Julio Perez, owner of El Camino Real in Florence, holds a strawberry margarita and a plate of Yolandas – three chicken enchiladas topped with special yolanda sauce.
(Credit: Carrie Cochran | Metromix)
Readers' Choice Dining Guide: Mexican
The top 10 Mexican places as voted by our readers
MetromixNovember 11, 2009
Camino Real
7828 U.S. 42 - Florence859-371-2444
"Everything is made from scratch daily," said Julio Perez. He has owned Camino Real since 1992. The Mexican native takes pride in his restaurant's healthy, traditional food. Vegetarians get to choose from eight dishes. Sample the Quesadilla Camino, a hand-rolled, ten-inch flour shell. It's stuffed with grilled mushrooms, peppers and tomatoes. Or "make up your own vegeterian dinner," said Perez. Lunch specials cost $5.25-$6.50. Camino Real offers 10-15 specials daily. Taste a burrito stuffed with carnitas - shredded pork. Dinner specials cost $7.50-$12.25. Camino Real is noted for its salsa, mild and traditional. Perez said the secret to tasty salsa is canned tomatos, not fresh. Camino Real keeps it simple - cilantro, lime juice and onions flavor the mild variety. Jalepenos kick up the traditional salsa. Guacamole is made with fresh avacados. "We slice, mash and dice by hand," said Perez. Camino Real has everything - fajitas, enchiladas and quesadillas. Vegetarians can find plenty to chow down on. Don't forget to leave enough room for dessert.
El Rancho Grande
10780 Montgomery Road - Cincinnati513-247-9102
El Rancho Grande has authentic Mexican cuisine with all of the favorites, along with a few surprises such as grilled tilapia and other seafood selections that go beyond the standard tacos and fajitas. Vegetarian-friendly dishes and a number of salads make great choices for those in search of something a bit lighter. Happy hour is daily from 3-6 p.m. with half-price drinks.
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
34 Carothers Road - Newport859-292-8750
Rio Grande handmakes chimichangas and fajitas, along with all flour wrappings. The menu is filled with bargains, especially at lunch. The Carnitas de Puerco, composed of deep fried pork, rice, beans and guacamole, is a favorite. So is Fajita dip. If you have an iron-cast stomach, try the Chile Colorado. It's chunks of beef smothered in red chili sauce with Mexican rice, refried beans and flour tortillas. Small smoking area available.
Nada
600 Walnut St. - Cincinnati513-721-6232
Mexican food like you’ve never had it before, in the slickest, hippest spot downtown. If you can, be sure to sit on the patio, where everyone downtown eventually passes by and will see you drinking the best artisan margarita in town, or a grapefruity Mexican Paloma. Later, the bar heats up with a YP crowd. Meanwhile, order from a menu of Mexican food that is far from a combination plate of enchiladas: you’ll find authentic flavors served in a contemporary way. Mahi-mahi tacos are popular, as are the cazuelas: stews like green chili and pork served in small cast iron pots. Great place for before or after a show at the Aronoff.
Cancun Restaurant and Cantina
6383 Glenway Ave. - Cincinnati513-574-1639
The Cancun Restaurant and Cantina in Green Township serves quality Mexican cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. Dig into the complimentary chips and salsa while checking out the menu of all the favorite Mexican choices. Hit the lanes in Western Bowl afterwards for some post-dinner bowling.
Acapulco Mexican Restaurant
5953 Boymel Road - Fairfield513-874-5777
The lively atmosphere here makes it a great place to go after work or with friends. The menu has many choices varying from chimichangas to taquitos. The dessert menu also has a wide selection to choose from with dishes like flan and deep fried ice cream.
Cactus Pear
3215 Jefferson Ave. -
Cincinnati
513-961-7400
Cactus Pear is, for some, a favorite Mexican restaurant in Cincinnati. The margaritas and the freshly made salsa are among the reasons why. It can get pricey here, but the cuisine is authentic and appetizing. This is simply a great place to hang out with friends and grab some drinks and chips and salsa. This location attracts more than just the nearby University of Cincinnati students.
El Pueblo
4270 Hunt Road -
Blue Ash
513-791-4405
El Pueblo's vibrantly colored walls and scenic photos of Mexico create a bright and beautifully authentic setting, enhanced by a live Mariachi band that performs tableside monthly. The restaurant serves up more than 100 flavorful Mexican dishes, including more than 15 burritos, each bursting with flavorful ingredients. Try the cheesesteak burrito, filled with sliced steak, grilled onions and nacho cheese ($8.99), or the burrito San Francisco, stuffed with Mexican chorizo and potato and topped with nacho cheese. Don't worry, non-meat eaters: There's a great vegetarian menu, too. El Pueblo also boasts a full bar with a decent selection of Mexican and domestic beers and margaritas, plus a great happy hour. From 3-6 p.m. daily, margaritas are $2.99, Dos Equis drafts are $1.75 for a 12-ounce glass and $4.99 for a 22-ounce, and domestic brews are $1.25 for a 12-ounce draft and $3.99 for a 22-ounce. Your table will serve as an additional source of entertainment if you're brave enough to order the 60-ounce Margarita ($15.99, $13.99 on Tuesdays). Traditional lime is the most popular flavor, but strawberry, raspberry and peach are also available. And don’t worry, they also serve them in smaller sizes.
Montoya's Restaurant
2507 Chelsea Dr. - Fort Mitchell859-341-0707
Beloved by Northern Kentuckians, this Fort Mitchell fixture serves real Mexican food at bargain prices. All the burritos, enchiladas, tamales and more are handmade in the kitchen. Montoya's specializes in very spicy food, red flagged on the menu. Pirata, pork served with special cheese, jalepeno peppers, and onions, is one of the most-ordered red hot dishes. Jalisco, enchiadas served with salad, beans and rice, is a popular dinner choice. You can eat homemade tortilla chips dipped in salsas ranging from mild to hot while waiting on your meal. Formerly, Montoya's didn't serve alcohol. Now, the restaurant has a full bar. You can drink margaritas with your favorite Mexican delicacies.
Margaritas
214 E. Sixth St. - Cincinnati513-241-1223
A locally owned chain, Margaritas downtown is a favorite lunch spot and after-work gathering spot. The wide variety of basic Mexican dishes and margaritas of all types and flavors make it a reliable spot for low-stress unwinding. Happy hour is all day everyday with buckets of six domestic beers for $11 and $13 for import buckets. If you're in the mood for something a little sweeter, 12 oz margaritas are 2 for $7.
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What other people are saying...
bobeck from moscow - November 11, 2009 at 2:18 PM
I still say not including Taqueria Mercado in Fairfield is a disgrace.
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