Sooner or later, you’re going to crave authentic Mexican in Haines City. Whether you’re a local or just passing through on your way to Legoland, the struggle to find more than just generic tacos is real. That’s where we come in. You might be seeking Oaxacan mole, perfect carnitas, or maybe some top-shelf margaritas. Regardless, our guide to the best Mexican spots has you covered.
La Olla Del Cafe (Restaurant)
$ | (863) 422-8515 | WEBSITE
Haines City—actually, all of Central Florida—could use more restaurants like La Olla Del Cafe, a place that’s just as good for a casual lunch and as it is for avoiding the typical chain restaurant crowd. They serve excellent Mexican comfort food like delicious arepas with queso, their family-oriented atmosphere isn’t usually that hectic, and there are Latin music videos on a flat-screen TV if you’re hoping to have a few boba drinks and watch some entertainment.
Flavors de Rosita
$ | (863) 216-4189 | WEBSITE
At this beloved food truck, you’ll find a fantastic lunch deal: $14 for two tacos and a drink. Grab one of the few stools near the service window or stand by the colorful mural, and enjoy authentic Mexican dishes, spicy and cheesy tamales, flavorful birria tacos with fresh tortillas, or some tortas packed with seasoned meat. Sides are extra, but worth it: the fruit cups come loaded with mango, pineapple, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
Flavors de Rosita is a humble spot, often visited by locals on their lunch breaks. But after a couple of horchatas and that jalapeño cheese tamale—described as a Mexican jalapeño popper—you might be floating toward the limited seating that’s always in high demand (just like that scene in a busy food court).
La Fiesta Mexicana
$ | (863) 422-2200 | WEBSITE
The dining room at La Fiesta Mexicana is one of the best places to have dinner with family in Haines City. It’s cozy, and so is the authentic Mexican food here. The extensive menu includes salsa verde pork—a standout dish—steak Mexicano, homemade corn tortillas, and a variety of tamales. We appreciate any excuse to enjoy those large portions meant for sharing.
Don martin modern mexican cuisine llc
$ | (321) 315-2757 | WEBSITE
If you’re telling your friends you found the best street tacos in Haines City, you should do it over birria nachos at Don Martin’s. This modern Mexican spot, with its fresh and quick service, is perfect for a late-night craving, and lively enough with other satisfied customers that your own enthusiasm will feel completely justified. Plus, the salsa that comes with the chips is amazing.
Get the Surf & Turf taco, which comes with a perfect combination of flavors, and don’t skip the homemade pineapple juice if you want the full experience.
Taqueria La Guadalupe
$ | (863) 236-4096 | WEBSITE
Whatever part of Haines City you’re in, you need a solid Mexican spot. In Davenport, Taqueria La Guadalupe is that reliable choice. There’s a whole lineup of items worth trying, from perfectly cooked Tacos Al Pastor to excellent steak tacos, and the casual setup feels like it’s ready for a fiesta. With its outdoor seating under a tent and easy parking, the restaurant feels conveniently welcoming, in case that’s what you’re looking for on a quick lunch break.
El Cabrito Taqueria
$ | (863) 421-6131 | WEBSITE
Sitting inside this little Mexican taqueria, savoring a tongue taco and watching the Central Florida tourist crowd, is a great way to start a sun-drenched afternoon. El Cabrito Taqueria is steps away from the tourist center, and you can use it to fuel up with some quesabirrias and tostadas before launching into some sightseeing.
Tables for more than four can be hard to come by (they don’t take reservations at lunch), so come with a friend or two, split some meat tacos and pozole, and cap things off with some menudo soup. Why not?
Juancho’s Birrieria
$ | (863) 438-4483 | WEBSITE
Juancho’s Birrieria is from the folks behind the authentic Mexican food scene in Haines City. Like that tradition, this spot is a cross between a restaurant and a cozy hole-in-the-wall, and it can often feel like a clubhouse for foodies who occasionally crave overstuffed quesa birra tacos. The menu consists of standout dishes like Ramen Birria and chilaquiles, in addition to everything from Juanchos tacos to made-to-order offerings.
If the agenda for your visit is exceptional dining, this is a good spot to kick things off.
Tortilleria La Mexicana
$ | (863) 422-1227 | WEBSITE
Haines City locals have been recounting what happened last night over their preferred form of chiles rellenos at Tortilleria La Mexicana ever since it opened. This place is as authentic as it gets, serving all manner of Mexican classics, locally famous steak and onions, a standout horchata, and a mean pina colada. It’s a popular spot, so expect a bit of a crowd outside, but the line moves quickly.
Come with people you like to talk sh*t with, and dish over a few plates of appropriately generous portions.
El Tarasco
$ | (863) 547-9667 | WEBSITE
If you’re tired of overpriced fusion spots or having to choose between tacos and tamales for dinner, head to El Tarasco for some authentic Mexican. They have flavorful carne asada tacos and birria quesadillas that are fresh and satisfying. You’ll enjoy whichever one you order, because both are delicious. If you are in the mood for something heartier, don’t worry. You can try their chicken salsa verde tamales, which we like with their affordable tacos.
This is also a great choice for a quick, friendly meal.
Taqueria Don Gonzalo
$ | (863) 419-0784 | WEBSITE
Right in the heart of Haines City, Taqueria Don Gonzalo is a solid Mexican spot for passing tourists, especially if you’re craving something authentic. Their $3 tacos have enough fresh flavor to wake up your taste buds, and everything on the straightforward menu is genuinely well prepared. Make sure their hot, freshly made tortas are on your table, and get either the tacos with your choice of filling, or horchata loaded with cinnamon and plenty of ice to offset the Florida heat.
You can always walk off your meal with a stroll to the nearby ice cream spot for dessert.