A great Mexican restaurant isn’t just about perfect tacos or flawless margaritas. In Somerville, the best spots might be tucked in a basement, have questionable decor, or serve life-changing mole in a strip mall. Some have lines out the door; others are neighborhood secrets. What unites them? That feeling—when the first bite hits—that says you’ve found something real. Here are the places that deliver that magic.
Don Julio Restaurant
$ | (617) 718-0127 | WEBSITE
Don Julio Restaurant in Somerville showcases the best of authentic, satisfying Mexican takeout. While some places specialize in burritos or tacos, Don Julio’s specialty is, well, everything. The best order here only depends on who you’re asking. To us, the Al Pastor burrito is king, and sides—like the homemade salsa—are as essential to the meal as the main dish. Order all of the above and enjoy it at home.
Tulum Mexican Cuisine (Somerville)
$$ | (617) 764-1608 | WEBSITE
Never skip the Birria tacos at Tulum. Or rather, if you try to, the server will steer you toward them. They weave through the cozy, tropical restaurant, checking on tables, suggesting more drinks, and delivering steaming plates. You’re essentially dining in a vibrant mercado. Order the rich, savory al pastor tacos or the hearty burrito maya with a side of fresh, zesty guacamole. And since the cocktails are phenomenal, make sure to try the Pineapple Mystery.
Rincon Mexicano Somerville
$ | (617) 776-1200 | WEBSITE
Rincon Mexicano in Somerville is a cornerstone of authentic Mexican dining in the area. It’s been a local favorite for years, and the owner, who often greets tables personally, is credited with bringing genuine flavors to the neighborhood. If it isn’t steaming bowls of pozole or menudo being carried to nearby booths, it’ll be plates of birria tacos overflowing with fresh cilantro and onions. Or maybe molcajetes sizzling with meats and peppers ready to be scooped up with warm tortillas.
Montecristo
$ | (617) 628-8458 | WEBSITE
Open on Broadway in Somerville for years, Montecristo feels more like a cozy family kitchen than a formal restaurant. Everything here whispers, “This is authentic Salvadoran food,” from the menu with loroco pupusas, garnachas, and nuegados de yuca to the horchata and fried plantains that taste like they were just made. You can also enjoy the beef soup and fried pork rinds, though some might wish for a bit more rice on the side.
The outdoor seating and ample parking make it a convenient neighborhood spot, and the helpful staff guides you through the satisfying, well-priced selection without any fuss.
Toca Chida Casa Sociale
$$ | (617) 996-6100 | WEBSITE
Toca Chida Casa Sociale is one of the only spots in Assembly Row where people will happily wait for a table. And while the crowd is inevitable during free taco hours, the vibrant, satisfying food makes every moment worth it. The chicken tinga tacos are tender, the fried chicken tacos are crispy, and the sangria flights are on tap right next to the margaritas. Plates come out surprisingly fast.
So you’ll spend most of your time dipping into table-side guacamole and spooning sweet corn while occasionally stopping for a cocktail refill and people-watching the groups out for a girls’ night, families sharing Sinaloa Sliders, and solo diners having a chicken empanadas and salad moment.
Taqueria Tapatio
$ | (617) 625-4119 | WEBSITE
Visit this authentic yet affordable Mexican spot in Somerville once for a quick lunch, and it’ll become a regular stop. It’s where college students grab a filling burrito and where locals enjoy a casual dinner with flavorful Abodoba Pork or fresh vegi Tacos. Few other places can deliver genuine Mexican flavors without being pretentious or overpriced, which is why Somerville residents appreciate Taqueria Tapatio.
El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill
$ | (617) 666-4200 | WEBSITE
El Potro is a cherished local Mexican spot in Chelsea, just a short drive from downtown. It’s a dependable place to dig into loaded nachos or savory carnitas chimichanga, even when the patio is packed. But what’s more memorable is the staff’s genuine warmth, serving with passion and treating every guest like family. (You’ll feel it from the authentic Mexican furniture and laid-back vibe throughout.)
Tenóch Mexican
$ | (617) 764-1906 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Somerville, Tenóch Mexican has become a go-to spot for authentic flavors on the East Coast. The regulars lean against the counter chatting with the helpful staff, while late-night diners share stories over steaming tortas. But no matter what, the aroma of fresh tacos always draws everyone’s focus. Much of what makes Tenóch special has remained consistent over time, which is exactly what keeps people coming back.
Maya Sol Mexican Grill
$ | (617) 776-9179 | WEBSITE
Maya Sol Mexican Grill, a beloved Mexican counter-service spot, brings East Somerville charm with its cozy atmosphere, late hours, and servers in casual attire plating generous portions. Maya Sol is the only spot in the neighborhood serving a plate of chicken fajitas with sizzling peppers and onions.
The next time you’re looking for a satisfying meal, get that, the vegetable quesadilla with fresh toppings (which is the best of the menu in one tortilla), and their iconic tres leches cake from the dessert case.
La Brasa
$$$ | (617) 764-1412 | WEBSITE
La Brasa in Somerville was one of the first upscale Mexican restaurants in the area. The menu includes a rotating cocktail selection, a full dining experience of wood-grilled chicken, or delicate, layered dishes like salted cod croquettes. Whether you come to the bar for a Blue Burro cocktail and street corn, or get comfortable for dinner and Iberian pork collar tacos, La Brasa will make you feel just as authentic as the food you’re eating.
Anna’s Taqueria
$ | (617) 666-3900 | WEBSITE
Eating at Anna’s Taqueria is like grabbing a meal in a bustling neighborhood hub, which is why so many Somerville residents make time to visit. At Anna’s Taqueria, the Mexican menu offers consistent favorites, and the space is filled with just about any quick-service convenience imaginable. The regular menu is whatever you feel like ordering, so you’ll probably have to come more than once to experience the best of Anna’s: the veggie burrito.
The burrito is flavorful and satisfying, with well-balanced ingredients, and served in generous portions to ensure you don’t leave hungry. Plus, multiple trips to Anna’s means more chances to chat with the friendly staff and take occasional pauses to watch the efficient service in action.
Los Paisanos Restaurant
$ | (617) 629-3502 | WEBSITE
Los Paisanos Restaurant exists in the same culinary universe as your favorite neighborhood taqueria. This cozy Somerville spot has been serving authentic El Salvadoran fare long enough that regulars know the friendly staff by name. Instead of serving your typical fast-food tacos and bland pupusas, they do flaky fish tacos with bright slaw and thick, handmade pupusas oozing with cheese and beans.
Somewhere between savoring the perfectly grilled carne asada and soaking in the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, you’ll get hit by a wave of comfort and be grateful for the genuine, home-style experience.
Taco Loco Mexican Grill
$ | (617) 625-3830 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving authentic Mexican food in Somerville, Taco Loco Mexican Grill is the only spot to go. The place is filled to its modest ceiling with the aroma of stewed meats and fresh masa. And not only do their beef tacos taste great, but they go nicely with a side of pupusas flanked by generous portions. Come here for busy nights and whenever those neighborhood regulars need reminding that this hidden gem serves the best damn Mexican food in the area.
Tu Y Yo
$$ | (617) 623-5411 | WEBSITE
This hidden gem in Somerville offers authentic and delicious Mexican food in a laid-back and affordable atmosphere. It’s been a local favorite for years and serves a whole spread of traditional dishes and drinks. We usually try the Tuesday Tacos and Cafe de Olla because they come highly recommended, but you can’t go wrong with the fried plantains or corn on the cob either.
The Green Enchiladas and Vegetarian Tamales are also standouts—the tamales come in five different kinds of mini tamales that are all delicious. Some dishes, like the Chicken Breast in Poblano Chili Sauce, can be hit or miss, but overall, the flavors are spot-on. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making it a great spot for casual dining where most plates run under $20.
La Posada Restaurant & Tequila Bar
$$ | (617) 776-2049 | WEBSITE
Take a cozy corner spot, add a tequila bar with flights, and mix in some seriously inviting staff, and somehow, you wind up with La Posada Restaurant & Tequila Bar. The Mexican spot serves incredible steak nachos, a slew of authentic choices, seafood alambre, and birria ramen with the curious but delicious duo of mini jalapeño pupusas and a vegan menu. We love hitting the outdoor seating early for a relaxing vibe and a passion margarita, or an entire tequila selection.
The Painted Burro
$$ | (617) 776-0036 | WEBSITE
When you’re craving a chicken milanesa torta, a Cuban sandwich, or guacamole so smooth it could double as face cream, head to The Painted Burro. This lively Mexican spot takes the idea of “everything is more flavorful in Somerville” to delicious extremes. Order the short ribs and shrimp tacos, bask in the glory of really good food, then ask for another margarita and a box for the nachos.