese with roasted plantain, tomatillo salsa and corn tortillas; and the grilled octopus. The restaurant has a relaxed, holiday vibe with beautiful ocean views that look even prettier around sunset.

As well as being lauded for its award-winning salsa, which is freshly made daily, Despo’s is known for its focus on nutrition and regionally-sourced ingredients like sustainable seafood, free-range meats, beans from Twin Falls and cheese from Jerome. The tortilla soup comes highly recommended, while the street-style tacos and house favorites like the substantial burritos hit the spot with locals.

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Chef Rick Bayless’ elegant, James Beard Award-winning Topolobampo, in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, takes inspiration from regional Mexican cuisine for its fine dining dishes. The sleek dining room offers innovative tasting menus – described by diners as “sublime” – and dishes are made with high-quality, sustainable ingredients. Showstoppers include the sopa Azteca, a tomato-based broth with pasilla chili and grilled chicken, and the duck mole. It’s on the pricey side but worth the splurge.

There are several Bakersfield restaurants in the US and the Indianapolis location is a real local favorite. Street food-inspired tacos and tostadas dominate the menu, while the Margaritas, perfectly mixed and wonderfully fresh tasting, come highly recommended. As do the fish tacos, packed with crispy mahi and citrus slaw, and the Johnny ensalada – a zingy, satisfying ensemble of mixed greens, bacon, cotija cheese and hearts of palm.

La Regia Taqueria in Iowa City is many things – it’s a one-stop shop for Mexican groceries and supplies from spices to piñatas, it does takeout, and there’s a sit-down restaurant. It also, according to fans, serves the best and most authentic Mexican cuisine around. As well as a variety of burritos, tacos, tortas and quesadillas, there are plenty of vegetarian and seafood options, and the cooking is reliably spot-on. The fried potato tacos are among diner favorites.

Known for its street-style tacos like The Salazar, pork belly with salsa verde, and its wonderfully tender wood-fired chicken, Taco Republic is a casual, relaxed taqueria. It serves traditional Mexican fare like barbacoa and cochinita pibil (a braised pork dish from the Yucatán) with moreish sides like five-cheese queso and spicy tequila lime wings. People love the outdoor seating, family-friendly atmosphere and delicious Margaritas.

Every plate served up at Mayan Café is oh-so-pretty and packed with flavor too. The restaurant serves authentic Mayan food overseen by chef Bruce Ucán, whose sustainable farm-to-table approach pays homage to his Yucatán heritage while drawing on the surrounding landscape for locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Diners swear this spot serves up the best burritos and “soul soothing” pork dish, cochinita pibil, that can be found outside of Mexico.

Customers can’t get enough of the food at Juan’s Flying Burrito, which has four New Orleans locations and specializes in street tacos with the peppery, herby, smoky flavors of Creole cuisine. Food is fresh and made to order, the atmosphere is fun and the Margaritas are memorable. Gulf shrimp is on the menu and the jerk chicken tacos are a must-try. The outside seating at the Lower Garden District location, pictured, is a winner too.

Taco Escobarr is a local favorite in Portland, as much for its fun and festive atmosphere as for its food. There are soft, crispy and puffy tacos, pazole (a brothy, flavor-packed soup) and chipotle sweet potato taquitos on offer, all served in a bright, colorful dining room whose ceiling is illuminated by multi-colored string lights after dark. The Margaritas, mixed with fruit-infused tequilas, come highly recommended too.

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Located in Baltimore’s Fells Point, Tortilleria Sinaloa is small, unassuming and hugely popular. To many, it’s beloved for its tasty Mexican fare, from freshly-made tortillas and tortilla chips, to a dish with a Maryland twist: the tilapia fish taco with butter sauce is seasoned with Old Bay, a seasoning born in Baltimore and traditionally used to flavor chicken wings, crab or shrimp.

Since opening in Braintree, just south of Boston, in 1988, El Sarape has earned a reputation as one of the most consistently excellent Mexican restaurants in the state. Its carnitas and enchiladas verde are highlights, as is the specialty guisado con chile ancho – chicken or beef casserole with potatoes, onions and red chili sauce. The drinks menu is standout too, with marvelous Margaritas and a fab selection of Mexican beers.

The cuisine at El Asador is inspired by various regions of Mexico including the coastal areas of Veracruz and Tamaulipas, and also by the chef’s mum. Luis Garza’s dishes are infused with the flavors and memories of his childhood while also drawing from regional produce, and everything is cooked fresh, from scratch. The result is nothing less than delicious, from mouth-watering seafood dishes to the almost legendary guacamole, made tableside. The décor is memorable too, particularly the detailed mural painted on an outside wall.

Translating to “the laughing taco”, El Taco Riendo is regarded as one of the best Mexican restaurants around and has won lifelong fans with its freshly prepared, authentic and unfailingly delicious tacos, tostadas and burritos. People love the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Everything is cooked to order and the foot-long big burrito and big torta are local talking points.

The gluten-free tortillas and vegan and vegetarian options are appreciated by customers at Green Ghost Tacos, whose menu showcases family recipes passed down through several generations. The food is made in small batches with the freshest ingredients and, for many diners, the pork tacos and caramel churros are standout dishes. There’s also a second location in nearby Jackson.

The first Mission Taco Joint opened in St Louis’ Delmar Loop in 2013 and its fresh, bold flavors proved so popular there are now several locations across the state. It takes inspiration from the Mexican-style cuisine of California, where owners and brothers Jason and Adam Tilford grew up, and diners love the breezy West Coast ambience. Dishes like duck tacos make diners return for more, while the corn “off the cob”, served with garlic-lime mayo and queso fresco, is becoming the stuff of legend.

With its solid diner ratings and excellent local reputation, Los Maya's is a warm, welcoming Tex-Mex joint owned by Luis and Lucy Maya, who hail from Guanajuato in central Mexico. The couple rustle up dishes infused with the traditional flavors of their home region, and are known to serve super-spicy salsa and a mean chili colorado, where the meat is stewed in a red sauce. The carnitas is also a favorite.

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Omaha’s Agave Azteca offers traditional dishes and lots of them. The comprehensive menu reads like an encyclopedia of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, so there’s pretty much something for everyone. Standout dishes include tableside guacamole, superlative salsa and chile relleno. Noteworthy desserts include tres leches cake and fried ice cream. People also love the funky, modern décor, with wall murals and bold colors.

It may not have the glamour of some of the more high-end restaurants in Vegas but what Bonito Michoacán lacks in glitz, it more than makes up for in heart and authenticity. Year after year diners rave about this family-run restaurant, loved for its housemade tortillas and tableside guacamole. The diverse menu is complemented by some gorgeous cocktails, such as this tempting mango Margarita (pictured).

Vida Cantina, located along Route 1 in Portsmouth, draws people off the beaten track with its modern and vibrant approach to Mexican cuisine. Chef-owner Dave Vargas combines his Mexican heritage with inspiration from the restaurant’s Portsmouth location, using regional produce to create the prettiest plates. Diners love inventive tacos with zingy additions like mango and out-of-this-world pork belly.

The funky décor is the first thing people notice about Orale, located in downtown Jersey City. Exposed brick walls are plastered with original murals while pendant lamps create a warm atmosphere. The food doesn’t disappoint, with delicious options like avocado toast with seitan and bone marrow tacos. The cocktails, like blood orange or blueberry Margaritas, are equally innovative and delicious.

El Modelo began in 1929 as a flatbread factory, when Carmen Garcia would rise in the early hours to make tortillas to sell for breakfast. Today, this no-frills spot shows no signs of losing its reputation as serving the best tortillas and tamales around. The huevos rancheros and sopapillas – small fried pastries – are wonderful too. The state’s homegrown green and red chiles play a starring role in dishes.

Cosme is a stylish restaurant in New York City's Flatiron District, which serves contemporary Mexican-inspired cuisine. Chef Enrique Olvera, who’s behind Mexico City’s much-praised Pujol, is at the helm and he’s created a terrifically creative menu that marries regional ingredients with Mexican flavors. The menu changes seasonally but examples include a bone marrow salsa, avocado stuffed with seafood and horseradish, and husk meringue with sweetcorn custard.

Chic yet unpretentious, Limones in downtown Asheville combines Mexican chef Hugo Ramirez’s love of Californian cuisine with flavors and inspiration from his native country (and some tips from his mother). Diners can expect delicious dishes like locally-sourced chicken marinated in mango and habanero chili, lobster nachos, and enchiladas with short-rib beef, plantain and guacamole. People also praise the charming vibe and décor.

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Vinyl Taco looks like a hip dive bar from the outside but it matches its cool vibes with some seriously good food. The restaurant, which has wall art and a patio fenced in by bicycle wheels, is famed for moreish dishes inspired by Mexican street food. People come for the food, like tacos stuffed with pork belly, and tend to stay for the laid-back atmosphere and great music, which comes via a selection of vinyl records.

Nada offers bright, contemporary food inspired by Mexican flavors and traditions. While tacos and cocktails are at the heart of Nada, diners can also expect some dishes with a tasty twist. Crispy Brussels sprouts are laced with chipotle honey, for example, while the butter-soft Peruvian chicken – roasted and served with a selection of spicy sauces – is terrific. The service and atmosphere are standout too. There’s a sister restaurant in Columbus, Ohio plus a few locations in other states.

Located just south of Oklahoma City, Tarahumara’s is a family-run cantina and, as fans agree, a true local gem. The menu centers around the cuisine of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, with salsas made daily from scratch, using red and green chiles grown in the region. Customers can expect rustic, generously piled-high plates of chicken mole and chile relleno,  paired with some stiff Margaritas.

Husband-and-wife team Benjamin and Shannon Gonzales offer hearty Mexican cooking in smart but chilled-out Nuestra Cocina, whose name translates to “our kitchen”. Diners rave about the delicious chile relleno and the range of complex, deeply flavored mole sauces. There’s a dedicated in-house Señora de la Tortilla whose sole responsibility is to hand roll and press corn tortillas – an authentic touch that customers adore.

Blue Corn Mexican Restaurant and Bar is situated in foodie hub Philadelphia. Family owned and run, the restaurant was established in 2014 and aims to show people "real Mexican food" with its authentic menu, accompanied by a wide range of Tequilas and handcrafted cocktails. Menu highlights include Huarache Azteca, a whole cactus topped with mushrooms, cheese and pico de gallo, and Ceviche de Pulpo, an octopus ceviche with pico de gallo and avocado.

Hip Providence eatery Tallulah’s Taqueria usually offers a counter service with build-your-own bowls, burritos, tacos, tortas and quesadillas. New and regular customers rave about the burrito bowls, barbacoa meat and the deliciously spicy signature shrimp cocktail, packed with fresh and tender seafood. The carnitas tacos are particularly revered, packed with meat that’s been cooked to perfection, while the guacamole is worth writing home about too.

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This funky hangout marries two complex and often-craved cuisines: Mexican and Japanese. The menu at MESU offers some select and reliably delicious creations inspired by the culinary cultures of each country. Diners can stick to tacos, with favorites like grilled mushroom and barbacoa braised beef, order a platter of sushi – or grab a combo of the two. The fusion element is subtle, with tomatillo salsa in some of the rolls and tacos lifted with daikon, a type of Japanese radish.

Ana Line Munoz, from the western Mexican state of Michoacán, runs this modest restaurant with love and a passion for serving dishes inspired by her own family recipes. Fans rave about Sabor a Mexico’s enchiladas, terrific tacos, chicken mole, sopes and tamales, describing the spot as a local hidden gem. The carne asada fries (pictured) are particularly tempting.

Las Tortugas opened in 2002 when owner Pepe Magallanes saw a need for genuine, “un-Americanised" Mexican food in the Memphis area. Years later and the restaurant, which also has a location in the suburb of Germantown, is still a family affair. They serve no-nonsense dishes made with ingredients sourced from local markets. The guacamole, tamales, tacos, the “best” tortilla soup and, of course, the tortugas (sandwiches) are all highly praised.

Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega's restaurants include Hugo’s, a much-loved Mexican spot in Houston, and Xochi, which brings the flavors of Oaxaca to the city. Xochi serves upscale Mexican-inspired dishes, beautifully presented in an elegant space. Diners recommend the mole dishes (the restaurant even offers a mole tasting) and inventive dishes like crispy wood-roasted octopus served with a masa pancake.

Red Iguana is a family-run restaurant with pedigree – it’s been featured on national TV and in the press countless times, has won numerous awards and remains one of Salt Lake City’s best-loved restaurants (so much so, there’s now a Red Iguana 2). The cantinas are on the small side and there’s often a wait, but it’s worth the trouble to experience the extensive menu with its excellent enchiladas and irresistible moles.

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El Cortijo in Burlington is serving up fresh, flavorful Mexican food with an emphasis on using local produce and ingredients. The reviews claim this is the best Mexican food they've ever eaten, and looking at the menu, it's not hard to see why. Set in a quirky 1950's style diner, El Cortijo's menu promises a simple but delicious array of Mexican food such as burritos and tacos, as well as an extensive selection of creative Margaritas! 

Starting life as a food truck in Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood in 2009, District Taco proved a runaway success and there are now around a dozen locations, most of which are in Virginia. The cuisine is inspired by the Yucatán, the home region of owner Osiris Hoil, and everything is made daily and served fresh, with an emphasis on healthy, sustainable food. The fish tacos, incredible guacamole and salsa are some of its top dishes.

The Dominguez family opened this popular spot in Capitol Hill in 2014 with the menu (of course) focussing on the delicious cuisine of Oaxaca, a city and region famed for its spicy dishes and rich, complex mole sauce. Customer favorites at Mezcaleria Oaxaca include the mole negro, tlayuda (a sort of Mexican-style pizza with a tortilla base) and cabrito (stewed goat leg).

Black Bear Burritos is less an authentic Mexican restaurant and more of a burrito spot, serving what it describes as “burritos of all ethnic cuisines”. That could mean Italian sausage, Swiss cheese and turkey, tofu with Thai-style curry sauce, or a Greek-inspired mix of Feta and salad. Customers praise the generous portion sizes and great value, with options to build-your-own or choose from their spot-on house specialties.

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Café Corazón, which has three locations in Milwaukee, prides itself on using fresh, local produce from nearby farms, its own land and urban garden. Customers can expect tortas, tacos and burritos, plus a terrific brunch menu with options like migas – eggs scrambled with strips of corn tortillas and melted cheese. People also love the perfect Margaritas.

Merry Piglets has been serving Jackson Hole residents and visitors since 1969, when it began as a small taco shop before growing into a fully-fledged restaurant. The décor is enjoyably kitsch (and features pigs, of course), while customers also love the lively ambience, friendly service and solid, old-school Mexican and Tex-Mex fare. Among favorites are the juicy, perfectly seasoned carne asada, homemade sauces and seafood dishes, made with sustainable, wild-caught fish.

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