50 Best Mexican Restaurants in Madison

“I had the lunch enchiladas and they were the best I’ve had in a while! True authentic Mexican flavor and style!“

“The service was great! I ordered a quesadilla and they burnt tortilla a little bit, without my asking they started making a new one. So delicious! love all the options for toppings!“

“Best hidden gem in town. We ordered the nachos & a burrito thinking we each needed our own dish and we were wrong! The nachos are large enough for two people and one could argue the same for the burrito. There was little to no fat in the Birria & it was so delicious & flavorful. The burrito had little to no gristle which was was amazing!! 10/10 will be back.“

“Our waiter was very polite, kind, and prompt. The food was a cut way above a typical ethnic food restaurant. Very unique as well as delicious choices. Definitely ranks at the top of my list of places to dine. Five stars!“

“This place has consistently great food and attentive service! The outdoor patio is a nice place for people watching as well. Stop in and try a "machete!"“

“cozy lil spot, authentically 💯 delicious! Great prices, fast, friendly service-You will not be disappointed if you are looking for the real deal.“

“The food here is amazing! We are visiting from out of state and stopped in for some authentic Mexican food. This did not disappoint! It was so good, the ingredients were so fresh, and there was something for everyone. We all got something different and each tried one of their meat choices and it was soooo good! I highly recommend the burrito bowl with steak, rice, beans, and ALL the toppings! Especially the salsa verde! You'll thank me later!“

“Just so dang good! Authentic. Yummy 😋 highly recommend.“

“Just moved to Madison a week ago and walked into downtown for some tacos and was not disappointed! Some of the best beef and chorizo tacos I’ve had! Will 1000% be back!“

“Ordered my usual dine-in as a to-go tonight. There was a minor confusion on the staff's part...not sure why, the guy was fluent in English and Spanish. Anyway, it was quickly sorted out. The food was excellent, as always! Never hesitate to eat here, or get a to-go from here!!!“

“We ordered take out from the Cottage Grove Rd location. Our food was hot and delicious! My phone call was answered by the owner himself and handled with courtesy. He accommodated by vegetarian diet with no issues.“

“El Grito stopped by my clinic to bring delicious tacos and cheer to our healthcare workers during this crazy time. The tacos we had were smaller, so you didn’t feel guilty eating all of them real quick. The flavor was awesome too! I highly recommend adding the mango habanero sauce, if you like that extra kick! I wish they were here all the time!“

“The catering order placed for our holiday lunch was simply amazing. Legit best value for the price, great flavor, and those homemade sauces are a true chef's kiss. Def. recommend!“

“I had the fajitas for lunch and it was a large serving and delicious. they even set them on fire at the table! Great service with a smile as well.“

“We love El Imperio!! The food is delicious and authentic. Their classic tacos, burritos, and chimichangas are fantastic! But they also have seafood specialties, which is rare to find. We love the ceviche!! The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing. Great neighborhood spot ❤️“

“Best tacos in USA/ Los mejores tacos en USA“

“I eat here all the time because it’s amazing. I get the burrito with carnitas and the flan! Don’t forget the spicy onions! Beyond the food the staff is very welcoming.“

“the food was delicious and the service was great :) i was worried about waiting in the cold for my food and not being able to go back to my car, but they had a buzzer i could take with me so i could stay warm and comfortable while waiting for my food. the portion sizes are wonderful and great for the price. I’ll definitely be coming back soon !!“

“So authentic, best ever in Madison area.“

“I’ve enjoyed La Penca since it opened in 2019 on Park Street. Since then a Verona and recently a McFarland location have been added. Outstanding authentic Mexican cuisine. Jesus Ramirez, the owner, knows what he is doing! Great menu includes vegetarian and non-spicy dishes. Big selection of Mexican beers and delicious margaritas, all inexpensively priced. So many favorites including chiles rellenos and tinga (chicken tacos. Highest recommendation. Stop by and enjoy. You will not be disappointed!“

“We hired El Pastor for our 150 person wedding and they were a hit! The food was amazing and people were so complimentary of having a Mexican buffet for our outdoor summer wedding. We had mini chimichangas, chips, guac, queso for cocktail hour and a taco buffet for dinner. It was all so good and the churros were amazing! 10/10 More than the food, the service from Lino and his family/staff was amazing. He was so kind and accommodating, they were amazing on the day of as well. We used disposable plates/cutlery and it was great! High quality food, people, and service. Would super recommend for your wedding or other event!“

“Fabulous food, very friendly staff, never fails to disappoint. And if they have tamales, grab them they are awesome!“

“We recently gathered for my mother’s 93rd birthday, I could not have been more impressed with the experience. From start to finish, everything was seamless and delightful. The restaurant was perfect for our group. The spacious seating arrangement accommodated everyone comfortably without feeling cramped. The decor was elegant yet welcoming, setting the tone for a memorable day. The service was exceptional. Despite our large group, the staff were attentive and efficient. They managed our orders flawlessly and ensured everyone's needs were met promptly. The food was outstanding. From appetizers to desserts, every bite was a testament to the chef's skill and dedication to quality ingredients. The drink selection was impressive, catering to various preferences within our group. Cocktails were expertly crafted. The combination of excellent service, delicious food, and inviting atmosphere made it a truly memorable dining experience for everyone in our group. I highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion.“

“I have been here twice and Taco Madre has consistently quality service and food, and is really accommodating to vegetarian and vegan folks (just ask), which I don’t always find at Mexican restaurants. I had the bean enchiladas de mole today which I could eat again and again. Try the agua de jamaica! The Atwood neighborhood has been needing something like this, I’m so glad Taco Madre is around!“

“Tried this spot for the first time today—so good! Every dish our fam ordered was packed with flavor, super affordable, and the service was awesome. We’ll definitely be coming back!“

“Holy tacos Batman! Did not expect this from a food court. The birria tacos look and tast better than any taco I've ever ate (that's A LOT) and if those aren't on special you can't go wrong with anything else you order. Wow...blown away.“

“High-back booths provide a cozy and private atmosphere while telling you you're in for an authentic Hispanic meal with traditional vibrat colors. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. And brought chips \u0026 salsa with out drinks. I would have loved some fresh guacamole, but settled fir their fresh Pico instead. (Avocados were out of season). All the food was fast, fresh, and delicious. I pounded 5 tacos and was in agony - 4 would have been plenty, but I had to top it off with dessert anyways. ??“

“Food was great. They were so friendly. We are looking forward to the next time we are in town so we can try some more of the menu“

“Down home cooking, tasty menu, student prices.“

“Randomly stopped here tonight with my mom and stumbled upon a gem. Best Mexican Restaurant in Madison HANDS DOWN. The atmosphere gives quality authentic Mexican and i loved that. The food was absolutely delicious (i ate it so fast i forgot the picture part). The server was so nice and polite. We will support again and again!!“

“picked up food togo. tacos and burritos were great. don’t know about a hotdog on a cubano sandwich though. the staff was very nice. the variety in the market was quite nice. i will definitely return to try other choices on the menu and from the market.“

“Great eats for an affordable price! Authentic and good salsa!“

“Great food, speedy service“

“I gotta say, coming originally from Austin, TX and living in Madison for three years, I haven't found a lot of good Mexican food up here other than QDoba. Other places just either try too hard or not hard enough, and they don't give me that soulful feeling of eating a good Mexican/Tex-Mex plate back down south. But this place knows what they're doing. After I ate Fajitas at La Bamba, a little bit of that feeling of home came straight back to me. It was a welcome relief after trying other places. They season their food very well (could do better on chips and salsa), but overall this is by far the best Tex Mex place I've been to in Madison. I don't just tolerate eating this food, I enjoy eating this food and wanting to come back!“

“First time here, so so good! Highly recommended. Tried the glorias margarita and the enchiladas mexicanas. Definitely coming back when im in madison again.“

“Always wonderful food and fast service.“

“El Pollo Rumbero is a fantastic spot for enjoying authentic Colombian cuisine. The vibrant atmosphere makes it perfect for gatherings with friends. Their menu boasts a delightful array of dishes that capture the rich flavors of Colombia. Don't miss out on their expertly crafted cocktails, which pair wonderfully with the food. Whether you're a fan of traditional Colombian dishes or looking to try something new, El Pollo Rumbero won't disappoint. Highly recommended for a memorable dining experience!“

“Qdoba is a good chain and this is a good Qdoba. Convenient location and nice staff. I appreciate them putting up with the many times I ordered a burrito with so many ingredients it was difficult to wrap. Any restaurant where your order is limited by physics, not your wallet, is doing something right.“

“Favorite local Mexican restaurant. Haven’t been disappointed since new owners took over.“

“🤩Exactamente lo que quería siiiii !!! Gracias muy recomendados para sus diseños en pastel 🍰 chicas ahí está el lugar 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 . Otros lados me dijeron que no podían hacerlo pues , ahí si lo lograron hacer y yo muy satisfecha 😁 para mi Ocasion especial de hoy“

“We've been to Mexli a couple of times now and recommend it. The portions are ample, the staff is super friendly, and the food is good. The first time we went our server recommended the chilaquiles. I didn't get that, my husband did, and I wish I had! My huevos rancheros were good, but the chilaquiles were amazing! I got them on my second visit. I'm sorely tempted by the sweet breakfasts the next time we go.“

“Juicy grilled steak, roasted corn, black beans, sautéed peppers, shredded cheese, cotija, and a double scoop of guac—loaded up Baja-style. 10/10 flavor explosion in every bite 🌯🔥 (And yes, someone’s hoping I drop it 😅🐶)“

“We were staying at the VA hospital today after flying in from Denver. I walked there, lots of construction. The delivery process seemed too complicated. The order online function wasn't working. The facility was clean. Very few customers at about 6 PM. The food looked fresh and a good variety. The gentleman who prepared our meals was polite and attentive. The guacamole was excellent. We ordered 3 chicken street tacos and a chicken salad bowl.Definitely recommend“

“I've catered out of this location many times and they don't disappoint. This time, even though I'm a dope and entered the order for the wrong date, they still accommodated me with nothing but smiles and kindness! Cant forget to mention the chips are the best on this planet! Thanks Qdoba on Mineral pt road!“

“The lady at the checkout didnt ask me any questions. She tried to ring up my total before I mentioned I wanted chips. I was also planning on buying a drink and she finished the transaction without a single word spoken to me. I cant give it a bad rating because the rest of the staff was nice and the food is great. I just wish I wasnt practically forced away and ultimately you lost money on a potential add on sale.“

“Overall, an amazing experience!

First of all, Syl's vibe was absolutely wonderful. Syl was incredibly patient, friendly, and helpful with their recommendations, which made the visit even better. I ordered the coconut cold brew and loved it—it was delicious and refreshing.

When it came to breakfast, I told Syl to surprise me, and I couldn't have been happier with the choice. The bacon, egg, and goat cheese breakfast sandwich was fantastic and exactly what I didn't know I was craving.

The overall atmosphere of the place is great—very chill, clean, and welcoming. It's the kind of spot where you can relax and enjoy your food and coffee without feeling rushed.

I'm from out of town, but I'll definitely be making a point to come back on my next visit. Highly recommend!“

“Every time I come here they are very attentive and kind. Henry is the best always serving me with a smile and professionalism. Not to mention the food is off the chain. I only had an apetite for one taco in the morning today and I ended up ordering two more. Prices are reasonable and affordable. I would recommend bringing your friends and even family here.“

“Stopped here for lunch today. Great tacos! Definitely recommend & I’ll be back for more.“

“Pan & Pan Bakery is an amazing Mexican bakery! Their cakes and desserts are always fresh, delicious, and beautifully made. The staff are super friendly, and the place has such a warm vibe. Highly recommend for anyone who loves great pastries or needs a cake for a celebration“

“Probably the best/most authentic california-style mexican restaurant in Madison. Great food and portion sizes for a decent price—beats chipotle/Qdoba any day of the week. The burritos are good and as large as your forearm, but I would recommend the enchiladas or steak.“