The best Mexican restaurants in Garland Texas are a part of the immense number of Mexican eateries in the Lone Star State. Whether you are looking for traditional flairs or Tex-Mex flavors, this region is a true paradise.
Unlike the nearby bustling city Dallas, Garland is more of a tranquil area with rich history, natural resources, and idyllic outdoor recreation. Therefore, the Mexican diners here deliver a unique atmosphere in terms of ambiance and dining experience.
Obviously, Garland is not a dreamland of luxury restaurants. However, this does not mean that their quality is unworthy of a visit. At affordable prices, what guests receive will be heaping fares with bursting flavors and warm-hearted service.
Favorite Sites In Garland For Authentic Mexican Feasts
Given that there are a huge number of Mexican restaurants, it is challenging to narrow them into a concise list. Nevertheless, this article has summarized some prominent choices, all operating in top-level leagues.
- Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant
- Cuquita’s Restaurant
- Taco Casa
- Desperados Mexican Restaurant Dos
- Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
- Dos Banderas
- Frankie’s Place
- On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
- Norma’s Mexican Restaurant
- Pollo Regio
- Trompo Taqueria & Burgers
- La Salsa Verde Taqueria
Enjoy The Finest Tastes From This North American Country
It is a fact that every gastronomer has a great passion for the flavorful tacos, burritos, fajitas, and enchiladas of Mexico. Here in Garland, things are upgraded to another level with contemporary touches and self-creations from first-class chefs.
1. Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant
Established in 1986, Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant devotes itself to catering authentic and high-quality Mexican food. It has 12 locations all around Texas, and they all aim to bring a comida casera – a warm-hearted home-cooked meal to customers.
Why Should You Visit This Restaurant?
Cristina’s focuses on three major criteria. First of all, it is the friendly vibe created by the staff and family recipes of this family-owned diner. Moreover, by frequently visiting its roots in Cuernavaca, Mexico, it also ensures fresh ingredient sources and constant flavorful updates.
Remember to visit it on Margarita Monday, Fajita Wednesday, and Thursday for tempting specials.
What To Eat?
The main entrees would be steaks like Carne Asada – tender sirloin steak and Pollo a la Parrilla – grilled chicken breast. Besides, seafood-based items like shrimp enchiladas and Salmon a la Pina – marinated salmon with pineapple butter are amazing.
Light up the table by adding mouth-watering side dishes. It could be guacamole, Tex-Mex nachos, avocado soup, or taco salad.
Price range: $$
Food styles: Mexican
Location: 4170 Lavon Dr. Ste 100, Garland, TX 75040
Website: https://www.cristinasmex.com/
Phone: (972) 496-7555
Table reservation: Not available
Order online
2. Cuquita’s Restaurant
Run by Enrique and Elizabeth Villafranca, Cuquita’s Restaurant is an unassuming Mexican eatery with three branches in Texas. It serves nothing more than craved fares of made-on-the-spot tortillas, salsa, and bacon-rich refried beans.
Why Should You Visit This Restaurant?
Regarding ambiance, customers are surrounded by unique pottery decor hanging on yellow walls. Furthermore, make sure to check the bar with invigorating lightning, TV screens, and heavenly drinks to blow up your night.
If you come on Thursday and Friday, you can also contemplate the Mariachi performances of a 1984-founded band.
What To Eat?
Dive into the world of traditional favorites such as Milaneza De Res – breaded steak, Guiso De Res – Mexican-style beef stew, and Lengua En Salsa- beef tongue with a special sauce.
Drink options include iced tea, coffee, imported or domestic beer, and margaritas made with mango, strawberry, or peach.
Price range: $$
Food styles: Mexican
Location: 1957 NW Hwy, Garland, TX 75041
Website: https://cuquitasrestaurants.com/
Phone: (214) 227-5153
Table reservation: Not available
Order online: Not available
3. Taco Casa
Starting in 1972, after more than 50 years of operating, Taco Casa has spread its delectable cuisine all over Lone Star State. Apart from the Garland site, you can find it in Gainesville, Weatherford, Saginaw, and more than 100 other locations.
Why Should You Visit This Restaurant?
Situated in a tile-roofed house, Taco Casa is a casual dining destination with a red-yellow theme. It is an ideal place for you to go through and grab a quick meal, or have a hearty meal with your family while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of regular car shows.
What To Eat?
Super items such as super burritos, super salad, super tacos, and super nachos are not to miss in this eatery.
Additionally, there are also a wide array of favorite dishes from guacamole&chips to casa Delites – fried flour tortilla with cinnamon and sugar.
Price range: $
Food styles: Mexican
Location: 6118 Broadway Blvd, Garland, TX 75043
Website: https://tacocasatexas.com/
Phone: (972) 303-1510
Table reservation: Not available
Order online: Not available
Here are some flavorful surprises that you can find at Taco Casa.
4. Desperados Mexican Restaurant Dos
Founded in 1976, Desperados Mexican Restaurant has been Dallas and Garland staples for over 45 years. With a diverse menu inspired by family touches, it has claimed numerous awards, from Best Tex-Mex Restaurant in Texas to Mexican Restaurants in America.
Why Should You Visit This Restaurant?
Its menu is a satisfying blend of the time-honored and the new to accommodate any type of craving. Moreover, it is also happy to serve gluten-free eaters and vegetarians with flavorful items.
In case you need a place for your private fiestas, it offers an up-to-50 space with an unparalleled Mexican atmosphere.
What To Eat?
For those who want nostalgic glimpses of the classic, Chile Relleno, tortilla soup, and award-winning guacamole. Meanwhile, the Desperados tacos with melted jack cheese and beef or chicken fajita are modern flairs.
If your kids come along, get them the cheese enchiladas, soft cheese tacos, or old-fashioned beef tacos.
Price range: $$
Food styles: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Location: 3443 W Campbell Rd Ste 550, Garland, TX 75044
Website: https://desperadosrestaurant.com/
Phone: (972) 530-8886
Table reservation: Not available
Order online
5. Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
Located in the Firewheel Mall, Gloria’s embraces the beauty of Latin cuisine, from signature items to black bean dips, and award-winning margaritas. With creative recipes, it appears as a fantastic restaurant in San Antonio Texas, Fairview, Oak Cliff, Frisco, and many more.
Why Should You Visit This Restaurant?
This is an economical destination for lunch and brunch. It has lowered lunch menu prices by up to 15%. If you are a late riser at the weekend, come here for a delightful brunch with half-priced wine and sparkling wine bottles.
Inside is a clean setting with neon lights and a plank-wooden bar. However, whenever the weather is beautiful, take advantage of its large patio.
What To Eat?
Immerse in the world of Mexican favorites with crispy taco dinner, burrito, chimichanga, and a variety of enchiladas from beef to chicken, spinach, and shrimp.
Some of its signature drinks that cannot be missed are spicy pineapple margaritas, prickly pear margaritas, and espresso martinis.
Price range: $$
Food styles: Mexican, Tex-Mex, Salvadoran
Location: 360 Coneflower Dr. Firewheel Mall Garland, TX 75040
Website: https://gloriascuisine.com/
Phone: (972) 526-5290
Table reservation: Not available
Order online
6. Dos Banderas
In the heart of Garland, Dos Banderas’s specialties are Tex-Mex traditional delicacies as well as new Texas-forward items and recreated cocktails.
Why Should You Visit This Restaurant?
Covered with brick walls and tin ceilings, Dos Banderas is a to-go upbeat cafe. You can visit it for an intimate meal with family, a game night, or to enjoy its Happy Hour and weekly live music.
What To Eat?
Must-try favorites include Tex-Mex lasagna, Chile Relleno dinner, chicken with mushrooms, and chicken with poblano cream sauce.
Moreover, you can also find other infamous dishes such as beef fajitas, tortilla soup bowls, brisket nachos, and shrimp quesadillas.
Price range: $$
Food styles: Tex-Mex
Location: 614 Main St Garland, TX 75040
Website: https://dosbanderastexmex.com/
Phone: (972) 494-1319
Table reservation
Order online (Pickup only)
If you are a fan of Mexican food, join me on an amazing trip through Dos Banderas.
7. Frankie’s Place
Frankie’s Place mixes authentic Mexican cuisine with its innovative twists to create a second-to-none menu that cannot be found elsewhere. It has been a preferred destination for neighborhood citizens with its affordable food, drinks, and cozy ambiance.
Why Should You Visit This Restaurant?
The interior is somewhat rustic with many wooden materials while its small exterior is tranquil with hanging lights. Swing by for the Happy Hour (Monday – Saturday 11 AM – 6 PM) and live music performances every Friday.
What To Eat?
Start your dinner with a shrimp cocktail, then warm up your belly with a chicken Caldo – traditional Mexican soup. After that, feel free to order whatever you like, from crispy tacos to Mexican lasagna and chipotle salmon.
Do not neglect the brunch menu as it is also phenomenal with eggs benedict, breakfast tacos, and Carne Asada (beef steak) & eggs.
Price range: $$
Food styles: Tex-Mex, Mexican
Location: 1914 N Plano Rd Garland, TX 75042
Website: https://www.frankiesmexicancuisine.com/
Phone: (469) 814-0357
Table reservation: Not available
Order online
8. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina draws inspiration from the full-of-mesquite-trees dryland between Texas and Mexico. Therefore, by using mesquite grills, this eatery turns well-marinated food and made-from-scratch items into crave-worthy fares in huge portions.
Why Should You Visit This Restaurant?
Its Border-style experience includes sizzling fajitas, shaken margaritas, daily-made guacamole, and tortilla in a vibrant atmosphere with live music.
Stop by on its Happy Hour for crave-able bar bites and drinks at fair prices. Customers can also indulge in other funs such as seasonal specials like wild-caught crab meals. And daily specials like Taco Tuesday and Fiesta Trio Sunday.
What To Eat?
Revel in exceptional flavors of firecracker stuffed jalapenos, Border samples, fajita quesadillas, and Border queso enchiladas. Also, desserts like brownie sundaes and caramel swirl cheesecake in this restaurant are tempting too.
In terms of beverage, Mango Tango margarita, Sangria Swirl, and Blackberry Smash would be appropriate to blow up your taste.
Price range: $$
Food styles: Tex-Mex, Mexican
Website: https://www.ontheborder.com/
Location 1 (Garland): 1350 Northwest Hwy Garland, TX 75041
Phone: (972) 865-7988
Location 2 (Firewheel): 4970 N George Bush Frwy Garland, TX 75040
Phone: (972) 372-0110
Table reservation: Not available
Order online
9. Norma’s Mexican Restaurant
Established in 2000, Norma’s Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned diner where authenticity is the first priority. By utilizing the freshest ingredients, it brings to customers a whole world of Mexican on its menu, at reasonable prices, and in generous portions.
Why Should You Visit This Restaurant?
The place is a casual spot. However, it still emanates a Mexican vibe through the colorful decoration of murals, Papel Picado – hanging papers, and shelves of lovely decor. Along with genuine hospitality, Norma’s is a perfect eatery to enjoy authentic meals.
What To Eat?
There are some famous plates that I recommend every foodie have to try. They are fajitas, queso enchiladas, fajita chimichanga, and the grand sampler with all of the quintessences.
Otherwise, its large-scale menu displays all prominent categories in Mexican cuisine. From tacos&burritos to steaks & fajitas, chicken entrees, and even two kids’ menus for children to choose from.
Price range: $$
Food styles: Mexican
Location: 3420 Broadway Blvd Garland, TX 75043
Website: http://ordernormasmexicanrestaurant.com/
Phone: (972) 926-1106
Table reservation: Not available
Order online
10. Pollo Regio
In the early 2000s, Mr. Bazaldua from Monterrey, Mexico brought its mouth-watering mesquite-grilled chickens to Texas. Since then, it has thrived as a beloved franchise for this amazing homestyle dish, along with other Mexican classics like tacos and quesadillas.
Why Should You Visit This Restaurant?
There are three sites in Garland where you can find it: Plano Road, Rowlett Road, and Walnut Street. The first two are the typical eatery of Pollo Regio with a yellow-orange theme. However, the last one in Garland Towne Center is even larger with a small play area.
In case you need to quickly bring food home, there is a drive-through with fast and decent service.
What To Eat?
Make sure to get the star of Pollo Regio – grilled chicken, half or whole. Then you can diversify your table with chicken soup, Flautas, Mexican burgers, and burritos.
This is also a great spot for gatherings thanks to its party portions. Together with your buddies, savor the party chicken tenders, party quesadillas, and party empanadas.
Price range: $$
Food styles: Mexican
Website: https://www.polloregio.com/
Location 1: 1440 W Walnut St Garland, TX 75042
Phone: (972) 276-1870
Location 2: 501 Plano Rd Garland, TX 75042
Phone: (972) 272-3399
Location 3: 513 Rowlett Rd Garland, TX 75043
Phone: (214) 501-2014
Table reservation: Not available
Order online
Let’s see what bursting flavors Pollo Regio has to offer.
11. Trompo Taqueria & Burgers
Owned by Marco and Peter, Trompo Taqueria & Burgers will allow you to discover another aspect of Mexican cuisine. Since 2018, this eatery is a hotspot for hand items like tacos and burritos with Trompo (or Al Pastor) – spit-grilled slices of meat.
Why Should You Visit This Restaurant?
Not a luxury destination, this is a small restaurant and more suitable for grab-and-go. Its plain views of Trompo within the kitchen are desirable enough for any foodie to crave it. Visit it during the Happy Hour (3 PM – 6 PM) to get as many affordable Trompo tacos as possible.
What To Eat?
Customers can taste its specialty in almost every Mexican delicacy, from Trompo tacos to Trompo plates, Trompo bowls, Trompo fries, and Trompo nachos.
Nevertheless, this taqueria also offers other flavorful fillings such as cheese, chicken fajita, chorizo, and Lengua – beef tongue.
Price range: $
Food styles: Mexican
Location: 2334 W Buckingham Rd Ste 370 Garland, TX 75042
Website: https://www.trompogarland.com/
Phone: (469) 931-0786
Table reservation: Not available
Order online
12. La Salsa Verde Taqueria
With 6 locations in the DFW area, La Salsa Verde Taqueria is always a well-known diner for authentic Mexican tacos. Whether it is savory pork, tender beef, or seasoned chicken, it can never go wrong at this taqueria.
Why Should You Visit This Restaurant?
Although this is a casual spot, it is still well-decorated with flags and Papel Picado – Mexican hanging papers. Moreover, with numerous TV screens, La Salsa Verde Taqueria is also a great place to hang out during sports events.
What To Eat?
Its fillings are unrivaled in comparison with any restaurant in the area. Try the Surtida – beef head, Cachete – beef cheek, and Lengua – beef tongue. If you want, you can also customize your tacos, quesadillas, and tortas with different types of meat as well as veggie options.
La Salsa Verde Taqueria is also a reliable breakfast spot with delectable items like the Tacos combinations and Faji-Tacos.
Price range: $$
Food styles: Mexican
Location: 3235 S Garland Ave Garland, TX 75041
Website: https://www.lasalsaverdetaqueria.com/
Phone: (469) 808-9411
Table reservation: Not available
Order online
Garland – A Top Destination For Mexican Food In The U.S.
Garland has all the quintessences of the Texas culinary scene, including top-notch Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. If you want to escape from the heat of other Lone Star State big cities, this region is an ideal place to enjoy yourself while still devouring tasty dishes.
It will never be a fulfilling experience if you travel to these eateries alone. So tell your best buddies and family, organize a hangout, and get your stomach ready for hearty treats of irresistible Mexican meals.
Were you satisfied with your time eating in the abovementioned restaurants? Are they amazing or even exceed your expectations? Comment down to let me know. By the way, I would be happy to know more about other stunning Mexican diners. Thank you!