Living and working in Phoenix with frequent trips to Tucson, I would say you havn't lived until you have eaten a real Sonoran Dog from a mexican food truck in any dirt lot down in Tucson. (And believe me, there are a lot of dirt lots in Tucson)
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I lived in Phoenix for 2 years and had to travel down to Nogales for work once or twice a month and I always stopped at El Guero Canelo or BK's in Tucson for a couple of Sonoran style hotdogs. They truly are the most amazing creation ever. I can't wait to go back to visit Phoenix at the end of May so that I can seek out some Sonoran style dogs and amazing Mexican food.
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I've lived in Tucson for over 7 years. Best tacos are at Pico de Gallo, hands down. Get the corn tortillas. It's just north of I-10 on 6th Avenue...do yourselves a favor. I've had chile rellenos all over the southwest and Mi Nidito still makes the best. Poco and Mom's (two locations) has some of the most amazing breakfast dishes you'll ever have.
Incidentally, my office is in Phoenix and The Original Burrito Company in Ahwatukee has the best breakfast burritos. I'm sure there are many others but I only know that side of town. Please suggest some of your own!
Albuquerque has fantastic New Mexican meals (this is a bit different than "normal" Mexican fare), lots of hot chiles in the dishes and quite inventive to boot. Santa Fe does "modern" southwest food but there are also traditional places there too. Good food in Las Cruces and Alamogordo as well.
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Yes, I've been a couple of times. It's really good, my favorite salsa in town. They supposedly have a rotating menu but it was the same the two times I went there. Never been to the "real" Nogales, that place seems sketchy. I've heard about it, though-most reviews are very favorable.
wow....aspen. i'm jealous.
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Did you ever go to La Roca in Nogales (Mexican side) for brunch? Amazing spread and a very unique/historic building. Definitely worth checking out if you are 'South of the Border'.....
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My favorite appetizer is queso fundido, and my favorite dish is usually a seafood burrito. I love Mexican style seafood. The traditional spices really complement fish and shrimp.
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I'm jealous.
I backpacked through the Yucatan for a couple of weeks one summer before kids and drug cartels with the goal to end up in Oaxaca, but I only made it as far as Villahermosa when I ran out of money and had to turn back.
It's definitely on my bucket list.
I did find a place in central Merida to eat fajitas and mole that was to date one of the best meals I've ever had. It was just me and the wait staff and some cats....I didn't ask any questions. I just ate and enjoyed.
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I tell people Oaxaca is the place you ask about when you want to travel to the place locals travel to. Ironically it's one of the most international cities in Mexico having many foreign residents. it's just out of the way in the mountains, but SO worth the trip.
the city is gorgeous. the mountain landscapes are breath taking. the food is the BEST. the people are warm, friendly and caring. There is a rich minority culture there. Monte Alban is in my opinion better than Teotihuacan and Mayan Temples. I was actually touching clouds while standing atop the moon temple. and it's an overnight death ride down to the southern playas where I stayed for 2 weeks doing nothing but sleeping in a small cabana on the beach eating lobster, drinking beer and enjoying the mostly European babe filled clothing optional beaches of Zipolite whilst catching some waves.
top 5 in terms of cities I love
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Edit: taking the +1 as a yes. I have never traveled to most of South America, Europe or Africa yet. Anyway, here's my (non-USA) list ...
1) Oaxaca, Mexico:
Lived there shortly. As stated above it is simply amazing. I loved everything about it, both the city and state. If I ever get super rich I will buy a vacation home here.
2) Paro, Bhutan
Perhaps the most picturesque place I have ever been. Bhutan is simply magical. A bit difficult to get to but if you are looking for a once in a lifetime place to go that you can tell everyone about this may be the place your looking for. Don't go to Tibet, don't go to Nepal. Go to Bhutan.
3) Sydney, Australia
Lived here for 2 years. I went to school here. The most livable city I have ever experienced. The only thing I can fault it with is that movies would come out sometimes 6 to 9 months after released in the States which is a big issue for a movie hound like me. That and all the life threatening snakes and spiders. Loved living there and since it's eternally Spring weather no need for a car. I would walk or take public transit everywhere.
4) Palawan, Philippines
This is actually a state, not a city, but if you want simply the best beaches, snorkeling, diving, wind surfing, sea kayaking, swimming with sea turtles and whale sharks, exploring shipwrecked warships all in crystal clear water then look no further. While the world tourist travel to places like Boracay, locals travel to Palawan. Incredible.
5) Tokyo, Japan
I will put this simply. No matter you are young, old, male, female, gay, straight, etc, etc Tokyo is a phucking blast. It is incredibly expensive but this place is party central. SO MUCH FUN. Helps if you know some locals and some expats that live there, but it's not necessary. just be adventurous and explore.
If you are looking for more out of the way places like Oaxaca and Paro, can add to the list as well.
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Awesome. I had gathered you've seen a lot of the world, thanks for sharing some highlights. The only city I've been to that stands out as special is New Orleans. I've been to Europe once, but was too young to get a good feel for anything. Hopefully, one day I'll check out some of your list!
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Dude, where did you surf there? I backpacked across Mexico and surfed Rio Tikla, Pascuales, Rio Nexpa, and Petacalco back in 1985 (it was my VT graduation present to myself before joining the workforce). Petacalco was awesome - very Pipeline like, the 2nd best Mexican Pipeline like wave (next to Puerto Escondido). Petacalco is located just South of Lazaro Cardenas and north a few hours drive from Zihuatanejo. We caught it up to 20 ft - insane week at that place! 3 Gringos surfing perfect barrels from 12 ft to 20 ft - all by ourselves for a week!! Barrels galore! It was incredible!
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Matters not. Trips to that area are epic! The food and beer is great everywhere! The memories never go away. Experiences in travel should not be just about one focus. Kudos to you for all the worldy travel you have done - from your posts throughout TKP, you have certainly seen many roads. Salute!
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I have a bucket list of places in Mexico and Oaxaca is definitely high on it. Patzcuaro, Copper Canyon, and Guanajuato are also on there. Went to San Miguel de Allende and that is an amazing town too.
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Merida is a great city. Great food/people/old mexican feel. The Sopa de Lima is a must try there. There are a series of old haciendas around there that have been turned into small boutique resorts that are definitely worth a visit.
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I find most places in Hampton Roads are all pretty much the same with slight variances. Essentially the same as Gran Rodeo in Christiansburg. I wish we had some Taco trucks, though.
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El Rod's and Cabo are both decent for Blacksburg, and are pretty different styles of food. In RVA I used to say Mexico on southside, but since they have moved the food/drink just aren't as good, though it is still pretty good. I actually really liked Cielito Lindo when I went there several years ago; its less like fast food than most Mexican restaurants and the food seems more like home cooked food.
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There's a place in Mechanicsville called The Patron that is great. Unlike any other Mexican restaurant I have been to. Everything I've had (about 10 visits) has been delicious.
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Yesenia's Mexican and Seafood in San Diego (Kearny Mesa)....or pretty much ANY hole in the wall taco shop/truck here in SOCAL. I LOVE the 'Burg..and the rest of the Southeast...but nothing there can touch the Mexican food out here.
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I haven't tried Yesenia's, but I am a fan of Super Sergios in Kearny Mesa.
However, El Indio is my #1. The homemade tortillas, chips, and buenelos are delicioso. The California Burrito, Indio Burrito, and potato taco are all amazing. Damn. I think I need to stop by there soon.
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When I was living in San Diego we used to go down to a small fishing village in Baja called Porto Nuevo.
When the lobster boats pulled in, they would make lobster burritos.
Outstanding.
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I almost forgot: as strange as it sounds, the best Mexican food that I've ever eaten (I haven't been to Texas or the southwest or Mexico etc., this is just mid-Atlantic knowledge here) was when I was working on the regional jail in Front Royal, VA. I can't remember the name of the place but its safe to say that it was the only Mexican restaurant in town. Excellent carnitas, chori pollo and fajitas.
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Yeah I think that was it. My dad told me that when they went back to do some punch-list items that the food was not nearly as good, too. Maybe it's one of those places that it depends on which cook is working that night.
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Most expensive and the best I have had = Uncle Julios. That being said, I am not a huge fan of Mexican food. South American food is fantastic though!
#TeamLomoSaltado
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It's been well over 20 years since I was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, but while I was there I loved me some Taco Cabana for Mexican fast food. Excellent carbon tacos, open 24 hours, and they served beer and strong margaritas.
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Lots of great places out here in New Mexico. Tina's in Carlsbad, Sofia's in Socorro, and El Patio in Albuquerque are a few of my favorites. Tina's and El Patio both have incredible asado (or carne adovada, depending what part of the state you're in), which is one of my all-time favorite foods. The breakfast burritos from Sofia's are hands down the best in the world.
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I travel into NM a lot for work and I have found my favorite so far to be the Green Chile chili they serve at the Taos Inn. Granted, not "mexican" persay, but my personal fave, and it brings a ton of heat.
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Nice! Taos is beautiful, and I love visiting there, but I always feel like everything is kind of expensive. And yeah, New Mexican green chile is a drug. I had to order online while I was living in Virginia.
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as a chain restaurant, Gardunos in New Mexico is very good. Have also had great Mexican food in Houston, San Antonio, and even the back streets of Minneapolis.
The tortilla soup Mrs. Dave makes is as good as it gets.
But the very best Mexican food I've ever had, by far, was prepared by the wife of a good friend in south Louisiana...she is Mexican and it was her family recipe. It was a casserole dish full of some type of seasoned shredded pork enchiladas smothered in a mole' sauce....unreal. I have no idea what was in it...I don't care what was in it...it was amazing.
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Anybody got suggestions for Mexican in the Mooresville, NC area? You guys gave me some great burger and bbq suggestions. I know you can come through for me again.
I'll offer up my picks for some of the places I've lived:
NRV: El Gran Rodeo. That white sauce! Whoa.
Tri Cities, TN: El Ranchito in Kingsport. The Tri-Cities are full of mediocre but adequate Mexican restaurants. This one is the most adequate.
Orlando area: Senor Tequila in Winter Park. Good Mexican is very hard to find in Orlando. This place has it. Azteca D'Oro is also very good and close to UCF.
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They're all fine, but none are worth raving about. I had a group of friends go to this one in Piney Flats off of 11-E. They all raved about it and it was more of the same.
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My cousins from Maryland were down for a game on my birthday weekend a few years ago. Day before the game we met for dinner at El Gran Rodeo. Before we left, my cousin asked for more white salsa then took the foil from my fajitas, wrapped up the salsa and stuffed in her purse so she could give it to me. Still one of the best birthday presents ever.
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That is one awesome cousin and a helluva Birthday gift. They should sell
that stuff at the front like cracker barrel and shit. I'd come in just to buy it.
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They are secretive about that stuff. My father in law is pretty good friends with the owner and the staff (they're regulars) and they won't budge on it. They won't even call it anything other than "ranch."
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La Unica in Huntersville is really good. Definitely the best I have had since moving here. Haven't had a bad experience yet.
BTW if you haven't been to Galway Hooker yet, get there asap. Great Irish food and drinks. By far the wife and my favorite place in North Charlotte.
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Pappasito's in San Antonio is perhaps the best I've ever had. I know it's part of the Pappa's chain (Pappadeux's, Pappa's Seafood Kitchen, Pappa's Steak House), but I've never had a bad meal in any of them. My clients in San Antonio were all of Mexican descent, and they wanted me to take them there every time I flew into town.
Sadly, up on Cape Cod, there is virtually no Hispanic population; therefore, the Mexican food is sorely lacking. Anejo's in Falmouth is pretty good, though.
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My favorite in the NRV is El Puerto in Wytheville.
My favorite in all my travels (bear in mind that I have not traveled extensively to the southwest, where one would expect it to be superb) is Luchita's in Cleveland, OH. That place is one of the few things I miss about living there.
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what I love about that area is that nearly every place makes their fish tacos a little bit differently, there appear to be limitless combinations. good stuff.
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If any of y'all visit Charleston SC: Sean Brock is a pretty well known chef, and his latest joint, Minero is amazing. It is much more casual, reasonably priced, and the food is insanely good mexican. I've worked my way through the whole menu, and it is all, really, really really, good.
You know that cheese that comes out of a grilled cheese and gets toasted on the grill and crispy and delicious? Their burrito is completely wrapped in THAT. You can kind of see it in the picture.
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I see Valentina picante sauce. That's a Costa Rican sauce, I think. I used to bring jugs of it back from CR in the late 80s, early 90s, before I could find it in the States.
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Anyone have any Atlanta recommendations? Looking for a good hole-in-the-wall place. Some place that looks like a shithole that may collapse at any moment, but has food that will make your knees buckle.
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Los Primos on Chamblee-Dunwoody road in Chamblee fits your description above (if it's still open).
Plaza Fiesta on Buford Highway has many, many options that fit that bill, too.
And I could eat a suitcase full of tacos at El Rey del Taco, if given the chance and the recovery time.
Haven't been to El Tacos Veloz in years but I remember it also being solid.
Mi Barrio in Grant Park is more fun than awesome, but it's fun and awesome for a hole in the wall.
That enough of a starting point?
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Solid recommendations all
I'd add El seor behind Lees bakery on Buford hwy as well
bell St burritos are pretty good
Hector Santiago is doing pop ups in east ATL billage (fits the about to fall down category in neighborhoods) there's one sat follow @ burro pollo on Twitter for details wicked fresh food
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What's the best Mexican food in my area? It's not in my area. PA isn't well-known for our central american cuisine.
The best central american food I ever had was on the side of the Pan American highway, somewhere between San Jose and Nosara. But I guess it's cheating to use that place.
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I was bummed to see El Guadalupe close in Blacksburg. They had a chicken dish with chorizo that was really good. I know it wasn't authentic Mexican, but I had a lot of fond memories there.
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If you are ever flying through Chicago, in the B Gate area (United), Rick Bayless opened a Tortaria called Tortas Frontera. Best F-ing 'Sandwich' you'll ever have. Pricey, I guess but its in an airport....so? The Cochinita Pibil is a braised pork with a kick-ass habanero sauce.
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Comments
Living and working in Phoenix with frequent trips to Tucson, I would say you havn't lived until you have eaten a real Sonoran Dog from a mexican food truck in any dirt lot down in Tucson. (And believe me, there are a lot of dirt lots in Tucson)
having lived in Tucson for nearly 2 years I approve of this message
I lived in Phoenix for 2 years and had to travel down to Nogales for work once or twice a month and I always stopped at El Guero Canelo or BK's in Tucson for a couple of Sonoran style hotdogs. They truly are the most amazing creation ever. I can't wait to go back to visit Phoenix at the end of May so that I can seek out some Sonoran style dogs and amazing Mexican food.
I've lived in Tucson for over 7 years. Best tacos are at Pico de Gallo, hands down. Get the corn tortillas. It's just north of I-10 on 6th Avenue...do yourselves a favor. I've had chile rellenos all over the southwest and Mi Nidito still makes the best. Poco and Mom's (two locations) has some of the most amazing breakfast dishes you'll ever have.
Incidentally, my office is in Phoenix and The Original Burrito Company in Ahwatukee has the best breakfast burritos. I'm sure there are many others but I only know that side of town. Please suggest some of your own!
Albuquerque has fantastic New Mexican meals (this is a bit different than "normal" Mexican fare), lots of hot chiles in the dishes and quite inventive to boot. Santa Fe does "modern" southwest food but there are also traditional places there too. Good food in Las Cruces and Alamogordo as well.
Ever try Poca Cosa (Cafe Poca Cosa) in Tucson? Amazing upscale mexican. Pricey, but worth it. Their homemade moles are amazing.
Yes, I've been a couple of times. It's really good, my favorite salsa in town. They supposedly have a rotating menu but it was the same the two times I went there. Never been to the "real" Nogales, that place seems sketchy. I've heard about it, though-most reviews are very favorable.
wow....aspen. i'm jealous.
Did you ever go to La Roca in Nogales (Mexican side) for brunch? Amazing spread and a very unique/historic building. Definitely worth checking out if you are 'South of the Border'.....
My favorite appetizer is queso fundido, and my favorite dish is usually a seafood burrito. I love Mexican style seafood. The traditional spices really complement fish and shrimp.
this question needs clarification though. you talking Mexican restaurants in USA, Texmex or authentic Mexican food?
Whatever you feel as the consumer is the "best". This is like BBQ, whose definition of BBQ?
well, in that case i'll take "What is tlayuda for the win, Alex"
steak
chorizo
HIGHLY recommend the city of Oaxaca to everyone. People know the mole but the city has much, much better food.
also the best tortilla soup is found in Oaxaca. All served with glorious Oxacan cheese.
I'm jealous.
I backpacked through the Yucatan for a couple of weeks one summer before kids and drug cartels with the goal to end up in Oaxaca, but I only made it as far as Villahermosa when I ran out of money and had to turn back.
It's definitely on my bucket list.
I did find a place in central Merida to eat fajitas and mole that was to date one of the best meals I've ever had. It was just me and the wait staff and some cats....I didn't ask any questions. I just ate and enjoyed.
I tell people Oaxaca is the place you ask about when you want to travel to the place locals travel to. Ironically it's one of the most international cities in Mexico having many foreign residents. it's just out of the way in the mountains, but SO worth the trip.
the city is gorgeous. the mountain landscapes are breath taking. the food is the BEST. the people are warm, friendly and caring. There is a rich minority culture there. Monte Alban is in my opinion better than Teotihuacan and Mayan Temples. I was actually touching clouds while standing atop the moon temple. and it's an overnight death ride down to the southern playas where I stayed for 2 weeks doing nothing but sleeping in a small cabana on the beach eating lobster, drinking beer and enjoying the mostly European babe filled clothing optional beaches of Zipolite whilst catching some waves.
top 5 in terms of cities I love
Now that's a list I want to see
you want to know my top 5 cities?
Edit: taking the +1 as a yes. I have never traveled to most of South America, Europe or Africa yet. Anyway, here's my (non-USA) list ...
1) Oaxaca, Mexico:
Lived there shortly. As stated above it is simply amazing. I loved everything about it, both the city and state. If I ever get super rich I will buy a vacation home here.
2) Paro, Bhutan
Perhaps the most picturesque place I have ever been. Bhutan is simply magical. A bit difficult to get to but if you are looking for a once in a lifetime place to go that you can tell everyone about this may be the place your looking for. Don't go to Tibet, don't go to Nepal. Go to Bhutan.
3) Sydney, Australia
Lived here for 2 years. I went to school here. The most livable city I have ever experienced. The only thing I can fault it with is that movies would come out sometimes 6 to 9 months after released in the States which is a big issue for a movie hound like me. That and all the life threatening snakes and spiders. Loved living there and since it's eternally Spring weather no need for a car. I would walk or take public transit everywhere.
4) Palawan, Philippines
This is actually a state, not a city, but if you want simply the best beaches, snorkeling, diving, wind surfing, sea kayaking, swimming with sea turtles and whale sharks, exploring shipwrecked warships all in crystal clear water then look no further. While the world tourist travel to places like Boracay, locals travel to Palawan. Incredible.
5) Tokyo, Japan
I will put this simply. No matter you are young, old, male, female, gay, straight, etc, etc Tokyo is a phucking blast. It is incredibly expensive but this place is party central. SO MUCH FUN. Helps if you know some locals and some expats that live there, but it's not necessary. just be adventurous and explore.
If you are looking for more out of the way places like Oaxaca and Paro, can add to the list as well.
I do.
Awesome. I had gathered you've seen a lot of the world, thanks for sharing some highlights. The only city I've been to that stands out as special is New Orleans. I've been to Europe once, but was too young to get a good feel for anything. Hopefully, one day I'll check out some of your list!
Dude, where did you surf there? I backpacked across Mexico and surfed Rio Tikla, Pascuales, Rio Nexpa, and Petacalco back in 1985 (it was my VT graduation present to myself before joining the workforce). Petacalco was awesome - very Pipeline like, the 2nd best Mexican Pipeline like wave (next to Puerto Escondido). Petacalco is located just South of Lazaro Cardenas and north a few hours drive from Zihuatanejo. We caught it up to 20 ft - insane week at that place! 3 Gringos surfing perfect barrels from 12 ft to 20 ft - all by ourselves for a week!! Barrels galore! It was incredible!
admittedly I am not great at surfing but it was all on the Southern Playas. I went to Puerto Escondido but most of my surfing was in Zipolite.
great location though. loved it down there
Matters not. Trips to that area are epic! The food and beer is great everywhere! The memories never go away. Experiences in travel should not be just about one focus. Kudos to you for all the worldy travel you have done - from your posts throughout TKP, you have certainly seen many roads. Salute!
I have a bucket list of places in Mexico and Oaxaca is definitely high on it. Patzcuaro, Copper Canyon, and Guanajuato are also on there. Went to San Miguel de Allende and that is an amazing town too.
Merida is a great city. Great food/people/old mexican feel. The Sopa de Lima is a must try there. There are a series of old haciendas around there that have been turned into small boutique resorts that are definitely worth a visit.
The Flying Burrito in Raleigh. Place just opened about 3 years ago and man.... the food is incredible.
Not a big fan of the food. Beer specials are good though.
I find most places in Hampton Roads are all pretty much the same with slight variances. Essentially the same as Gran Rodeo in Christiansburg. I wish we had some Taco trucks, though.
I'm addicted to el Azteca on little creek rd. Have been since I was at least 5
El Rod's and Cabo are both decent for Blacksburg, and are pretty different styles of food. In RVA I used to say Mexico on southside, but since they have moved the food/drink just aren't as good, though it is still pretty good. I actually really liked Cielito Lindo when I went there several years ago; its less like fast food than most Mexican restaurants and the food seems more like home cooked food.
There's a place in Mechanicsville called The Patron that is great. Unlike any other Mexican restaurant I have been to. Everything I've had (about 10 visits) has been delicious.
Yesenia's Mexican and Seafood in San Diego (Kearny Mesa)....or pretty much ANY hole in the wall taco shop/truck here in SOCAL. I LOVE the 'Burg..and the rest of the Southeast...but nothing there can touch the Mexican food out here.
Damn, I was traveling back & forth to San Diego for work last year in the Kearny Mesa area. Wish I'd known about this place.
I frequented a little place near the Univ of San Diego called JV's. Great surf and turf burrito that was the size of my calf.
I haven't tried Yesenia's, but I am a fan of Super Sergios in Kearny Mesa.
However, El Indio is my #1. The homemade tortillas, chips, and buenelos are delicioso. The California Burrito, Indio Burrito, and potato taco are all amazing. Damn. I think I need to stop by there soon.
When I was living in San Diego we used to go down to a small fishing village in Baja called Porto Nuevo.
When the lobster boats pulled in, they would make lobster burritos.
Outstanding.
I almost forgot: as strange as it sounds, the best Mexican food that I've ever eaten (I haven't been to Texas or the southwest or Mexico etc., this is just mid-Atlantic knowledge here) was when I was working on the regional jail in Front Royal, VA. I can't remember the name of the place but its safe to say that it was the only Mexican restaurant in town. Excellent carnitas, chori pollo and fajitas.
Used to be Jalisco. I think they may have changed names. That place was great for a while, and then went waaaaaay downhill.
Yeah I think that was it. My dad told me that when they went back to do some punch-list items that the food was not nearly as good, too. Maybe it's one of those places that it depends on which cook is working that night.
Most expensive and the best I have had = Uncle Julios. That being said, I am not a huge fan of Mexican food. South American food is fantastic though!
#TeamLomoSaltado
It's been well over 20 years since I was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, but while I was there I loved me some Taco Cabana for Mexican fast food. Excellent carbon tacos, open 24 hours, and they served beer and strong margaritas.
Lots of great places out here in New Mexico. Tina's in Carlsbad, Sofia's in Socorro, and El Patio in Albuquerque are a few of my favorites. Tina's and El Patio both have incredible asado (or carne adovada, depending what part of the state you're in), which is one of my all-time favorite foods. The breakfast burritos from Sofia's are hands down the best in the world.
I travel into NM a lot for work and I have found my favorite so far to be the Green Chile chili they serve at the Taos Inn. Granted, not "mexican" persay, but my personal fave, and it brings a ton of heat.
Nice! Taos is beautiful, and I love visiting there, but I always feel like everything is kind of expensive. And yeah, New Mexican green chile is a drug. I had to order online while I was living in Virginia.
as a chain restaurant, Gardunos in New Mexico is very good. Have also had great Mexican food in Houston, San Antonio, and even the back streets of Minneapolis.
The tortilla soup Mrs. Dave makes is as good as it gets.
But the very best Mexican food I've ever had, by far, was prepared by the wife of a good friend in south Louisiana...she is Mexican and it was her family recipe. It was a casserole dish full of some type of seasoned shredded pork enchiladas smothered in a mole' sauce....unreal. I have no idea what was in it...I don't care what was in it...it was amazing.
Anybody got suggestions for Mexican in the Mooresville, NC area? You guys gave me some great burger and bbq suggestions. I know you can come through for me again.
I'll offer up my picks for some of the places I've lived:
NRV: El Gran Rodeo. That white sauce! Whoa.
Tri Cities, TN: El Ranchito in Kingsport. The Tri-Cities are full of mediocre but adequate Mexican restaurants. This one is the most adequate.
Orlando area: Senor Tequila in Winter Park. Good Mexican is very hard to find in Orlando. This place has it. Azteca D'Oro is also very good and close to UCF.
Don't believe I could have put it any better.
Everyone in my home town loves LOS Arcos. I have no idea why, unless you like huge quantities of tequila.
They're all fine, but none are worth raving about. I had a group of friends go to this one in Piney Flats off of 11-E. They all raved about it and it was more of the same.
Had El Gran rodeo tonight. I could live off the white salsa...so good.
My cousins from Maryland were down for a game on my birthday weekend a few years ago. Day before the game we met for dinner at El Gran Rodeo. Before we left, my cousin asked for more white salsa then took the foil from my fajitas, wrapped up the salsa and stuffed in her purse so she could give it to me. Still one of the best birthday presents ever.
That is one awesome cousin and a helluva Birthday gift. They should sell
that stuff at the front like cracker barrel and shit. I'd come in just to buy it.
They are secretive about that stuff. My father in law is pretty good friends with the owner and the staff (they're regulars) and they won't budge on it. They won't even call it anything other than "ranch."
I believe it. And they are quite stingy as well. Get a weird look if you
ask for more.
FYI, they are a lot more loose lipped with Spanish speakers.
La Unica in Huntersville is really good. Definitely the best I have had since moving here. Haven't had a bad experience yet.
BTW if you haven't been to Galway Hooker yet, get there asap. Great Irish food and drinks. By far the wife and my favorite place in North Charlotte.
Nice. Thanks for the recommendations. I have tried Sauza's and Burrito Loco. Sauza's was good. Better than adequate but not amazing.
I loooove Irish food. I will check out Galway Hooker.
Pappasito's in San Antonio is perhaps the best I've ever had. I know it's part of the Pappa's chain (Pappadeux's, Pappa's Seafood Kitchen, Pappa's Steak House), but I've never had a bad meal in any of them. My clients in San Antonio were all of Mexican descent, and they wanted me to take them there every time I flew into town.
Sadly, up on Cape Cod, there is virtually no Hispanic population; therefore, the Mexican food is sorely lacking. Anejo's in Falmouth is pretty good, though.
Burrito Stand in Arlington on Columbia pike in the CVS parking lot called Pedro and Vinny's. Their burrito's are the best
I keep meaning to try that, the reviews online are staggeringly good for a place that I would usually avoid.
My favorite in the NRV is El Puerto in Wytheville.
My favorite in all my travels (bear in mind that I have not traveled extensively to the southwest, where one would expect it to be superb) is Luchita's in Cleveland, OH. That place is one of the few things I miss about living there.
El Rod's!
/ducks
In Atlantic city there's a place right next to White House subs that's amazing. Anyone else know where I'm talking about?
All these 'best of' threads, how is a guy supposed to lose weight around here! Im afraid to enter these threads! Thats it im outta here!
I traveled to Cabo San Lucas and the freshness of the Seafood is phenomenal. Fresh Mahi tacos right off of the boats!
what I love about that area is that nearly every place makes their fish tacos a little bit differently, there appear to be limitless combinations. good stuff.
After the Jumbo Tejas at El Rod's everything tastes great.
Damn straight.
Papasitos in Houston is great. As is Chuys, though that's more New Mex. also a place in northwest Houston called Ricos. All around fantastic.
Didn't you see it's little balls!?
Three Amigos always gets a turkey leg. :)
In honor of April Fools
I hear there's some place in Albuquerque called Los Pollos Hermanos that's so explosive, it'll rip your face off
The place where all the Los Pollos Hermanos shots were filmed is actually a Twister's. They have decent breakfast burritos.
Not sure whether or not that's the coolest thing or the weirdest thing I've ever heard on this web site
Try the fajitas at Los Tios in Alexandria. Unreal.
If any of y'all visit Charleston SC: Sean Brock is a pretty well known chef, and his latest joint, Minero is amazing. It is much more casual, reasonably priced, and the food is insanely good mexican. I've worked my way through the whole menu, and it is all, really, really really, good.
You know that cheese that comes out of a grilled cheese and gets toasted on the grill and crispy and delicious? Their burrito is completely wrapped in THAT. You can kind of see it in the picture.
I see Valentina picante sauce. That's a Costa Rican sauce, I think. I used to bring jugs of it back from CR in the late 80s, early 90s, before I could find it in the States.
Anyone have any Atlanta recommendations? Looking for a good hole-in-the-wall place. Some place that looks like a shithole that may collapse at any moment, but has food that will make your knees buckle.
The classic is Nuevo Laredo, off of Chattahoochee Ave in NW Atlanta
http://www.nuevolaredocantina.com
Los Primos on Chamblee-Dunwoody road in Chamblee fits your description above (if it's still open).
Plaza Fiesta on Buford Highway has many, many options that fit that bill, too.
And I could eat a suitcase full of tacos at El Rey del Taco, if given the chance and the recovery time.
Haven't been to El Tacos Veloz in years but I remember it also being solid.
Mi Barrio in Grant Park is more fun than awesome, but it's fun and awesome for a hole in the wall.
That enough of a starting point?
Solid recommendations all
I'd add El seor behind Lees bakery on Buford hwy as well
bell St burritos are pretty good
Hector Santiago is doing pop ups in east ATL billage (fits the about to fall down category in neighborhoods) there's one sat follow @ burro pollo on Twitter for details wicked fresh food
Mexican Coke (made with real sugar cane not high fructose corn syrup) makes any mexican meal in TX/AZ that much better.
correct, but sadly, they're starting to move to high fructose corn syrup as well
yeah i had heard that last time I was down there to visit my brother.
I like el Burrito Loco in Glade Spring, VA; I recommend the Pollo Tapatio.
What's the best Mexican food in my area? It's not in my area. PA isn't well-known for our central american cuisine.
The best central american food I ever had was on the side of the Pan American highway, somewhere between San Jose and Nosara. But I guess it's cheating to use that place.
I was bummed to see El Guadalupe close in Blacksburg. They had a chicken dish with chorizo that was really good. I know it wasn't authentic Mexican, but I had a lot of fond memories there.
If you are ever flying through Chicago, in the B Gate area (United), Rick Bayless opened a Tortaria called Tortas Frontera. Best F-ing 'Sandwich' you'll ever have. Pricey, I guess but its in an airport....so? The Cochinita Pibil is a braised pork with a kick-ass habanero sauce.
Besito in West Hartford, CT was fantastic. Pricier, but well worth it. The food is incredibly fresh, and tasty.
Pedro & Vinnys in the DC area. 10x better than Chipotle. I eat it once a week haha