Restaurantji's Needham picks for the finest Mexican cuisine.
“Yes , this is the right place. A delicious hole in the wall Mexican shop hiding between service stations and commercial buildings. A hidden Waltham gem .. I almost wish it hadn't gotten noticed because the patron traffic is obviously higher now :)“
“Found this hidden gem on Instagram one day and the birria tacos served here looked insane so of course I had to try it! The restaurant is small but the staff are super sweet. You can try and walk in; however, the place does fill up quickly so try and get a reservation if you can! Started off with an order of guacamole and chips with some salsa and upon first glance it looks pretty regular. But the first bite of the guacamole and you can feel how smooth and zesty it's been made. The salsa was also delicious with some heat! For entrees ordered the Al pastor burrito and of course the birria tacos. The burrito was massive and a very interesting take on a burrito as it was crispy and seared well unlike most burritos which are usually quick soft and floppy.But no flops here. Pair each bite with the guac or salsa and it's perfect moving on to the star of the show, why I came here! The birria looks amazing. I loved how crispy the fried cheese was. Similar to the burrito, most birria taco spots make a wet and floppy taco, but no flops here!! The meat was super tender and you can tell it's been stewed inside the consume for hours maybe even days?! Each bite was better than the last.My only warning is due be mindful of how much consume you're consuming as it's a little salty and you might not notice it until after you've left the restaurant or even the next day.“
“I've been several times and I've never been disappointed. There are a few things I would change on the menu if I was in charge, but they execute what they offer very well. Would love to have a bit more vegetarian creativity, but even the plain "cheese enchiladas" are amazing. The ambience both indoors and out (when the weather is good) is great. All in all I think Acitron is an example of a city-class restaurant that happens to be conveniently located here in my town. Lucky to have them.“
“I frequent this place and another similar fusion restaurant nearby and I will say that this is definitely the more consistent of the two, albeit a bit pricier. Most of their menu items are quite delicious and the rice entrees also come with a side of miso soup, but I find some of the more Korean entrees very heavy in plain veggies and lacking in salt, which makes them a bit more bland than I'm used to from other places. I really enjoy the Coreanos Bowl and their quesadillas, and would recommend them if you are looking to give this place a try.“
“Was in the mood for a burrito and for some odd reason somerville hasn’t been it for burritos as of late… so I decided to look around and found this spot. Idk how long they have been open but decided to give it a shot based of the reviews. I can honestly say it’s one of the best burritos I’ve had in a very long time. All the employees are super nice and friendly. All the ingredients and vegetables and meats that they use is all fresh. One thing I absolutely love is that they grill the burrito for you without asking and to me that makes the burrito 100x times better. Definitely will be a returning customer!!!P.S. don’t forget the Horchata!!!“
“Not from the area, but we went to a coffee roasting event and the owner recommended checking out Moody St. My friends and I first saw Amuleto when driving too Moody St. We all like Mexican, so agreed to try it. This place did not disappoint. They seemed short-staffed at that moment, but they waiter managed just fine. Great food and drink selection and my friends are vegetarians and had no issues choosing their lunch or apps. Overall, the place is really nice inside and the food was great!I'm down in the New Bedford area and we have our fair share of great restaurants, but I would come back here again, with more friends.“
“This is my favorite place to get Mexican food. Everything I’ve had is delicious, but my favorite is the carnitas bowl. I love that they have agua fresca! Achilitos is also a great option for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-sensitive with everything clearly marked and lots of options.Vegetarian options: Lots of options for vegetarians and vegans!“
“La Victoria has long been a go-to option if I need a quick and affordable lunch option, but this past week I got catering platters from them for the Friday night dinner for our out of town guests for my son's bar mtizvah. Everything was delicious, and it was easy for people to mix and match what they wanted to eat -- a real benefit for feeding a crowd. Alex at La Victoria made the ordering process easy! We will definitely do this again!!“
“Great food but lately El Jefe's is taking a hit on bad reviews due to @GrubHub's poor ordering system with algorithm issues which I have brought to their attention, and seems they still haven't fixed since I placed an order months prior. On 3 separate occasions on the same date and time I received my order incorrect. When I compared the order from my GrubHub account against the receipt received from El Jefe's, it was determined I was missing many items from my burrito bowl. I contacted GrubHub in which they kept refunding me, and I also mentioned the issue. I ordered El Jefe's 2 more times and the same error occurred both times. I could see once they mess up the order due to reading it wrong but not 3x. El Jefe's only puts an order together based on the ordering slips they receive from GrubHub, so if something is off with GrubHub's ordering system that is what the restaurant is receiving and thus creating the order from. As much as these food delivery services are ripping off these restaurants, they got a nerve to make the restaurant take accountability for their mess ups and ordering errors. They're already scamming these vendors out of $$$ and continue to affect these companies in a negative manner. Time for these vendors to go back to the old delivery ways and cut the greedy middle man! These good delivery services are a total rip off with their high fees, whacked discounts that don't add up, and lack of customer service.“
“These are some of the nicest cocktails I have ever had, absolutely recommend the Mezcal. Get the pulpo and the plantains for a starter- they are out of this world. All flavors are insanely fresh, this place radiated high quality. Just go, you won’t regret anything you get.“
“Delishhhhh Mexican food. The inside was nice, and the furniture was made in Mexico. The salsa was good and spicy and the guacamole was standard. The nachos were probably the last nachos I've ever had they each had beans, cheese and chicken on them and a hefty amount and chip was still standing strong which is always a positive sign. The enchiladas tejanas was my favorite dish of the day. It was cheesy and delicious. The churros also had the good Dulce delicious inside of them and were crispy. Joe walked us through the menu and you can tell he's very passionate which is always awesome and our server was very sweet and attentive.“
“New taqueria in Union Square with satisfying Mexican dishes.With so many Mexican spots in East Somerville, I initially perceived Picante as just another taqueria offering standard burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. I recently dropped by this place while walking my dog, and found the place empty during peak dinner hours. To my pleasant surprise, Picante offered special dishes like Carne Asada and Pollo Asado - both my go-to dishes at authentic Mexican restaurants.Since the restaurant looked like a standard counter-serve kitchen, I was surprised when they brought a huge slap of meat from downstairs and put it on the grill. It took quite a bit to get them prepared, but the wait was worth it. The chicken from Pollo Asado was exceptionally tender, complemented by a medley of fresh vegetable toppings. With the occasional coarse grain of salt, each bite was further enhanced by a delightful burst of salty umami. The Carne Asada, although slightly overcooked, remained a savory and enjoyable dish.With its subtle surprises and quality Mexican specialty plates, Picante is a place I would probably frequent more. The experience with their standard burritos and tacos may be a bit different, but these dishes are certainly worth trying.“
“We've enjoyed their food all three times we've ordered delivery, though there have been a few issues with side items. The actual entree portion is always great, and they are good about requests. Unfortunately, the first time they forgot our drinks entirely, and the third time they delivered the wrong drinks. Also, the churros are awesome when made as described, but when they forget the filling they are pretty lackluster. Overall we'll keep ordering from them, but the mistakes are kind of annoying.“
“Phenomenal tacos. The highlights are the nachos, crispy fried tofu taco, and torta with crispy fried tofu. But you really can’t go wrong!My only recommendation would be to getter napkins for dine-in. Tacos are super messy and the napkins are thin and tiny.“
“Great fast/casual restaurant. Low-key atmosphere. We got 4 tacos and the avocado fries. The avocado fries had breading that wasn't that exiting, but it came with a cilantro ranch that was wonderful. I got the vegetable taco, my husband got the pork belly taco and we each got a pastor taco. Each were very good. Excited to try some different tacos next time! There were many other types to choose from. The service was prompt. We had a nice meal and a nice time today. I'd love to try some of the tasty sounding beverages they had on the menu next time. Will certainly go back. The restaurant is in the Norwood center area - it doesn't have it's own parking, but there is quite a bit of street parking and a lot of public lots within walking distance.“
“Best Mexican food around IMO! My daughter is always asking to go to Chipotle. Chipotle is like going to Taco Bell, when you could be going to a nice authentic restaurant. You definitely get more for your money at Felipe's too! It's a no-brainer. Burritos are so good! Give them a shot, I bet you'll be going back!“
“Best place to eat real food. We mostly go there during lunch with coworkers and it never disappoints. Great food, everything is tasty, not super expensive (not cheap) and very warm and efficient service. Haven't tried any drinks though. Beef biria is top notch.Wheelchair accessibility: Smooth wide entrance“
“The food was amazing. We couldn’t stop ordering more plates. The scallop appetizer was so refreshing and delicious! They also have a shrimp weekend special that was just packed full of flavor. My husband had the Birria taco dish and I had to fight him to a bite. The mezcal drinks were also done very well, we loved it. Before we left, the owner gave us two shots on the house because she knew we were from out of town. This was such a great dining experience, highly recommend!!“
“We came here for dinner. Service was good. Staff was helpful and friendly. We tried the Birria Taco, Fish Taco, Shrimp Taco, pork taco, Nachos steak fried, Pupuas and Churros. The Birria taco was juicy and tender. Pupuas was cheesy and delicious. We also tried some tequila and margaritas. Everything was great. Would come back“
“A small little spot for a quick Mexican bite. Portions are good. I'd hoped my burrito came with some chips on the side like most other places do, but at least the burrito was filling. Had my burrito had just 15-20% more steak I would've given max stars. All in all still very good. I placed my order in English and my parents were able to place theirs in Spanish just as easily thanks to the bilingual staff. It's a small thing, but I appreciate it!“
“Great food. We ordered fish tacos, grilled shrimp bowl, veggie enchiladas, and a bean and cheese burrito. Everything was excellent and the price was great. I will certainly come back many times. This is now my favorite place for tacos and burritos in the Boston area. This review is about takeout, so I can't comment on the service or ambiance.“
Mexican • $
“I simply loved it. Was visiting my friend in Boston and we went there on Sunday. I loved the nachos that they great you with as soon as you are seated ... yummy with the sauce. You can get as much as you want ( but don't fill your stomach before you get your food ) ??? nice and smiling staff. Ready to help but some don't speak English. One waiter was nice but didn't bring me a fork for like 15 minutes, had to go and ask for it myself. Bathrooms relatively clean. Liked the food but it was my mistake regarding what I ordered, just made the wrong choice compared to what I expected. I will go there again for sure.Ohhh i was about to forget???????? make sure you order the guacamole yummy yummy yummy.. HUGE portion and the nice thing is that they are generous with their portions.“
“This place is mostly takeout, not dine-in. We tried to dine in anyway because there were tables and we were ready to eat. The food comes quickly as most TexMex choices share the same building blocks -- and thus the food was mostly already prepared when we ordered. The food was tasty, but not as good as TexMex in Texas.“
“Very small space, but the decor is cute. There are only three tables, so not good for large parties. I recommend taking to-go. The bulgogi beef burrito is my favorite. The sauces are good, and it is filling. I haven’t been here in years, so I am not sure if the quality is the same.“
“So excited to welcome this new spot to the neighborhood. We dined in, and I was impressed by the food. Everything was flavorful and fresh. We ordered a pork burrito and quesadilla, yuca and plantains, an horchata and banana smoothie. I'd recommend all of them. Prices are totally reasonable, and I brought leftovers home. Service was a bit slow as they were filling online orders. Ambiance isn't special but fine. Will definitely be back.“
“We stopped by for lunch to celebrate our son's birthday with some friends, 5 people all together. We didn't need reservations and were treated by a very sweet, caring, and efficient staff. And the food was delicious authentic Mexican food. We are still dreaming about the delicious flautas! We enjoyed the fried ice cream and churros for dessert. We look forward to returning when we're in the area.“
“Overall, really good restaurant with a great agave selection!Food should really be 4.5/5, all was very good but nothing spectacular. Guacamole was surprisingly smooth, definitely worth getting!We tried a selection of their margaritas and they were all good in their own ways.Make the reservation, you won’t regret it!“
“Came in for a quick dessert since I saw they had churros on the menu! I thought it was a good deal ($4.5 for two). It came with a sauce and they were filled with a sweet cream. Will definitely come back to try their other food. Seemed like a nice family-run local business!“
“We stopped by here because everything around us was closed at 10PM. The drinks and food were awesome. They have a big selection of cocktails you would never think of trying. Their deviled eggs were so good and the bratwurst sausage was delish. Service was really great. Everyone is extremely nice and welcoming. We came back for a second round the next day!“
“We didn't know what to expect from Pakistani Mexican cuisine but, damn, it was delicious! The staff was so kind, making us feel so welcome. We ordered the butter chicken, samosas, cheese naan (pretty much a less greasy quesadilla) and the mango lassi (mmmm that was a good mango lassi). Would go back - both for the food and the experience. Thanks!“
“Came here for the vegan options and was satisfied. Pleasantly surprised even. Love that they label the vegan items on the menu and that their refried beans are vegan. I got a bowl and my hubby got a burrito, and we left happy. ??Parking: Parking in the neighborhood is extremely limited. I recommend taking public transportation.“
“This may be the best Mexican restaurant in Boston. Do yourself a favor and try this place! Had the nopalitos, fajitas, tostada, and sike marga + chips and salsa. It was all fantastic! Our server was also very attentative, nice, and let us try a bite of several things we were considering. Thank you for a great meal!“
“Went here for bottomless brunch…absolutely delicious at a price you can’t beat. Service is friendly and quick, while the ambiance is pretty uncrowded and relaxing. I would highly recommend the French Toast, Molettes, and Chicken + Waffles. Plates are small which adds to the fun of unlimited ordering. Makes for a great morning!“
“Food was great. We ordered a few different things; nachos, biria tacos, and a few different pupusas. Only issue with the food was the pupusas were very mushie and fell apart instantly (still delicious). Another little issue was, there was a group of what seemed to be homeless people who were in and out throughout our dining. They kept saying they were waiting for their food, bit it was obvious they were not. All that aside, I really liked everything.“
“Really delicious food at a good price. Good for vegetarians too. A bit salty, but isn't all restaurant food? Casual, good for families. Nice comfy booths. In last few years, the son has made some nice innovations -- great beer list, filtered water.“
“Don't be fooled by the exterior and location, this place was wonderful. The staff were super friendly and I was very pleasantly surprised to be served high-quality chips and salsa, for free, in addition to my meal at the table. I was not expecting table service. There was something delicious advertised at the cash register, which I've unfortunately forgotten the name of. It was open faced, like a tostada, but in more of a doughy, pastry shell. I was so glad I ordered it to go. You should be sure to try it too! The tostones were perfectly salted. As a Gringa, my meal had the perfect amount of heat. I tasted all of the cilantro and fresh flavors but without tears or a single drink with my meal. I'll be back!“
“I am a college student at university it Cincinnati and I always have a great time here. The service has never failed to amaze me as well as the food. The food is a great price as well as the drinks for the portions you get. Overall I highly recommended visiting you will not be disappointed.“
“I came here for an event so it was just our group there. We sat at the bar and one of our party got their food a bit later but it was hectic having a big group there rather than usual diners. As a Texan, paying $7 for a taco is a bit crazy but these were genuinely delicious. My favorite was the Queso Carne because of the onion and bacon jam. However, the meat in both tacos was tender and flavorful. The food was delicious and it seems like a cute spot to visit again!“
“We were a party of 12 and had a great meal. Our server was Isabel B and I highly recommend you asking for her by name. She handled our large group with grace and aplomb. Food was nice and hot when served, came on a timely basis and drinks were also very good.“
“Eating chimichanga for the first time. Seasoned just right, the roast meat was great, as were the beans. Detail of the sour cream on top of the lettuce added the finishing touch. Food well prepared, 5 minutes very well waited. Very simple but extremely welcoming environment. Excellent service, very friendly.“
“Uuuh i don’t know why this isnt like 4.8 stars…if youre looking for vegan drunk food before 11, or just food in general, the loaded burrito is hands down the king. I normally wouldnt care to leave a review but it was so effing delicious and somehow just not part of any review on any of the sites. Time for some comeuppance. Best burrito ive had in a long time“
“Came here after seeing a movie and wanted to try a burrito! It was actually really delicious and the customer service was amazing! I’m always skeptical of Mexican food in Boston especially being from California but this place didn’t disappoint, Will definitely be returning!“
“Must eat here! Food and service are both excellent. The best hands down in house made guacamole and salsa. Pupusas, sweet plantains and the Montanero are personal favorites. The whole menu is great and you can't go wrong with any of these dishes. If you are looking for delicious, authentic food, then look no further than Taqueria El Carrizal!“
“I’m not a fan of eating at the same restaurant but this is one of the very few exceptions. I dream about the nachos and veggie chili. I have never once had a bad experience and the margaritas? My absolute favorite margaritas , especially the strawberry basil flavor. If you want a margarita that feels like drinking two in one get the nitro margarita! There’s something for everyone and the staff is so kind“
“This place easily has the best burritos around and the nicest guys working there. The fajita burrito is absolutely delicious. The only reason for four stars is because I found out that the workers only receive cash tips so if you leave a tip on a credit card, or Apple Pay, those tips do not go to the workers. if you happen to go in for some delicious burritos, please just remember to put a little cash in your wallet if you or someone who tips for takeout! I know everything is done electronically nowadays, so it's a shame that we have to worry about where our tips are going, but there are unfortunately places like this where credit card tips just go to the restaurant owners.“
“Service is both friendly and efficient, but what I'm really here to say is that this is the best lunch value in the entire Longwood/Fenway area, and a fantastic vegan option. Built my own small bowl today: brown rice, fajita veggies, roasted broccoli, corn salsa, tofu, black beans, jalapeno salsa--10 bucks. This is an extraordinary value, and I feel well fed but not grossly full after.“
“Hit the spot! I stopped by after some shopping and had the carnitas quesadilla. It was the perfect portion and it also came with pico de gallo, sour cream and guac. The service was fast too, I only had to wait a few minutes and this was around 1130 so they were getting quite busy. Very small place, most people were doing take out. They have some outdoor tables too. I'll defiantly be back next time I'm in the area!“
“Great fresh Food!!!Try the pupusas, yum! They stuff them with enough ingredients and give it flavor. My family loved the pupusas & their strawberry banana smoothies?.The restaurant is clean and the staff is nice and provides great service!!! Totally worth it!!! Thank you?“
“Love this place, must-visit if you’re in the area. Was there this past Saturday at 11:45AM just before the Boston College football game. Walked right in and ordered. If you go after the game lines are literally out the door. My favorite is the caramelos but they might be too spicy for some.“
“I’ve gotten a burrito from Hungry Coyote at least once a week for the past two years and they have never disappointed. Their burritos are delicious and full of fresh ingredients. Their menu is super customizable to your cravings and very easy to order. Would highly recommend coming here instead of boring old Chipotle ;)“