Anna's Taqueria serves the best burritos in Boston. The small dining spots are set up assembly line style and often have lines curling throughout the restaurant and out the door. A bargain under $10, you'll fill up on meat, veggies, rice and beans with all the toppings you please. Whether you want a burrito filled with the works, a lightly sauced taco or a crisply grilled quesadilla you'll be pleased by what you'll find at Anna's. Larger appetites (and those who prefer to to mix their foods together) will love the Mexican plate. Add a sweet drink and a plate of chips and guacamole to the mix and you'll have a full meal for here or to go.
Recommended for Mexican because: Anna's Taqueria is a small, simple, fast, Mexican spot serving burritos, quesadillas, bowls and tacos for less than $10 each.
Jessica's expert tip: The vegetable quesadilla is surprisingly satisfying, even for meat lovers.
Papagayo is the type of low key Mexican eatery where you'll find yourself eating too much because the food is just so good that you can't stop, and the atmosphere so inviting you don't want to leave. Along with good eats, Papagayo offers diners a Tequila bar that can't be beat. Order a Tex-Mex specialty and chat with friends while you drink a cocktail from their tequila bar. Sample something new, or enjoy an old favorite, Papagayo will not steer you wrong.
Recommended for Mexican because: Papagayo is a well-priced Mexican restaurant serving favorites like tacos and enchiladas alongside quality margaritas.
Jessica's expert tip: Come for the food, stay for the drinks. They not only mix one mean margarita, but the tequila selection is great for tasting.
Rosa Mexicano may pack the crowds due to its location in the Seaport District, but customers return because of the stellar service, excellent eats and upbeat atmosphere. Enjoying a meal in this busy spot may require a wait, even during lunch, but a seat at the bar is just as pleasant as in the dining room. Their servers are not afraid to make a recommendation, that you should take because they know the menu well.The table-side guacamole is a must, as is the tuna ceviche and an order of tacos. The decor is more modern Mexican, think subdued tones. Pair their food with a specialty beverage or beer cocktail and you'll have a complete Mexican meal that you won't soon forget.
Recommended for Mexican because: Rosa Mexicano welcomes children and serves delicious Mexican dishes including happy hour special pricing on elect food items.
Jessica's expert tip: Rosa Mexicano is packed with kids on weekends, especially in the afternoon, but leave them behind during later evening dining as you'll find Rosa Mexicano's bar scene heating up.
Besito prepares Mexican cuisine with affection for Mexican tradition. Served to guests in an atmosphere that transports you to Mexico this is an imitate spot that offers big appeal. Close attention to Mexican culture sets Besito apart from other Mexican chains going as far as to deliver worry dolls to diners with their check. Besito's food is a mix of familiar dishes like their enchiladas de mole poblano, shredded chicken baked in mole poblano, queso fresco, cilantro onion. And those worth trying like the salmon manchamanteles, roasted salmon, plantains, pineapple pico de gallo, mole manchamanteles. Drinks are a must at Besito where their signature sangria is a hit, as is their tequila based take on the mojito. Dig into dessert or request a small bag of churros to go.
Recommended for Mexican because: Besito is a Mexican chain that's big on tradition; serving a a menu filled with specialities done the old fashioned way.
Jessica's expert tip: The ceviche and the tamale de camarones is a must try appetizer.
A meal at Boston's Temazcal is like a tropical escape. The floor to ceiling windows allow diners to take in the view anytime of year. While the creative menu, presented to guests on an iPad, not only explains the dishes being served, but also gives vibrant photos of what will arrive on your plate. You won't be disappointed by the food or the drinks, both of which are a pleasure to devour! If you want to linger after dinner at this hot spot, you can easily make your way from your table to the bar or dance to the music pumped throughout on weekends.
Recommended for Mexican because: Temazcal Cantina provides guests with a waterfront view that transports them to coast of Mexico while dining on their Mexican food and tequila.
Jessica's expert tip: Temazcal Cantina boasts several locations, but the most beautiful is the harborside spot in the Seaport District.
The Lone Star Taco Bar is a small spot that packs a big punch. Located in Boston's hip Allston/Brighton neighborhood, you'll find a well-composed menu of flavorful tacos that are anything but simple. The simple decor is purposeful and meaningful with a single star hanging within. From the moment you walk through their doors you'll feel welcome, as everyone from bartender to waiter will pop by to get you seated as soon as possible. Surprisingly, with so few tables you'll feel no pressure to finish up, but will instead be encouraged to linger longer over yet another michelda, or margarita. Aptly named this is a taco bar; their menu features several variations on the tasty street food of Mexico and Texas as well as a few other options like their rich and spicy chile con queso. Tacos are served on corn tortillas and filled for a few perfect bites at a good price.
Recommended for Mexican because: Lone Star Taco Bar is a relaxed spot to enjoy Mexican street food favorites.
Jessica's expert tip: Try the avocado & queso taco and be surprised by how filling and tasty something so simple can be.
Casa Romero makes Mexican upscale. This small spot in an alley behind Newbury Street with a gorgeous seasonal patio is a romantic adventure in Mexican dining. Casa Romero has a reputation for pleasing guests with their fine food. Traditional dishes are served in their beautiful dining room that will transport you to Mexico. Here you can sample their specialties which include a large selection of vegetarian favorites that would be loved by those who eat meat as well as those who don't. Their Sangria is nothing short of spectacular and the service is well-trined to provide you with a top notch experience.
Recommended for Mexican because: Casa Romero is an authentic and romantic Mexican eatery in Boston's popular Back Bay area.
Jessica's expert tip: If you have the chance to dine on their patio, don't miss out; it is a Back Bay beauty.
The modern Mexican decor of this happening Davis Square restaurant creates a cozy feel that welcomes diners to linger with one of their interesting tequila based cocktails like the refreshing cucumber margarita. You'll find groups of friends hanging at the bar while waiting for tables, or just for drinks as this neighborhood spot has great appeal. Regulars often come for brunch when the Mexican inspired menu includes creative tacos, and breakfast items. Included are the over the top vaquero hash: a combination of 2 fried eggs, achiote-braised pork, potatoes, kale, roasted poblano, onion rajas, & chipotle mayo that will dazzle your taste buds. Dinner at the Painted Burro gives diners a bite of creative Mexican with items like duck quesadilla.
Recommended for Mexican because: The Painted burro is a cool spot for Mexican food in a cool neighborhood- Davis Square.
Jessica's expert tip: Order the Fundido for the table and try a taco or two, the Cucumber Margarita is a refreshingly tasty step up from the original.
When you're seeking real Mexican cuisine, make your way to Tu y Yo where you'll be hard pressed to find a taco or enchilada on their menu. Straying from the typical Tex-Mex specialties found at most Mexican restaurants, Tu y Yo has a menu filled with home-style Mexican dishes, made from scratch. Get a taste of home cooking with appetizers like empandads and tamales. Enjoy a made from scratch meal of meat, seafood or vegetables like the napoles con credo, tinga poblano, bisteca "Mama Evelia" or chile reline camarones. Tu y Yo has a festive atmosphere, reminiscent of a Mexican home. The serve a great sangria along with their fantastic food. The servers are knowledgable and are always willing to make a suggestion that is sure to please. This is the place to step outside your comfort zone because the food is all fresh, and expertly executed.
Recommended for Mexican because: Tu Y Yo brings authentic Mexican homecoming to the Boston area.
Jessica's expert tip: The Chile Relleno en Nogado is a sweet savory combination that will blow you away.
