9 Dishes To Avoid When Dining At A Mexican Restaurant-And 9 Must-Trys You’ll Love

Mexican cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and textures, offering both traditional delights and Tex-Mex inventions. When dining at a Mexican restaurant, knowing what to avoid and what to try can enhance your culinary experience. This guide explores nine dishes that might not live up to the authentic Mexican culinary promise and nine must-try dishes that are sure to delight your palate.

1. Hard Shell Tacos with Ground Beef

Hard shell tacos filled with ground beef are more reminiscent of fast-food chains than authentic Mexican cuisine. Often greasy and bland, these tacos are overloaded with cheddar cheese and iceberg lettuce. The shell tends to shatter upon the first bite, spilling the contents rather than keeping them intact.

The fillings lack the robust flavors typical of true Mexican tacos. It’s a dish that’s more about convenience than quality, often masking lackluster ingredients with excess cheese and sour cream. Seek out tacos with authentic fillings for a genuine taste of Mexico.

2. Nachos Piled Sky-High with Everything

While visually impressive, nachos piled high with toppings often disappoint. The sheer volume of ingredients can lead to a soggy texture, losing the crispy appeal of the tortilla chips. It’s a dish more about quantity than quality, with cheese sauce drowning out other flavors.

Navigating such a mountain of ingredients can be a messy affair, leaving a trail of toppings behind. For a more satisfying experience, opt for smaller portions that allow each ingredient’s flavor to shine.

3. Queso Dip (Especially the Bright Orange Kind)

Bright orange queso dip is a far cry from authentic Mexican cheese dishes. Made from processed cheeses, this gooey concoction often lacks depth and complexity. Its artificial hue is a dead giveaway of its industrial origins, prioritizing appearance over taste.

Real Mexican queso is made from fresh, natural ingredients, offering a richer, more nuanced flavor profile. For a true cheese experience, look for dishes that highlight the quality of the cheese, rather than masking it with artificial ingredients.

4. Chimichangas

Chimichangas are a Tex-Mex creation, not a Mexican staple. These deep-fried burritos can be heavy and greasy, often overshadowing the quality of the ingredients inside. The crispy exterior might tempt you, but the internal fillings can be bland and uninspiring.

What it lacks in authenticity, it tries to compensate with a dramatic presentation, but it often falls short in taste. For a more authentic experience, try traditional burritos where the focus is on fresh, vibrant ingredients.

5. Taco Salad in a Fried Shell

Taco salads in fried shells present a misleading image of healthiness. While it might seem like a lighter option, the fried shell negates most of the salad’s nutritional benefits. Laden with sour cream and cheddar cheese, it often resembles a deconstructed taco rather than a balanced dish.

The tortilla shell becomes the main event, overshadowing the fresh components. Opt for salads that prioritize fresh, flavorful ingredients over fried gimmicks.

6. Fajitas (at Chain Restaurants)

Fajitas at chain restaurants may sizzle, but they often lack authentic flavor. The theatrical presentation overshadows the taste, with bland vegetables and under-seasoned meat. It’s more about the spectacle than substance, with the sizzling sound drawing attention.

For a more flavorful experience, seek out fajitas prepared with care, where spices and marinades enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Authentic fajitas are a celebration of taste, not just sound and sight.

7. Combo Platters with Everything Smothered in Cheese

Combo platters smothered in cheese can be an overwhelming experience, where individual flavors get lost in the mix. These platters often resemble a cafeteria tray, with little distinction between the different items. Cheese becomes the dominant flavor, masking the true essence of each dish.

Instead of a harmonious blend, you get a chaotic mixture where nothing stands out. For a more satisfying meal, choose dishes that allow specific flavors to shine without being overwhelmed by cheese.

8. Frozen Margaritas

Frozen margaritas can be more sugar than substance. Unless freshly made with real lime juice, these drinks often resemble a sugary slush with tequila fumes. The artificial sweeteners and flavors overwhelm the palate, leaving little room for the refreshing citrus notes of a well-made margarita.

For a genuine experience, seek out margaritas crafted with fresh ingredients, where the balance of citrus and tequila creates a refreshing, sophisticated drink.

9. Refried Beans That Taste Like Paste

Refried beans should be creamy, spiced, and full of depth. Unfortunately, many versions end up as gray, paste-like substances that lack flavor. Canned varieties often miss the mark, offering a bland, uninspiring side dish.

When made with care, refried beans can be a delightful accompaniment, rich with spices and a hint of smokiness. Opt for freshly made beans that highlight the quality and flavor of the ingredients.

10. Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al Pastor reign supreme in Mexican street food. The marinated pork, slowly cooked on a vertical spit, absorbs flavors that burst with each bite. Topped with sweet pineapple, onion, and fresh cilantro, these tacos offer a symphony of taste.

Each element complements the other, creating a balanced and flavorful experience. The tradition of Tacos al Pastor is deeply rooted in Mexican culinary history, promising an authentic taste that transports you directly to the vibrant streets of Mexico City.

11. Carne Asada

Carne Asada is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Grilled to perfection, the marinated steak is juicy and flavorful, offering a satisfying bite. Served with warm tortillas, lime, and perhaps a splash of salsa, it becomes a comforting and hearty meal.

The marinade enhances the natural flavors of the meat, creating a depth that’s both rich and subtle. Carne Asada embodies the essence of Mexican cuisine, where quality ingredients are celebrated through traditional methods.

12. Tamales

Tamales are a labor of love, crafted from corn dough (masa) and filled with flavorful ingredients like pork, chicken, or cheese. Steamed in a corn husk, they offer a comforting, home-cooked feel that speaks to the heart of Mexican traditions.

Handmade tamales provide a burst of flavor with each bite, the masa soft and the fillings robust. They’re a reminder of the rich cultural heritage found in every corner of Mexico, where family recipes are passed down through generations.

13. Pozole

Pozole is a warm embrace in a bowl. This rich hominy soup, often made with pork or chicken, is a staple in Mexican households. Garnished with shredded cabbage, radish, and lime, it offers a vibrant and hearty meal.

The depth of flavor comes from hours of simmering, where spices and ingredients meld perfectly. Pozole is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings people together, a celebration of community and tradition.

14. Mole Poblano

Mole Poblano is a culinary masterpiece, a complex sauce made from chilies, spices, and chocolate. Its deep, smoky flavor is unforgettable, often served over tender chicken, creating a dish that’s both rich and satisfying.

The intricate blend of ingredients results in a sauce that’s more than just a condiment; it’s an art form. Mole Poblano is a testament to the skill and creativity found in Mexican kitchens, promising a taste that’s truly unique.

15. Sopa de Tortilla (Tortilla Soup)

Sopa de Tortilla is comfort in a bowl. The savory broth, enriched with a smoky tomato base, offers a depth of flavor that’s both warming and satisfying. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese, it becomes a harmonious blend of textures.

This soup embodies the spirit of Mexican home cooking, where simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. It’s a nourishing and comforting dish, perfect for any occasion.

16. Chiles Rellenos

Chiles Rellenos are a testament to bold flavors. Poblano peppers are stuffed with cheese or meat, then battered and fried to perfection. The result is a dish that’s both filling and satisfying, with a balance of textures and flavors.

Topped with a rich tomato sauce, Chiles Rellenos offer a taste that’s both comforting and exciting. This dish celebrates the diverse culinary landscape of Mexico, where innovation and tradition go hand in hand.

17. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Elote is a delightful mess worth every bite. Charred corn on the cob is slathered with mayo, lime, cheese, and chili powder, creating a symphony of flavors. It’s a street food staple in Mexico, offering a taste that’s both bold and exciting.

The combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy elements makes Elote an unforgettable treat. It’s a celebration of Mexican street food culture, where simple ingredients are transformed into something extraordinary.

18. Ceviche

Ceviche is a refreshing delight, where fresh seafood is “cooked” in citrus juices, resulting in a dish that’s zingy and light. Mixed with tomato, onion, cilantro, and avocado, it offers a refreshing burst of flavor.

This coastal favorite captures the essence of the sea, with each bite offering a taste of the ocean. Ceviche is a testament to the freshness and vibrancy of Mexican cuisine, perfect for those seeking a light yet flavorful dish.