The 10 Best Restaurants With Mexican Food Mesa AZ Locals Love
The 10 Best Restaurants with Mexican Food Mesa AZ Locals Love
Mesa is rich in history, and its Southwestern roots have given rise to some incredible Mexican food. After a day of exploring the many things to do in Mesa, AZ, you should wrap up your day with some authentic Mexican sopes or tostadas as the sunsets over the desert.
Celebrating a special occasion? Having a wedding? The Mexican food is so good, there’ve even been many brides and grooms who have local restaurants cater for their Mesa AZ wedding venue or other special soirees and fancy events.
Where to Find the Best Mexican Food in Mesa, AZ
Mesa has no shortage of great Mexican influence thanks to a strong Latin American community. The best Mexican restaurants in Mesa are located around Broadway and Main St., but really, you will be able to find great food tucked into even unexpected corners of the city. Without further ado….
¿Tienes hambre? Let’s dive into the best restaurants with Mexican food in Mesa, AZ.
1 | Los Dos Molinos | From loaded taco salads piled high with crunchy lettuce, rice, and beans, to ultra-cheese quesadillas topped with green chile peppers, Los Dos Molinos is the place to go for some of the best Mexican food in Mesa.
You won’t want to miss out on one of their house margaritas loaded with fresh fruit. They pair wonderfully with a slice of Mexican Pizza, a cheese crisp topped with red chili and tomatoes.
WHERE: 260 S Alma School Rd #137, Mesa, AZ 85210 | WHO: 480-969-7475
RELATED ARTICLES:
Why the Spookiest Summer Getaway of All Time is An Abandoned Ghost Town in Arizona
The 8 Top Wedding Venues in Mesa, Arizona
Visit Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort
2 | Mangos Mexican Cafe | Mangos is a lively Mexican restaurant on Main Street, complete with an outdoor patio, ultra-colorful interior, and delicious homemade dishes destined to delight you no matter what you order.
From packed burritos to taco platters, you’ll find all the classic Mexican fare on offer. If you’re a fan of stuffed peppers, you simply have to try the chiles rellenos, stuffed chile rellenos filled with meat and served with rice, beans, and fresh tortillas.
While it may be popular among visitors, Mangos is a local favorite with plenty of residents often making weekly stops to order their favorite dishes.
WHERE: 44 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201 | WHO: 480-464-5700
3 | Nando’s Mexican Cafe | Nando’s Mexican Cafe is a laid-back but refined Mexican restaurant with a gorgeous outdoor patio area and plenty of room inside for large groups to gather and share their generously sized plates.
Popular menu items include Nando’s Nachos and Taco Salad. As for the entrees, you’ll have to order yours by number. El Numero Uno, for example, is two tacos with rice and beans. There are also flautas, enchiladas, and piping-hot fajitas to satisfy your cravings.
WHERE: 6715 E McDowell Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215 | WHO: 480-830-8181
4 | La Ristra | Breakfast, but make it Mexican! La Rista offers more than just tasty tacos and enchiladas for dinner. They also have scrumptious red chile-stacked hashbrowns that will have you coming back for more.
Just imagine biting into perfectly cooked eggs with heaping spoonfuls of crispy potatoes and adovada… yes, it’s what breakfast dreams are made of.
If you stop by later in the day, you’ll be able to enjoy Happy Hour, live music on the weekends, and New Mexican dishes like Santa Fe Egg Rolls, Shrimp Diablo Pasta, and the Fajita Burrito.
WHERE: Warner Plaza, 638 E Warner Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296 | WHO: 480-545-2880
5 | Rito’s | You had us at Chimichangas. These deep-fried burritos are a little bit of Heaven on Earth. They’re crunchy on the outside, filled with rice, beans, meat, and veggies on the inside, and served with a side of Mexican rice.
You can also order your burrito enchilada-style at Rito’s, smothered in a delicious sauce and topped with a heaping handful of melted cheese.
Rito’s also serves tostadas, tacos, enchiladas, and tasty appetizers like guacamole and chips, queso blanco with carne asada, and the irresistible Mexican street corn, elote.
WHERE: 1033 N Dobson Rd #101, Mesa, AZ 85201 | WHO: 480-264-0966
6 | Jalapeño Buck’s | This divey Mexican-inspired BBQ joint is definitely one of those unique, local restaurants you won’t soon forget. This walk-up, one-story restaurant with a slanted metal roof and covered patio instantly captures your attention, and just wait until you dig into one of their massive burritos!
You won’t soon find a BBQ-burrito union anywhere else, so make sure you chow down while you’re here. Their hot-off-the-grill meats and veggies elevate every plate, and they’re even better with a spoonful of their signature green or red salsa.
WHERE: 3434 N Val Vista Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213 | WHO: 480-459-3050
7 | Macayo’s Mexican Restaurant | Macayo’s is one of the largest Mexican restaurant chains in AZ with over 75 years of experience delighting customers with their Southwest flavors.
Mayaco’s also happens to be the creator of the chimichanga, which was created by accident when a burrito fell into a deep fryer. The rest is delicious history.
Aside from this signature dish, you’ll also find crispy tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and platters that let you sample multiple recipes in one sitting!
WHERE: 1920 S Dobson Rd Mesa, AZ 85202 | WHO: 480-820-0237
8 | Republica Empanada Restaurant | You’ll find Republica Empanada in downtown Mesa’s South Heights neighborhood. They are experts in Latin American comfort food, and their empanadas are proof.
These flaky, baked turnover-style pastries are filled with beans, cheese, meat, or vegetables. There are over 10 options on the menu to choose from — you’ll likely find yourself ordering several because they’re all so delicious.
You also won’t want to miss out on one of their sweet empanadas, dusted with powdered sugar and offering a whole new spin on this Mexican classic.
WHERE: 204 E 1st Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210 | WHO: 480-969-1343
9 | El Gordo Real Mexican Grill | Grilled food is widely popular throughout Mexico, and at El Gordo, you can get your own barbacoa. In addition to heaping breakfast platters and breakfast burritos loaded with eggs, meat, and cheese, there are also tons of delicious meals on offer throughout the day.
El Gordo serves 29 different burritos on its lunch and dinner menus, and 15 types of tacos, including authentic Mexican street tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and tostadas topped with shredded beef, chicken, or pork, or classic beans, lettuce, and cheese.
WHERE: 8461 E Broadway Rd Mesa, AZ 85208 | WHO: 480-709-8095
10 | Sol Azteca Mexican Kitchen | A stop by Sol Azteca will have you saying olé all day! They offer traditional Mexican cuisine based on regional flavors from their own heritage.
Their street tacos are served on warm, soft tortillas and topped with your choice of meat, fresh guacamole, cilantro, and onions, served with rice.
If you’re looking for a larger portion, the Grande Tacos pack all your toppings into a 5” tortilla and cover it with chipotle cream sauce, pico de gallo, and an avocado slice. The best part is that each order comes with two of these extra-large tacos.
You’ll also find burritos, taquitos, quesadillas, tostadas, and nachos on the menu to completely immerse yourself in the flavors of authentic Mexican food.
WHERE: 9265 E Baseline Rd Ste 103 Mesa, AZ 85209 | WHO: 480-656-9060
Use Our Handy Map to Find Your Way Around!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
10 Top Spots that Serve Up the Best Ramen in Las Vegas
Discover the Best of Mesa’s Culinary Scene
We help travelers (and locals!) discover exciting new places to eat and share meals with their loved ones. Check out our top Chinese food in Mesa, AZ for more suggestions on where to get some authentic cuisine in the city.
Although Mesa may be in the desert, it isn’t short on global culture. From Asian to Latin American, there is a melting pot of flavors influenced by the unique Southwestern landscape that leads to incredible dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
For more travel and foodie guides, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
RELATED ARTICLE:
At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your vacation awaits! Start planning your next vacation today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.
*Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
When You Check-in, There's a Lot to Check Out
Sign up for our newsletter and check-in to great offers, secret stuff, and special events.