A Guide to Columbus, Ohio’s
Best Mexican Food

Finding a great Mexican restaurant can be challenging outside of Mexico. The dishes can be inauthentic, lacking in flavor, and more. But a great Mexican meal can be a revelation and downright addictive, and taking the time to find it is well worth the trouble!

In this list of the best Mexican restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, we strived to find a variety of choices to fit your mood and budget without compromising on everything that makes Mexican food great.

If you enjoy tacos, enchiladas, freshly-made tortilla chips, and authentic desserts, you will love these spots, ranging from well-known Columbus eateries to hidden gems for you to discover.

Los Agavez Taqueria

While not a “restaurant” per se, Los Agavez Taqueria is hands down one of the most authentic Mexican food trucks in the area.

Everything on the menu is stellar, but loyal customers rave about the Birria Tacos with its flavors of adobo, chiles, and garlic, and the Al Pastor Tacos. Plant-based diners will love the Vegetable Burrito which is loaded with black beans, veggies, and the smooth, salty flavor of queso mozzarella.

The staff does its best to get food out to you quickly but keep in mind that they are a popular spot. Get there as soon as they open if you’re in a hurry! They can also make large quantities for staff lunches and more.

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Columbus: Los Agavez Taqueria

Service options: Dine-in · Curbside pickup · No delivery

Address: 3166 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202 • (614) 206-7634

Photo Credit: Los Agavez Taqueria

Catrina Mexican Cuisine

A hidden gem with a homey feel, Catrina Mexican Cuisine is where you want to be when you need flavorful, genuine Mexican food in a no-frill setting.

The menu tends to vary with the seasons, but if they are listed, you will definitely want to try the Fried Beef Empanadas, the Fish Tacos, which are generously sized and fried on the spot, and the Enchiladas Verde. And of course, don’t forget dessert, especially their homemade Flan!

Service options: Dine-in · Takeout

Address: 2785 Ferris Rd, Columbus, OH 43224 • (614) 944-9036

Photo Credit: Catrina Mexican Cuisine

Exotic Latin Grill

At Exotic Latin Grill, you will find fresh, made-on-the-spot dishes that will have you coming back for more. Try the Baleada Latina with beans, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and egg, the Arepa Dulce with cheese, corn, and pineapple, or the Arepa Rellena, filled with meat, onions, tomato, cilantro, and cheese.

Another great thing about Exotic Latin Grill is that it is open late, until 1 AM every day. Keep in mind that as of this writing, this food truck is cash only.

Service options: Curbside pickup · No delivery

Address: 355 E Hudson St, Columbus, OH 43202 • (614) 733-1794

Photo Credit: Exotic Latin Grill

Taqueria Guadalajara

If you’re looking for several unique Mexican food options, Taqueria Guadalajara is for you! With many different types of Tacos including lengua (braised beef tongue), tender and juicy birria, and chicharron (pork rind), as well as Menudo, Fajitas, and more, they have something for everyone.

Taqueria Guadalajara also offers a variety of plates like the Carna Asada, Camarones a la Diablo, and more. They also have filling and hearty vegetarian options.

Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · No delivery

Address: 2448 Home Acre Dr, Columbus, OH 43231 • (614) 818-9727

Photo Credit: Taqueria Guadalajara

Cuco’s Taqueria

Tucked in a small corner of a strip mall, Cuco’s Taqueria may not look like much, but don’t be fooled, it is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Columbus!

Some of their best options include the Carna Asada (thinly sliced grilled steak and onions), the Birria Tacos with beef, cheese, onions, cilantro, rice, beans, and a cup of consomé, the Coliflor tacos, loaded with fried cauliflower, lettuce, pico de gallo, and chile aioli, and the Chiles Rellenos, or cheese-stuffed poblano peppers.

Service options: Dine-in · Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery

Address: 2162 W Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220 • (614) 538-8701

Photo Credit: Cuco’s Taqueria

Los Guachos

There are many reasons why Los Guachos is known as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Columbus. This little taqueria is famous for its regional antojitos, or “little cravings,” like the Al Pastor Tacos with pork shaved off the spit, and the Tortas, or Mexican sandwiches, where Mexican-style bread is stuffed with cheese, beans, avocados, onions, and more with your choice of meat, and cooked until hot and crispy.

They also offer soups, giant Burritos, Huaraches (Mexican-style pizza), Tacos, and a kid’s menu. Don’t forget to get a piping hot Churro on your way out!

Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · No-contact delivery

Address: 5221 Godown Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 • (614) 538-0211

7370 Sawmill Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 • (614) 726-9185

Photo Credit: Los Guachos Taqueria

El Rodeo (Columbus)

At El Rodeo, you can get flavorful and huge margaritas (or pitchers) or traditional non-alcoholic drinks like sweet, cinnamon-scented Horchata. They also feature a fresh buffet and menu full of authentic Mexican dishes like their Carne Azada (steak marinated in Mexican spices and grilled with onions to perfection), Fajitas en la Pina (pineapple fajitas with white fish, shrimp, veggies, fresh mango, and more), a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, and of course, Tacos.

Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · No-contact delivery

Address: 2808 Stelzer Rd, Columbus, OH 43219 • (614) 532-7109

Photo Credit: El Rodeo (Columbus)

Mi Mexico Restaurant

It’s no wonder that Mi Mexico Restaurant has hundreds of perfect five-star reviews on Google from repeat customers. As one of the best Mexican restaurants in Columbus, it is the perfect spot for Frozen Margaritas, exceptional service, and reasonable prices.

Their menu boasts a large vegetarian section, making it a great spot for plant-based eaters who might find it difficult to get enough variety elsewhere. From Burritos to Quesadillas without forgetting cheese, rice, and beans stuffed Chiles Poblanos, and Chimichangas, you could go there a dozen times and still have something new to try.

Meat eaters will have additional options like Mexican and American tacos, Steak Dinners, and more. They also have many desserts, including Flan, Sopapillas, and Churros.

Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · Delivery

Address: 4775 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43213 • (614) 577-0143

Photo Credit: Mi Mexico Restaurant

Local Cantina Brewery District

The motto at Local Cantina Brewery District is “Eat. Drink. Live Local.” The staff is committed to providing fresh, authentic, high-quality Mexican dishes, and they do so by sourcing their ingredients ethically and partnering with organizations that share their passion for the Columbus community. Their purpose combined with the delicious food served there is enough to make Local Cantina one of the best Mexican restaurants in Columbus.

Customers rave about their gluten-free Mango tango tacos with blackened fish, cabbage, mango pico, and spicy aioli, their Crunchweezy Tacos (soft flour and hard corn shells with queso and guacamole, roasted corn and black bean, barbacoa, and chipotle cream), fresh Guacamole, Farmer’s Market Tacos, and Burt Reynolds with ground beef, pico, sautéed poblanos, and onions.

Service options: Dine-in · Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery

Address: 743 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206 • (614) 564-9775

Photo Credit: Local Cantina Brewery District

Fiesta Jalisco

Last but not least on this list of the best Mexican restaurants in Columbus, we have Fiesta Jalisco. A firm favorite with many, it is the place for Mole Chicken Enchiladas (two chicken enchiladas topped with Monterey Jack cheese, a rich savory-sweet mole sauce, and sour cream.), Carne Asada Tacos (with cilantro, onions, rice, beans, and guacamole), fresh, crunchy chips, and Fiesta Fajitas (a large flour tortilla filled with your choice of meat, served with rice and bean, and topped with red enchilada sauce, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and lettuce.)