Sure, Jonesboro might be known for its historic courthouse and Civil War sites, but look past the antebellum facades and you’ll discover a vibrant Mexican food scene that rivals any in metro Atlanta. From family-run taquerias tucked in strip malls to modern cantinas with innovative margaritas, here are the 10 best places to experience authentic flavors in this Southern suburb.
Las Lupitas
$ | (770) 626-3841 | WEBSITE
Devotees of authentic Mexican cuisine regularly gather here for their extensive selection of freshly prepared dishes like tacos, carne asada, and barbacoa. And they are justified since the modest, unassuming exterior hides a kitchen that delivers very good food cooked fresh and tasty. But even if you’re not a die-hard Mexican food fan, the offerings are compelling on their own.
Latino specialties like ranchera, chorizo, and raw nopalitos—especially with sweet bread on Sundays—instantly transport you south of the border.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
$ | (404) 449-3380 | WEBSITE
The exterior of Bubbakoo’s Burritos looks like a standard strip-mall storefront, but inside lies a surprisingly authentic Mexican eatery that stands out in Jonesboro’s casual dining scene. While many local spots focus on quick service, Bubbakoo’s is the opposite—serving up generous burritos and flavorful tacos in a clean, family-friendly space. Their meat selection stays consistently fresh and natural-tasting, so get a combo plate and try a few options.
If they have the tender carnitas or the perfectly seasoned chicken, get ’em.
Taqueria Gino’s
$ | (678) 519-3101 | WEBSITE
The food truck setup near Tara is straightforward, with just a couple of picnic tables nearby. We like to imagine the life stories of the occasional solo diners who actually sit there since this is mostly a grab-and-go spot. Everything is tasty, and the menu covers all the Mexican classics, including tacos, burritos, and flautas (the chicken taco is our go-to). And you can customize most items with your preferred fillings from grilled chicken to savory beef.
The choices are plentiful, but just know one bite of their fresh, flavorful flan will cement their status on your regular rotation.
El Gran Rico Pollaso
$ | (770) 629-4522 | WEBSITE
The authentic Mexican dining experience is something that could really only thrive in Jonesboro, which is why this pupusa-and-tamale-serving restaurant has remained a local favorite for years. The atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious. Standard Mexican fare like asada tacos, pupusas, and tamales are all excellent, but what we normally do at El Gran Rico Pollaso is savor.
Get a plate of those perfectly seasoned asada tacos or a couple of the authentic pupusas and utilize the spicy salsas when flavor enhancement becomes necessary. The friendly service even when the small parking lot is full makes it one of our favorite hidden gems.
Taquería La Oaxaqueña
$ | (770) 960-3010 | WEBSITE
The small, unassuming storefront of Taquería La Oaxaqueña gives off classic neighborhood joint vibes. But stepping inside reveals a simple, no-frills dining room. It’s a straightforward setup with basic tables, tiled floors, and a few family photos (takeout orders are popular here), but the authentic food adds all the character.
It’s easy to confidently say this is the best Mexican in Jonesboro because it’s been a favorite for over two decades, but each of the dishes on the compact menu (get the tacos al pastor) are all very solid. When we’d rather skip the tortillas, the vegetarian options are equally good, with the nopales packing a flavorful punch and the guacamole giving a hefty wallop of avocado taste.
El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant
$ | (770) 210-0666 | WEBSITE
While El Ranchero might not be the flashiest Mexican spot in Jonesboro, this cozy, no-frills restaurant feels like it should have been a neighborhood secret for years. Their birthday free shot policy is printed right on the menu, and if you’re looking for white-tablecloth fine dining, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere. Don’t expect a quiet business lunch here as lively mariachi music often fills the dining room. But who needs silence when there’s a solid margarita in your hand.
The generously portioned mango daiquiri is only for celebrations or when you’re feeling particularly indulgent. Just go for the classic tacos with fresh cilantro and lime or the spicy enchiladas that deliver some authentic kick.
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant
$ | (770) 961-5286 | WEBSITE
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant is the best Mexican spot in Jonesboro. Hands down. We’re not entirely sure why the extremely casual interior is splattered with colorful papel picado banners and sombreros on the walls, but we will gladly stare at those decorations to get our hands on food this good. Don’t worry about making the wrong choice since we’ll vouch for any of the menu choices (but the chicken fajitas with well-seasoned steak and peppers are what the name says they are).
Their generous portions easily hold a heavy heap of toppings, so you never get the feeling you’re just eating a mouthful of tortilla. Going to Monterrey and not ordering fajitas is like being in Georgia and ordering bland food, but if you must, their California burrito or stuffed poblano are good substitutes.
Taqueria Martinez
$ | (470) 726-2084 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, particularly carne asada, Taqueria Martinez is your spot. They have big portions on every plate and are frequently praised for their mouth-watering flavors by regulars. Aside from the friendly staff and a healthy environment, Taqueria Martinez offers delicious options like burritos and half chicken with pictures on the menu (the flavorful salsas and convenient parking are always safe bets).
But the real reason we love Taqueria Martinez is the child-friendly atmosphere with wide entrances to make sure everyone feels welcome.
Los Michoacanos Restaurant
$ | (770) 731-1051 | WEBSITE
There is a warm and welcoming dining area with colorful Mexican textiles covering literally every surface in the front of Los Michoacanos, but it’s mostly underutilized because this is another prime takeout spot in the neighborhood. The way to go here is with the meat skillet or the tacos featuring some of the best handmade tortillas we’ve had in Jonesboro.
Finish the meal off with the menudo with extra onions and cilantro on weekends, which is simmered in a large pot right before it’s served to you. This grab-and-go Mexican food spot always hits our taste buds just right.
Los Girasoles Mexican Restaurant
$ | (770) 991-1080 | WEBSITE
This tucked-away spot doesn’t have many places serving authentic Mexican food. With a menu that’s as varied as the colorful murals inside, the dishes here are excellent enough. There are some hits (we could eat 100 of the handmade tortilla tacos with that perfect seasoning). We also like the Chiles Toreados with that side of fresh onions. And if you’re in the mood for something fresh, their guacamole and rice will do the job.
There are also a few misses (the place is barely visible from the street), which is why we still prefer the more prominent locations. But if we’re in Jonesboro and hungry for something made with love at 7pm on a Tuesday, this restaurant will do just fine.