Any time of the year, Mexican food is a favorite. But once the weather gets warmer and Cinco de Mayo comes (and goes), more people start craving margaritas, tacos and chiles rellenos.
Which restaurant serves the best Mexican food? We all have our favorites, but here are WCPO's Top 9 places to get your Mexican food fix.
Bakersfield (Over-the-Rhine): Guacamole, tortas and tacos are the highlight of the small but delicious menu at always-hopping Bakersfield. Pop inside and sample some of the best dishes, including queso with chorizo and the Milanesa torta.
Nada (Downtown): Nada's chips are fresh and nearly impossible to put down, and the pork belly tacos are what dreams are made of (at least my pork-laden dreams). It also has a delicious brunch, with fantastic huevos rancheros and an inventive eggs Benedicto.
Mazunte (Madisonville): Reasonably priced and extra delicious, Mazunte has everything from tacos (choose three of one filling or a mixed plate) to quesadillas, handmade tamales and chiles rellenos. Wash down your food with a margarita, sangria or Mexican Coke.
Django Western Taco (Northside): Sample chef Josh Campbell's take on more traditional tacos: carnitas, carne asada and fish tacos. If you have a hankering for the comfort food from Campbell's previous restaurant, Mayberry, try a fried chicken taco.
Plaza Sol / Los Reyes de Supermarket (Mason): There isn't really a menu at this taqueria. Tell the server what you would like (taquitos, burritos, tortas), what kind of meat you want (beef, chicken, chorizo or pick from several others) and if you want toppings (just say yes). She'll bring you some of the best Mexican you've ever had. Wash it down with a Mexican Coke or tamarind soda.
Veracruz (Price Hill): This Mexican restaurant in the heart of the Incline District keeps expanding: First it got a liquor license (margaritas and cerveza, por favor!) and now it has a little patio. Try the Hawaiian fajita, chilaquiles made with fresh, homemade tortilla chips, or the grilled shrimp and pickled cactus salad.
La Mexicana: This small restaurant, attached to a Mexican grocery store, has spicy guacamole, delicious carnitas and birria tacos served quickly and efficiently. For vegetarians, it features squash blossom tacos — they are difficult to find but worth the search. Don't forget to try the menudo (another hard-to-find item), chilaquiles and a margarita.
Frida 602: Think nachos with refried beans and spit-roasted chicken (these aren't ballpark nachos), tacos and pozole. Frida offers them all, as well as sweets like tres leches cake. Don't forget the mezcal: Frida has one of the best selections in the region, as well as a huge selection of Mexican beer, local beer, Spanish wines and margaritas, and sangria.
Taqueria Mercado: At locations in Fairfield and Downtown, you can get the classic, Mexican-American-style fajitas, refried beans and rice or enchiladas Suizas with a frozen margarita. Or, try something a little out of the ordinary, like the buttery shrimp quesadilla — a little different, but you'll find yourself craving a bite every time you walk or drive by.
