The Ultimate Guide to Mexican Food in ATL
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published December 11, 2020 and last updated May 3, 2023.
Is there any food as beloved in America as Mexican food? We think not, and we love all the varieties available, from cheesy Tex-mex goodness, to authentic street tacos on corn tortillas, to authentic birria. Here’s a round-up on the greatest Mexican spots to be found in ATL no matter what kind of flavor you’re in the mood for.
For Tex Mex and Fusion Tacos…
Little dive Nuevo Laredo has long been an Atlanta favorite on the westside of Atlanta. The owner, Chance Evans, opened up this place way back in 1992. They’ve got a big menu with everything you could want, from a great guacamole to cheesy enchiladas to fajitas with extra sizzle.
Mezcalito’s has fun, American/Mexican fusion-y tacos like fried tofu tacos and fried shrimp tacos. The salmon flautas are a go to, and their Grant Park location has especially great vibes and service!
Velvet Taco is along the same vein as Mezcalito’s. We love that they take all of our favorite foods and add that taco element to it, with amazing and flavorful fusion tacos like spicy tikka chicken, Korean pork, and shrimp & grits. You’ll also love their patio!
Taqueria Del Sol is definitely a cult favorite, with the regularly long lines to prove it! But their savory, cheesy enchiladas and Southern meets Mexican takes like fried chicken tacos at budget prices more than justify the wait times. Order their creamy corn chowder for something really spectacular.
Chef Ford Fry’s Superica perhaps is the only restaurant in Atlanta with a menu that’s truly Tex Mex. We dream about their green chicken enchiladas and their queso fundido. Locations in Buckhead as well as in Old Fourth Ward by Krog Street Market.
For Authentic Street Tacos and Mexican Cuisine…
For authentic taco-y goodness, you gotta go to Buford Highway. There’s plenty of great spots all over this stretch of Atlanta, but El Rey Del Taco has long been a favorite amongst locals. From carne asada to al pastor, they do well with all, all served on handmade corn tortillas. If you’re looking for a little adventure, try the tongue (cow tongue), cabeza (cow cheek), or buche (pork stomach) tacos!
El Progreso, lovingly known as “Prison Tacos” as they’re right by a jail, is also somewhat of a cult favorite in Atlanta. There’s plenty of fantastic, flavorful tacos and tortas to choose from. Peruse the butcher’s counter while you’re there as well to take some goodies home.
For some awesome birria, you have to head over to newcomer Birria El Gordo in Marietta, Georgia. This little taco spot often has a long line that stretches on and on outside the door thanks to their delicious birria quesatacos and consommé, a traditional goat or beef stew from the state of Jalisco. Check it out and see if it’s worth the hype!
And for amazing chicken al carbon but at a third of the price of all the trendier spots in town, Brito Supermarket is where you want to go. This Buford Highway find has a whole bird for $9.99! You’ll smell this flavorful, slow-roasted and whole-roasted Mexican grilled chicken from miles away and you might even catch them grilling it up outside when you pull up. Pick up some tortillas and cilantro to make tacos at home, and you’ve got yourself an A+ meal!
For Massive Portions and Family-Friendly Vibes…
Frontera is one of Atlanta’s most iconic Mexican restaurants and has been serving incredible South of the Border flavors for over 35 years. Whether it’s delicious twists on tacos like their tacos vampiros, their incredible steak burritos (sourced from Frontera’s meat processor), or their mouthwatering margaritas (made with Frontera’s own barrel of Herradura Tequila), everything you want is front and center at Frontera!
Casa Grande, from the Marietta Family Restaurant Group, has the same commitment to fantastic service, *massive* portions, delicious cakes, and magical touch that all of Gus’ restaurants have. You’ll love their awesome drinks, their sizzling fajitas, and their ooey gooey queso!
There’s something about that fajita sizzle and the taste of salt on the rim of your drink that makes any dining experience feel a little extra fun. At 7 Tequilas, they bring that authentic Mexican dining experience every night, with delicious plates, tons of margarita options and amazing service in four laid back locations. Try their mouth watering dips, fresh made guac, nachos, salads and authentic Mexican dishes like the Enchiladas Michoacanas, Chilaquiles and El Molcajete.
For An Upscale Experience…
Casi Cielo is a total gem in Sandy Springs, serving an elevated dining experience with Oaxacan flair that’s perfect for date night or girl’s night. They’ve got fantastic hand crafted cocktails made with Mezcal, blue corn tortillas made by hand the traditional way, and off-the-charts flavors.
Alma Cocina in Buckhead has swoon-worthy interiors and a menu filled with contemporary Mexican food as well as some other items influenced by Latin American cuisine. The fried chihuahua cheese with salsa verde is a crowd-pleaser and easily split for a crowd. Their downtown location also recently reopened and is just as stunning!
Bar Taco is another awesome Mexican option that’s tried and true with great nautical vibes that always promise a good time. Their margaritas never disappoint and each little taco they serve is full of flavor. Get some elote too, off the cob.
For Great Drinks and a Great Time…
Buckhead’s Chido & Padres has recently revamped their menu, and we’re totally impressed. The super instagrammable, Southwestern boho chic vibes are fantastic and the colorful patio is dreamy. The oyster toast is an umami bomb in the best way!
Mexico City street food comes to the westside of Atlanta at Tuza Taco. Step in to the lively atmosphere at Tuza and head to the bar for a delicious, hand crafted margarita. Then, get ready to dig in to incredible tacos with carnitas, shrimp, beef and other delicious options – all on a freshly made tortilla. Make sure you get their signature, massive fish taco with chipotle crema and house made coleslaw the next time you stop in.
Led in the kitchen by the incomparable Chef Mimmo – Red Pepper Taqueria uses fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, separating them from other Mexican restaurants in the area. Plus Chef Mimmo’s European background brings a Mediterranean influence to the kitchen. Dig in to the incredible, multi-layered nachos, Mussels a la Diabla and delicious brunch burger the next time you go.
El Tesoro has become the patio hangout spot in fair weather. The margs are strong, the food is fantastic, and the vibes are top notch!
There’s something about that fajita sizzle and the taste of salt on the rim of your drink that makes any dining experience feel a little extra fun. Try the mouth watering dips, fresh made guac, nachos, salads and authentic Mexican dishes like the Enchiladas Michoacanas, Chilaquiles and El Molcajete at 7 Tequilas!
With Uno, Dos, Tres locations – and lots of “actitud” – Cinco restaurants brings authentic Mexican Flavors with lots of personality to the Atlanta area. With beautiful decor, rooftop patios and convenient locations in Dunwoody, Smyrna/Cumberland and Cumming, Cinco has something for all five of your senses. You could start by trying their handcrafted guacamole and homemade salsa. Maybe dig in to some tacos and quesadillas. Or if the smoky sights and sizzling sounds of a fajita are up your alley, Cinco has delicious options for you!
Step into Mexico the next time you head to Castleberry Hill at No Mas Cantina. No Mas Cantina features incredible Mexican dishes and mouth watering Margaritas, this restaurant is enormous and can hold your next large party with ease. Check out their marketplace, too, the next time you visit for great Mexican inspired art, fixtures and more.
Little dive Nuevo Laredo has long been an Atlanta favorite on the westside of Atlanta. The owner, Chance Evans, opened up this place way back in 1992. They’ve got a big menu with everything you could want, from a great guacamole to cheesy enchiladas to fajitas with extra sizzle.
Mezcalito’s has fun, American/Mexican fusion-y tacos like fried tofu tacos and fried shrimp tacos. The salmon flautas are a go to, and their Grant Park location has especially great vibes and service!
Velvet Taco is along the same vein as Mezcalito’s. We love that they take all of our favorite foods and add that taco element to it, with amazing and flavorful fusion tacos like spicy tikka chicken, Korean pork, and shrimp & grits. You’ll also love their patio!
Taqueria Del Sol is definitely a cult favorite, with the regularly long lines to prove it! But their savory, cheesy enchiladas and Southern meets Mexican takes like fried chicken tacos at budget prices more than justify the wait times. Order their creamy corn chowder for something really spectacular.
Chef Ford Fry’s Superica perhaps is the only restaurant in Atlanta with a menu that’s truly Tex Mex. We dream about their green chicken enchiladas and their queso fundido. Locations in Buckhead as well as in Old Fourth Ward by Krog Street Market.
For authentic taco-y goodness, you gotta go to Buford Highway. There’s plenty of great spots all over this stretch of Atlanta, but El Rey Del Taco has long been a favorite amongst locals. From carne asada to al pastor, they do well with all, all served on handmade corn tortillas. If you’re looking for a little adventure, try the tongue (cow tongue), cabeza (cow cheek), or buche (pork stomach) tacos!
El Progreso, lovingly known as “Jail Tacos” as they’re right by a jail, is also somewhat of a cult favorite in Atlanta. There’s plenty of fantastic, flavorful tacos and tortas to choose from. Peruse the butcher’s counter while you’re there as well to take some goodies home.
For some awesome birria, you have to head over to newcomer Birria El Gordo in Marietta, Georgia. This little taco spot often has a long line that stretches on and on outside the door thanks to their delicious birria quesatacos and consommé, a traditional goat or beef stew from the state of Jalisco. Check it out and see if it’s worth the hype!
And for amazing chicken al carbon but at a third of the price of all the trendier spots in town, Brito Supermarket is where you want to go. This Buford Highway find has a whole bird for $9.99! You’ll smell this flavorful, slow-roasted and whole-roasted Mexican grilled chicken from miles away and you might even catch them grilling it up outside when you pull up. Pick up some tortillas and cilantro to make tacos at home, and you’ve got yourself an A+ meal!
Casa Grande, from the Marietta Family Restaurant Group, has the same commitment to fantastic service, *massive* portions, delicious cakes, and magical touch that all of Gus’ restaurants have. You’ll love their awesome drinks, their sizzling fajitas, and their ooey gooey queso!
There’s something about that fajita sizzle and the taste of salt on the rim of your drink that makes any dining experience feel a little extra fun. At 7 Tequilas, they bring that authentic Mexican dining experience every night, with delicious plates, tons of margarita options and amazing service in four laid back locations. Try their mouth watering dips, fresh made guac, nachos, salads and authentic Mexican dishes like the Enchiladas Michoacanas, Chilaquiles and El Molcajete.
Frontera is one of Atlanta’s most iconic Mexican restaurants and has been serving incredible South of the Border flavors for over 35 years. Whether it’s delicious twists on tacos like their tacos vampiros, their incredible steak burritos (sourced from Frontera’s meat processor), or their mouthwatering margaritas (made with Frontera’s own barrel of Herradura Tequila), everything you want is front and center at Frontera!
Casi Cielo is a total gem in Sandy Springs, serving an elevated dining experience with Oaxacan flair that’s perfect for date night or girl’s night. They’ve got fantastic hand crafted cocktails made with Mezcal, blue corn tortillas made by hand the traditional way, and off-the-charts flavors.
Mexico City street food comes to the westside of Atlanta at Tuza Taco. Step in to the lively atmosphere at Tuza and head to the bar for a delicious, hand crafted margarita. Then, get ready to dig in to incredible tacos with carnitas, shrimp, beef and other delicious options – all on a freshly made tortilla. Make sure you get their signature, massive fish taco with chipotle crema and house made coleslaw the next time you stop in.
Led in the kitchen by the incomparable Chef Mimmo – Red Pepper Taqueria uses fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, separating them from other Mexican restaurants in the area. Plus Chef Mimmo’s European background brings a Mediterranean influence to the kitchen. Dig in to the incredible, multi-layered nachos, Mussels a la Diabla and delicious brunch burger the next time you go.
Buckhead’s Chido & Padres has recently revamped their menu, and we’re totally impressed. The super instagrammable, Southwestern boho chic vibes are fantastic and the colorful patio is dreamy.
Bar Taco is another awesome Mexican option that’s tried and true with great nautical vibes that always promise a good time. Their margaritas never disappoint and each little taco they serve is full of flavor. Get some elote too, off the cob.
With Uno, Dos, Tres locations – and lots of “actitud” – Cinco restaurants brings authentic Mexican Flavors with lots of personality to the Atlanta area. With beautiful decor, rooftop patios and convenient locations in Dunwoody, Smyrna/Cumberland and Cumming, Cinco has something for all five of your senses. You could start by trying their handcrafted guacamole and homemade salsa. Maybe dig in to some tacos and quesadillas. Or if the smoky sights and sizzling sounds of a fajita are up your alley, Cinco has delicious options for you. But for the more adventurous minded, give the salmon a la parrilla or carne tropical a try – you won’t regret it. End your night on the roof – if you’re there Fri, Sat or Sun, there’s sure to be live music!
