10 Best Mexican Restaurants In Jacksonville
The top 10 best Mexican restaurants in Jacksonville, Fl include Mi Veracruz Restaurant, Tequilas D´ Oro, Oaxaca Club, El Cabo Restaurant, La Takeria, Senoritas Mexican Kitchen, Taqueria Cinco, Taco Way, La Catrina Tacos and Tequila Bar, and La Patrona. Jacksonville is known for its many family-run establishments that serve classic comfort food and the food of specific Mexican states. Popular dishes in Mexican restaurants in JAX include Pescado a la Veracruzana and tacos al pastor from a vertical spit.
Mexican restaurants in Jacksonville are found in Avondale, Southside, and Jacksonville Beach. The dining landscape features straightforward family restaurants, stylish modern cantinas, and simple counter-service taquerias. Dining at one of Jacksonville's Mexican restaurants costs between $10 and $80 per person.
Jacksonville's best Mexican restaurants are defined by kitchens that cook the food of specific Mexican states, from the coastal plates of Veracruz to the complex moles of Oaxaca. The best Mexican restaurant Jacksonville is Mi Veracruz Restaurant, distinguished by its menu centered on the food of coastal Veracruz, its homestyle preparation, and its well-regarded seafood plates. For a quick and traditional meal, La Takeria serves some of the best Mexican food in Jacksonville with its trompo-cooked al pastor. Oaxaca Club provides an upscale experience with its refined Oaxacan menu. Modern spots like Taqueria Cinco offer vegan options, while nearly all establishments, including La Takeria and Mi Veracruz, have extensive gluten-free choices based on corn.
The top Mexican restaurants in Jacksonville are listed below.
10 Best Mexican Restaurants In Jacksonville are listed below.
-
1
El Cabo RestaurantMexican Burritos TacosEl Cabo is a casual, family-owned restaurant in Jacksonville serving a menu of classic Mexican-American comfort food. The establishment is a local favorite, known for its friendly atmosphere and generous portions.- Item Prices 174
- Average Item Price $14.92
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Mexican-American
Signature Dishes:ChimichangaCarnitasCabo Cheesesteak
Location:620 Commerce Center Dr #101, Jacksonville, FL 32225, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant provides a comprehensive and accessible menu that covers all the major categories of familiar Mexican-American restaurant fare.
What Makes It Special:El Cabo is a dependable neighborhood restaurant known for its welcoming environment, fast service, and consistently satisfying comfort food.
What Sets It Apart:Its role as a straightforward, family-friendly neighborhood restaurant with an extensive, crowd-pleasing menu makes it a reliable choice.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PMSunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
2
La TakeriaLa Takeria is a small, no-frills taqueria in Jacksonville that serves authentic Mexican street tacos. The establishment is a simple, counter-service spot cherished by the local community for its traditional recipes.- Item Prices 35
- Average Item Price $17.10
Type of Restaurant:Taqueria
Type of Food:Traditional Mexican, Tacos
Signature Dishes:Al Pastor TacosCarne Asada TacosLengua TacosChorizo Tacos
Location:14185 Beach Blvd #3, Jacksonville, FL 32250, United States
Special Feature:The taqueria is known for its authentic al pastor, marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit (trompo) and carved to order.
What Makes It Special:The eatery is a go-to for a genuine street taco experience, celebrated for its high-quality meats, simple preparation, and authentic flavors.
What Sets It Apart:Its unwavering dedication to the traditional taqueria craft in an unpretentious setting makes it a purist's choice for authentic street food.
Operating Hours:Monday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AMSunday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
3
Senoritas Mexican KitchenMexican Latin American New MexicanSenoritas is a modern Mexican restaurant and bar in Jacksonville's Southside. The establishment is known for its creative street tacos, craft cocktails, and a vibrant, Instagram-worthy interior.- Item Prices 55
- Average Item Price $16.06
Type of Restaurant:Upscale Casual, Taqueria
Type of Food:Modern Mexican, Tacos
Signature Dishes:California BurritoNachos SupremosSeñoritas Quesadilla
Location:6426 Bowden Rd suite 206, Jacksonville, FL 32216, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant features a highly stylized interior with neon signs and floral decor, creating a trendy, photogenic setting.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant is a popular social destination, known for its high-energy atmosphere that pairs inventive food with a sophisticated bar program.
What Sets It Apart:Its focus on a chic, modern aesthetic and its trendy, social media-friendly presentation make it a distinct and contemporary alternative to traditional taquerias.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
4
Taqueria CincoMexican Latin American TacosTaqueria Cinco is a modern, chef-driven taqueria in Jacksonville's Five Points neighborhood. The establishment offers a creative, seasonal menu of tacos and other small plates made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.- Item Prices 210
- Average Item Price $8.12
Type of Restaurant:Fast-Casual, Taqueria
Type of Food:Modern Mexican, Tacos
Signature Dishes:CampechanoRepollitosTacos Gobernador
Location:809 Lomax St, Jacksonville, FL 32204, United States
Special Feature:The menu is a product of a well-regarded local chef, offering a gourmet perspective on tacos that incorporates Southern and other culinary influences.
What Makes It Special:The taqueria is known for its inventive, refined tacos that elevate familiar flavors in a hip, neighborhood setting.
What Sets It Apart:Its chef-driven pedigree and its focus on creative, high-quality, and often non-traditional taco fillings distinguish it as a premier destination for a modern taco meal.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
5
Taco WayTaco Way is a casual, counter-service eatery in Jacksonville that offers a hybrid menu of authentic Mexican street tacos and popular Tex-Mex dishes. The establishment is a local favorite for a quick and flavorful meal.- Item Prices 156
- Average Item Price $11.29
Type of Restaurant:Fast-Casual
Type of Food:Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex
Signature Dishes:Tacos De BirriaChile Queso and ChipsCaribbean Chicken Tacos
Location:1821 Parental Home Rd Unit 7, Jacksonville, FL 32216, United States
Special Feature:The menu successfully bridges the gap between authentic interior Mexican street food and popular Americanized Tex-Mex favorites.
What Makes It Special:Taco Way is a dependable spot for high-quality, made-to-order food that satisfies cravings for both traditional tacos and hearty Tex-Mex burritos.
What Sets It Apart:Its dual focus on serving both "Real Mexican Tacos" and classic Tex-Mex allows it to cater to a wide range of tastes within a single, efficient format.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
6
La Catrina Tacos & TequilaLa Catrina is a modern Mexican restaurant and bar in Jacksonville's Avondale neighborhood, with a colorful Day of the Dead theme. The establishment serves a menu of creative street tacos and has a large tequila and mezcal selection.- Item Prices 81
- Average Item Price $14.41
Type of Restaurant:Upscale Casual, Tequila Bar
Type of Food:Modern Mexican, Tacos
Signature Dishes:Birria TacosQueso FundidoStreet CornCraft Margaritas
Location:12400 Yellow Bluff Rd #110, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant's decor is a vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos, with large-scale calaca (skeleton) murals and art throughout the dining room.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant is known for its lively social atmosphere that pairs inventive food with a strong bar program in a visually engaging setting.
What Sets It Apart:Its specific and joyful thematic focus on the art and culture of Día de los Muertos provides a unique and memorable dining environment.
Operating Hours:Monday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
7
La PatronaLa Patrona is a casual, family-owned restaurant in Jacksonville serving a menu of authentic, homestyle Mexican dishes. The eatery is a local favorite, known for its traditional flavors and a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere.- Item Prices 432
- Average Item Price $11.45
Type of Restaurant:Casual Eatery
Type of Food:Traditional Mexican
Signature Dishes:CamarónAl PastorAsada
Location:3109 Spring Park Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant is well-regarded for its traditional, slow-cooked guisados (stews) and its rich, complex mole sauces.
What Makes It Special:La Patrona is known for its consistent, high-quality homestyle cooking that delivers the authentic taste of a traditional Mexican kitchen.
What Sets It Apart:Its focus on straightforward, well-executed comfort food in a simple, friendly setting makes it a pure and reliable neighborhood destination.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday, Sunday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
8
Mi Veracruz RestaurantMi Veracruz is a casual, family-owned restaurant in Jacksonville that specializes in the regional cuisine of Veracruz, Mexico. The establishment is known for its authentic, homestyle dishes, particularly its seafood preparations.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Veracruz-Style, Traditional Mexican
Signature Dishes:EsquitesElotesAmerican Tacos (Soft)
Location:4143 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States
Special Feature:The menu is deeply rooted in the specific culinary traditions of the coastal state of Veracruz, with a strong emphasis on seafood.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant is a destination for its genuine, high-quality homestyle food that delivers the specific flavors of Veracruz.
What Sets It Apart:Its specific regional focus on the rich and unique cuisine of Veracruz distinguishes it as a destination for authentic coastal Mexican cooking.
Operating Hours:Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
-
9
Tequilas D´ OroTequilas D´ Oro is a family-owned restaurant in Jacksonville that serves a menu of traditional Mexican dishes. The establishment is known for its extensive tequila selection and a welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Traditional Mexican
Signature Dishes:Milanesa De PolloPizza De BirriaEnchiladas Vegetarianas
Location:9753 Deer Lake Ct, Jacksonville, FL 32246, United States
Special Feature:The restaurant features a large bar with a vast collection of tequilas, offering a wide array of margaritas and tasting flights.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant is a reliable local spot known for its consistent, homestyle food and its friendly, family-run service.
What Sets It Apart:Its combination of a classic, crowd-pleasing menu with a deep and well-curated tequila selection makes it a go-to for both a family meal and a night out.
Operating Hours:Monday - Wednesday, Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMThursday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AMSunday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
-
10
Oaxaca ClubOaxaca Club is an upscale restaurant in Jacksonville Beach that offers a modern interpretation of Oaxacan cuisine. The establishment features a stylish, contemporary design and a menu focused on traditional Oaxacan flavors.Type of Restaurant:Upscale Casual
Type of Food:Modern Oaxacan
Signature Dishes:AguachileRibeye a la LeñaBarbacoa
Location:131 1st Ave N #102, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States
Special Feature:The menu is built around the complex and traditional flavors of Oaxaca, with a particular focus on house-made moles and artisanal mezcal.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant is known for its sophisticated, chef-driven approach to regional Mexican cooking in a chic, beachside setting.
What Sets It Apart:Its specific dedication to the intricate and unique cuisine of Oaxaca distinguishes it as a destination for a refined and educational dining experience.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price:$30 to $50 per person
What Makes Mexican Restaurants in Jacksonville Famous?
Jacksonville's Mexican restaurants are known for the many family-run neighborhood spots that serve customary comfort food. Food tourism in this suburban city in Florida built on these dependable and accessible kitchens cooking Mexican-American and state-specific Mexican food. This abundance of straightforward eateries sets Jacksonville apart from other Florida locations with more tourist-focused or high-concept restaurants. The food is defined by homestyle recipes and consistent preparation of plates like fajitas, carnitas, and enchilada sauces.
What Types of Mexican Restaurants are Commonly Found in Jacksonville?
There are many types of Mexican restaurants in Jacksonville, since it is a famous cuisine built on a foundation of long-standing family eateries and newer, chef-led taquerias. The list below describes the most common kinds of Mexican establishments in Jacksonville.
- Neighborhood Family Restaurants: These are the core of the local offerings, casual, sit-down establishments with broad menus of classic Mexican-American comfort food. El Cabo and La Patrona are prime examples.
- Kitchens Focused on a Single State: These are smaller, often family-run spots dedicated to serving the homestyle cooking of one Mexican state, like Veracruz or Oaxaca. Mi Veracruz and Oaxaca Club represent this type.
- Modern, Chef-Driven Taquerias: These are contemporary, often upscale-casual spots that offer creative, seasonal tacos made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Taqueria Cinco is a key example.
- Stylish, Modern Cantinas: These are trendy, high-energy establishments with a bar-centric setting, craft cocktails, and a new take on Mexican street food. Senoritas and La Catrina fit this category.
- Street Food Taquerias: These are simple, no-frills, counter-service spots that prepare tacos with old-world methods, such as al pastor from a vertical spit. La Takeria is a well-known example.
Are There Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Jacksonville?
Yes, Jacksonville has authentic Mexican restaurants that adhere to old-world recipes and cooking methods. La Takeria prepares its al pastor on a vertical spit. Mi Veracruz is a family-run restaurant that cooks the food of the coastal state of Veracruz, serving plates like pescado a la veracruzana. Oaxaca Club offers a menu of Oaxacan food centered on mole and tlayudas. La Patrona is a neighborhood spot known for its homestyle guisados.
What are the Signature Dishes at the Best Mexican Restaurants in Jacksonville?
The most well-known plates at Jacksonville's best Mexican restaurants include old-world recipes and newer, chef-made creations. The list below describes some of the most popular and defining dishes served in Jacksonville.
- Al Pastor Tacos: Tacos with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit. La Takeria is a go-to spot for this street food classic.
- Pescado a la Veracruzana: A classic plate from the state of Veracruz, where fish is cooked in a savory tomato, olive, and caper sauce. Mi Veracruz is a destination for this preparation.
- Mole Negro: A complex Oaxacan sauce made from many ingredients. Oaxaca Club serves a version of this sauce.
- Birria Tacos: Tender, slow-stewed beef served in crispy, cheese-filled tacos with a side of rich consommé. This modern favorite is a main item at Senoritas and La Catrina.
- Chef-Driven Tacos: Creative, seasonal tacos with non-traditional fillings like fried chicken or brisket, made with high-quality, local ingredients. Taqueria Cinco is known for these inventive tacos.
- Molcajete: A hot volcanic stone mortar filled with a sizzling mix of grilled meats, cactus, cheese, and salsa. Tequilas D´ Oro is known for this impressive, shareable platter.
How Do Jacksonville Mexican Restaurants Compare to Minneapolis’ Best?
Jacksonville's Mexican restaurants are distinct from the best Mexican restaurants in Minneapolis since the former has a widespread network of traditional family-style eateries, while Minneapolis is known for a dense collection of kitchens in specific neighborhoods like Lake Street. The food culture in Jacksonville is built on accessible neighborhood spots serving classic comfort food. The food scene in Minneapolis is shaped by its large Latino community, resulting in a high number of establishments that cook the food of particular Mexican states.
Do Mexican Restaurants in Jacksonville Offer Vegan Options?
Yes, Mexican restaurants in Jacksonville offer vegan options, with places like Taqueria Cinco, Oaxaca Club, and Senoritas providing plant-based meals. The chef-driven menu at Taqueria Cinco includes a cauliflower al pastor taco. The modern Oaxacan restaurant Oaxaca Club can prepare vegetable-based plates without animal products. Newer cantinas like Senoritas and La Catrina have menus with vegetable tacos and bowls that can be modified to be vegan.
Do Mexican Restaurants in Jacksonville Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Mexican restaurants in Jacksonville have many gluten-free options, including La Takeria, Mi Veracruz, and Oaxaca Club. The street food spot La Takeria serves all of its tacos on corn tortillas. The menu at Mi Veracruz, which centers on the food of a coastal Mexican state, includes many grilled fish and corn-based plates. The Oaxacan-inspired restaurant Oaxaca Club builds its menu around corn masa, making most of its items gluten-free.
What is the Average Price of a Meal at Mexican Restaurants in Jacksonville?
The cost of dining at Mexican restaurants in Jacksonville ranges from under $15 for a quick meal to over $80 for an upscale dinner. A single person's meal at a taqueria like La Takeria or Taco Way costs between $10 and $25. A dinner for a small group at a casual, sit-down place like El Cabo or La Patrona will be between $40 and $100. For a budget-friendly meal, an individual can eat for $15 to $30 at a spot like Mi Veracruz. An evening at a high-end restaurant like Oaxaca Club or Taqueria Cinco will cost between $40 and $80 per person.
Is Mexican Food Popular in Jacksonville?
Yes, Mexican food is a very popular and established part of Jacksonville's food culture. The cuisine's importance is clear from the large number of establishments found throughout the city, from long-running neighborhood family restaurants to authentic taquerias. The city supports a wide spectrum of restaurants, including kitchens that cook the food of specific Mexican states and newer, chef-driven spots. The success of these different models confirms that Mexican food is a beloved and enduring staple in Jacksonville.
Find your next favorite spot
Can't decide? start here: