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Readers' Choice Dining Guide: Mexican

The top 10 Mexican places as voted by our readers

Metromix
November 8, 2011

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Mahi Mahi tacos, front, guacamole, left, and barbarcoa sopes, top, at Nada. (Credit: Leigh Taylor | Metromix)

Nada

600 Walnut St. - Cincinnati

513-721-6232

One of the hippest spots downtown servies authentic Mexican flavors in a contemporary way - braised cazuela pots, imaginative taco combinations and enchiladas like you'll get nowhere else. The bar has plenty of happy hour specials (like the amazing Nada sliders paired with a house margarita) and there's now brunch on Sunday.

El Rancho Grande

10780 Montgomery Road - Cincinnati

513-247-9102

El Rancho Grande has all the favorites of Mexican cuisine, along with a few surprises like 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.

El Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

34 Carothers Road - Newport

859-292-8750

El Rio Grande serves the killer combo: margaritas in a wide range of flavors from peach to piña colada, lime to strawberry, and giant, sizzling fajita plates plus burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and tacos made to order.

Cancun Green Township

6383 Glenway Ave. - Cincinnati

513-574-1639

Wall-to-wall tropical décor and plenty of color set the mood. Quality chips and salsa will greet you. Entrees from spicy seafood to chicken fill the menu. One warning: We suggest sharing the "monster margaritas."

Taqueria Mercado

100 E. Eighth St. - Cincinnati

513-381-0678

A taste of authentic Mexico with top-notch tacos, fajitas and specialty plates. The downtown location offers live music on weekends.

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant

5953 Boymel Road - Fairfield

513-874-5777

The lively atmosphere here makes it a great place to go after work or with friends and they offer Authentic Mexican food. The menu has many choices varying from chimichangas to taquitos. They also have lunch specials and combination plates for lunch and dinner. 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

Margaritas and the freshly made salsa make Cactus Pear one of the favorite Mexican restaurants in town. It can get pricey, but the authentic cuisine makes it 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 Jinete Mexican Restaurant

5062 Old Taylor Mill Road - Taylor Mill

859-360-1767

New Mexican restaurant opened January 2011.

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 Mitchell

859-341-0707

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.