50 Best Mexican Restaurants near Highland Park

“We went here with a friend. The kitchen was a bit loud like someone was banging pots. Decor is pretty sparse, we were the only people there on a Saturday evening. The tacos are good, don't expect any sort of side like beans or rice. Everything on the menu is less than $15 so expect the experience to line up accordingly.“

“This place is a gem in HP, quaint and charming, hands down, some of the best food I’ve had recently! They use the freshest ingredients and make sure each dish is done the right way. The Tacos al Pastor was especially memorable. Must try!!“

“I had the tamales with pork rather than chicken. The sauce was sultry and with just the right amount of heat. The corn shell was perfect and had a wonderful texture. The meal included a small salad and beans and rice. The server was attentive and polite. I would recommend you give it a try!“

“I love going here. The food is always fresh and delicious. The staff is patient and helpful with my order. They help with suggestions for sauces. I always leave satisfied ..I love their burritos and their guacamole is my favorite around.“

“So glad to have come across this place!! I have been here twice so far and gotten take out once. The staff are super friendly and greet everyone as you walk in, but the aromas of the food greet you as you walk up to the building. They have a breakfast menu in addition to the lunch/dinner menu and I have happily eaten from both. The portions are generous and for what you get, the prices are amazing. Everything I have had so far tasted amazing, and the food is very fresh. The amount of avocado on every order was fantastic and there is not an upcharge for it. The only complaint I can muster up is that the location is a little small, and since the food is so good, there may be a little wait if you come at a busy time. But that is really the only thing, and the food is definitely worth the wait. I can say that for takeout, the food traveled well and was still a great temperature when I got home. Will be back a bunch of times, and will try to remember to take photos next time!“

“We had an amazing time on our date night! Juan was an incredible server. He answered all of our questions and even gave suggestions for things we would love. The food was quick but they didn’t rush you at all. We can’t wait to come back!“

“I stumbled upon this gem (Gaelos) of a Mexican spot, tucked away on a corner, and let me tell you, it's worth slowing down for. From the moment I stepped in, I was impressed. Despite the limited seating, the cozy atmosphere exuded charm.Now, let's talk about the food. I ordered the chicken burrito with no lettuce, and they graciously accommodated my request to have the guacamole and sour cream on the side. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, with perfectly seasoned beans and rice that were far from mushy. The toasted burrito added an extra layer of delight to every mouthful.But what truly sets this place apart is the service. The staff went above and beyond to ensure my dining experience was exceptional. They were attentive, friendly, and eager to cater to my preferences.In summary, if you're in the area, do yourself a favor and pay a visit to this charming Mexican spot. Whether you dine in or opt for takeout, you won't be disappointed. I can't wait to return and explore more of their menu, and I wholeheartedly recommend you do the same. Trust me, you won't regret it!“

“My girlfriend and I have been coming here for well over a year now, and it is unbelievable how consistently good the quality of the food is. It gets better every single time we go. The Al pastor tacos melt in your mouth, with the perfect amount of pineapple and smoky flavor. Highly recommend. Service, atmosphere is phenomenal as well.“

“Ordered food for a family party and EVERYONE at the party loved the food. They delivered the food to our home and couldn’t have been nicer. I had never even eaten there before and decided to support a local business and I’m so glad that I did. The food was absolutely amazing and everything was fresh. HIGHLY “

“The food be bussin'.Authentic.Genuine.Flavorful.These are the words that I would use in describing Taqueria Maria's. We have eaten from Taqueria Maria's previously, however, that occasion called for take-out. I recall the food being rather good. However, it wasn't until we chose to dine-in at the location that we were reminded of how amazing the food is.While the menu inclined towards the Tex-Mex varietal, I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. The ambiance - the music, neutral clay tones of the walls and flooring, and the sound of sizzling food on the griddle echoing from the kitchen - really set the mood and complimented the authenticity of the food. The staff seemed very happy-go-lucky and were incredibly friendly in their service.Beginning with the complimentary nacho chips, you will be pleasantly treated with two different salsas (verde and roja). While neither were incredibly spicy on the Scoville spectrum, they both hold their individual uniqueness. The verde sauce definitely has a bigger kick than the roja, while the red sauce is delightfully flavorful - it's as if Rao's had a baby with a puree'd roasted red bell pepper.We ordered the burrito and the enchiladas plates. The burrito serving was massive and generous, being garnished with a bed of lettuce on top. Meanwhile, everything about the enchiladas plate was spectacular - from the black beans, rice, to the enchiladas themselves. The same verde sauce for the nachos now appeared to dress and gracefully bathe the pair of enchiladas, enriching it with tantalizing flavor. This spice paired perfectly with the chicken, as hints of lime and cilantro accentuated the entire profile of the meal. While the saucy beans mixed with the soft texture of the rice grains to create a satiating meal. We also ordered a side of grilled jalapenos which were made to perfection - holding the perfect amount of char, whilst retaining the satisfying crunch.If Taqueria Maria's was a bit closer, I reckon that my family and I would frequent this eatery more often. I would definitely recommend to anyone seeking a good Mexican meal, whether that be for lunch or dinner.“

“Had such a great breakfast here today. The red velvet waffles were delicious as was the latte I ordered. My daughter had the huevos rancheros which she said was really good. My niece had the eggs Benedict which she said was cooked perfectly. Such a nice cafe with friendly staff. Will definitely be back!Kid-friendliness: They had high chairs available.“

“The place is just fun to eat at; great lighting, fun decorations. All our food was great, and the create your own taco menu was AWESOME! Prices were very reasonable as well, and staff was on point. (Went here before a show at the State Theater)“

“I tried their birria tacos when they first opened (1-2 years ago), and they were good but I remember the tacos were on the smaller side compared to others I've had (e.g. Chofi in Union). Granted, they were a new restaurant and I assumed still working out some kinks. In all honesty, I ended up forgetting about this restaurant. I just ordered through Uber eats today, and the tacos were bigger than last time, tasted amazing, and delivered hot. Flavor was on point for the tacos, consome, and green salsa. Happy to add The Birria Kitchen in my rotation of local restaurants!“

“First time coming to this place. I did not expect it to be a "house", but it was a pleasant surprise. The girl that took our order was really nice and attentive throught our meal. We ordered a tamal verde and tamal de mole to start with. I had enchiladas verdes with chicken for dinner. The portion of the food was perfect. My husband ordered the steak with rice and beans that came with what looked like hand made tortillas. I also ordered their piña colada which tasted natural to me. It was refreshing. The total for two dinners was also a plus. Will definitely go backParking: only 5 spots for the restaurant, but the restaurant is small with atleast 5 tables inside“

“Always a great time here, food is delicious and the alcohol is actually good. Never felt sick after drinking margs here even the next day. The food is large portions and always delicious. Recommend getting apps and margs then sharing tacos because we always fill up after we ate that. The wait typically isn’t bad and there’s always been space at the bar to wait. Would recommend it here if you are looking for good Mexican food“

“What a great restaurant! We found it by chance and it’s like a little jewelry box filled with good authentic atmosphere, delicious food and amazing music. Señora Alma, the owner treated us as the family, the tacos were tasty. They also have some Oaxaca souvenirs and pottery for sale, the ambience is welcoming and warm.I will definitely be back for more. And did I mention they have parking lot next door for their customers.“

“We went Sunday afternoon as a group of 10. We ordered 9 different entrées and they were all great. My husband loved the steak fajitas and the steak with chimichurri sauce was a hit!! The food was fresh and not overly salty. Our servers were very friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back!“

“BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT HANDS DOWN!!!! The food was soo good, the mole is definitely handmade and not store bought. The pozole was soo good, very authentic without the extra padding. Picaditas was on spot with the cook time. The beans were also made so well, it was really impressive.Over all, this restaurant is definitely authentic in every sense. The staff was so nice and attentive, the lady that made the food was very humble and kind. It is definitely a hidden gem that needs more exposure.“

“Really yummy food, great atmosphere, and service. I had the 3 tacos (Al Pastor - marinated port, Bistec (beef), and Camaron (shrimp)) and my husband had the Pescada ala Mexicana (fried fish with shrimp). Everything was sooooo tasty. Will definitely be coming back here!“

“A great roadside restaurant! This is such a great local favorite restaurant. The food is phenomenal, and the service is very friendly. Be careful though, because during the weekends and evenings, the waits can be over an hour! Get there early or get a reservation! Other than that, highly recommended!“

“I was surprised by how good the food was. I got a burrito bowl with carne and it was fantastic. The meat was tender and savory, and the combination of flavors left me wanting more. The atmosphere was really nice and casual. The dining area was semi outdoors with a sliding roof that they will open/close depending on the weather. I'll definitely be coming back and recommend it to anyone dining in this area.“

“If you’re looking for savory food this is is the place. Had to try the menu and it’s been 3 times already jajaja. The tacos are loaded, great prices, the atmosphere is quiet and chill, and the natural juices are great as well. If you’re in the area definitely a must try.“

“This place is so cute! The decore is great and the lit up corner its on definitely catches your attention. The food...oh the food is delicious! We did take out once and had to go to the restaurant and check it out. We were not disappointed! Family favorite is the burritos! Definitely recommend for dine in or take out.Parking: Parking is limited in the back of the restaurant.Kid-friendliness: My kid ate the food and he's a super picky eater.“

“Never knew this cantina was here! Such a great spot. Very cool interior decor, service was nice, food was delicious, and drinks were strong! They start you off with chip and salsa. The bacon wrapped jalapeños were a fantastic appetizer. They were spicier than expected and we loved them. The margarita flight is a must get. We love them frozen and our favorites were coconut and passion fruit. The burrito with bacon wrapped shrimps was delicious!! Definitely recommend stopping by here if you can!Now for my standard comments. The interior was very clean and they have patio seating outdoors.Wheelchair accessibility: Handicap parking right outside, no steps to get inside. They have a floor level and then upstairs.“

“Love the food, Love the service, Atmosphere, is where ever this truck it at. Love the food, love the service love the people.It is so good we ate lunch with the crew then found them a few towns over and had dinner with them. NOW, where will they be next and for us not to be like a stalker.“

“I cannot rave about this place enough. We visit about once or twice a week and everyone seems to get better. Highly recommend if you're looking for legitimate Tex mex dining. Clean establishment, food is phenomenal, the gentleman who owns it is so kind and attentive. The hospitality is just as good as the food.“

“Came for the Taco Tuesday special and it was so good. 3 tacos for 8 dollars depending on what meat you get. I got the chicken and my brother got the al pastor. Both were really good and delicious! The red and green sauces that come with the tacos are also really good as well. Ive been here a few times and it's now my go to spot for tacos.“

“(Translated by Google) The place is new and I dared to visit it for the moment the service was great what I hope to receive in the service is first a smile and I received it very super well from the waitress, also the food tastes good, the tortilla chips were missing at the entrance with its sauce but everything was fine, the cook's service was very good, he even offered me a taste of the food they cook there, which I didn't receive because I was on the way out and I was in a hurry, but the truth is I plan to go back again to try some other dish and give the next review.(Original)El lugar es nuevo y me atreví a visitarlo por el momento el servicio estuvo genial lo que espero recibir en el servicio es primero una sonrisa y la recibí muy súper bien de la mesera, además la comida esta buena buen sabor, faltaron los totopos de entrada con su salsa pero todo bien el servicio del cocinero muy bueno hasta me ofreció darme una prueba de los alimentos que cocinan ahí lo cual no recibí por que iba de salida y tenia prisa pero la verdad pienso volver de nuevo a probar algún otro platillo y dar el siguiente review.“

“When it comes to Mexican cuisine, this is the spot where you should spend your money. Small location but suitable for a party of 4. I mean, you just have to make a stop and try for yourself. The price is also great for the food you're getting. Try it out.“

“We ordered here on Sunday and loved the homemade guacamole and chips. My husband had the spicy pork tacos and I the enchiladas in green sauce. It was so flavorful and cooked perfectly. I craved it again and ordered on Wednesday evening. This time a gentleman was preparing the food and at the front desk. It was just as delicious, authentic and could taste that the chef took pride in the dishes.“

“When I say everything was top notch. I got the fried pickles 10 out of 10, the street corn also a 10 out of 10.To add to my madness I got the shrimp and jerk chicken fajitas. Babbyyyyyyyyy I was so surprised at how it came out. My food came out sizzling and I love it. The toppings were so fresh and so on point. I love this place it’s a new fav for me. 20 out of 20I had a margarita the mi casa is su casa it was so freaking delicious and I got one to go. It was made with casamigos.My first time here and let me just say I will be back. My waiter was sweet and attentive“

“I had the Chicken Enchiladas (red) and it was wonderful!!! Fresh, delicious homemade Tres Leches!!! Best ever! Nice, casual, very clean, very friendly! The owner herself took my order. The food came out quickly and it was delicious!!!!!! Excellent Chipotle Chicken!Parking: Large public parking lot right beside it and also street parking.“

“We've been waiting for this place to open for a while because we haven't found good Mexican in the area. We just tried this place for the first time today and we'll definitely be coming back! Ordered the quesa birria tacos, el pastor tacos, chicken enchiladas, chicken quesadillas, and rice and beans. Everything was really full of flavor! So excited they are opened!“

“Hi me & my wife stopped in & we had the best experience the best burritos it was better than chipotle & Moe’s with many varieties to choose from meats & sauces the burritos were big & full of goodness everything was fresh great customer service we had the pleasure of meeting the owner he was such a great guy he was so welcoming & he actually work he waited on us 10’s across the board do me a favor & get you some love chips so good you’ll be addicted I wish we had a location in Buffalo Ny we will definitely be back soon thanks again“

“I recommend giving this place a chance. As a flexitarian (someone who mostly eats plant-based foods, and fish on occasion), I order foods like veggie quesadilla, margherita pizza, churros. They were delicious. The manager/owner and the entire staff are nice and hardworking. I am curious to see if new Mexican cuisine items that are vegetarian/flexitarian will be added in the future.“

“I found the chorizo to be extremely flavorful and full of spice and a great level of heat. I enjoyed it inside a burrito. You order via a kiosk and get a buzzer, and when your food is ready, the buzzer goes off, and you pick up your food at a separate window. The place has a cozy ambiance and efficient workers. No complaints.“

“I had to pick up a package at the UPS Customer Service center across the street (which this UPS's posted hours are different than on the UPS website and they didn't open for another hour) so I grabbed lunch here while waiting. The restaurant looks new and VERY clean with a spacious seating area. An employee took the time to explain to me what they serve and I ordered a Burrito Bowl ($12). The portion was HUGE and I was happy that I could custom order it as I like (mixing in both types of rice, mixed beans and mixed protein and lots of toppings to choose from). All the ingredients were fresh (including the lettuce and guac), tasty and nicely seasoned. The chicken was tender chunks and not grisly or chewy. I really enjoyed the bowl; it tasted like it was homemade and I had enough leftover to save for later. I'm not a fan of Chip-NO-tle and wasn't sure how this would be, but I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely come back when I'm in the area again.“

“A no frill restaurant. We weren’t sure if the server was fluent with English. The service was adequate.We had a burrito bowel, one verde con pollo (chicken w green sauce) tamale, one mole con pollo (chicken with mole) tamale, and a chicken tostada. For drinks we had jarrito mandarine and tamarind piña.The burrito was standard. The verde con pollo was delicious and the tostada was generous and tasty. The mole sauce was more bitter than sweet; it’s different from most places. The tamarind piña was good too.Wheelchair accessibility: It’s a small place with upstairs, no good for wheelchairs“

“We are on our way to NY and we made a detour to have dinner, we found this place and it exceeded our expectations, we are from El Paso TX and the seasoning in these parts is very different in Mexican food to what we are used to, the food was very delicious, I ordered something simple, minced meat without meat and the sauce was very delicious, both the green and the red, although it was a simple meal, it had a lot of flavor??? ???. The attention of the owner and the waitress were very good, the place was clean and pleasant, the portion was generous with 2 filling me up, I would gladly eat here again ?.“

“this place is truly great. we ordered a few things and ended up taking most of it home because the soup portions were nice and hefty. everything was flavorful and made when ordered. cannot recommend this place enough. as soon as our soups came out we were shocked at how big the bowls were and how aromatic the soups were. flavors and service were on point. hidden gem 100%“

“I came in here on a Tuesday unaware that this restaurant had a Taco Tuesday special. The taco orders come in sets of 2 and each set is $4, so $2 per taco. Compared to some of the other Mexican restaurants around, this was an exceptional deal to me. After being seated, I was given chips and salsa. There are 4 varieties of salsa that are freshly made in this restaurant and the chips strike the right balance between saltiness, crunchiness, and grease. I ordered 4 sets of tacos that day (8 in total) and stuffed myself silly. Needless to say that the tacos were delicious. I liked that they gave thick cuts of radish with the tacos. It makes them feel healthier in a way. Since I've first came to this restaurant, I've since returned and tried all of the non-vegetarian taco varieties available on Taco Tuesday. My favorites would probably be the al pastor, campechanos, and enchiladas, but all of them were good. I don't think I've ever countered tacos de campechanos or enchiladas before, so those were interesting to me.Besides the tacos, I quite like the interior design of the place. It's very colorful and they play all sorts of old school Mexican pop and rock songs. The service is quick and the staff is very attentive.Now until now I've done nothing but praise this restaurant up until this point, but there are a couple of (very minor) downsides I want to point out. One is that there's no beer or alcoholic drinks served here, which is fine I guess since I really don't need the extra calories anyways. The second is that this place doesn't have my favorite taco variety - tacos de lengua. To me, having tacos de lengua on the menu makes me feel like it's a real Mexican place, but not having isn't the end of the world. Oh well. Would be nice though.I'll be bringing my friends here in the future and hopefully they'll enjoy it as much as I do. Maybe I'll also come back on a day other than Tuesday to try some of the other menu items.“

“one of the best places around new brunswick. not sure why it's 3 stars they have great customer service the chorizo, shrimp, and queso are beyond amazing this place is very good. MUST go to but don't go on a friday night as it will be packed with college kids.“

“Ordered via a food delivery service close enough to closing time to wonder if I'd regret wasting my money ?but was pleasantly (and thankfully) surprised!Instead of end of the night lack luster food, my flautas were crispy, street corn was ?‍??, chicken tacos were perfect and guac was plentiful (as opposed to the condiment-sized container often used) !Y'all, I was so impressed that I called them today to tell them that I appreciated the quality of the food! I ride past this humble, unassuming establishment all the time not knowing the gem that it is. Will DEFINITELY be ordering again!“

“It was okay. Its a quiet place and the food was fresh. The shrimp were grilled excellently but the chicken in the enchiladas were extremely dry and bland.The cups were amazing and the service was decent. I'd come back, but I wouldn't get the chicken again.“

“These guys are great, I came on probably their busiest day of the year (National Burrito Day), they got my order perfect and was able to make my food surprisingly fast considering how slammed they are. They are surely over worked and are being so brave ??Only complaint is the absence of the impossible meat :/“

“VERY GOOD, fresh and authentic Mexican food. A Very friendly and welcoming gentleman took my takeout order. As a Black/African American Born and raised in New Brunswick, NJ, I have driven past this GEM countless times but TODAY was my first time dining. Stopped in quickly for takeout lunch because I was in the mood for GOOD pork tacos. Walked inside and immediately felt like I was in Mexico and I say that in a positive respect for the culture way. I immediately enjoyed the Very traditional atmosphere with locals enjoying lunch. Nothing fancy, just regular people enjoying GOOD authentic Mexican Food and there was a PLETHORA of selections on the menu. I can't wait to visit again and try new things.“

“Food - the flavor of the food taste great but my food is always cold. There is no warmth to it whatsoever. Cold chicken, cold beans, cold rice, etc.Service - I’ve gone and had really good service. I’ve gone and the food service prepared sloppily prepared my food. Was rushing me as I’m telling them what I want on my salad. I was the only one in the restaurant; I didn’t understand their sense of urgency. Nor why they grossly put the food together like they did.Atmosphere - good/typical“

“Seemed like they only spoke Spanish, but Idk. Prices were fair, portion size was just right, food was fantastic. Served chips with salsa verde. The salsa was spicy in the best way. I got pollo el chipotle. It was perfect. Also got pupusas. Definitely authentic food made very well. So far my favorite Mexican place in New Jersey.“

“I have ordered from there several times and everything has been great. I decided to try their catering for a party of 10. The food was excellent. The price was great and the portions could have fed 15 or more. I will definitely use them to cater in the future.“

“I was in the area on business and just googled restaurants near me. This place popped up quite small but the food was very very good and very reasonable. My whole meal was only $15 that was chips and salsa steak fajitas and a Coke. Definitely well worth the visit if you’re in the area.“