In Nashua, authentic Mexican cuisine faces constant threats—from bland corporate taco chains to chefs who confuse cilantro with parsley. Yet these vibrant kitchens deserve celebration, especially as dining out grows pricier. Below, our updated guide to spots where you can savor handmade tortillas, slap a $10 bill on the counter, and feast beside delightfully passionate regulars. This living list captures every gem we’ve discovered from Amherst Street to the Merrimack River.
Riviera Nayarit Mexican Style Seafood & Grill
$$ | (603) 521-8429 | WEBSITE
Don’t call it Riviera Nayarit Mexican Style Seafood & Grill. It’s Riviera’s—and the place to feast on seafood and Mexican classics. All the Pirate Rum cocktails, big 32oz beers, and Mexican brews are reasonably priced. Reasonably priced. You don’t hear that word in Nashua much. The kids’ menu mixes traditional and Mexican options, making it family-friendly. The servers are lovely, the music is great, and the bar is large. It’s spacious yet warm and inviting, a favorite spot for many.
The steak tacos taste like those in Mexico, the seafood chimichangas and pollo fondito are highly recommended, and the coconut shrimp is a popular choice. Overall, it’s a great place to enjoy authentic Mexican and seafood dishes with excellent service.
Frontera Tacos & Tequila
$ | (603) 459-8692 | WEBSITE
Wondering where all the cheap tacos have gone? They’re hiding inside this vibrant restaurant in Nashua. Frontera Tacos & Tequila opens every evening, when it serves $1 taco deals until closing, and then $5 handcrafted margaritas all night. The place can get packed with late-night visitors, but during the early hours you can enjoy your astoundingly affordable authentic Mexican fiesta in peace.
Big Burrito
$ | (603) 521-8357 | WEBSITE
The mall food court counter where Big Burrito operates has no seating. So customers hover near the register, an equal mix of shopping bags and takeout containers balanced on the narrow ledge. Big Burrito serves surprisingly good food, and (reportedly) makes some of the best churros in Nashua. The rice has a good consistency, and the beans and beef taste like homemade cooking.
One customer recently enjoyed a single beef taquito, describing it as ‘beefy gold inside a rolled tortilla,’ and noted that everything looked clean and fresh. The staff is extremely friendly and generous; one customer witnessed a staff member giving a full plate of food to someone in need. While the burritos are not as large as some might expect, the nachos also received praise for their variety. An order—with chips, pinto beans, cheese, Pico, guacamole, and corn—feeds two adults easily.
The prices run about $12–$15 for a burrito plate, which feels steep for a food court, but the food is amazing. It’s a great option for a quick, satisfying meal at the mall.
Baja Tacos & Burritos
$ | (603) 417-5532 | WEBSITE
Baja Tacos & Burritos is a straightforward, affordable Mexican spot in Nashua with a clean dining area, plenty of seating, and ample parking. Come for the super delicious tacos and burritos. If you’re lucky, one of the friendly, humorous servers might crack a joke while you’re enjoying those fresh chicken tacos or flavorful fish tacos.
El Paisano
$ | (603) 417-2101 | WEBSITE
Just before Nashua’s dining scene fades into chain territory, you’ll spot one last authentic Mexican joint calling you in for tacos. The name is a little more humble than it needs to be. You’ll pass another taqueria in 15 minutes. But you won’t regret the detour. The pastor tacos here have the right meat, pineapple, and seasoning—each bite feels like a recipe made by an older Mexican grandma.
They come with a spicy red sauce and a roasted jalapeño on the side, all wrapped in those thick, soft tortillas they’re known for. It’s the kind of place where the food speaks louder than the sign out front.
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
$ | (603) 891-0055 | WEBSITE
La Carreta has everything you want in a Mexican joint—vibrant atmosphere, friendly servers, and an entire menu dedicated to unhinged mango margaritas. Go for their birthday celebrations, order a trio of chicken tacos, and relive the questionable spice levels you encountered with their house hot sauce the next day.
Shorty’s Mexican Roadhouse
$ | (603) 882-4070 | WEBSITE
Nashua is the last place you’d expect to find authentic Tex-Mex, but Shorty’s provides a reliable option for anyone looking to enjoy excellent enchiladas while watching families have fun in the lively atmosphere. You can also bring your kids, who will enjoy all the tasty menu options.
Tequila jalisco mexican cuisine and cantina
$$ | (603) 699-8048 | WEBSITE
Tequila Jalisco has been a home for families and taco lovers since opening. It’s a new restaurant these days, but still a festive scene full of balloons, kids, and more of Nashua’s Mexican food enthusiasts.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
$ | (603) 880-2484 | WEBSITE
Bubbakoo’s Burritos is technically a reliable spot for fresh and plentiful food, but getting that great experience is as easy as ordering through their app or walking in the door. The unassuming restaurant, which might look like just another burrito place but serves consistently delicious food every day starting at lunchtime, is located in Nashua with plentiful parking—over 200 spaces making it easy to find a spot.
The staff is professional and courteous, with a kind manager and helpful team who ensure your burrito bowl or steak and cheese arrives hot and generous, completely free of fat or grizzle. Even when you arrive late, they’re accommodating. For about $10-12 per bowl, you get quality that meets expectations every time—the steak and cheese truly is the best I’ve ever had. The straightforward counter service and clean, bright dining area make it a pleasant surprise.
Overall, Bubbakoo’s continues to impress with friendly service and food that’s worth returning for.
Casa Vieja Mexican Grill (Tequila bar)
$ | (603) 943-7240 | WEBSITE
Casa Vieja Mexican Grill feels like the heart of Nashua’s Mexican dining scene. The spacious restaurant right on Main Street is a great place to unwind after work if you’re still in your office clothes. It’s just as vibrant at night, when the lively tequila bar (open until late) is full of cheerful chatter and the rich aromas of sizzling carnitas.
La Hacienda Del Rio
$ | (603) 888-3353 | WEBSITE
Last time we were here, the bartender shook our hand, introduced himself as Carlos, and remembered our names for the entirety of our stay, which included a complimentary fried ice cream to celebrate a customer’s 50th birthday.
California Burritos
$ | (603) 718-8745 | WEBSITE
California Burritos is a solid spot to grab a quick Mexican meal, but they also serve some of the best tacos in Nashua. If you’re visiting and not ordering those with a side of guacamole, you’re missing out on what makes California Burritos special.
Taqueria la doña
$ | (603) 809-7072 | WEBSITE
This taqueria in Nashua doesn’t look like much from the outside. But it has a small counter, a few tables, and they make everything from the homemade red and green sauces to the marinated pork and beef from scratch. The tacos are some of New Hampshire’s best.