Maybe the craving for vibrant, spice-kissed tacos struck you midday, or perhaps you’re simply yearning for the warmth of a perfect mole because the Florida sun has dipped below its usual blaze. Either way, it sounds like you need authentic Mexican flavors. Read on for our top picks, from sizzling fajitas and slow-cooked carnitas to fresh ceviche and more.
Paquitos Mexican Restaurant
$$ | (305) 947-5027 | WEBSITE
Sometimes, after a long week, you just want to grab a quiet bite alone. And other times, the whole crew is ready to party. If you find yourself in the latter mood, head to Paquitos Mexican Restaurant in North Miami Beach, a lively cantina-style spot with a massive space ideal for big group dining. The food here is consistently great, which means the chips and salsa are crispy and fresh and the margaritas are perfectly balanced.
It’s slightly different than other Mexican spots you’ll find around town, with a warm, inviting atmosphere and Mariachi bands on special nights. Get the steak paquitos or chicken flautas.
Taco Bell
$ | (305) 956-9666 | WEBSITE
Taco Bell keeps things simple, but you should know about this convenient Mexican spot in North Miami Beach. The food is quick, but the flavors are bold enough that you’ll feel satisfied after grabbing a late-night meal. Even the full combos here fall under $12 and if you’re in a rush, they can get you in and out in under fifteen minutes. The tables can be a little greasy, but you can usually find a clean spot near the counter.
We usually go with the classic beef burrito, or the excellent nachos bellgrande.
Cheen Huaye – Southern Mexican Cuisine
$$ | (305) 956-2808 | WEBSITE
Cheen Huaye, a vibrant Southern Mexican restaurant tucked away in Miami/Aventura, is where we go for authentic Mexican cuisine. The lively space feels like a festive cantina that doubles as a dining destination, with servers playing phenomenal music and even bringing a live DJ for Taco Tuesday and on Wednesday. You can enjoy the ceviche trio, Chile relleno with steak, or Carne a la yucateca with a coconut margarita or discounted tequila shots.
There’s even 50% off margaritas on Wednesday if you’re looking for a deal. And though it might not technically be a complaint without mentioning it, the only minor issue here might be the air conditioning, which can be a bit too cold, but the delicious food, flavorful drinks, and welcoming atmosphere make it easy to overlook.
AL CHILE TACO BAR
$ | (786) 304-8846 | WEBSITE
Meet the no-bullshit taco spot of our dreams. At this cash-only restaurant in North Miami Beach, you grab a stool at the counter, order, and eat within five minutes. But don’t take their efficiency as a sign of a rushed kitchen. The tacos here arrive piping hot with tender cuts of carne asada and crispy pork belly piled high on fresh corn tortillas.
But the best part is the flavor lurking underneath—Al Chile serves some of the richest, most aromatic birria in NMB that tastes like a slow-cooked stew rolled down a hill made of chilies and spices.
tacos el machine gon
$ | (786) 210-8077 | WEBSITE
One of our favorite Mexican spots in North Miami Beach, Tacos El Machin Gon stands out as our top spot for tacos in the area. The food here is delicious and high-quality, with their chicken tacos and chicken Costras being our go-to. If you want to kick the flavor up a notch, we recommend the mushroom quesadilla: a tasty option with fresh ingredients. They also have notably spicy and flavorful salsa and refreshing homemade hibiscus juice or lemonade, if you feel like pairing it with your meal.
The atmosphere is casual and comfortable, with pretty lighting decorations and picnic tables giving it a welcoming food truck vibe, making it a great place to go with friends or family for a quick, tasty bite.
Que chido restaurant
$ | (305) 429-3973 | WEBSITE
Que Chido is a mom-and-pop Mexican restaurant in North Miami Beach that’s become something of a local favorite. Come during the peak dinner rush and expect to wait in the small dining area for at least 20 minutes. But if you have the time (or can swing by for a late lunch), the birria tacos are worth it. There are no bad tacos on the menu, but our favorite is the simple beef birria—shredded meat slow-cooked until tender and placed inside a warm corn tortilla.
The tacos arrive hot and fresh, the guacamole is creamy but not heavy, and the Jamaica drink is packed with a punch worth of hibiscus, cinnamon, and lime.
Las Delicias Latinas Food Truck and Cafeteria
$ | (305) 780-9039 | WEBSITE
Las Delicias Latinas Food Truck and Cafeteria is part of a small cluster of very good Colombian spots in and around the North Miami Beach area, including food truck gems like Arepas Deluxe and Empanada Heaven. But when it comes to grilled fish, Las Delicias Latinas is in a league of its own.
Our usual order here is the freshly grilled fish with fried plantains, rice, and salad (which comes as a huge portion at a decent price) and the fresh, deeply sweet mango juice—of which even the “regular” size is plenty big. This is a popular neighborhood spot so don’t be surprised that everyone in the small but clean dining room seems to be a regular.