17 Best Mexican Restaurants near Swannanoa

“Had an amazing dinner at what we thought was just another Mexican restaurant. Wrong! the food was so beautiful I almost hated to dig in. Absolutely delicious, and fast friendly service to boot. We drive through Swannanoa about once a year to visit relatives, we'd will make sure to add LA Bamba to the travel itinerary.“

“Been dining with Terisa and her family since they opened. The quality of the food is always superb -- especially the many dish and dipping sauces. Service is always very friendly and attentive. Best House Margarita in town! Impressive sports bar. Even the chairs are works of art -- hand painted wood carvings and metal imprints of primitive scenes throughout. We've frequented all the local TexMex venues for 30 years. Orale's Bar & Grill is the stand-out best in Asheville.“

“I had breakfast Sunday morning at Abuela's Little Kitchen in Arden on Long Shoals Rd. "Abuela" means grandmother in Spanish and it felt like she was in the kitchen cooking! The food was wonderful and the service was exceptionally good! My server came immediately after I was seated and at all the appropriate intervals. She was pleasant and checked to see if everything was okay after I ate a couple of bites of food. The owner came by to see if I enjoyed my breakfast. All of the booths were full and the restaurant was fairly busy. They are open 7am-3pm and serve breakfast and lunch. There are a lot of choices with a Mexican flare, as well as American traditional items, like bacon eggs, grits, pancakes and French toast. I ordered Abuela's Sweet Combo with scrambled eggs, bacon and home potatoes with a choice of pancakes, French toast or crepes. It was delicious! I also had coffee. The owners have also introduced a new concept called Abuela's Cravings down the road at 200 Julian Lane, with Mexican street food, tacos, tortas, burritos and more. Open 11am-8pm. I can't wait to try it!“

“Absolutely love this place! I love the cauliflower tacos, veggie enchiladas and chile relleno. My partner loves the fish, salmon and shrimp tacos, and the breakfast burritos. The family that runs it are very friendly and everything is made fresh to order.“

“When you have a craving for Mexican food, then you should go to someplace that has authentic Mexican food made by actual Mexicans. This is one of those great places. No TexMex here. This is the authentic real thing. We sit down, we order a Dos, Equis Ambar, and the guacamole bowl that they make fresh right at the table with a smile and simple but delicious ingredients! I get the shrimp fajita, but I skipped the tortillas because everything else is delicious enough. It's fresh, it's cooked, wonderfully, and it's quick. Delish.“

“Definitely a Mexican restaurant. The price was great and the service was very good as well. Very friendly and helpful. My food was outstanding. My wife said hers was not great, but good. ? Overall a nice atmosphere and dining experience.“

“Incredible food! They literally make the tortillas when you order using a giant press and then throw them on the flattop! The meat was super flavorful and tender. Plus my burrito was very well made with an even distribution of meat and beans and cheese, which meant every bite was maximum yum! This burrito rivals ones I've had in Colorado and California. Highly highly recommend!“

“Went there on holiday with my family and my nephew started throwing a FIT after being locked into a high chair by his mom. Waitress just came out of nowhere with a spider man coloring book that shut him up immediately before he even opened it. Besides the family oriented staff the food was great and the portion sizes were large for the price(tourist trap area , they could be charging more). If I'm ever near Asheville again I'll keep my nephew at home.Parking: Kind of dead considering the food quality and the staff quality. I wish the owner and employees well.Kid-friendliness: I've been to several restaurants by myself and have few run ins with a tired child and mother's who are trying they're best with the 3 toys they brought with them. This is the only restaurant that came prepared for a kid wanting something new. Something as simple as a 5 dollar coloring book with a couple markers(mess free markers!) makes a huge difference not only to my family but the others dining. I know my mom tips heavily because she serves. I can't imagine what she gave after you made her grandchild be quiet and relive her already headache of an afternoon“

“The food and service were fantastic! However, the reason I will return every time I visit Asheville is not actually food related. The owners fed their employees and their families the entire time they were shut down for Covid. The owner’s husband is involved in many global humanitarian projects. While I was reading the Cantina’s historical wall display, the researcher responsible for the wall came and spent about 20 minutes chatting with me about the area’s history. I was moved by life work of the people associated with the restaurant and will return in support of goodness in the world.“

“Papas and beer is the best I've tried in the area. For that matter it is the best Mexican food I've ever had. And they are incredibly fast. The most recent visit we had our food within 10 minutes. We were only in the restaurant for 45 minutes total. We went happily on our way.Steak fajitas are always amazing. Easy to do Keto too by ordering the fajitas and not eating the tortillas or rice (or complimentary chips).White queso is amazing here also. The Pico at the salsa bar is also the best I've ever had.Dietary restrictions: Steak fajitas (less rice and tortillas) are keto friendly.“

“A local gem. My family really enjoys Ole's. The food is always great, friendly and helpful staff, affordable prices. We get takeout more than we dine in and they never mince on takeout orders.During peak times, parking can get crazy, but people just park in the grass along the street on the opposite side of the restaurant.Sit out back when the weather is nice!“

“This is a great place for people that want a good, fast meal. They have different specials each day ($1.99 taco Tuesdays/kids eat free on Wednesdays) and gets you out without breaking the bank. The owner, Julio, is warm and inviting, and wants to make sure his guests are happy. That, along with everything else, makes me want to return.Kid-friendliness: Kids eat free on Wednesdays. Easy place to bring kids!“

“I was in the area and I noticed a food truck that looked appetizing. Reviewed their menu and decided on their burrito with chicken. The portion size was very good and I even had an extra hot sauce which I highly recommend! If I may ever in the area again, I'll definitely be stopping!“

“We are traveling across NC and wanted some lunch. Randomly found this on Google and gave it a try... Holy moly!!!! Outstanding!!! Great, fresh, legit street tacos! The chorizo was just perfect. As was the pollo, asada and al pastor. The red side sauce was brilliant. If you are hungry stop here and get your taco fix. It will not disappoint and now I know why it has such high reviews. THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT FOOD! I live in Southern California, about 2 hours from Mexico... I'm pretty familiar with amazing Mexican food!And @Joe K who gave one star, complained about no bathroom, limited parking, no seating? ITS A TACO TRUCK... And one of the best I've ever eaten at. Unreal... LOL And the meat was not even close to double grilled... Go back to Taco Bell where they have all the seating you want, tons of parking, lots of toilets... and tacos made with 49% meat that taste like cardboard. Sounds like the place for you!“

“Take it from a true Texican, this is the closest to real tex-mex around AVL. Authentic and delicious. Never disappointed. Try the jalapeno fajitas with steak or the carne asada taco(s)! Salsa bar way better than the popular cali-mex chain that's all around WNC. Drinks always on point and always some kind of special.Kid-friendliness: Great kids menu. Right portions and price.“

“When I tell you this place is so good and so affordable. Every time I’m in Asheville I come bc I’ve never had so many delicious veggie options at a Mexican restaurant and the veggie nachos are STACKED MY DUDE. Can’t wait for our next visit.Vegetarian options: So many vegetarian options!“

“Food was very good ! and the people are so nice. The only thing I would change is the Salsa bar! It needs a sauce that's not so hot or one with flavor and little heat.Ive even though of bringing my own? Lol but I can just saty at home and make my own dinner.so now we have a Mexican food night .Vegetarian options: You can get what you want ! Just ask!“