The humble taco is a thing of beauty. A vessel for everything from carnitas to cochinita pibil, they deliver pure joy in every bite. And we don’t want to play favorites, but if we’re venturing out for authentic flavors, you better believe we’re seeking true Mexican cuisine. But not all taquerias are created equal. From family-run gems to modern cantinas, these are the Arlington spots you really don’t want to miss.
Torchy’s Tacos
$ | (682) 808-5596 | WEBSITE
Torchy’s Tacos elevates its taco offerings beyond the typical TJ style and the vibrant flavors here made us forget that we were in a strip mall. At this hip Arlington spot, a plate of three generously filled tacos comes loaded with fresh ingredients and topped with zesty sauces. It’s satisfying to behold and only enhanced with a refreshing margarita—balanced and rimmed with chili salt—on the side.
Taco Pionero
$ | (682) 252-7715 | WEBSITE
Taco Pionero’s fish tacos are a fantastic and flaky delight that should be drenched in their electric green salsa with wild abandon. It’s one of our ultimate go-to Mexican dishes, and we usually head to their spot in Arlington to perch, savor carnitas tacos, and invest in the ultimate taco party that is their Taco Tuesday.
Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch
$$ | (817) 640-5118 | WEBSITE
This Mexican restaurant in Arlington has captured our family traditions and created fajitas so tender and so flavorful that we have no choice but to raise our margaritas, declare something heartfelt like ‘grilled steak, simply perfect’ and toast to the occasion. A Texas classic, Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch has an all-ages approach to dining. You can opt for cheese enchiladas, shrimp plates, or that full fajita spread, but in our experience, the steak alone is enough if you’re sharing with others.
Pollo Regio
$ | (817) 538-5744 | WEBSITE
Much like discovering a hidden gem in a strip mall, dining at Pollo Regio is an essential Arlington experience. A clean, welcoming spot with plenty of parking, it’s friendly, bright, and has staff who will make all of your pre-meal hunger evaporate. It’s perfect for when you want to eat grilled chicken salad and feel all satisfied before heading home.
Mercado Juarez Restaurant
$ | (817) 557-9776 | WEBSITE
If there was a tortilla power ranking, Mercado Juarez would comfortably take first place. They come out freshly made, perfectly pliable rounds, with an almost aggressive amount of warmth and flavor in every bite. If you leave this charming Mexican spot in Arlington without trying these melt-in-your-mouth tortillas, we can’t take you seriously.
LA HECHIZERA TORTAS COOPER ST
$$ | (682) 323-4372 | WEBSITE
What’s that? You came to this guide exclusively for the usual tacos and burritos? Open your mind. Open your heart. There’s a whole world of quesadillas and refreshing horchata waiting for you at Cooper Street’s La Hechizera Tortas. Depending on your appetite—or your schedule—you can expect generous portions of authentic Mexican cuisine, and the restaurant’s atmosphere is welcoming and notably clean.
The food is top-quality and delicious, though the service, while professional, might take about 10 to 15 minutes longer than estimated. It’s a bit pricey, but the great food and convenient location near shops like La Madeline make it a popular lunch spot.
El Arroyo
$$ | (817) 468-2557 | WEBSITE
Margaritas. That’s it. That’s all this place serves. And we love it. We might even move to Arlington just so all of our foreseeable evenings are spent saying things like “we’ll have the Southwestern chicken salad with a side of guacamole”. The classic rock playlist is, frankly, magical and we’re even into their street taco options. Try the chicken street tacos with rice and beans if ‘quick’ is your Mexican food buzzword.
Taqueria Maria Bonita
$ | (817) 422-9275 | WEBSITE
The cabeza tacos at this unapologetically authentic Arlington taqueria are the Selena Quintanilla ‘Bidi Bidi Bom Bom’ x Taco Bell experience we never knew we craved. At Maria Bonita, a steaming plate is brought over by a server in a cheerful apron and then it’s a front-row show with freshly made tortillas, generous portions of tender meat, and bubbling salsa verde. Take note, Arlington’s taco treasure is only available until they stop serving breakfast at 3 pm.
Tacos El 24
$ | (817) 583-6133 | WEBSITE
The chilaquiles verdes with chorizo at this all-day, always-open spot in Arlington are only available until 10pm, which seems like a rather cruel thing to do to anyone who isn’t an early dinner person. The positives: they’re served starting at a very breakfast-friendly 6am and the crispy tortilla chips are perfectly fried, which is why the tangy green salsa it’s smothered in pairs perfectly. It’s also topped with crema which makes for a fancy nacho situation.
Tacos La Banqueta
$ | (682) 276-1577 | WEBSITE
Gas stations aren’t just for filling up your tank. Pull into this unassuming spot and discover some of Arlington’s most authentic Mexican tacos. A legendary hidden gem, Tacos La Banqueta has been serving fresh, hot tacos for years and their classic pastor tacos with a side of their signature salsas is one of our all-time favourite ways to spend eight bucks. Order, pay, grab a seat at one of their clean tables, lunch sorted.
Lupes Comida con Sabor (Arlington)
$ | (817) 460-6661 | WEBSITE
We know, we know, Lupe’s Comida con Sabor is a Mexican restaurant best-known for being Disneyland for enchilada-lovers. But two bites into this Arlington spot’s black beans and you’ll start Googling whether it’s OK to put beans in a blender. The creamy smooth texture is layered throughout the softest part of the dish, creating little pockets of savory goodness, while the outer edges are gloriously seasoned.