Finding authentic Mexican food in Cleveland is one of the best things about living here. Not just because you finally get the chance to enjoy bold flavors, but also because you’ll probably be craving tacos by 9pm, and therefore need a reliable spot. And, unlike last year, this list actually features restaurants where you can eat with friends instead of just picking up takeout.
So, you need a place that’s delicious enough to satisfy cravings, and, ideally, one that serves margaritas – because according to our team of experts, pairing chips and salsa with your meal will improve your dining experience by about 1,000%.
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant
$ | (440) 885-8581 | WEBSITE
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant has one of the most festive atmospheres in the city, and the words “carne asada, tamales & margaritas” might as well be painted on the side of the building in huge lettering. If that doesn’t sound like a fiesta call to action, then we don’t know what does. Come here with a group and share the carne asada platter – generous portions of grilled steak with all the fixings.
Then, like those kids from Stand by Me, plan on needing some time to recover from the feast – it’s the kind of meal that changes your perspective on Mexican dining. The waitresses, including Erika, keep the margaritas flowing and the chips coming, even when the place is packed with large parties. Just watch out for those second pitchers – sometimes they’re more fruit than tequila, which can put a damper on the celebration.
But when the food is this fresh and the service this attentive, you’ll still leave planning your next visit.
Masa & Agave Cantina
$$ | (440) 730-4323 | WEBSITE
Masa & Agave Cantina is less of a typical Mexican joint and more of an upscale dining experience with flair. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet inviting, with warm lighting and comfortable seating that makes you want to linger. If you’re looking for more than just tacos and burritos but don’t want to sacrifice authentic Mexican flavors, this spot has you covered with dishes like their Ceasar Salad with chicken, tuna ceviche, and grilled salmon.
The cocktails are delicious, and the friendly service completes the experience perfectly.
Media Luna Bakery
$ | (216) 682-6527 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of food court spots open during the day, but only one space that’s a bakery, taqueria, and empanada shop in one. At Media Luna Bakery, there’s food like tasty tacos, satisfying empanadas, and fresh arepas cooked to order – all in a cozy hole-in-the-wall setting with a young, patient staff. Plus, you get personalized service here, so you can control your affordable dining destiny.
Agave & Rye Cleveland
$$ | (216) 868-2899 | WEBSITE
You can pretty much live in the vibrant space at Agave & Rye Cleveland. And considering how lively it always feels, we’re not convinced this isn’t already happening. But we get why so many people love this place—the atmosphere is open and energetic, with that sports bar vibe. While the tacos here aren’t the absolute best in the city, they’re perfectly enjoyable, and the cocktails are great.
Come early to get a good spot, especially for date night, and if you decide to stay, don’t forget to check your bill for that automatic gratuity.
Avo Modern Mexican
$$ | (216) 331-4024 | WEBSITE
Avo Modern Mexican is a modern Mexican restaurant, and the experience is basically ‘consistently delightful,’ which means portions are generous and service is top-notch with friendly bartenders. We’ll be the first to admit that might sound like typical praise, but we promise it’s genuine. The dining space is inviting, with warm lighting and comfortable seating that makes you want to linger over another round of drinks.
The menu highlights include the Elotes Dip, Guac, and tacos like Birra and Lobster, all priced reasonably between $12 and $18 for most dishes. In conclusion, come here, savor the flavors, enjoy the excellent service, and make it a regular spot for a wonderful dining experience.
1942 Tacos and Tequila
$ | (216) 727-0188 | WEBSITE
When you’re at 1942 Tacos and Tequila, you want to be sitting with friends on the patio. It’s far enough away from downtown bustle that you won’t hear the traffic, and surrounded by enough glass art hanging from the ceiling to make you forget you’re in a city. The tequila menu here is extensive (with some margaritas coming in shareable flights), and the food is Mexican – so you can get things like the 1942 queso dip with shrimp and steak, or Tacos al Pastor with incredible sauces.
This spot is perfect for small groups looking to chill out – or for people who like drinking margarita flights, but don’t want the hassle of a formal dinner.
El Jalapeños Authentic Mexican Restaurant
$ | (216) 226-9765 | WEBSITE
El Jalapeños Authentic Mexican Restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere. It’s full of warm lighting and comfortable booths that have plenty of space between each table, and they’re perfect for enjoying margaritas with a small group. And while the steaks are juicy and flavorful, you can always order the amazing tacos when you’re ready for something different.
Coyoacan Taqueria & Brew
$ | (216) 528-0030 | WEBSITE
Coyoacan Taqueria & Brew in Shaker Square has a lot going for it. It’s a casual, family-friendly space with colorful decor that transports you to Mexico City, and they have delicious, authentic food. The menu features a variety of options, including a popular barbacoa bowl, all with large portion sizes that offer good value. But we come here mainly for the welcoming atmosphere, and to enjoy fresh Mexican fare with family or friends in a vibrant setting.
La Playa Fresh Seafood
$$ | (216) 331-2757 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a place to unwind with friends, enjoy fantastic drinks, and savor amazing Mexican food, La Playa Fresh Seafood is your spot. They open early on weekends, and you’ll find fresh seafood dishes that pop with flavor, like their signature margarita that looks like ice cream. Plus, their open and inviting atmosphere features a well-stocked bar, so you can relax over cocktails no matter what time you visit.
Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar
$$ | (216) 737-1000 | WEBSITE
Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar has one of the best locations in all of Cleveland for a night out. The spot, which sits just off the street near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is convenient, with plenty of easy parking especially on weeknights. You can enjoy a smoke peach mezcal cocktail there, and they’ll even make you feel right at home. Add in tender birria and flavorful rice, and you have a great place to eat all year round.
Currito
$ | (216) 265-8420 | WEBSITE
If you need us to remind you that Currito is a fantastic spot for fresh and healthy Mexican-inspired bowls and wraps, you either just arrived in Cleveland or you actively avoid flavorful food. You won’t even have to plan a healthy meal here—it’s the kind of thing that just happens.
This is because Currito has everything that makes dining out great when you want something satisfying—friendly servers, a wide variety of options including vegan and vegetarian choices, and consistently fresh ingredients. What we’re saying is that if you don’t know about this place already, you should.
Chili Peppers Fresh Mexican Grill
$ | (216) 531-2300 | WEBSITE
The cozy dining area at Chili Peppers has lots of booths that are perfect for gathering with your crew over build-your-own bowls and Mexican favorites like tacos or quesadillas. Plus, it has a fantastic vibe that feels welcoming, and generous portions so you don’t need to worry about leaving hungry after your meal.
Locos Street Tacos & Burritos
$ | (216) 331-2457 | WEBSITE
Locos Street Tacos & Burritos in Cleveland is another spot that feels like a constant fiesta, but more of the street-food variety. And its picnic tables are some of the best in the city for casual gatherings. Round up your friends, order a bunch of tacos (they aren’t mind-blowing, but they’re satisfying), and spend the afternoon eating barria tacos and drinking soda. Like nature intended.
Blue Agave Street Tacos & Margaritas
$$ | (216) 417-2545 | WEBSITE
Blue Agave is a solid Cleveland option for Mexican food, and an excellent option for margaritas. The tacos are street-style, which means they’re served on small tortillas with simple toppings. But the warm and inviting ambiance, casual vibe, and interesting specialty dishes like the steak grilled burrito make it a great local spot for hanging out with tacos and drinks – especially if you’re looking for an affordable meal.
Tapatias Taqueria
$ | (216) 600-5505 | WEBSITE
This is a taqueria in Cleveland, and with its self-serve toppings area and bar, it’s very convenient. On any day Tapatias Taqueria serves phenomenal tacos, and casual Mexican spots are always an excellent opportunity for a quick meal or a relaxed sit-down experience. The drink package is affordable, and pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, or tostadas.
And in non-taco news but also worth knowing: the homemade flour and corn tortillas make all the difference, and the beans and rice remind you of time spent in Mexico.