Mexican Food in Madison
El Sabor de Puebla
Mexican restaurant · Emerson East
Puebla-born owners make 19‑ingredient mole, tamales and picaditas with produce from a local family farm. Lauded by Wisconsin State Journal and noted by Isthmus, it’s a sit-down staple that also feeds festivals and co-ops across town.
La Mestiza
Restaurant · West Side
Family-run since 2007, serving regional dishes rare up north—cochinita pibil, borrego en pasilla, and carne en guajillo—with fresh‑lime margaritas. Highlighted by Isthmus; locals praise its depth of flavor and tradition.
Taqueria Guadalajara
Mexican restaurant · Greenbush
South Park Street institution for tacos, tortas, huaraches and weekend pozole. Recognized by Isthmus for authentic cooking; fans love lengua and al pastor. Lively, family‑run, and consistently busy.
El Pastor Mexican Restaurant & Catering
Mexican restaurant · Near West Side
One of Madison’s early taquerias, still strong with especialidades de la casa like chicharrón en salsa verde and carne asada. Praised by Isthmus; a go‑to on the south side.
Jalisco Cocina Mexicana
Restaurant · First Settlement
From a beloved food cart to a downtown restaurant, this family spot blends Jalisco recipes and California touches—grandma’s mole, quesabirria, cantaritos. Covered by Wisconsin State Journal and Madison Magazine; a lively community favorite.
Tapatios Cocina Mexicana
Mexican restaurant · South Central Side
Family‑owned favorite known for birria estilo Jalisco, mulitas, and standout margaritas. Cited by Madison Magazine’s Best of Madison 2024 for restaurant excellence, cocktails, and chef accolades.
Gloria's | Mexican Restaurant
Mexican restaurant · Far West Side
Mexico City family recipes, a deep tequila list, and housemade salsas. Voted Best Latin American by Madison Magazine in 2023 and 2024; a west‑side standby that keeps things fresh.
Los Atlantes Restaurant & Bakery
Mexican restaurant · Near West Side
Family from Hidalgo serves daily pozole, enchiladas, and signature lamb barbacoa alongside fresh breads. Profiled by The Cap Times for its regional focus; multiple local outposts but still homegrown.
Zavala's Market & Taqueria
Restaurant · South West Side
Market‑taqueria hybrid from a Guanajuato family—huaraches, quesabirria, and weekend menudo—with kids pitching in. Featured by The Cap Times; a lively west‑side hub for both groceries and great plates.
La Hacienda
Mexican restaurant · Greenbush
Long‑running late‑night choice for caldo de camarón, tortas, and classic antojitos. Listed by Isthmus and noted locally as a Park Street stalwart; open past midnight most days.
