The Best Mexican Restaurants in New Jersey – 2024 Edition is written by Vinny Parisi.
New Jersey isn’t exactly close to the southern border. But luckily, the state is still home to many of the best Mexican restaurants offering traditional Mexican cuisine. In fact, the Garden State boasts hundreds of restaurants serving up authentic Mexican fare. From crispy tacos bursting with any choice of filling to indulgent tres leches cakes, NJ has it all.
Of course this leads to the question, what are the Best Mexican Restaurants in New Jersey? We’ve searched from north to south, and come up with a list of the state’s best spots. Read on to find out which New Jersey Mexican restaurants are the best from every NJ county.
Quick Click Guide: Select a County below to find The Best Mexican Restaurants nearby.
| Atlantic County | Bergen County | Burlington County | Camden County | Cape May County | Cumberland County | Essex County | Gloucester County | Hudson County | Hunterdon County | Mercer County | Middlesex County | Monmouth County | Morris County | Ocean County | Passaic County | Salem County | Somerset County | Sussex County | Union County | Warren County |
Atlantic County
Nuevo El Mariachi Loco
Where: Hammonton
Details: El Mariachi Loco is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (they open daily at 11:00 am). Their scratch-made breakfast options include favorites such as Mexican style eggs. This dish comes with chopped onion, jalapeno peppers, tomato, rice, beans, and avocado. Meanwhile, the dinner menu includes their signature “Super Grandes” quesadillas, in flavors like shredded chicken, mushroom, and Mexican Sausage. They also have hamburgers, seafood, and more.
Bergen County
El Asadero Mexican Grill
Where: 2052 Hudson St, Fort Lee
Details: Festive decor and authentic Mexican cuisine make El Asadero an easy choice for an evening out. In particular, they host Ladies Night every Thursday and a live DJ on Friday. As for the menu, we recommend trying the Tampiquena Entomatadas; it comes with an 8 oz skirt steak, three corn tortillas in enchilada sauce, guacamole, refried beans, and white onions. Other popular menu items include the classic chicken quesadilla and birria quesadilla. However, their signature dish is the Molcajete. This large dish for two comes with grilled meats in Chorizo sauce, all prepared in a special bowl. Their large drink menu includes vodka, rum, tequila, whiskey, bourbon, mojitos, Pina Coladas, margaritas, Mezcalitas, and more.
Why I Like it: The Choriqueso appetizer melts Monterrey Jack cheese over chorizo with a side of tortillas to dip.
| Visit their Website | Order Online | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 201-620-9001 |
Burlington County
Mi Ranchito
Where: 18 E Camden Ave, Moorestown
Details: While Mi Ranchito offers dine-in service, locals know their takeout game is second-to-none. Especially when it comes to fan favorite menu items like the birria tacos. This signature dish offers 3 flour tortillas with birria beef, melted cheese, onions, cilantro, and a side of consume and limes. Other authentic Mexican dishes include street tacos with homemade corn tortillas, tostadas, huaraches, quesadillas, and molotes. The latter is a deep fried quesadilla with Mexican crema and queso fresco. American favorites include burritos and chimichangas. As for drinks, they offer an assortment of fresh smoothies, milkshakes, aguas frescas, and piñas coladas. Be sure to save room for their Tres Leches Vanilla Cake dessert.
Why I Like it: The packed menu also features tortas, tostadas, picaditas, platters, and even shrimp tempura tacos.
| Visit their Website | Order Online | View Menu Online | Follow on Facebook | Call 856-206-9624 |
Camden County
El Taco Loco
Where: 2311 Federal St, Camden
Details: Established in 1991, Taco Loco is the first Mexican restaurant in Camden’s history. Now, over 30 years later, Taco Loco is still known for their tacos, burritos, playters, and more. In particular, their Birria Tacos are made with slow-cooked, tender beef and melted queso Oaxaca in a lightly-fried tortilla. They serve these tacos with a rich, savory consume. Meanwhile, fan favorite menu items include Mexican street corn and Mexican Sandwiches; as well as their new signature dish, the “Taco Locos.” These Taco Locos blend carne asada and shrimp in a slightly fried tortilla, layered with queso Oaxaca. This popular dish promises an irresistible combination of savory meats, gooey cheese, and crispy tortilla with every bite.
Why I like it: The expansive menu and stylish presentation of each dish makes Taco Loco a hotspot for bloggers.
| Visit their Website | Order Online via Grubhub | Follow on TikTok | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Give them a Call |
Cape May County
Bandanas Mexican Grille
Where: 5607 Atlantic Ave, Wildwood Crest
Details: The motto at Bandanas is “Love People, Feed Them Tasty Food”. They prepare all salsas, sauces, and marinades daily using fresh fruits and seasonal Jersey vegetables; as well as herbs and spices from their on-property garden. The Mexican Fusion menu pairs flame-grilled and slow-roasted proteins with Mexican chilies and spices; this gives Bandanas a unique global flair. Staff favorites include the Filet Mignon Charitas, Vegan Hippie Bowl, Elote Grilled Corn Guacamole, and Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos. Meanwhile, their ice cream shop serves over 20 flavors of Hand-Dipped Ice Cream. This includes their Original Fried Banana Split and baked in-house Brownie Sundae. They are open daily in season for lunch and dinner.
Why I Like it: This family-friendly BYO spot offers fast service, indoor and Garden Patio seating, and hosts parties.
| Visit their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Give them a Call |
Cumberland County
Lucy’s Mexican Restaurant
Where: Bridgeton
Details: Lucy’s is a family restaurant offering authentic food that is always fresh and made-to-order. Locals agree that tacos are a highlight of the menu, with fillings like pulled pork, chicken, and chorizo. In particular, their Al Pastor tacos are a popular choice. But they also make steak fajitas, Quesabirrias, Gazpacho michoacano, tortas, and even Pizza Birrias. The portion sizes are great for the price, so expect to have plenty of leftovers for the next day.
Essex County
Folklore Artisanal Mexican Eatery
Where: 57 Harrison Ave, West Orange
Details: Taco fanatics simply must visit Folklore. Before coming to New Jersey, Owner Sergio Capdevielle’s family owned a trio of restaurants in Teziutlan, Puebla Mexico. Now, they serve authentic, homemade Mexican meals to patrons in the Garden State. This includes their popular artisanal tacos, which are served with fresh cilantro, onion, lime, and homemade salsa Verde. Folklore offers over 20 protein fillings for tacos, burritos, and other dishes, all before even thinking about toppings. Speaking of toppings, Folklore has a few unique options. For example, they serve tilapia and grilled cactus — known as “nopal” — as well as hibiscus flower. The latter is a Mexico City delicacy most often cooked with onions and tomatoes.
Why I Like it: This family-owned eatery uses generations-old recipes to create traditional Mexican dishes and flavors.
| Visit their Website | Order Online | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 973-324-2208 |
Gloucester County
El Mariachi
Where: Glassboro
Details: El Mariachi is a cozy, festive Mexican restaurant tucked inside an unassuming strip mall in Glassboro. Their chorizo and campechanos (a mix of grilled steak and Mexican sausage) keep patrons coming back for more. Another popular menu item is the Tacos Dorados. These deep-fried tacos come with either chicken or cheese, plus lettuce, tomato, onions, avocado, sour cream, and queso. For something different, try their Hawaiian platter.
Hudson County
Orale Mexican Kitchen
Where: Hoboken | Jersey City
Details: Orale aims to be the go-to spot for Happy Hour, Taco Tuesday, Boozy Brunch, and Mexican-themed events. Brunch, lunch, dinner, and easy to-go options make them a favorite stop for hungry patrons. They have an assortment of cocktail options that differ slightly at each location, but always include their signature drinks. For instance, the Ring My Bells cocktail features Espolòn Anejo Tequila, Amara Sicilian, Aperol, Red Bell Pepper, and lemon.
Hunterdon County
El Tule
Where: Lambertville
Details: El Tule serves up both Mexican and Peruvian cuisine. They offer a number of dinner specials like Mexican Street Corn and the Peruvian Sampler. The latter includes Solterito de quinoa, yucas with huancaina, palta a la reina, & causa limeña. Meanwhile, the Mexican-Latin fusion menu offers options such as Spinach & Crab Enchiladas and Lomo Saltado. The distinct menu represents the fusion of cultures joining the Egoavil and Anguino families who own El Tule.
Mercer County
Mexican Mariachi Grill
Where: Hamilton | Ewing
Details: The Ramos family of Santillo, Mexico brought their legacy of traditional Mexican recipes to New Jersey in 2010. Since then, their fan favorite nachos and other authentic cuisine has become a runaway success. From tacos and burritos to fajitas and quesadillas, there’s something for everyone on the menu. But the real star of the show is the surf and turf burrito with carne asada and shrimp! (Or its Puerto Vallarta, platter-style variant.)
Middlesex County
La China Poblana
Where: 556 NJ-18, East Brunswick
Details: The goal of La China Poblana is to create healthy, fresh Mexican cuisine using high quality ingredients. Their robust menu covers popular authentic Mexican dishes, from burritos and tamales to sopes and enchiladas; as well as grilled or fried whole seafood options from their fresh seafood market next door. Fan-favorite dishes include handmade huaraches, served with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, avocado & choice of meat. Tacos are also a popular pick, including their Quesabirria con consomé Tacos; this cross between a taco and quesadilla comes with tender short rib meat and dipping broth. One other standout dish is their Molcajete, a meat platter cooked and served in a hot volcano stone bowl.
Why I Like it: Their folkloric dine in area has bright and festive hand-painted tables and chairs.
| Visit their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Give them a Call |
Monmouth County
Reyna’s Mexican Restaurant
Where: Tinton Falls
Details: Lunch specials, a kids menu, and rotating weekly specials are the cornerstone pieces of Reyna’s menu. For instance, at lunchtime they offer fixed deals for quesadillas, flautas, and mini chimichangas, each including 3 per order. Meanwhile, the kids menu features burgers, hot dogs, mozzarella sticks, and macaroni and cheese. Some standout specials include their Eggplant Quesadilla and Mexican Rice Balls starters, as well as the Burrito Carnitas entree.
Morris County
Riviera Maya
Where: 116 US-46, Rockaway
Details: This brightly-colored, festive eatery feels just like crossing the border into a real Mexican restaurant. Riviera Maya boasts an impressive, authentic menu of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, salads, seafood, and kids’ options. For something a little different, try one of their signature seafood dishes. This includes the Pescado Limonado, a Red Snapper filet sauteed in garlic-lime sauce with Mexican oregano. Another option is the Tacos de Pescado, which is grilled Tilapia in a flour tortilla. These tacos are topped with cilantro, onions, and roasted tomatillo salsa with a cabbage lime-slaw They even offer a number of margaritas and signature cocktails like the Strawberry Daiquiri, Tequila Sunrise, and Pina Colada.
Why I Like it: They have a dedicated kids menu with fun options like chimichangas, quesadillas, and nachos with fries.
| Visit their Website | Order Online | Purchase Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Give them a Call |
Ocean County
El Familiar
Where: Toms River
Details: El Familiar brings a fusion of authentic Colombian and Mexican cuisine to the Jersey Shore. Of course, they’ve got typical dishes like tacos, Chicken Poblano, enchiladas, and flautas. But they also serve more unique offerings like oxtail and beef soup with rice. Then there’s the Spinach Enfrijoladas, soft corn tortillas with spinach in a bean sauce with cheese, Mexican rice, and more. For something different, try their take on Penne Pasta with Shrimp.
Passaic County
El Asadero Mexican Grill
Where: 305 Passaic St, Passaic
Details: Patrons rave about the fast, attentive, and diligent service staff at El Asadero’s Passaic location. Of course, the authentic menu full of classic dishes is the real draw. Popular choices include the chilaquiles — with either egg, steak, or cecina, — the mixed fajitas, and Enchiladas Suizas. Home Specials at this location include the Cowboy Steak, Churrasco, and the Mar Y Tierra. The latter combines churrasco, shrimp, onions, and red peppers sauteed with rice and beans. Meanwhile, taco lovers can sink their teeth into sixteen different types of filling; with options such as birria, tripa, oaxaca, fish, pork ribs, skirt steak, campesino, carne enchilada, carnitas, and more. For a sampler of starters, order their Super Appetizer option.
Why I Like it: Their full bar provides an assortment of specialty cocktails, beers, tequilas, and authentic Mexican drinks.
| Visit their Website | Order Online | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 973-272-6785 |
Salem County
Mucho Loco Mexican Restaurant
Where: Pennsville
Details: This unassuming spot happens to house some of the best Mexican food in all of South Jersey. One thing patrons love about Mucho Loco is their excellent service, which extends to their ability to accommodate menu alterations. For instance, they can make their corn tortillas from scratch without gluten for those who are allergic. Large groups can take advantage of their platters, such as their full tray of either nachos or 20 corn tortillas.
Somerset County
Pancho’s Mexican Grill
Where: 83 Main St, South Bound Brook
Details: Patrons love Pancho’s, hailing it as a true hidden gem in town. (That’s despite the fact it has been attracting customers for over a decade now.) Popular menu items include their Carne Asada tacos, Al Pastor tortas, and steak fajitas. However, the real highlight of their menu is just how flexible Pancho’s is when it comes to customizing an order. For instance, they can make dishes without dairy or meat to accommodate both vegan and vegetarian diets. Their assortment of aguas frescas — like Horchata and Pepino — add further authenticity to any meal. The restaurant also bakes fresh Mexican bread daily. For a satisfying dessert, order their Mexican hot chocolate paired with homemade sweet bread.
Why I Like it: The portions match the prices, as Pancho’s delivers large plates that will likely result in leftovers.
| Visit their Website | Follow on Facebook | Give them a Call |
Sussex County
Riviera Maya
Where: 340 US-206, Branchville
Details: This brightly-colored, festive eatery feels just like crossing the border into a real Mexican restaurant. Riviera Maya boasts an impressive, authentic menu of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, salads, seafood, and kids’ options. Popular options include the Fajitas, which comes with a choice of up to three meats; which they serve on a sizzling platter with salsa de molcajete. They even offer a number of margaritas and signature cocktails like the Strawberry Daiquiri, Tequila Sunrise, and Pina Colada. Their Cactus Steak is a unique NY strip that comes with edible cactus pods for a truly exotic dinner experience.
Why I Like it: The colorful, rustic interior makes it feel like there’s a fiesta going on every visit.
| Visit their Website | Order Online | Purchase Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Give them a Call |
Union County
The Red Cadillac
Where: Union
Details: The Red Cadillac is only open Thursday through Sunday, cramming a full week’s fiesta into a few days. This spot combines classic Mexican street cuisine with in-house infused tequilas and top notch margaritas. (Such as their peanut butter & jelly tequila.) Husband and wife duo Joe and Jamey Montes offer great food, drinks, live music, and ambience. Popular highlights from the dinner menu include the Shrimp Tempura Tacos and Abuelas Empanadas.
Warren County
Juanito’s Mexican Restaurant
Where: Washington
Details: Generous portion sizes and complimentary chips with homemade salsa make Juanito’s a local fan favorite. This authentic Mexican spot is open six days a week (not Monday), and offers lunch, dinner, and dessert. But they actually specialize in catering events, parties, and business meetings. They offer monthly menu specials, as well as recurring weekly deals like 10% off fajitas every Sunday. We recommend trying the sweet apple tacos.
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The Best Mexican Restaurants in New Jersey FAQs
The find the best, most authentic Mexican Restaurants in New Jersey, simply vist BestofNJ.com! Our list features the best Mexican restaurant from every county in the state.
For residents of Central Jersey, Pancho’s Mexican Grill is Somerset County’s best hidden gem. Patrons love this Mexican restaurant for their flexible menu accommodations, freshly baked Mexican bread, and assortment of aguas frescas.
Locals know Mi Ranchito in Moorestown offers the best Mexican takeout around. For North Jersey residents, Riviera Maya in Branchville and Rockaway offers top-notch delivery as well.
Bandanas Mexican Grille in Wildwood Crest is a great spot for families, parties, and friends to have dinner. That’s because they serve Mexican fusion favorites with options for the whole family. In addition, they have an ice cream shop that serves over 20 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream.
Top Photo: El Asadero / Website
