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Experience the best Mexican restaurants in Arlington, Texas, so you can always have fun in the city. Though there are numerous restaurants in Arlington, you should know some basic information about the famous Mexican eateries.
Therefore, this article is an excellent start to looking into available options. These Mexican sites can provide a hearty meal or impress anyone with bold flavor. Better yet, some locations even incorporate other cuisines alongside Mexican to diversify the dishes.
18 Mexican Unskippable Eateries In Arlington
Mexican cuisine is always an irresistible force thanks to its bold profile. This short list of Mexican eateries in Arlington should give you a broad overview of what to expect.
- Uncle Julio’s
- Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant
- Papaya Mexican Grill
- Los Pastores Mexican Food
- Taqueria Maria Bonita
- El Gabacho Tex-Mex Grill
- El Ranchito Restaurant
- El Fenix
- On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina – South Arlington
- Mercado Juarez Restaurant
- Torchy’s Tacos
- Chuy’s
- Los Jarros Restaurant
- Pappasito’s Cantina
- Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch
- Cartel Taco Bar
- Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
- Freebirds World Burrito
Enjoy The Flavorful Mexican Meal In Arlington
Instead of limiting yourself to tacos or enchiladas, you may venture into Arlington to visit one of these restaurants for a more diverse meal. Once you come to one of these locations, you will soon love its unique dishes.
1. Uncle Julio’s
Uncle Julio’s needs little introductions when it’s a famous restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas, offering numerous flavorful meals. In addition, the restaurant also incorporates Texas cooking to bring an exciting twist to the Mexican fares.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
With a hacienda-style interior, Uncle Julio brings the Arlington neighborhood tasty mesquite-grilled fare. The site is relatively spacious, with the exterior design bearing a brick-layered decoration to give a modern feel.
The interior is captivating thanks to its dimly lit light shrouding the place with a relaxing ambiance. Remember the bar area when you’re at Uncle Julio’s to grab fabulous tequila-based mixes.
What to eat:
Guacamole is the first attraction of any Mexican restaurant, and at Uncle Julio’s, it gives customers a chance to customize the dipping sauce to their liking. Then, you may sample the famous fajitas with proteins ranging from tender cuts of beef to chicken.
At the bar, you may get a glass of margarita which changes in flavor every month, so your experience will always be different. Also, the happy hour program on weekdays between (3 – 6 PM) provides unique refreshments at a fair price.
Location: 150 East Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76018
Website: https://unclejulios.com/
Phone: (682) 360-0800
2. Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant
Abuelo is no strange name when Mexican eateries are the topic of conversation, even featured as one of Midland’s most well-known eateries in Texas. This Texas-based eating site is where people come to savor authentic Mexican food in a hacienda-style setting.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
Established in 1989, the Abuelo has been a solid choice to savor authentic cooking at a reasonable price. The location is also great for exploring Mexican culture through its unique art and wall decorations.
What to eat:
Typically, my favorite has to be the queso options with various profiles from creamy to spicy. Make sure you get some crunchy nachos to pair with the dipping sauces. The chicken tampiquena and relleno con pollo are the best options if you’re in for seasonal offerings.
Drinkwise, try a unique creation combining espresso and martini for a smooth mix. For a simpler choice, the sangria swirl is a refreshing drink best to enjoy when frozen.
Location: 1041 West Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76017
Website: https://www.abuelos.com/
Phone: (817) 468-2622
3. Papaya Mexican Grill
In Center Street Court, a humble business center, lies Papaya Mexican Grill, a storefront for customers to drop by for a quick bite of Mexican food. The warm and inviting atmosphere is the main feature of this easygoing establishment.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
The spot is rather casual and friendly, with locals often passing by for a hearty Mexican meal with live music available. The interior layout of Papaya is simple, possessing common wooden stools and a marbled counter featuring a few alcoholic picks.
What to eat:
Usually, a plate of fajitas at Papaya is a wise choice to enjoy alongside rice. Besides that, the churros are must-have orders to pair any main dishes at Papaya. After your meal, relax with a margarita glass to cool yourself off.
Location: 100 West Pioneer Pkwy Ste 120, Arlington, TX 76010
Website: https://eatatpapaya.com/
Phone: (682) 238-3073
4. Los Pastores Mexican Food
For a down-to-earth location, Los Pastores is a solid choice to savor simple Mexican fares with some seafood-based dishes. The place is great for casual dining with a homey feeling from its decorations and cooking.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
Los Pastores is a small venue with limited tables and doubles as a store with snacks and drinks. However, the restaurant makes up for the space with vibrant decorations of banners and walls for a festive atmosphere.
What to eat:
Enchiladas and nachos are the two priorities when you’re in Los Pastores. In addition, the weekend is ideal for savoring the thick menudo soup and flavorful pozole. Also, the tamales are my go-to choice alongside rice, refried beans, and cheese.
Location: 704 East Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington, TX 76010
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
Phone: (817) 274-6525
5. Taqueria Maria Bonita
Taqueria Maria Bonita should be on your list of must-visit restaurants in Arlington, Texas, to enjoy the essence of Mexican tacos. Its fantastic food will mesmerize anyone to return to this easygoing venue.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
The relaxing site boasts booth seating to provide the best comfort to diners. Furthermore, the portions are relatively big while the price is reasonable. Service is another lovely touch for Maria Bonita as it quickly churns dishes.
What to eat:
Gorditas are my favorite at Maria Bonita, with an option to grill the dish for extra smokiness. Al pastor is also great for savory slices of grilled meat over tortillas. However, the carnitas should be your prime choice for a hearty meal at Maria Bonita.
Location: 2247 South Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76013
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
Phone: (817) 422-9275
6. El Gabacho Tex-Mex Grill
El Gabacho is a hidden gem of Arlington featuring decadent Tex-Mex cuisine in a laid-back environment. Before Arlington, the eatery established itself as one of Fort Worth’s well-known dining sites in Texas, offering a wide range of Mexican fares.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
The causal Tex-Mex eatery is popular with the public thanks to its rustic space featuring eye-catching murals that scream Mexican culture. El Gabacho provides an outdoor patio where people can sit back to enjoy the live music performance while dining.
What to eat:
A simple combination of tacos, rice, and beans is your best bet at El Gabacho. Otherwise, you may go for a plate of carne asada to enjoy the wonderfully grilled meat alongside a refreshing margarita glass.
Location: 2408 West Abram St, Arlington, TX 76013
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
Phone: (817) 276-8160
7. El Ranchito Restaurant
Following the success of La Calle Doce, El Ranchito was another Mexican dining establishment making a debut in 1983. This Dallas-based eatery in Texas is the creation of Oscar and Lunar, specializing in Tex-Mex cuisine.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
Interestingly, El Ranchito also provides a touch of the owners’ home with its Northern cooking style of Nuevo Leon. The site has a lowkey environment and is perfect for holding informal parties.
Furthermore, the dim lighting of El Ranchito brings a relaxing feel to any visitor. Stools are relatively basic, but you may sit on the sofa for extra comfy while dining.
What to eat:
If dropping by for lunch is your plan, enchilada should be your main pick, with an array of sides like rice, fried beans, and meat. Another pick for picky eaters is Mexican platters featuring options ranging from simple eggs to shredded dried beef served with potatoes.
Location: 3517 South Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76015
Website: http://elranchito-dallas.com/
Phone: (817) 987-4560
8. El Fenix
Appearing in the Arlington community since the early 19th century, El Fenix is proud to be the first place that brought Tex-Mex cuisine to the city. The name also grows to become a popular dining site in Irving, Texas, serving many unique staples.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
With a hacienda setup, El Fenix brings an authentic Mexican atmosphere to its dining environment. In addition, the restaurant is a part of the Bardin Place Center, a bustling shopping mall that you can explore before dropping by El Fenix for a meal.
What to eat:
Once you’re at the dining spot, the infamous tortilla soup is a must-try for its crispy tortilla strips and creamy avocado chunks. As for lunch, you may materialize your own plate by picking available dishes for your serving.
Burritos are worth trying at El Fenix when you may top it with various choices ranging from white sour cream sauce to spicy chili con carne. Drinks are another fascinating choice at El Fenix, with many Mexican beers (cerveza) available.
Location: 4608 South Cooper St #13, Arlington, TX 76017
Website: https://www.elfenix.com/
Phone: (817) 557-4309
9. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina – South Arlington
Here’s another fascinating Tex-Mex dining site in the form of On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. The restaurant is a casual site for enjoying Texas cuisine mixed with Mexican cooking for a bold flavor.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
Since its opening in 1982, the place has been a solid stop to enjoy unique Mexican creations. The restaurant uses a mesquite wood grill to sear some marinade sauces. The process helps infuse more profile to the meat for pairing with crunchy nachos.
Plus, the portion size is quite generous, so you can always savor the fares to your heart’s content. Around the bar area of On The Border it has some TVs for watching sports while taking a sip from your favorite refreshments.
What to eat:
Each day, the site offers a unique specialty, such as a plate of rolled enchiladas on Mondays. For Sunday, make your dinner a blast with the Fiesta Trio featuring soup and or salad, before getting to the main event of mesquite-grilled meat.
Location: 1121 West Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76017
Website: https://www.ontheborder.com/
Phone: (817) 522-1990
10. Mercado Juarez Restaurant
Mercado Juarez is your next destination to ease your hunger if you need more mesquite-grilled items. This colorful dig fits the bill for anyone looking for an easygoing site with a relaxing atmosphere.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
Aside from the mesquite-grilled items, Mercado even boasts tasty Tex-Mex cuisine in its cooking. The venue is easily recognizable through its vibrant pink exterior, captivating everyone’s attention immediately.
What to eat:
When you don’t know where to start at Mercado Juarez, let me introduce you to pollo con hongos, a smokey combination of charbroiled chicken breast and adobo sauce. Otherwise, fajitas are popular picks you can always choose with various protein options.
Location: 125 East Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76018
Website: http://mercadojuarez.com/
Phone: (817) 557-9776
11. Torchy’s Tacos
Maybe a fulfilling meal is not your style while discovering Arlington. For that, enjoying a simple taco at Torchy’s Tacos is everything you need to recharge your energy. Better yet, the venue offers breakfast for early birds to enjoy.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
Shrouded in red and white walls, Torchy’s Tacos brings a relaxing atmosphere with its simple layout. The spot also has vibrant lighting and an exotic setup so customers can feel energetic at Torchy’s Tacos.
What to eat:
Besides the tacos, you may enjoy the delicious fillings, all mixed in a bowl. Another favorite is the queso dip with chips featuring a unique cheesy profile. At the bar area, you may partake in the happy hour program (3 – 6 PM) to enjoy cocktails at a lower price.
Location: 4000 Five Points Blvd, E Interstate 20 Suite 141, Arlington, TX 76018
Website: https://torchystacos.com/
Phone: (817) 466-7331
12. Chuy’s
If burritos are your craving when Mexican is the main topic, let Chuy’s provide you with the biggest burrito in Arlington. This famous restaurant chain has been a beloved name since its establishment in 1982.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
Though people may think Chuy possesses a Mexican vibe, this unique establishment will instantly change your mind with its Elvis-inspired decoration. This Austin-beloved restaurant in Texas has been a funky spot to the Arlington locals since its arrival.
Aside from the Elvis-style touch, Chuy boasts hand-crafted wooden fish hanging across the ceiling for a fun vibe. Interestingly, every Chuy is decorated similarly to make you feel at home at whichever branch you visit.
What to eat:
The burrito is the top-tier pick, especially when you go for the “Big as your face” burrito, allowing customers to alter the fillings however they like before pairing them with a made-from-scratch sauce. As for a light appetizer, a simple duo of guacamole and quesadilla should be perfect.
Location: 4001 Bagpiper Way, Arlington, TX 76018
Website: https://www.chuys.com/
Phone: (817) 557-2489
13. Los Jarros Restaurant
If you care about the authenticity of the food, then Los Jarros will provide what you need through its classic Mexican fares. The site is a popular spot for locals to grab takeouts or simply sit back to enjoy a fulfilling meal.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
On the weekend, Los Jarros extends its menu by adding menudo and slow-cooked charro beans. As for the venue, it’s easily recognizable through the red color on the wall, and the signature blue roof possesses a simple design.
What to eat:
Aside from the mentioned menu, Los Jarros offers customers the freedom to customize a combo plate however they want. My preferred combo has to be a crunchy taco with beef enchilada and pork tamale. Otherwise, you may go for burgers or simple a la carte dishes.
Location: 408 West Randol Mill Rd, Arlington, TX 76011
Website: N/A
Phone: (817) 277-7245
14. Pappasito’s Cantina
Pappasito’s is a popular restaurant in Woodland, Texas, and many other major cities. This Tex-Mex venue is always the center of attention when it appears in Arlington. With its first branch opened in 1976, Pappasito’s has had a long history of pleasing customers’ appetites.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
The restaurant always possesses a unique festive atmosphere, especially at night, when visitors can admire the colorful lighting from the sign and its airy indoor environment. Don’t miss your chance at the Pappasito’s bar to sip on quality Mexican-inspired mixes.
Interestingly, the restaurant sends food trucks to oversee the ingredient delivery process. This ensures the components are at the highest standard to produce the best dishes.
What to eat:
Enchiladas and tacos are the primary picks of many when Pappasito is open for service. However, you may opt for a combo choice like the reynosa, which combines two chicken enchiladas and a crispy chicken tinga taco.
Location: 321 West Road to Six Flags St, Arlington, TX 76011
Website: https://pappasitos.com/
Phone: (817) 795-3535
15. Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch
For a homestyle serving, Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch should be at the top of your restaurant list to enjoy a heartwarming delicacy. The long-standing establishment also becomes a favorite dining spot in Frisco, Texas, offering various dishes to the locals.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
The restaurant takes pride in producing the iconic frozen margarita in its first establishment in Dallas. In addition, the restaurant also contributes its first-ever frozen margarita machine to the museum to preserve its long history.
Furthermore, Mariano’s bright surroundings make it more appealing for holding a party. In the middle of the venue lies a fountain with mesmerizing chandeliers on top to create a photogenic space.
What to eat:
Mariano’s favorite is a must-have combo to cherish the iconic cheese enchilada topped with delicious chili when you’re at the restaurant. Another option is the spicy chicken verde which pairs chicken breast with a secret spicy seasoning and green tomato sauce.
Location: 2614 Majesty Dr, Arlington, TX 76011
Website: http://www.marianosrestaurants.com/
Phone: (817) 640-5118
16. Cartel Taco Bar
Let’s have something simple, like a taco, to keep your meal quick and convenient. For that, I’d like to introduce you to Cartel Taco Bar, a place for anyone to sit back and chuck down beer after enjoying the tacos.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
The bar instantly hit everyone with a modern design yet retains a rustic interior feel. The place also has a patio for people to take in the airy environment of Arlington. Alternatively, you may move your seat to the bar’s terrace to get a higher view of the area.
If you’re lucky enough, Cocktail Taco Bar usually provides outstanding live music performances on Saturday, so you can chill to the relaxing vibe.
What to eat:
Instead of going for any specific tacos, I highly recommend personalizing your creation with the provided ingredients for the best result. As for the alcoholic choices, you may find an array of Mexican spirits like Dulce Vida Lonesta Anejo or Cabo Wabo Blanco.
Location: 506 East Division St #150, Arlington, TX 76011
Website: http://carteltacobar.com/
Phone: (817) 200-6364
17. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
From a taco bar to a taco shop, Fuzzy brings a modern touch to the Meixcan dining experience with its innovative space and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, the Baja-style tacos create a unique attraction for the shop.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
With over 150 branches nationwide, Fuzzy has adopted many service styles to cope with the old Mexican serving fashion. The counter-service restaurant offers a fun vibe to its visitors and a patio where you may bring your furry friend to escape the heat.
What to eat:
As stated, the Baja-taco is a must-have option with choices ranging from veggies to various shredded or grilled proteins. Breakfast is also available at Fuzzy in a hearty miga plate featuring scrambled eggs, chorizo, and tortilla.
Website: https://fuzzystacoshop.com/
Location 1: 510 East Abram St, Arlington, TX 76010
Phone: (817) 265-8226
Location 2: 4201 West Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, TX 76016
Phone: (817) 516-8226
18. Freebirds World Burrito
When Mexican food is in your mind, burritos are a hard-to-skip option for their flavorful profile. Therefore, let’s head to Freebirds World Burrito to savor burritos at their best with the most authentic Mexican flavor.
Why you should come to this restaurant:
Freebirds is a casual restaurant joint with a laid-back scheme in mind. The spot offers counter-service in a bright environment with vibrant walls to embody a Mexican vibe. Also, the burrito shop even hangs a motorbike to the ceiling to attract customers’ attention.
What to eat:
Burritos are the way to go at Freebirds with various meat choices. However, you may choose quesadillas, nachos, or simple salads to diversify your meal. Remember, children get to eat for free at Freebirds on Sunday, so take advantage of the chance to visit the place.
Location: 4000 Arlington Highlands Blvd Ste. 121, Arlington, TX 76018
Website: https://www.freebirds.com/
Phone: (817) 468-5300
Satisfy Your Palate With An Array Of Mexican Dishes
Arlington never disappoints anyone when their urge for Mexican food reaches their peaks. With this article, you can freely discover the city’s bustling atmosphere before dropping by any of the mentioned locations for a meal.
Share this article with people you know, so they can experience all Mexican offerings in Arlington. Please leave a comment so I can learn from your experience regarding these restaurants in Texas.
