50 Best Mexican Restaurants in Tacoma

“Our recent visit totacoma included a dining experience at Cactus, a swcond location to the one in Seattle,a Latin fusion establishment. While the restaurant presents a Mexican aesthetic, its culinary offerings lean towards a Latin fusion cFor those seeking traditional Mexican cuisine, this may not be the ideal choice. However, for individuals in search of a flavorful dining experience with a pleasant atmosphere and attentive service, Cactus is highly recommended. During our visit, I selected the Seattle chimichanga with smoked brisket, which offered a complex and enjoyable flavor profile. My son opted for the flautas, which he also found to be excellent. For dessert, we shared the flan and bananas dulces. Although I was unable to partake in the sweet bananas due to a cinnamon allergy, my son reported they were exceptional. It is worth noting that Kurt Cobain reportedly had his final meal at this establishment, including the sweet bananas for dessert.

At the Tacoma location, we had the flautas again. I had the Burrita Lenera with flank steak; it was spicy enough to give it a great flavor. I will recommend it with the smoked brisket, and my son had the shrimp and grits. He said that it is his new favorite dish.

For an appetizer, we got the Guac sampler, and it didn't disappoint, but the chips and salsa are great too.

The flan was enjoyable, though I personally prefer my own recipe; I still highly recommend it. We had this dessert in both locations; it's that good.

The cost, including beverages, was approximately $30+ per person, which is considered reasonable.

In summary, while the restaurant's Mexican-inspired dishes receive a rating of 5 out of 10, its Latin fusion offerings are rated a 9 out of 10, making it a worthwhile dining destination.
And, like I like to say, bring some to the experience because everything is better when you share it.!“

“Very delicious food! Highly recommended!“

“Great Service Great Food Great Drinks“

“Some of the best authentic Mexican food I've ever had. Service has always been very friendly and the wait time is not bad at all. Lots of sauces to try with your order (try the Diablo sauce, it's really good), you get seated veggies on the side and the portions are generous. If you're on the south side, it's a great place to stop and eat. The location is a food truck parked outside a local grocery store/corner shop, so atmosphere is not ideal, but the truck takes good care of it's surroundings and has seats for folks to eat at if they like.“

“I am obsessed with the nachos, love the happy hour menu, the romaine salad, and the cucumber jalapeño margarita.“

“We celebrated my daughter's 19th birthday here last night, and when I say everything was PERFECT, I mean it was perfect. The moment we stepped through the doors, the staff was awesome, the food amazing and the waterfront location added to an already beautiful atmosphere. We are very greatful to be treated like family on her special day and will be returning again and again.

The vampiritos, gorditas, all the salsa, burritos and enchiladas were incredible. And the guacamole was 😘 chefs kiss, wonderful.“

“Amazing food and service. We normally order to go and within minutes our food is ready to go. The food is when we get home is hot and delicious. The taco salad with carnitas is perfection. Crispy shell perfect amount of meat and veggies. The burritos are stuffed and huge. It’s a meal in its self. You cannot go wrong eating here. Its worth the extra few dollars you would spend else where. This place has become our weekly lunch stop.“

“Gave me a huge burrito, got a birria supreme. Perfect consommé and perfect birria, very quality sauces in good portions aswell. Food came out quick!“

“I almost don't want to tell anyone how good this place is as I don't want to share, but seriously... This is probably the best authentic Mexican food in the area. The carnitas are great. I seriously get three meals out of them. Dinner and two breakfasts (with added egg). But I don't think you can go wrong with anything on their menu.“

“I was there with my husband and some friends it was an amazing beautiful place very clean our waitress was esmeralda very sweet girl the food was great we definitely recommend this place for everyone we will definitely be back and all our friends and family“

“We really appreciate the amazing service and the good food. I will definitely use again and recommend others to use.“

“Cheerful, clean environment, lots of variety on the menu, multiple vegetarian options, great staff, good value.“

“Great flavor kind workers.
I had 3, Asada, Chorizo, and Adobada.
Today chorizo took the prize with taking me to flavor town. The tortillas where hand made and made thick so if any extra juices salsa and lime gets thrown on there tbe tortilla will live“

“They have great Mexican food.“

“This place is great! Super fresh, flavorful food at a great price point. I wasn’t expecting it to be this good! Will add to my lunch rotation for sure.“

“Awesome food, great staff, amazing prices. Stop everything and go here. Everything is so good! And the salsa bar is great too. I can’t pick a favorite dish. Today I ate the potato tacos and they were so good. I am slowly trying to order everything on the menu because everything is so delicious.“

“Oh my gosh—the food, the food, the food! It was absolutely amazing. Everything tasted so homemade, not commercial at all. You can really tell there’s love in the kitchen. God bless the cooks—I don’t know who they were, but I think it might have been Marcos’s parents? If so, he is beyond lucky to have grown up on food that good. No wonder he opened a restaurant! If I had meals like that growing up, I’d have opened one too! The drinks? So good. Affordable, strong, and just right. Definitely not watered down like some places. And the vibe? A whole vibe. It was my first time there, and I was blown away. There was a DJ in the back, the energy was great, and the place started getting packed. I just wish they had more seating because it’s definitely a popular spot! If you haven’t been to Marcos Cantina yet, you need to pull up! Get yourself some shrimp birria tacos and a margarita (if you drink). You won’t regret it! I can’t wait to go back.“

“exelente servicio todo muy sabroso 100%recomendado.“

“The food was very tasty in a clean non pretentious atmosphere. I would definitely go there again“

“I have been a very satisfied customer of EL TORO for over 30 years . I have never been disappointed. A person could eat there every day and never be un happy with the staff or the food .“

“Tried La Isabella and WOW, absolutely loved it.

I ordered the Taco De Asada and it was everything you hope for in a street taco: fresh, simple, and packed with flavor. The carne asada was incredibly tender and perfectly seasoned, and the onions and cilantro were balanced just right so every bite tasted clean and authentic.

The atmosphere made it even better: dark, cozy, and glowing with beautiful lights that make you want to stay awhile. And the staff? Genuinely warm and welcoming.

You can tell this is a place that cares about the food and the experience. I’ll definitely be back.“

“I've been going here for a long time. It's always great. I haven't been here in like 4 months. I call and make a take out order as usual but this time a little different. I get the order done say my first name and hear oh hi, I know you. I'm floored, how did I stand out. I go there cuz that's where the food is. I meet Brooke (hope my spelling is right) she knows me. I haven't been there in months.
You see it's more than the food. It's the welcoming atmosphere and the food of course but mostly it's the people.
El Toro is one of my favorite places to go.
Your only a good as your people and your people are good.“

“muy buen servicio un exelente trato la comida muy sabrosa las micheladas deliciosas recomendado todo una delicia muchas gracias“

“lots of food worth the price“

“always quick and friendly service. food is amazing and never waiting long“

“We absolutely LOVE this place! I cannot recommend the torta oaxcaeña enough! Personally, I get adobada because that's my favorite choice of meat. It's so tender and flavorful. Ugh. Love. And the horchata is delicious. Seriously, this is a regular favorite of ours“

“Wonderful burritos . Fast service. Friendly people 🌯 ❤“

“always friendly great variety of menu items“

“Got Fajitas from them outside the Tacoma crafts fair. They were very friendly, the food was delicious, and I highly recommend. The refried beans were the best I'd ever had as a person who has texture issues with beans.“

“Excelente comida, muy buen servicio y el sabor auténtico mexicano!“

“Awesome food....it's definitely now my to go place and very affordable..and the staff very friendly and their communication and service is 💯💯💯💯💯💯 5502 orchard st w 98467 university place...This Antojos Mexican Grill...the staff here you are great...“

“this spot has been a part of Tacoma since the mid to late 90's the food has always been great and the prices have always been reasonable for what you get.“

“Old man in the yellow truck can throw down in the kitchen..
I will warn you however if you're expecting quick food you'll be there chillin for a few minutes while uncle is making your food up there.
The tacos where good but not very impressive.
I will however recomend the coconut lemonade“

“Inexpensive but authentic Mexican food that is incredibly delicious. I highly recommend eating here!!“

“Simply the best Mexican food I've had since I left Texas!

This is a great restaurant with great food! We had the Street Tacos and the Steak Fajitas and both were really good and the portions were very generous. We had to take a out half of it home in a to go box! We washed our meal down with their Cadillac Margaritas, which were also excellent.

The atmosphere was colorful and comfortable. All the staff were friendly and attentive.

We'll be back!“

“Best food truck around!! We have been following them around town as they moved from place to place. Great enchiladas! Great service!“

“Wonderful food and service! This is in our neighborhood and we came for the first time on Valentines Day. The owner came and chatted with us, he was delightful.“

“The best roast lamb consommé & Barbicoa in Tacoma area and Oaxacan style tamales wrapped in banana leaves with delicate masa dough & can choose chicken & mole, the real deal & so moist unlike others I have had in corn husks . The cafe is rustic & only open 3/4 days a week & often has hand lettered sign, feel like I am in Oaxaca eating the large lamb broth consommé with garbanzos & vegetables & lamb barbicoa cooked in a brick lined pit with banana leaves— & the homemade flan, oh my! Family operated, Louis & Ruth & a sister in law cooks the flan in her home & you are lucky if any is left by noon on weekends. Did I mention the homemade Mexican hot chocolate made in the chocolate pitcher. & wooden tool like in Oaxaca? And the fruit Frescas made in the summer— watermelon! I am ordering dozen Tamales for pickup Christmas Eve & a large 10 inch Flan & serving homemade salad with arugula & sliced apple with walnuts & blue cheese & a light dressing of olive oil & Dijon mustard & lemon.“

“Food was most excellent Staff was very friendly“

“These are some of the best tacos around!“

“Good food and vibes but expensive.“

“great drinks food. family owned.“

“Loved the food! On our first trip, we had one of the suchi options, Chulichi shrimp, the ceviche trio, and mango margaritas. All of them were excellent, subtly spiced, and simply delicious. Yes, the music was a bit loud but it was manageable and did not prevent discussion at the table. Our waitress Clarita and bus-person David provided excellent recommendations and great service. We will definitely go back and bring more friends this time!“

“I’ve tried so many Mexican restaurants and this one was amazing!! We got the diced chicken gorditos and they were perfect with seasoned pico that made it even better! The birria tacos with dipping sauce was amazing and the carne asada plate had so much flavor with the beef really tender! Highly recommend!! Will be going back to try more things!“

“The 3 meat breakfast burrito is by far my favorite breakfast burrito I've ever found in the greater Seattle area. I've tried some highly rated Taco trucks in Seattle and Tacoma and this place has the best 3 meat breakfast burrito I've ever had. You need to come try it“

“Taco time is such an amazing company to be a part of!“

“Just put in my first order with them through Uber Eats. My Ubereats guy canceled my order and stole my food (I had no idea) I called Rancherita up and asked what happened. The guy on the phone was so so nice and explained they made the order and what happened. I put in a second order and he called me back just to let me know they made it and it was picked up and he hoped it got to me this time! Amazing service and help, super great staff. I haven't gotten the food yet but I'm sure it's amazingly good. 100% recommend!!“

“very good food and service“

“Love this place.However, there tonight and my order was incorrect. I think it's just due a communication gap. Just think it would be nice to have someone taking your order to understand a lil more english. Nothing against the order taker as she is very nice. But you can tell she's uncomfortable with english.I'll be back though!“

“Hey, to keep it totally real with you, I've only had the rolled chicken tacos (taquitos). The chicken is so flavorful and actually seasoned, unlike Memos. And their rolled tacos are a tad bit bigger too here. So so good. Same price pretty much, but tatse way better. Trust.“