18 Dishes To Avoid When Dining At A Mexican Restaurant

Mexican cuisine is rich, diverse, and full of traditional flavors that delight the senses. However, not all dishes served at Mexican restaurants maintain the authenticity or quality one might expect. Here’s a list of 18 dishes you might want to avoid when dining out at a Mexican restaurant.

1. Fajitas Drenched in Oil

Fajitas can look quite impressive when served, sizzling on a plate. But when drenched in oil, these dishes often deliver more visual appeal than real taste. Overly greasy fajitas can overshadow the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.

The excess oil not only makes the dish heavy but can also leave an unpleasant aftertaste. A truly delightful fajita should balance the smoky char of the grill with fresh, crisp vegetables, not be swimming in fat.

Opt for a version where the flavors are highlighted, not hidden by oil.

2. Deep-Fried Chimichangas

Chimichangas are essentially burritos taken to the fryer. This deep-fried delight may sound tempting, but it often ends up being more of a greasy indulgence than a flavorful experience.

The heavy, oily nature of chimichangas can overshadow the ingredients inside, turning what should be a tasty meal into a calorie-laden affair. Authentic Mexican cuisine rarely involves deep-frying burritos, focusing instead on fresh, robust flavors.

If you crave something similar, a standard burrito offers a more genuine taste without the unnecessary grease.

3. Ground Beef Tacos (American-Style)

American-style ground beef tacos are a far cry from the depth and richness of traditional Mexican tacos. Often, these tacos are filled with overly salted ground beef, lacking the complexity of meats like carnitas or barbacoa.

The hard shell, while providing a crunch, doesn’t compare to the soft, warm embrace of a freshly made corn tortilla. As a result, these tacos can feel one-dimensional.

For a more authentic experience, seek out tacos that showcase slow-cooked meats, allowing you to savor the essence of Mexican culinary art.

4. Nachos as an Entrée

Nachos piled high with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños are best enjoyed as a shared appetizer rather than an entrée. While tempting, this dish is often heavy on dairy and light on essential nutrients such as protein and vegetables.

The richness can quickly become overwhelming, leaving little room for the diverse flavors Mexican cuisine offers.

For a more balanced meal, consider splitting nachos with friends to whet the appetite, saving room for more varied and nourishing dishes that truly represent the vibrant taste of Mexico.

5. Seafood Cocktails at Questionable Spots

Seafood cocktails can be a refreshing delight, but caution is advised when ordering them at establishments not known for fresh seafood. The risk of improperly stored or non-fresh ingredients can lead to an unpleasant dining experience.

A good seafood cocktail should be lively, with fresh flavors that dance on the palate, not leave you questioning its safety.

Always choose a restaurant with a strong reputation for its seafood offerings to ensure quality and freshness in every bite.

6. Queso Dip at Non-Tex-Mex Spots

Queso dip, with its neon-orange hue, often finds its place in Tex-Mex cuisine rather than traditional Mexican fare. At non-Tex-Mex spots, this dip can be a filler, masking the lack of genuine Mexican flavors.

While creamy and cheesy, it lacks the authenticity and depth that more traditional salsas and sauces provide.

To truly enjoy the flavors of Mexico, explore dips that highlight fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes, steering clear of queso unless in an appropriate setting.

7. Oversized Combo Platters

Combo platters promise a variety of tastes but often deliver more food than quality. These oversized meals, loaded with rice, beans, multiple meats, and cheese, can overwhelm rather than satisfy.

While the abundance might seem appealing, it often sacrifices the authenticity and attention to flavor that smaller, more focused dishes provide.

A better choice is to explore the menu for individual items crafted with care, allowing the true essence of Mexican cuisine to shine through in each bite.

8. Hard Shell Tacos

Hard shell tacos have become a staple in Americanized Mexican cuisine, but they miss the mark on authenticity. The crunchy shell lacks the soft, flexible nature of traditional corn tortillas, which better absorb the savory juices of the filling.

Often, hard shell tacos are stuffed with basic ingredients that lack freshness and depth.

For a more genuine taste, opt for tacos with handmade corn tortillas, which offer a warm, flavorful vessel for quality ingredients.

9. Canned Refried Beans

Refried beans should be creamy and rich, but when they come from a can, they can end up tasting bland and pasty. This shortcut often reflects a kitchen cutting corners, sacrificing the depth of flavor found in homemade versions.

Instead of the robust taste of properly cooked beans, canned varieties can detract from the overall dining experience.

Seek out restaurants that take pride in their sides, crafting each element with care and attention to tradition.

10. Sweet Margaritas with Mix

Margaritas should be zesty and refreshing, but those made with pre-packaged mixes often end up overly sweet and artificial. These neon-colored cocktails lack the vibrant citrus flavor of freshly squeezed lime juice, making them a poor representation of what a margarita should be.

The artificial taste can overshadow the experience, leaving a synthetic aftertaste rather than a crisp finish.

For a true margarita experience, choose one made from scratch with quality ingredients, capturing the essence of Mexican craftsmanship.

11. “Carne Asada Fries” (at Non-Fusion Spots)

Carne asada fries are a fun fusion dish, blending flavors from Mexican and American cuisines. However, ordering them at non-fusion spots can lead to a dish that’s overly salted and greasy, lacking balance and depth.

The combination of fries, cheese, and carne asada can be heavy and nutritionally sparse, detracting from the authentic flavors Mexican cuisine is known for.

If you’re interested in fusion flavors, find a place that specializes in such creative dishes to ensure a delightful experience.

12. Taco Salads in Fried Tortilla Bowls

Taco salads served in fried tortilla bowls may seem like a healthier option, but the deep-fried shell often carries the most calories. This crispy bowl overshadows the freshness of the salad within, turning the dish into a calorie-dense meal.

While the salad might boast fresh veggies and tasty toppings, the fried bowl can make it less appealing to those watching their calorie intake.

For a lighter choice, opt for salads that focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients without the unnecessary fried elements.

13. Flan That’s Pre-Packaged

Flan should be a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth delight, but pre-packaged versions can turn this classic dessert into a rubbery and overly sweet disappointment. This convenience often sacrifices the delicate balance of flavors and textures that make flan special.

A quality flan should showcase a smooth, rich custard with a hint of caramel, not an artificial taste.

When dining out, look for restaurants that prepare flan in-house, ensuring a freshness and authenticity that pre-packaged options can’t match.

14. Rice That’s Mushy or Flavorless

Rice should be a flavorful accompaniment to any Mexican dish, but when it becomes mushy or bland, it reflects poorly on the kitchen’s attention to detail. Properly cooked rice should be fluffy and full of flavor, complementing the main course.

Mushy rice can indicate overcooking or lack of seasoning, detracting from the overall dining experience.

For a meal that truly shines, choose establishments that take pride in even the simplest side dishes, showcasing their commitment to quality.

15. “Mexican Pizza”

Mexican pizza might sound intriguing, but it’s often more of a fast-food gimmick than a true Mexican dish. Typically consisting of a crispy tortilla base topped with cheese and assorted toppings, it lacks the authenticity of traditional Mexican cuisine.

While fun, this dish often prioritizes convenience over quality, missing the mark on genuine flavors.

For a more authentic experience, explore traditional dishes that highlight the rich history and vibrant taste of Mexican culinary art.

16. Overloaded Burritos (With Everything Inside)

Burritos filled to the brim with every imaginable ingredient might seem convenient, but they can turn into a muddled mess of flavors. The artistry of a well-crafted burrito lies in balance, not excess.

When overloaded, the individual tastes become lost, resulting in a somewhat bland experience. Each ingredient should complement the others, rather than compete for attention.

For a more satisfying meal, choose burritos that focus on quality and harmony, showcasing the beauty of simplicity in Mexican cuisine.

17. Excessive Sour Cream or Cheese

While sour cream and cheese can enhance a dish, using them excessively may indicate an attempt to mask blandness. When every dish arrives under a blanket of dairy, it can be a sign that the core ingredients lack flavor.

Traditional Mexican cuisine values fresh, bold flavors that stand on their own, not hidden beneath layers of cheese and cream.

To truly appreciate the complexity of these dishes, seek out options where the authentic taste isn’t overshadowed by unnecessary toppings.

18. Mole That Tastes Like Chocolate Syrup

Mole is a complex, layered sauce that should be savory and aromatic, not reminiscent of chocolate syrup. When mole tastes overly sweet or like dessert, it means the balance and depth of spices have been lost.

Authentic mole should intrigue the senses, offering a symphony of flavors, each adding to the richness of the dish.

For an experience that respects the tradition and skill behind mole, choose restaurants that prepare it with care, ensuring every bite tells a story of heritage and flavor.