New England
Best Mexican Food in New England
Cinco de Mayo (or the fifth of May) is a day to celebrate Mexican culture with festivals, parades, and of course, lots of delicious food. The date honors the 1862 victory of the Mexican army over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War, and while the holiday is relatively minor in Mexico, stateside […]
By Yankee Magazine|Apr 30 2012|
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Here is a list, with a little help from our “Best in New England” collections from 2011 and 2012, of great places for the best Mexican food in New England.
Tacuba – Branford, CT
Viva authentic tortillas with perfectly balanced seafood, cheese, veggie, and bean combos. Desserts, drinks, and atmosphere are also deliciously Mexican.
1205 Main Street. 203-208-0736; tacubataco.com
El El Frijoles – Sargentville, ME
That’s “L.L. Beans” to you gringos. This takeout restaurant, with outdoor dining area, prepares made-from-scratch California-style empanadas, burritos, and tacos with a Maine accent. Try the spicy lobster burritos.
41 Caterpillar Road (Route 15). 207-359-2486; elelfrijoles.com
The Mexican Restaurant – Hancock, ME
Everything’s authentic and made from scratch at this unpretentious spot run by three generations of Central American immigrants. Go hungry: The portions are big, the prices low, and homemade tortilla chips are addictive.
1166 Route 1. 207-422-6285
Hermanos Cocina – Concord, NH
Owners Bruce Parrish and Jane Valliere offer an ample menu of Mexican fare at their restaurant. Our favorite is the chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito that comes out crisp yet flaky and plump with beef or chicken, Mexican rice, tomatoes, and avocado. Best of all, a vegetarian version is offered.
11 Hills Avenue. 603-224-5669; hermanosmexican.com
Boxcar Cantina – Greenwich, CT
Authentic northern New Mexican cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. Don’t miss the quesadilla stuffed with roasted veggies and Brie.
44 Old Field Point Road. 203-661-4774; boxcarcantina.com
Loco Coco’s Tacos – Kittery, ME
Transplanted Californians think they’ve been transported home when they sink their teeth into the burritos, enchiladas, and tacos served at this Cal-Mex restaurant, where some of the recipes have been passed down for generations. Choose from self-serve, dining room, or lounge seating.
36 Walker Street. 207-438-9322; locococos.com
Rattlesnake Cafe – Bennington, VT
Mexican fare with a modern twist is spiced from gringo cool to ay, Chihuahua hot; sangrias are concocted from secret recipes.
230 North Street. 802-447-7018; rattlesnakecafe.com 
Howling Wolf Taqueria in Salem MA
I’m surprised that La Carreta didn’t get the mention for NH. With two locations in Manchester, one in Nashua, and one in Derry–they’ve got this area covered. We’ve eaten many times at all the locations except Derry, and the food is always authentic, fabulous, hot, fresh, and served with a smile. Apps, drinks, entrees, desserts–never a complaint. To anyone in the area, you should try them out!
Mexico Lindo in Melrose, MA should definetely be on the list!
Bueno y Sanyo in Amherst, MA and Mama Iguanas in Northampton, MA. Absolutely the best!
I agree Amy~~Mexico Lindo it is!! <3
The Best!
Quicks Hole lobster tacos. Best Mexican on Cape Cod.
Thanks for all of your comments – these are great suggestions and we will remember them for our future issues of our annual “best” list! Keep ’em coming!
eh. It’s really not that good, and definitely not authentic. very american. it’s like saying shortys, margaritas or cactus’ jacks should be on the list. Best i’ve had in manchester area is el jimador, their food is incredibly good, and it got the thumbs up from 2 of my friends from Texas, where their mexican palate is much more refined. I’d also take dos amigo’s over la caretta any day of the week. Wish I saw poco loco from Rhode Island, i miss that place (and the truck)!
The Jimenez comes from the Marine Corps when I was an admin prive. I always pronounced the Hispanic names phonetically. I made friends not enoimies from my Hispanic brothers in the U.S.M.C. So the Scots served in the Corps in greater numbers related to the general population just like the Hispanics. Must be the machismo or fíochmhar in the Gaelic. Myself and a jarhead friend tried to eat at every Mexican restaurant in northern new England in the 1980’s. We never made it to all of them but a takeaway. The Mex in Ellsworth Maine, El Sarape and La Paloma in Massachusetts and hermanos in nh. The others are recommended without reservation. El Sarape was hired and invented to attend me and my wife’s wedding reception just as an appetizer provider, they are that good and authentic. Hermaos a favaorite with their Taco Pastour are a favorite but alas Hermanos with all their liberal talk and posturing that includes anti conservative signs in their bar, love one thing above all others, and elite attitude and in their prices that is not consistent with the quality. Try the taco pastor and whatever tickles your fancy but for price to quality and authenticity try El Serape.
Any spelling problems that are a product of a over zealous spell checkers and the blog denying post edits.
Mi Tierra Hadley MA!
Mi Tierra Hadley is the most authentic Mexican food in all of New England! hands down