20 Best Mexican Restaurants near Waterville

“Cocina De Carlos has become my favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. They nod to the historical aspect of being housed in the old Smedlap's while making the space their own. The servers are typically very attentive, despite the fact that it's almost always busy. The margaritas are terrific and I've never had a disappointing meal even after eating there 2-4 times a month for several years now.“

“Overall 5 stars. Been here many times. Occasionally something is wrong but the wait staff is quick to fix. Food is really good. The portions are big and the al la cart is phenomenal. Way better than any other around here. The chimichangas come with all the toppings! The atmosphere is made by many of the fun loving waiters. Great place to spend with friends or family.“

“Fantastic vegan food. Most Mexican restaurants just have vegetable fajitas for the vegans, but Cocina de Carlos has a whole section of vegan options - including what seem to be house-made vegan chorizo and sausage. Nut-free (oat-based) vegan queso as well. I have nut allergies and had zero issues. Server was very helpful. Food came out extremely quickly and the portions were huge. In the photo is half of the remaining burrito after I couldn't eat any more. Awesome place! Very clean too.“

“First time back since Covid & the food did not disappoint. Fresh, made to order & delicious and the staff was so kind & helpful. Highly recommend“

“There were so many options on the menu, it was overwhelming in an extremely good way! I have Celiac Disease and typically there isn’t much I can have when I dine out. I had the fajitas on gluten free tortillas, the Mexican corn on the cob, and Mexican rice (all gluten free). Everything is clearly marked on the menu for gluten free or even vegan so it takes the guesswork out of what you can and can’t have. There is so much more I want to try here so I’ll be back for sure. The 30 minute drive for us is so worth it. Highly recommend!Dietary restrictions: Clearly marked menu with gluten free and vegan options“

“Personally, I don't much care for Mexican food but my grandson Jesse mentioned that he liked Mexican and we were out to celebrate his birthday so this place had a pretty good rating and we were not disappointed. Made a reservation for 630. They see us at 6:35 we had a wonderful waitress and the chicken fajita that my wife and I shared was great. The chips they put on the table was terrific, red dipping sauce was wonderful. My wife loved the guacamole so I got nothing but good things to say I had a sangria was delicious kind of around the table and then they brought Jesse a big round ball. I don't know what but for his birthday and they sang happy birthday to him was a great great experience and this is an easy five star.“

“Great food, great service, great time!!“

“First time ever trying a birria taco and it was amazing! Also had the pina colada margarita. I’ll be back for sure“

“Fabulous and tasty authentic Mexican food ! Shrimp tacos are delicious. Great guacamole and cheese dip also. My son usually gets a burrito and loves it !!! If in BG or close to BG...eat the food here.. you will not visit any other place !“

“Stopped at El Zarape Bowling Green (OH) during our trek to Detroit, MI and it was an unexpectedly delicious decision. The environment is bright, lively and welcoming. The menu is extensive and making a selection proved to be challenging. It all looked tempting and the smells wafting out of the kitchen made our mouths water. More authentic Mexican dishes than expected and prepared with fresh ingredients that were served by a friendly staff.Our meal selections were a Carnitas Dinner ($15), Enchiladas Suizas ($14) and two soft drinks. Before a generous tip, our bill cashed out at $38.12. The carnitas was ridiculously tender and melted in the mouth. Sides of rice, beans and salad were generously sized and the flour tortillas were hot and fresh. Enchiladas were fork tender and flavored perfectly. Sides included rice and beans. The cheese-based enchiladas were topped with carnitas morsels and covered in more cheese and salsa verde. Delicious! My dining partner said it was too much cheese. Once I got done laughing at him, I told him “there is no such thing as too much cheese.”Whether your searching for a common taste of Mexico or something more authentic, we highly recommend a stop at El Zarape!“

“I've ordered from here a few times now and I've got to say this is about as authentic as you're going to get in this area. I've had tacos in El Paso that are on par with this place. Absolutely fantastic meals.The Birria here is delicious and the tortillas appear to be home made. It is a few bucks more than the average plate but it is absolutely worth it. The portions are good and the quality is better. I'd be happy to order again anytime!“

“If you are coming here for a good margarita this IS NOT the place. The waitress informed us that the 1/2 pitcher margarita was on special tonight for $15. We ordered and the waitress said that the flavor we picked wasn't available in the special. Okay, no big deal, so we picked mango. I've had a lot of margarita's in my day and this has to be the worst I've ever had. It was so syrupy, tasted like chlorine and had a foul bitter/sour taste to it. You could see all of the syrup floating on top of it. My husband took a drink and agreed it was just awful. I told my husband I was going to say something to the waitress, understanding however that it's not her fault. When she came back to the table I said that the margarita was not edible and to please remove it from our bill. She said no problem. She then came back and said because it's alcohol that they cannot refund us. She suggested the strawberry instead, at this point I'm irritated and said I would prefer a refund as I figured the strawberry likely was going to be the same. Sure enough she came back with the strawberry and it has the same chemical, syrupy, bitter taste. The waitress did not come back to the table only to ask us if we wanted a box and to give us our bill. Over $60 for two tacos, queso, guacamole, and a burrito. I will never go back. Do yourself a favor and just don't!“

“We visit Mi Hacienda once a week for their lunch buffet ( even on Sundays). The food is always fresh and very tasty from the steak to the queso to the guac. The service is always friendly and attentive but not annoying. Their chips and salsa are the best I have had in this area. It is worth th drive to the one on Glanzman Road in Toledo!!!“

“We decided to swing by and give this place a try! We are very happy that we did! We decided to sit outside on the patio, the weather was perfect! Everything we ordered tasted absolutely delicious! My burrito was the BEST I’ve ever had, and I’ve had many lol! The service we received was on point. Our waiter was very nice and attentive. We can’t wait to go back there, next time we are in town! ? YouTubers ~ McAndrew Travels“

“We ate at the Don Juan Mexican Bar & Grill - Maumee, 551 W Dussel Dr, Maumee, OH 43537 and had the best service I have had in a long time. Gina, our waitress, was very nice and offered to let me use her nail glue because my sandal broke. She helped me pick an amazing drink and made sure our party was happy with everything we got. It is nice to see people actually care about the people they are serving and not just the pay check they are getting. We will definitely be going back and hopefully Gina will be there with here bright smile!“

“Definitely glad Qdoba is near by missed that Queso lol. Lucy was a sweetheart I'm about the food first however a great vibe comes from the employees not just the space or food and Lucy was on it. an She put together a bowl that was fresh hot and oh so good. The burrito didnt hesitate to stay on par lets just say I felt pleasantly plump after my visit.Only 2 things I didnt recommend I havent had.Parking: Its around back of the store front and they allow guests to use the back entrance from the lot so you dont have to walk all the way around.“

“I stopped in for dinner after a very long drive before going to my hotel for the night. Chicken tortilla soup & mini chimis were great! Macey (hope I spelled that right) & the other bartender (didn't catch her name) were on the ball & super friendly. Welcoming atmosphere.“

“The food is awesome. The same excellent taste each and every time I am their. The mexican pizza with steak n chicken (excellent) slap yo mama good! Fajita tower, excellent. Great street tacos! It is my go to 4ever! Luv unc in the kitchen and jess is the best!“

“It has been a long time since i have had Taco Bell. It was 1am and I needed something to eat. The staff was friendly and helpful. The young lady who was working the window and taking my order was extremely polite and the manager was very helpful and polite because there was a hiccup with the order that was not because of them. Late night shift really had some of the best customer service I've seen in a long time. Will be back when I'm in town.“

“This is one of the best local Mexican restaurants in the area. The food is always great and this place extremely fast service. The workers are very friendly and kind. They are always dedicated most of them have been working there for years. It has a very welcoming feel to it from the moment you walk in. It's a classic in my family we come here for all of our birthdays.“