Atlanta hosts one of the fastest-growing Mexican communities in the Southeast. That means authentic regional flavors abound, from Oaxacan mole negro and Yucatán cochinita pibil to Mexico City-style tacos al pastor and crispy churros dusted with cinnamon sugar.
Mezcalito’s Cocina & Tequila Bar
$$ | (678) 705-7008 | WEBSITE
Mezcalito’s Cocina & Tequila Bar is an Atlanta mainstay for Mexican food, and we’re a better city for it. After a few bites of their ‘off the meter’ fried chicken tacos on lightly fried tortillas, it’s easy to whole-heartedly understand why this place checks all the boxes. But then you’d be ignoring the tender brisket, the flavorful queso with fresh crisp lettuce, the brisket flautas that disappear too quickly, and margaritas made with real lime juice that hit just right.
This isn’t the first time Atlanta has welcomed a lively Mexican spot with a fun atmosphere, but Mezcalito’s is the first one to really get excited about.
Botica
$$ | (404) 228-6358 | WEBSITE
If you don’t feel like waiting for a table at another Mexican spot in Atlanta, you’ll be in good hands at Botica. This spot is perfect for a huge group meal involving a massive pitcher of margaritas. They’re most famous for their tacos, which we especially endorse with some Oysters Rockefeller, but the fajitas plate is the best dish here.
Sebastian Pintxos Bar
$$ | (678) 515-0545 | WEBSITE
There are more than a few restaurants in Atlanta that serve a wide variety of Mexican-inspired tapas, and Sebastian Pintxos Bar is our favorite by a hair. They run a speedy operation, and the charming front porch makes people-watching a breeze.
A meal here is especially excellent before catching a show at the nearby Fox Theatre, because nothing sets the mood much better than steamy chicken paella, crispy BRAVAS potatoes, a perfectly melted quesadilla, and Brussels sprouts that are simply the best. We even love the plain tortilla chips dunked in salsa.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just feel like popping a dozen pintxos in your mouth like you’re playing a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos, Sebastian Pintxos Bar will always be waiting for you.
Dos Bocas
$$ | (404) 704-8078 | WEBSITE
The best Mexican food in Atlanta is at Dos Bocas. The crunchy nachos with guacamole are perfect, the portions of classics like beef picadillo tacos and chicken tinga are pretty big (and excellent for next-day leftovers), and the bartender will probably give you a complimentary beignet with powdered sugar. The most important task while you’re in there is to get the chicken zydeco and iron cast catfish or simply get out.
El Santo Gallo
$ | (404) 458-3036 | WEBSITE
Beneath this restaurant’s vibrant, inviting color scheme, the atmosphere tells you everything: Mexico City-style tacos, lively vibes, and cervezas. El Santo Gallo is a neighborhood favorite that specializes in those things, and does them very well. Tacos de pastor are piled high with perfectly seasoned meat and fresh, delicious salsas. Chicken tacos with guacamole are flavorful and satisfying.
And the cute, compact dining room buzzes with the hum of conversation, friendly hospitality from a bustling kitchen, and the occasional strum of live music. Just know, this place could improve by posting menu prices and providing water cups, so make sure you’re prepared before you get face-deep in a plate of tacos.
Las Margaritas
$$ | (678) 726-8226 | WEBSITE
While the atmosphere at this Latin institution—accented by vibrant decor, fire performers, and a lack of quiet corners—doesn’t exactly hold a candle to the serene dining rooms at other spots in town, the lineup of Brazilian-inspired dishes is Las Margaritas’ main attraction. Here, you don’t need any pomp and circumstance. You just need to order a lot of stuff.
From the popular Argentinian taco and contemporary Latin music to the enthusiastic staff and DJ CEELOS rocking the crowd with diverse mixes, a night at Las Margaritas is great plain or completely drenched in your own custom blend of lively energy and family-owned charm swirling through the space.
Patria Cocina
$$ | (404) 622-3501 | WEBSITE
The moment we stepped into Patria Cocina, the vibrant energy hit us—every table was buzzing with conversation and laughter. Naturally, we first thought this was just another trendy spot. But then we tasted the modern Mexican cuisine at this Atlanta gem and everything made sense.
No small talk could possibly compete with dishes like rich mole poblano, cheesy dip with handmade tortillas, birria tacos with generous portions, and churros with mantecado that are so decadent they don’t even need extra sweetness. In a city full of quick-service taco joints, Patria Cocina is the stylish, sit-down restaurant we’re thrilled to have discovered in Atlanta.
The Loaded Taco & The Loaded Burger Food Trucks
$ | (678) 485-1663 | WEBSITE
There’s a lot happening at events around Atlanta, but the most exciting food comes from The Loaded Taco & The Loaded Burger Food Trucks—a mobile operation serving outstanding street food. Parked at various venues, these trucks with their vibrant graphics and stainless steel counters can appear purely functional at first. But the aroma wafting from the grill and watching burgers being generously loaded with toppings make them a festive centerpiece.
The food is exceptional, comes out quickly, and with their efficient setup you won’t have to wait long for those chicken ranchero tacos or funnel cake fries.
BOCA
$ | (404) 907-4102 | WEBSITE
Like pretty much everyone in the entire city, we’re fans of these tasty tacos, especially the ones that used to be so vibrant they could probably fuel a fiesta (and are a little calmer now). Regardless, you’ll also want to spend some alone time with the margaritas, including the unique Courvoisier option, and an order of chips and salsa.
Carnitas Michoacan Mexican Food
$ | (404) 464-8128 | WEBSITE
At Carnitas Michoacan, you might navigate through a bustling mall crowd while the aroma of slow-cooked meats fills the air. But the famed carnitas tacos are worth it. The rest of the lineup—including the lengua tacos, handmade sopes, and pozole—is great too, but we all know you’re here for those carnitas. Get several orders, and don’t forget to add the rice water drink, a.k.a. the most refreshing way to wash it all down that we can think of.