Mexican Food in Riverside (2025)

A Riverside landmark where Michoacán-style plates meet an open-air folk art wonderland. Celebrated by PBS SoCal’s Artbound and covered by KQED for its recycled-sculpture campus, it’s a singular culture-and-cocina experience steps from the Mission Inn.

Serving Riverside since 1963, this multigenerational Medina-family cafe anchors local mornings with chilaquiles, menudo, and classic combo plates. Noted decades ago by The New Yorker and highlighted by Visit Riverside, it remains a true community dining room.

Independent since 1989, Anchos is beloved for mesquite-grilled plates and flour tortillas pressed in view of the dining room. A perennial local favorite, it’s been recognized in readers’ choice roundups and remains a go-to for group dinners.

A weekend-only backyard cenaduría serving Valles Centrales tlayudas, molotes, and memelas over mesquite. Featured by Eater LA, it’s a rare, homespun Oaxacan experience that draws devotees from across Southern California.

A family-run favorite dating to the late 1970s, known for hard-shell tacos, big-plate combos, and weekend menudo. Named an editor’s pick for best Mexican by the region’s daily, it continues to anchor neighborhood celebrations.

Once a tortillería, now a home-style kitchen praised by locals for handmade corn tortillas, ranchero-style tacos, and weekend soups. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot where regulars are greeted by name.

Riverside-born and family-operated, Pepito’s blends classic combo-plate comfort with vegan-friendly options and lively atmosphere. City tourism listings and reservation platforms show it humming at both Canyon Crest and Orangecrest locations.

Downtown’s modern Mexican dining room with a serious tequila-and-mezcal list, ceviches, and late-night hours. It’s a locally owned spot that doubles as a lively pre-show option near the Fox Performing Arts Center.

A neighborhood grocery with an in-house tortillería turning out fragrant nixtamal tortillas and a taco counter locals rave about. Spotlighted by the Raincross Gazette for its chicharrón and masa-driven menu.

A lively, independent marisquería pouring micheladas and dishing aguachiles, ceviches, and oyster shots. Online ordering and recent menus show a full slate of coastal cravings anchoring Riverside’s seafood scene.

A dedicated birria specialist with quesabirrias, consomé, and birria ramen drawing steady crowds. Its own ordering site and recent listings confirm steady hours and an all-birria focus.