From sunrise tortillas to late-night tacos, these locally owned spots capture Arlington’s Mexican flavors now. Expect masa made daily, simmering pozole, and stories rooted in the community. Come hungry and explore across neighborhoods.
Mexican Food in Arlington (2025)
11 Places
From sunrise tortillas to late-night tacos, these locally owned spots capture Arlington’s Mexican flavors now. Expect masa made daily, simmering pozole, and stories rooted in the community. Come hungry and explore across neighborhoods.
Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch
Mexican restaurant
An Arlington essential for mesquite-grilled fajitas and margarita history, recognized by Dallas Observer near AT&T Stadium. The local brand traces its frozen-margarita origin story to founder Mariano Martinez, and this lively outpost still delivers the classic Tex‑Mex experience.
Marquez Bakery & Tortilla Factory
Mexican restaurant
Family‑run since 1990 and beloved for warm flour tortillas, breakfast burritos, and menudo. Highlighted in a stadium‑area dining guide by a Vox Media publication, it remains a dependable, affordable stop for authentic Mexican staples and fresh pan dulce.
Gilberto's Taco Shop
Fast food restaurant
Spotlighted by the City of Arlington, this downtown taqueria built a following for birria with consommé, hearty breakfast tacos, and all‑day Mexican comfort plates. Owner José Ruiz opened it in 2019, and it’s become a true neighborhood fixture.
Tu Taco Arlington Restaurant - Cocina Autentica Mexicana
Mexican restaurant
A few minutes from the stadiums, Tu Taco is loved for house pozole, menudo, huaraches, and breakfast served all day. Recent hours and menus are maintained on the restaurant’s official site, and locals praise the salsas and aguas frescas.
Los Jarros Restaurant
Mexican restaurant
A long‑running, family‑owned favorite listed by the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, known for hearty breakfasts, chilaquiles, and classic plates that fuel nearby stadium days. Regulars come for the welcoming vibe and honest, home‑style flavors.
Papaya Mexican grill Arlington
Mexican restaurant
Family‑run with roots in Torreón and Guanajuato, Papaya turns out generous plates, standout margaritas, and popular birria tacos. Noted by the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau for happy hour, it’s a friendly, flavorful stop in the International Corridor.
Los Molcas Tacos Bar and Grill
Mexican restaurant
Downtown newcomer with a family from Nuevo León at the helm, making tortillas and salsas from scratch. Profiled by the City of Arlington in 2025, it serves machacado, molcajetes, and a full lineup of tacos with lively hospitality.
Taqueria Tepito #5
Mexican restaurant
Born from a Fort Worth home operation, Tepito brings Mexico City street‑food staples—huaraches, pambazos, and tacos a la plancha—to its Arlington counter. The owners’ story and current Arlington hours are detailed on the taqueria’s site.
Los Pastores Mexican Food
Mexican restaurant
Family‑owned and praised for weekend pozole and bold, house salsas. The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau singled out Los Pastores for its punchy salsa, and regulars come early for breakfast plates and handmade tortillas.
Bigotes restaurant
Mexican restaurant
A 36‑year East Arlington institution with all‑you‑can‑eat enchiladas and tacos, menudo, and old‑school breakfasts. Profiled by Fort Worth Star‑Telegram in 2025, it’s value‑driven, no‑frills, and deeply woven into the community’s dining routine.
Hurtado Barbecue
Barbecue restaurant
Not a Mexican restaurant, but its birria tacos are a local favorite and cited by Eater Dallas among the region’s best. The Arlington flagship marries smoked meats with Mexican flavors, reflecting the city’s creative cross‑cultural cooking.
