Anyone who’s ever craved authentic al pastor or searched for the perfect margarita in Columbus knows the struggle: finding the real deal among countless mediocre taquerias. While Ohio might seem an unlikely destination for Mexican cuisine, Columbus has quietly become a Midwestern hub for incredible, family-run spots—and some truly forgettable imitations. So you’ll want to know where to spend your pesos.
And if you forget the order, just remember: North Market, Short North, Old North, Clintonville, German Village.
QDOBA Mexican Eats
$ | (614) 842-4700 | WEBSITE
The only thing that separates QDOBA’s bowls from a really good home-cooked meal are the perfectly seasoned ingredients, instead of your own kitchen. But it works. Options like the Surf & Turf Bowl and adobo chicken melt into the seasoned rice with every bite. This Columbus spot has a clean, welcoming environment, but the service is quick and the queso diablo is so good that we’d happily eat it standing at the counter.
Tacos Don Deme
$ | (614) 465-9014 | WEBSITE
Tacos Don Deme manages to be inconspicuous on the West side of Columbus. At this welcoming Mexican spot, you’ll enter through the door, take a seat at the simple table, and watch the owner and staff attentively prepare each dish. The warm tortillas, chorizo queso, and barbacoa quesadilla are all generous but deeply flavorful. If you’re looking for a proper Saturday night or date spot with a difference, settle in for the gorditas and tamales.
Bakersfield Short North
$$ | (614) 754-8436 | WEBSITE
A lively Short North staple since opening, Bakersfield specializes in tacos and margaritas. The standout pineapple margaritas come with a tajin-spiced rim, the tender, flavorful short rib tacos are generously portioned, and there’s a vibrant bar anchoring the space. Next to the bustling dining area, there’s a cozy happy hour nook that’s perfect for groups who love convivial atmospheres and chatting over a rich trio of salsa and guacamole.
Taqueria Dos Hermanas
$ | (614) 756-8710 | WEBSITE
Taqueria Dos Hermanas is a temple of tacos and tortillas, and it can lay claim to having the best birria in Columbus. It’s a great place to come for a quick lunch, to eat at the counter with a friend or two, or even solo should you have a craving for authentic Mexican street food. Besides the tacos, order some of their sides like the grilled onions which come perfectly charred and will make you very happy.
The quesadillas are also fire, with amazing cheese and cooking that keeps customers coming back.
DOS SABORES MEXICAN GRILL AND CANTINA
$ | (614) 781-0713 | WEBSITE
Although it feels like it’s been a Columbus staple since the glory days, Dos Sabores Mexican Grill and Cantina has that authentic neighborhood cantina vibe. The Mexican spot on its unassuming stretch has an air of irresistible warmth about it: all vibrant colors and bold, rich flavors. Words like ‘generous’ and ‘satisfying’ feel appropriate to describe the menu, as do ‘welcoming’ and ‘reliable’. Dos Sabores traverses Mexican cuisine, from braised pork burritos to classic tacos and queso.
There are more mass appeal vegetarian options too and a blue margarita at the comfortable bar is one of the smartest things you can do around town.
La Casita
$$ | (614) 457-0823 | WEBSITE
Locals and adventurous food-seekers still crowd into this cozy Mexican spot. You should too, but go hungry for the best experience. Grab a patio table in summer and take advantage of the ‘La Casita’ Fajitas, which are a greatest-hits platter of the kitchen’s specialties, including a mix of grilled meats and a variety of fresh ingredients. Adding on a margarita from their standout selection is worth it, too.
Torchy’s Tacos
$ | (380) 800-1440 | WEBSITE
This bustling Columbus taco spot is always hopping, so you might want to plan ahead for a table. But it’s worth the effort for one of the best Mexican restaurants in town, and specifically the Hogfather taco. The Mr. Orange taco is also (rightly) popular and the house-made queso with chips is perfect for sharing. Come with a couple friends for your best shot at a walk-in, but we prefer this place in a larger group to sample all the tacos and margaritas.
Ajs tacos
$ | (614) 897-5661 | WEBSITE
Few Columbus food trucks are as well-known as AJ’s Tacos: this place is a classic and the Mexican food follows suit. While the outdoor setup is kept mostly to that, if you step up to the vibrant window you’ll find a lively atmosphere enhanced by a live bluegrass band playing outside. This is Columbus’s finest location for the freshest of lunches. Come on a weekend for impeccable shrimp tacos, rich, creamy chipotle sauce, and, of course, quesabirria tacos with consome.
La Super Torta
$ | (614) 928-9079 | WEBSITE
If you’re the kind of person who craves authentic flavors and generous portions, you’ll appreciate La Super Torta. It’s a traditional spot that takes seasoning seriously—check the Mexican menu posted on the wall. It’s obviously ideal for a casual meal, and the food is awesome too. The menu stays consistent, and things like El Pastor tacos with pineapple and Tlayudas are done well, and there’s usually a good burrito option like the Burrito Pastor.
The lady at the cash register is very kind, and the Spanish music adds to the vibe. While the food is fresh and delicious, some might find the toppings a bit light. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those seeking real Mexican cuisine in a no-frills setting.
El grullense
$ | (614) 537-3213 | WEBSITE
El Grullense sits right in the heart of Columbus’s vibrant Mexican dining scene. Despite its unassuming exterior, this standout spot captures the magical sounds of sizzling meats and lively conversation, alongside the comforting aroma of house-made tortillas. Add in the unique menu, with dishes like Camarones al Grullense, Birria de Res, and incredible homemade sauces, and you have the perfect lunch to dinner destination.
Local Cantina – Grandview
$ | (614) 488-6146 | WEBSITE
Show us a map of Grandview and with muscle memory we can point out Local Cantina’s location, mentally marked with a pin in the shape of a frosty, crisp margarita. This spot is a modern Mexican classic where Tinga tacos and California-style dishes roll into quick lunches and relaxed evenings that incite three-taco cravings. It’s a bolthole of bliss with the privacy of self-serve chips and salsa for people who love fresh ingredients and a double-digit, satisfying meal.
Casa Mezcal Mexican Grill & Seafood
$ | (614) 423-7677 | WEBSITE
Casa Mezcal is refined in ambiance, but far from it in flavour and energy. The bustling bar is the place to be at this Mexican grill off Columbus, with a soundtrack of clinking margarita glasses and piña coladas, and lively music playing as the server brings out incredible shrimp ceviche. Everything hits: juicy, flavorful $2 tacos packed with a red sauce to die for, tender, fresh pozole in a hearty broth, and the best fajitas in years.
The corn and chorizo pizza is top-tier—the crust is crispy and warm, seasoned perfectly with spices and chorizo, and topped with a melting blend of cheese, corn, and chorizo.
Taco Bell
$ | (614) 497-8211 | WEBSITE
Taco Bell serves Mexican fast food by the taco, quesadilla, or combo meal—and it’s some of Columbus’s most reliable fast food. Items like the fresh, well-seasoned tacos or rich, customer-favorite quesadillas come with all the necessary extras. The tacos are tasty and satisfying, though some may find them a bit thin compared to other locations.
Head to the counter for a quick lunch, swing by with friends for a casual meal, or enjoy the welcoming atmosphere that management and the team have created.
Local Cantina Brewery District
$ | (614) 564-9775 | WEBSITE
This vibrant Mexican spot in the Brewery District pairs a lively indoor space with a sunny patio that makes dining here feel altogether more enjoyable than other Columbus Mexican restaurants. The spicy fish tacos and loud skillet fajitas were standouts when we visited. Local Cantina is fun without being overwhelming—and you’re just as likely to see happy hour groups here, as you are families enjoying the self-serve chips and salsa, or friends sharing a chicken bacon ranch burrito.
Casa Oaxaca
$ | (614) 956-1131 | WEBSITE
At Casa Oaxaca, it’s all about sunshine streaming through the windows and lively mariachi tunes playing softly, families and friends settling into the cozy booths, and signature margaritas alongside mole sauce-laden carne asada. The space isn’t fancy or sprawling, but it is inviting. Plates of homemade mole oaxaqueño with warm corn tortillas, and a serving of spectacular fajitas with fresh salsa could be on the regular menu.
It’s a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine that feels completely at home in Columbus.
Taco Mex Mexican Street Food (Catrina Mexican Cuisine)
$ | (614) 505-0802 | WEBSITE
Taco Mex Mexican Street Food (Catrina Mexican Cuisine) is a brilliant walk-in Mexican restaurant that makes some of the best street food in Columbus, in very fun, vibrant surroundings. Whatever the occasion—a casual lunch (that’s not really casual at all), bringing friends from out of town, and so on—a meal at the colorful counter will knock it out of the park. Make like the regulars and order a side of their fresh guac and some of their fantastic chicken taquitos while you wait.
Taqueria El Buen Sabor #1
$ | (614) 377-7895 | WEBSITE
At Taqueria El Buen Sabor #1, the warmth of the pressed tortillas radiates from the grill and you won’t find restraint in the generously stuffed Mission-style burritos. The Mexican restaurant in the Mission District is walk-up-only and the counter in particular is a scrum most days, but man is it worth it. There’s savory beef tongue burritos, flavorful steak tacos, and chicken super burritos you could eat by the pound.
Standing here, you’re reminded of what eating in Columbus should always feel like: satisfying and delicious.
Tortillas La Reyna
$$$ | (614) 423-7677 | WEBSITE
Friends, family, dates, even your coworkers would feel right at home at Tortillas La Reyna. Honestly, bring the whole crew—you’ll all look happy gathered around a table in the warm, decorative space. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for dinner, Tortillas La Reyna is a truly delightful place to be.
The homemade food is excellent, like the standout fish tacos served with rice and sour cream, plus you can easily go all out with a tamarind mezcal margarita or a kid-friendly horchata, and still have a pretty affordable meal.
La Chapis Food Truck
$ | (614) 705-9764 | WEBSITE
La Chapis Food Truck, a Mexican street food spot, feels way more welcoming than its parking lot location suggests. House-made chips flow, the portions are strictly generous, and people who crave authentic tacos sit side-by-side at the picnic tables. Dishes stay true to classic street food but are always satisfying—think tender carnitas soft tacos with green salsa, and shareable nachos piled high with cheese and sauce.