10 Best Mexican Restaurants In Reno
The ten best Mexican restaurants in Reno are La Condesa Eatery, Macho Tequila's, Mexcal, Toro Bravo, Dahlia’s Mexican Grill, El Jefe's Cantina, Bertha Miranda’s, Tacos los Campesinos, Dream Tacos and Cantina, LLC, and Tequila Catador. Mexican cuisine in Nevada's "Biggest Little City" is known for its casual taco spots, customary tastes, and a blend of local and regional influences. Reno also hosts significant culinary events, such as the Reno Latin Dance Fest in January, which often features Latin American food vendors.
Many Mexican restaurants in Reno are located in neighborhoods such as Midtown, Downtown, and South Reno. The ambiance in these restaurants differs greatly, from the stylish setting at La Condesa Eatery to the bustling, swift-service atmosphere of Tacos los Campesinos. These respected venues and favored local spots constitute a vital aspect of the city's food character. Dining at a Mexican eatery in Reno costs between $10 and $50 per person.
La Condesa Eatery is the leading choice when it comes to the best Mexican restaurant in Reno, lauded for its inventive menu, stylish surroundings, and creative cocktails. For the best Mexican food in Reno in a fast-casual setting, Tacos los Campesinos is a top contender, known for its true street tacos. Toro Mexican Bistro gains praise for its contemporary Mexican cuisine and refined presentation, marking it as a premier fine-dining option. Diners desiring plant-based meals can find vegetable tacos at La Condesa Eatery, while Macho Tequila's supplies gluten-free options such as grilled items.
The top Mexican restaurants in Reno are listed below.
10 Best Mexican Restaurants In Reno are listed below.
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1
LA CONDESA EATERYBurgers Dessert TacosLa Condesa Eatery is a modern Mexican restaurant in Reno, offering a menu that blends traditional Mexican flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. The restaurant provides a stylish and inviting setting with creative dishes and cocktails.- Item Prices 44
- Average Item Price $20.93
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining (Upscale Casual)
Type of Food:Modern Mexican, Regional Mexican
Signature Dishes:Black Angus Ribeye TacosBeef Barbacoa TaquitosGobernador Tacos
Location:1642 S Wells Ave, Reno, NV 89502
Special Feature:The restaurant features a chic interior with artistic touches and a lively bar area, creating a social dining environment.
What Makes It Special:La Condesa Eatery is known for its fresh ingredients, innovative dishes, and a menu that offers a modern perspective on Mexican cuisine.
What Sets It Apart:Its focus on a contemporary, refined approach to Mexican cuisine in a stylish yet energetic setting, combined with creative cocktails, distinguishes it from more traditional cantinas.
Operating Hours:Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMSaturday: 4:00 PM–10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$30 to $50 per person
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2
Macho Tequila'sMacho Tequila's is a lively Mexican restaurant and tequila bar in Reno, offering traditional Mexican dishes and Tex-Mex favorites. The eatery provides a fun, casual atmosphere with a focus on an extensive tequila selection.- Item Prices 79
- Average Item Price $10.12
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining, Tequila Bar
Type of Food:Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex
Signature Dishes:Four Street Soft TacosChimichangaMeat and Cheese Flautas
Location:2144 Greenbrae Dr, Sparks, NV 89431
Special Feature:The restaurant boasts a large selection of tequilas and mezcals, allowing diners to explore different varieties and craft custom margaritas.
What Makes It Special:Macho Tequila's is known for its energetic ambiance, solid Mexican food, and its focus on tequila, making it a popular spot for social gatherings.
What Sets It Apart:Its combination of a wide tequila selection, a lively atmosphere, and a menu of crowd-pleasing Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites distinguishes it as a go-to for a fun night out.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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3
Toro BravoToro Bravo is a modern Mexican restaurant in Reno, offering a chef-driven menu that explores the distinct flavors of Mexico with contemporary techniques. The restaurant provides a refined dining experience in a stylish setting.- Item Prices 519
- Average Item Price $13.00
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Modern Mexican, Regional Mexican
Signature Dishes:Queso Asado Al HornoPapas BravasPrime Skirt Steak
Location:50 N Sierra St #104, Reno, NV 89501
Special Feature:The restaurant focuses on creative, contemporary Mexican dishes and a curated bar program with unique mezcal and tequila cocktails.
What Makes It Special:Toro Bravo is known for its innovative menu and sophisticated ambiance, providing an elevated culinary journey.
What Sets It Apart:Its chef-driven approach to modern Mexican cuisine and unique cocktail offerings distinguish it as a top destination for gastronomic exploration.
Operating Hours:Sunday: 10:00 AM–3:30 PMMonday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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4
MexcalMexcal is a modern Mexican restaurant in downtown Reno, offering creative dishes and craft cocktails with a focus on mezcal. The restaurant provides a stylish and inviting setting with an innovative menu.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining (Upscale Casual)
Type of Food:Modern Mexican, Regional Mexican
Signature Dishes:QuesabirriaOctopusCarnitas
Location:516 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501
Special Feature:The restaurant features an extensive selection of mezcal, offering tasting flights and expert recommendations to complement its menu.
What Makes It Special:Mexcal is known for its fresh ingredients, innovative presentations, and a menu that offers a modern perspective on Mexican cuisine with a strong emphasis on mezcal.
What Sets It Apart:Its focus on a contemporary, refined approach to Mexican cuisine in a stylish yet relaxed setting, combined with creative cocktails and a deep mezcal program, distinguishes it from more traditional cantinas.
Operating Hours:Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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5
Dahlia’s Mexican GrillDahlia’s Mexican Grill is a casual, family-owned Mexican restaurant in Reno, serving traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. The restaurant provides comforting, authentic Mexican food in a friendly, unpretentious setting.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex
Signature Dishes:Aguachile VerdeMolcajete AztecaChilaquiles Fundidos
Location:9570 S McCarran Blvd Suite #113, Reno, NV 89523
Special Feature:The restaurant is known for its generous portions and homemade salsa, adding a genuine touch to its meals.
What Makes It Special:Dahlia’s Mexican Grill provides consistent quality and comforting Mexican food, making it a beloved local favorite.
What Sets It Apart:Its focus on classic, hearty dishes and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere distinguishes it from more modern or upscale establishments.
Operating Hours:Sunday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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6
El Jefe's CantinaEl Jefe's Cantina is a lively Mexican restaurant and bar in Reno, offering traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine in a vibrant setting. The restaurant provides an energetic atmosphere with a focus on margaritas and sports.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining, Cantina
Type of Food:Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex
Signature Dishes:El Jefe NachosEsquitesCarnitas Street Tacos
Location:500 N Sierra St, Reno, NV 89503
Special Feature:The restaurant features a lively bar area with multiple screens for sports, creating a popular spot for social gatherings and game days.
What Makes It Special:El Jefe's Cantina is known for its energetic ambiance, solid Mexican food, and its focus on margaritas and sports, making it a popular spot for a casual night out.
What Sets It Apart:Its combination of a lively atmosphere, a menu of crowd-pleasing Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites, and a strong sports bar appeal distinguishes it as a go-to for a fun dining experience.
Operating Hours:Sunday, Thursday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PMFriday: 5:00 PM–9:30 PMSaturday: 4:00 PM–9:30 PMMonday–Wednesday: Closed
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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7
Bertha Miranda’sBertha Miranda’s is a long-standing, family-owned Mexican restaurant in Reno, serving traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. The restaurant offers classic comfort food in a friendly, unpretentious setting with colorful decor.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex
Signature Dishes:The Patriot PlateFajitasFlautas
Location:336 Mill St, Reno, NV 89501
Special Feature:The restaurant has been a Reno institution for many years, known for its consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere.
What Makes It Special:Bertha Miranda’s is known for its enduring legacy, consistent quality, and comforting Mexican food, making it a beloved local favorite.
What Sets It Apart:Its long history and status as a local institution, combined with its colorful, festive decor and consistent delivery of classic Mexican dishes, distinguishes it as a community landmark.
Operating Hours:Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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8
Tacos los CampesinosTacos los Campesinos is a casual taqueria in Reno, offering a menu of authentic Mexican street tacos and other antojitos. The eatery provides a straightforward dining experience with flavorful, traditional options, often originating from a popular food truck.Type of Restaurant:Fast-Casual, Taqueria (Food Truck & Restaurant)
Type of Food:Mexican Street Food, Tacos
Signature Dishes:Carne Asada TacosBirria TacosBarbacoa Tacos
Location:1601 Vassar St, Reno, NV 89502
Special Feature:The eatery is known for its origins as a popular food truck, maintaining its reputation for authentic street food.
What Makes It Special:Tacos los Campesinos is known for its consistent quality and genuine Mexican street tacos, offering a quick and flavorful experience reminiscent of a true Mexican taqueria.
What Sets It Apart:Its origins as a successful food truck and its unwavering dedication to authentic, simple street tacos, served in a lively, no-frills setting, distinguishes it as a beloved institution for quick Mexican food.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM–9:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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9
Dream Tacos and Cantina, LLCDream Tacos and Cantina, LLC is a casual Mexican restaurant in Reno, offering a menu of creative tacos and traditional Mexican dishes. The restaurant provides a lively atmosphere with a full bar and popular margaritas.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining, Cantina
Type of Food:Modern Mexican, Tacos, Tex-Mex
Signature Dishes:Birria TacosStreet TacosQueso FundidoMargaritas
Location:180 W Peckham Ln #1110, Reno, NV 89502
Special Feature:The restaurant features a full bar with a good selection of margaritas and a festive atmosphere, enhancing the dining experience.
What Makes It Special:Dream Tacos and Cantina, LLC is known for its friendly service and creative taco options, providing a consistent and enjoyable meal.
What Sets It Apart:Its lively setting and menu of both traditional and inventive tacos, along with its bar, distinguish it.
Operating Hours:Tuesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–8:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–8:30 PMSunday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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10
Tequila CatadorTequila Catador is a casual Mexican restaurant in Reno, offering traditional Mexican dishes with a focus on tequila and mezcal. The eatery provides a relaxed atmosphere with a wide selection of spirits.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining, Tequila Bar
Type of Food:Traditional Mexican, Tequila Bar
Signature Dishes:Fajitas SteakChicken Enchilades VerdesTacos Al Pastor
Location:713 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501
Special Feature:The restaurant features a wide selection of tequilas and mezcals, allowing diners to explore different varieties.
What Makes It Special:Tequila Catador is known for its focus on tequila and mezcal, providing a relaxed setting to enjoy traditional Mexican food and spirits.
What Sets It Apart:Its dedicated tequila and mezcal program, combined with a menu of classic Mexican dishes, distinguishes it as a destination for spirit enthusiasts.
Operating Hours:Monday–Thursday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PMFriday: 5:00 PM–12:00 AMSaturday: 12:00 PM–12:00 AMSunday: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
What Makes Mexican Restaurants in Reno Famous?
Mexican restaurants in Reno are known for their customary Mexican-American comfort food, Tex-Mex staples, and a notable presence of family-owned eateries. Reno Mexican fare attracts patrons seeking specific food preparations like hearty burritos and classic street tacos. Nevada's culinary environment means dining spots often use fresh ingredients and cater to both local tastes and tourist preferences. The city maintains a strong appreciation for accessible, flavorful Mexican food, which cultivates a thriving food setting that supports classic Mexican cooking. Reno is celebrated for its welcoming dining spots, popular taco trucks, and family-run eateries that offer Mexican food with fresh components and comforting tastes.
What Types of Mexican Restaurants are Commonly Found in Reno?
Reno's famous cuisine includes multiple categories of Mexican restaurants, such as taquerias and classic Mexican eateries. The most common Mexican restaurant types in Reno are outlined below.
- Taquerias (Taco Shops): These casual eateries focus on Mexican street food like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, emphasizing quick service. Tacos los Campesinos and El Jefe's Cantina are examples.
- Classic Mexican Eateries: These dining spots serve classic, home-style recipes, highlighting customary flavors and often showcasing comforting Tex-Mex dishes. Bertha Miranda’s and Dahlia’s Mexican Grill fit this description.
- Modern Mexican Restaurants: These dining places feature contemporary interpretations of classic Mexican dishes, emphasizing fresh ingredients, creative presentations, and craft cocktails. La Condesa Eatery and Toro Bravo represent this style.
- Mexican Cantinas and Bars: These venues provide a lively atmosphere, serving Mexican food alongside a focus on beverages like margaritas and an extensive selection of tequilas. Macho Tequila's and Mexcal are examples.
- Food Trucks and Pop-ups: Reno also features a mobile food scene with numerous Mexican food trucks offering street-style tacos and other quick bites. Tacos los Campesinos originated as a food truck.
Are There Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Reno?
Yes, Reno contains Mexican restaurants that prepare food in a customary manner, including Bertha Miranda’s, Tacos los Campesinos, and Dahlia’s Mexican Grill. Bertha Miranda’s is noted for its long history of serving classic Mexican comfort food. Tacos los Campesinos is known for its genuine Mexican street tacos and fresh ingredients. Dahlia’s Mexican Grill provides customary Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes with a homemade touch. These dining establishments prioritize classic recipes, cooking methods, and ingredients, delivering genuine Mexican dining experiences.
What are the Signature Dishes at the Best Mexican Restaurants in Reno?
Signature dishes at Reno's best Mexican restaurants display customary tastes and particular food items including Carnitas, Chile Relleno, and Tacos al Pastor. The following list describes some of these popular dishes.
- Carnitas: Slow-cooked, tender pork, often served as a main dish or in tacos, known for its rich flavor and crispy edges. Bertha Miranda’s and Dahlia’s Mexican Grill offer this popular item.
- Chile Relleno: Poblano peppers filled with cheese or meat, coated in a light batter, fried, and covered in a savory sauce. Bertha Miranda’s and Toro Bravo feature this classic dish.
- Tacos al Pastor: Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit (trompo), thinly sliced, and served on corn tortillas with pineapple, onion, and cilantro. Tacos los Campesinos and El Jefe's Cantina often feature this customary street food.
- Tableside Guacamole: Freshly prepared avocado dip made at the diner's table with onions, cilantro, and lime, served as an appetizer with tortilla chips. Macho Tequila's and La Condesa Eatery offer this popular item.
- Birria Tacos: Slow-cooked, tender meat stewed in a savory broth, served in tacos, often with a side of consommé for dipping. Dream Tacos and Cantina, LLC features flavorful birria tacos.
- Enchiladas Suizas: Enchiladas filled with chicken or cheese, topped with a creamy green tomatillo sauce and melted cheese. Dahlia’s Mexican Grill and Bertha Miranda’s feature this comforting dish.
- Pescado Zarandeado: Grilled whole fish, often marinated in a special sauce, a customary coastal Mexican preparation. Toro Bravo offers a refined version.
How Do Reno Mexican Restaurants Compare to Richmond’s Best?
Reno Mexican restaurants highlight casual taquerias, customary Mexican dishes, and a mix of local and regional influences. This contrasts with the best Mexican restaurants in Richmond, which often feature a focus on classic Mexican-American comfort food, Tex-Mex staples, and a growing modern Mexican scene. Reno's food scene includes many straightforward dining spots and food trucks, emphasizing accessible and flavorful customary dishes. Richmond's Mexican restaurants are known for their hearty, classic dishes, often with a strong neighborhood feel and a focus on affordability. Reno's offerings lean towards simple, satisfying preparations, particularly with street tacos and classic Mexican fare. Richmond's Mexican food is often characterized by its consistent quality and community roots. Reno's restaurants frequently feature a lively bar scene and a focus on quick, flavorful meals.
Do Mexican Restaurants in Reno Offer Vegan Options?
Yes, Mexican restaurants in Reno provide plant-based choices, including La Condesa Eatery, Toro Bravo, Dahlia’s Mexican Grill, El Jefe's Cantina, Bertha Miranda’s, and Dream Tacos and Cantina, LLC. Many dining establishments present vegetarian sections where dishes can be made vegan by removing cheese and dairy-based sauces. La Condesa Eatery offers vegetable tacos and plant-based main courses. Toro Bravo features numerous plant-based appetizers and main courses, including vegan ceviche. Dahlia’s Mexican Grill has vegetable fajitas and can adjust burritos for vegan diners. El Jefe's Cantina provides bean-based dishes and vegetable options suitable for vegan diets. Bertha Miranda’s offers vegetable-based dishes and can modify items to exclude animal products. Dream Tacos and Cantina, LLC has choices like mushroom tacos and plantain dishes.
Do Mexican Restaurants in Reno Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Mexican restaurants in Reno feature selections free of gluten, including La Condesa Eatery, Macho Tequila's, Toro Bravo, Dahlia’s Mexican Grill, Bertha Miranda’s, and Mexcal. A good portion of Mexican cooking is inherently gluten-free, as corn tortillas, meats, and vegetables form the foundation of many dishes. La Condesa Eatery offers many grilled items and corn-based dishes free of gluten. Macho Tequila's provides gluten-free corn tortillas for tacos and can adapt many of its modern dishes. Toro Bravo features grilled meats and seafood, along with corn-based items. Dahlia’s Mexican Grill prepares many of its classic dishes using corn as a base. Bertha Miranda’s has many inherently gluten-free items, including ceviches and grilled proteins. Mexcal offers gluten-free options for many of its grilled dishes.
What is the Average Price of a Meal at Mexican Restaurants in Reno?
A Mexican meal in Reno costs between $10 and $50 per person. An individual meal at a quick-service taco spot like Tacos los Campesinos or El Jefe's Cantina costs $10 to $20. A meal for two to four at an informal dining venue such as Dahlia’s Mexican Grill or Bertha Miranda’s costs $30 to $60. An affordable eatery like Dream Tacos and Cantina, LLC or Tequila Catador offers meals for $10 to $25 per person. A complete dinner experience at an upscale restaurant like La Condesa Eatery or Toro Bravo costs $25 to $50 per person.
Is Mexican Food Popular in Reno?
Yes, Mexican food enjoys widespread favor in Reno, with its popularity demonstrated by the numerous Mexican restaurants found throughout the city, ranging from casual dining spots to upscale venues. Reno's growing population and its long-standing Mexican-American culture foster a thriving Mexican food environment. The city's proximity to California and its local agricultural resources mean many Mexican dishes served locally use high-quality, fresh ingredients and often reflect specific regional tastes. The existence of chef-led Mexican restaurants, alongside beloved family-owned eateries, shows a desire for both classic and modern Mexican cuisine. Mexican food serves as a regular choice for daily meals and celebrations for a significant portion of Reno's population, showing its broad appeal and incorporation into the local diet.
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