About this special series: While we ask our readers to pick the best of the best each year in more than 100 Best of New Hampshire categories, there are many other worthy and outstanding favorites for each category, ranging from pizza to cupcakes and garden centers to home décor shops. New Hampshire Magazine wants to make sure these reader favorites get their own moment in the spotlight and we encourage you to check them out.
Have a craving for margaritas, chimichangas and burritos but don’t know where to go? Here’s where our readers recommend going for the best Mexican food in the Granite State, including delicious fajitas and nachos made with homemade tortilla chips.
This year’s Best of NH winners for best Mexican restaurant:
La Caretta
Locations in Nashua, Manchester, Derry, Londonderry and Portsmouth
Do you enjoy Mexican food but not the spice? La Carreta is the spot for you. Each of their dishes is meticulously prepared with an authentic, yet mild flavor. Their food is prepared fresh daily and their sauces are made from scratch using their own special recipes, and their staff will do everything possible to make you feel right at home. (If you do like your food hot, don’t worry. They will still put a dish of hot sauce on the table for your fajitas.)
Looking to pair your lunch or dinner with a cocktail? Check out an extensive tequila and margarita menu, featuring the Patron Perfect Margarita, Blood Orange Margarita or enjoy an assortment of original or fruit-flavored mojitos.
La Caretta has been a consistent Best of NH winner for Mexican Restaurant with multiple locations since 2004 and is a fan-favorite for best burritos, tacos and Mexican restaurant in New Hampshire.
Editor’s Menu Pick: Santa Fe Nachos. Bring a friend or family because these are big enough to please a crowd. Fresh and hot corn chips are piled high with grilled steak, chicken, beans and cheese and served with a generous side of guacamole and sour cream. – Josh, sales and marketing account executive
Vida Cantina
2456 Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth
(603) 501-0648
Vida Cantina has been wowing seacoast residents and visitors for 10 years, so it’s no wonder that they took home a win for 2023 Best Mexican Restaurant in the Best of NH readers’ poll. Hungry diners can expect to be blown away by chef and owner Dave Vargas, a James Beard Foundation semifinalist. On the menu, you’ll find exciting takes on old favorites like: goat cheese fundito, a salsa flight, black turtle bean enchiladas and blue corn bread.
More great restaurants for Mexican food in NH:
Cielito Mexican Restaurant
50 S. Main St, Bristol
(781) 519-4454
Bristol’s Cielito is well known by locals and tourists alike in the Lakes Region for their outstanding, flavorful Mexican dishes as well as their top-notch, friendly service. Fan favorites include more than eight different types of tacos, crazy-big burritos and freshly made, table-side guacamole.
Hermanos Cocina Mexicana
11 Hills Ave., Concord
(603) 224-5669
Located in a turn-of-the-century brick building off of Main Street in downtown Concord, Hermanos is a local favorite for its friendly atmosphere, authentic Mexican fare and lively jazz music scene. The restaurant features three dining rooms and an upstairs lounge, and vegan, vegetarian and children’s menu options are all available. They have been drawing enthusiastic diners through their doors for over 30 years, so check it out yourself and try one of their famous margaritas and chimichangas.
We should also mention that Hermanos has won a Best of NH nod (for the Mexican restaurant category as well as for nachos and margaritas) more than 10 times, including wins in 2001, 2010, 2012, 2014-2016, 2018-2021.
El Tapatio is always cooking up something good for you to enjoy.
El Tapatio
707 Milford Rd., Merrimack
(603) 262-5801
When it comes to authentic Mexican food, the team at El Tapatio knows how to deliver. With roots in Guadalajara and Jalisco, this family owned and operated restaurant knows the ins and outs of Mexican spices and flavor combinations to give you a delicious experience with every bite. From the sopa de tortilla and chorizo quesadillas to the tapatio sampler, everything they serve comes from the heart.
Cinco de Mayo Bar & Grille
Locations in Dover and Epping
(603) 343-4729
Cinco de Mayo Bar & Grille brings together authentic Mexican cuisine ranging from enchiladas to seafood and vegetarian options all together under one roof. When you visit either of brothers and co-owners, Miguel and Crescencio’s locations, you’ll often find Miguel entertaining customers and mixing drinks behind the bar and Crescencio greeting patrons and serving tables.
Editor’s Menu Pick: Chipotle burrito. The smoky chipotle sauce and pineapple pico de gallo take this burrito up a notch! It also pairs nicely with their house guacamole and chips. – Emily, associate editor
El Rodeo
22 Loudon Rd., Concord
(603) 224-9600
The staff at El Rodeo is ready to greet you with a smile and their cooks are ready to prepare your food with care. The items from their menu are prepared fresh daily with only the finest ingredients and their sauces are homemade using their own special recipes. From mild to hot, they will make it suit your taste. Don’t forget to grab a 32-ounce container of their own famous margarita mix to make at home next time you order your chimichangas and taco salad to go.
Mi Jalisco
Locations in Milford, Keene and Manchester
Built on a philosophy that everyone is family, Mi Jalisco believes in providing a true authentic experience in one of the most welcoming atmospheres in the region. Their restaurants only offer the highest quality ingredients in a variety of dishes ranging from their famous grilled tacos to seafood dishes to the Pescado Yucateco. Whether you are out with the family or grabbing a margarita after work, their doors are open and all are welcome.