It was once widely understood that real Mexican food exists only south of the Rio Grande. Over time, concessions were made for parts of the southwest U.S. But to this day, suggest venturing north of Texas for great taquitos and that’s where many draw the line. To diffuse this geo-culinary landmine (and eat our weight in guacamole, naturally), we posed a simple question for foodies all the way from Portland Maine, to Portland Oregon: What’s your favorite local Mexican food? Here’s what our northerly neighbors had to say.
TACO CRAZE TAKES THE EASTERN SEABOARD BY STORM
PORTLAND, MAINE: TACO TRIO
Like many cities we toured, Portland is flush with highly praised Mexican food trucks, bistros, and takeout joints. But locals cheer loudest for Taco Trio’s small-batch salsas, fresh taco fillings, and inclusive dietary options.
Mouthfuls: “My favorite by far was the BBQ goat Barbacoa Taco. I'm a sucker for Tacos al Pastor, and the chicken with mole was great!” – Ben E. (Yelp)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA: BAKERSFIELD TACOS
Part of a small national taqueria chain, Bakersfield is Pittsburgh’s go-to for a cowboy-cool aesthetic, friendly service, fresh-squeezed cocktail mixers, and simple-yet-satisfying tacos, ensaladas, tortas, and taquitos at an affordable price.
Mouthfuls: “The guacamole was absolutely top notch, California-grade, creamy and chunky with a subtle but unmistakable heat.” – Pittsburgh City Paper
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: SABOR LATIN STREET GRILL
In addition to outstanding Mexican street fare, Sabor’s menu pays homage to El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Colombia. Our personal favorite: barbacoa-stuffed quesabirria tacos smothered in decadent broth.
Mouthfuls: “Great food and the best variety of salsa I have ever seen! Arbol, habanero, pineapple, verde, etc. …Great place!” – Jsbruce17 (Tripadvisor)
MARGS + MOLE = THE PERFECT MIDWEST BRUNCH
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: MAS ALLA DEL SOL
It’s tough to pinpoint the “best of” anything in a city like Chicago, but this Edgewater spot serves brunch with a side of cultural authenticity in lesser-known Mexican delights alongside the breakfast burritos Yanks know and love.
Mouthfuls: “…Not always easily found, [the] puerco con verdolagas is a tangy, meaty leaf that brings out pork in an extraordinary way.” – Eater Chicago
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI: DOS REYES
While not strictly a brunch restaurant, locals flock to Dos Reyes at all hours for Mexican comfort classics like creamy grilled street corn dip, pineapple-studded pastor quesadilla, and handcrafted cocktails sweetened to perfection.
Mouthfuls: “The house margaritas were great. We asked for Tajin on the rim, and they were happy to make that happen.” – Katherine G. (Google)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: VIVIR
Why would early risers in the Mini Apple settle for pancakes when they can stumble to Vivir for gooey guava rolls, chocolate-mole cupcakes, and a seasonal array of empanadas? In case it wasn’t clear, that’s a rhetorical question.
Mouthfuls: “The spicy hot chocolate with coconut milk, cayenne, cinnamon, and vanilla is the perfect thing to pair with it all.” – The Infatuation Minneapolis
MICHELIN-STARRED MEXICAN CROSSES THE GREAT PLAINS
DENVER, COLORADO: ALMA FONDA FINA
Latin fine dining may be having a global moment, but Denver has long been home to its rising stars. Take for example Chef Johnny Curiel whose Alma Fonda Fina puts an upscale spin on family-style Mexican classics to international acclaim.
Mouthfuls: “Birria de Borrego, an adobo-braised lamb shank with serrano white onions and creamy salsa de Guacachile nods to Sunday feasts.” – The Denver Post
MISSOULA, MONTANA: THE CAMINO
It’s not easy to make fine dining approachable and fun, but true to its website description, this trendy-yet-sophisticated downtown eatery found a way: “The Camino is our exploration, a desire to step outside ourselves and learn at the feet of others.”
Mouthfuls: “[The Camino] borrows from the culinary traditions of Oaxaca and the Yucatan to deliver outstanding Mexican cuisine and creative tequila-based cocktails.” – Fodor’s
PORTLAND, OREGON: REPÚBLICA
Billed as a “Mexico-forward” concept, this relative newcomer to Portland’s trendy Pearl District is on a mission to challenge common perceptions with dazzling multi-course creations steeped in ancient Olmec, Toltec, Maya, and Aztec traditions.
Mouthfuls: “Tasting menus are uncommon in this casual-dining town, but this one is a feast—for the taste buds, for knowledge of food history, for the emotional connection we have with food.” – Portland Monthly
