50 Best Mexican Restaurants in Madison

“The service was great! I ordered a quesadilla and they burnt tortilla a little bit, without my asking they started making a new one. So delicious! love all the options for toppings!“

“Just so dang good! Authentic. Yummy 😋 highly recommend.“

“Our waiter was very polite, kind, and prompt. The food was a cut way above a typical ethnic food restaurant. Very unique as well as delicious choices. Definitely ranks at the top of my list of places to dine. Five stars!“

“We had Birria Tacos and Chorizo Taco & Chips with Gua on the side. Let me start with freshness, chips was hot and freshly fried, which we found vey rare. Chorizo was well done and tasty. Service was very fast, it took hardly 5 min to get the food served at table. Coming back for sure.“

“cozy lil spot, authentically 💯 delicious! Great prices, fast, friendly service-You will not be disappointed if you are looking for the real deal.“

“I had the lunch enchiladas and they were the best I’ve had in a while! True authentic Mexican flavor and style!“

“We ordered take out from the Cottage Grove Rd location. Our food was hot and delicious! My phone call was answered by the owner himself and handled with courtesy. He accommodated by vegetarian diet with no issues.“

“The food here is amazing! We are visiting from out of state and stopped in for some authentic Mexican food. This did not disappoint! It was so good, the ingredients were so fresh, and there was something for everyone. We all got something different and each tried one of their meat choices and it was soooo good! I highly recommend the burrito bowl with steak, rice, beans, and ALL the toppings! Especially the salsa verde! You'll thank me later!“

“The catering order placed for our holiday lunch was simply amazing. Legit best value for the price, great flavor, and those homemade sauces are a true chef's kiss. Def. recommend!“

“This place has consistently great food and attentive service! The outdoor patio is a nice place for people watching as well. Stop in and try a "machete!"“

“Just moved to Madison a week ago and walked into downtown for some tacos and was not disappointed! Some of the best beef and chorizo tacos I’ve had! Will 1000% be back!“

“Ordered my usual dine-in as a to-go tonight. There was a minor confusion on the staff's part...not sure why, the guy was fluent in English and Spanish. Anyway, it was quickly sorted out. The food was excellent, as always! Never hesitate to eat here, or get a to-go from here!!!“

“I had the fajitas for lunch and it was a large serving and delicious. they even set them on fire at the table! Great service with a smile as well.“

“El Grito stopped by my clinic to bring delicious tacos and cheer to our healthcare workers during this crazy time. The tacos we had were smaller, so you didn’t feel guilty eating all of them real quick. The flavor was awesome too! I highly recommend adding the mango habanero sauce, if you like that extra kick! I wish they were here all the time!“

“Best tacos in USA/ Los mejores tacos en USA“

“We love El Imperio!! The food is delicious and authentic. Their classic tacos, burritos, and chimichangas are fantastic! But they also have seafood specialties, which is rare to find. We love the ceviche!! The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing. Great neighborhood spot ❤️“

“I eat here all the time because it’s amazing. I get the burrito with carnitas and the flan! Don’t forget the spicy onions! Beyond the food the staff is very welcoming.“

“the food was delicious and the service was great :) i was worried about waiting in the cold for my food and not being able to go back to my car, but they had a buzzer i could take with me so i could stay warm and comfortable while waiting for my food. the portion sizes are wonderful and great for the price. I’ll definitely be coming back soon !!“

“Tried this spot for the first time today—so good! Every dish our fam ordered was packed with flavor, super affordable, and the service was awesome. We’ll definitely be coming back!“

“So authentic, best ever in Madison area.“

“I’ve enjoyed La Penca since it opened in 2019 on Park Street. Since then a Verona and recently a McFarland location have been added. Outstanding authentic Mexican cuisine. Jesus Ramirez, the owner, knows what he is doing! Great menu includes vegetarian and non-spicy dishes. Big selection of Mexican beers and delicious margaritas, all inexpensively priced. So many favorites including chiles rellenos and tinga (chicken tacos. Highest recommendation. Stop by and enjoy. You will not be disappointed!“

“Fabulous food, very friendly staff, never fails to disappoint. And if they have tamales, grab them they are awesome!“

“We recently gathered for my mother’s 93rd birthday, I could not have been more impressed with the experience. From start to finish, everything was seamless and delightful. The restaurant was perfect for our group. The spacious seating arrangement accommodated everyone comfortably without feeling cramped. The decor was elegant yet welcoming, setting the tone for a memorable day. The service was exceptional. Despite our large group, the staff were attentive and efficient. They managed our orders flawlessly and ensured everyone's needs were met promptly. The food was outstanding. From appetizers to desserts, every bite was a testament to the chef's skill and dedication to quality ingredients. The drink selection was impressive, catering to various preferences within our group. Cocktails were expertly crafted. The combination of excellent service, delicious food, and inviting atmosphere made it a truly memorable dining experience for everyone in our group. I highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion.“

“Got an order of 4 tacos for takeout. The young man working the counter was very nice. It was 5pm and I was the only one there. The presentation of the tacos in the Styrofoam container when I got home was nice (pictured) with the two lime chunks. Limes were a bit dry, and I wish they'd do one chunk per taco. Tacos themselves were great. I got tinga, chorizo, pastor, and one other. Shared bits of each meat with my 7 month old son, the tinga was his favorite.“

“Great food, speedy service“

“Holy tacos Batman! Did not expect this from a food court. The birria tacos look and tast better than any taco I've ever ate (that's A LOT) and if those aren't on special you can't go wrong with anything else you order. Wow...blown away.“

“Down home cooking, tasty menu, student prices.“

“3.5 - 4 out of 5 doesn't mean bad but it's appropriate for the level of quality here.

Food/service is fast, comes with starter nachos, and portion sizes are good. That said, mango margarita was unfortunately bitter, food presentation was very basic and ambience of the place was lacking. Food was good, not great and items in my order were wrong (asked for flour tortillas specifically, got corn). The lack of attention to detail is PayPal not it's ok for a quick bite.“

“Randomly stopped here tonight with my mom and stumbled upon a gem. Best Mexican Restaurant in Madison HANDS DOWN. The atmosphere gives quality authentic Mexican and i loved that. The food was absolutely delicious (i ate it so fast i forgot the picture part). The server was so nice and polite. We will support again and again!!“

“High-back booths provide a cozy and private atmosphere while telling you you're in for an authentic Hispanic meal with traditional vibrat colors. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. And brought chips \u0026 salsa with out drinks. I would have loved some fresh guacamole, but settled fir their fresh Pico instead. (Avocados were out of season). All the food was fast, fresh, and delicious. I pounded 5 tacos and was in agony - 4 would have been plenty, but I had to top it off with dessert anyways. ??“

“picked up food togo. tacos and burritos were great. don’t know about a hotdog on a cubano sandwich though. the staff was very nice. the variety in the market was quite nice. i will definitely return to try other choices on the menu and from the market.“

“Great eats for an affordable price! Authentic and good salsa!“

“I gotta say, coming originally from Austin, TX and living in Madison for three years, I haven't found a lot of good Mexican food up here other than QDoba. Other places just either try too hard or not hard enough, and they don't give me that soulful feeling of eating a good Mexican/Tex-Mex plate back down south. But this place knows what they're doing. After I ate Fajitas at La Bamba, a little bit of that feeling of home came straight back to me. It was a welcome relief after trying other places. They season their food very well (could do better on chips and salsa), but overall this is by far the best Tex Mex place I've been to in Madison. I don't just tolerate eating this food, I enjoy eating this food and wanting to come back!“

“Food was great. They were so friendly. We are looking forward to the next time we are in town so we can try some more of the menu“

“First time here, so so good! Highly recommended. Tried the glorias margarita and the enchiladas mexicanas. Definitely coming back when im in madison again.“

“Always wonderful food and fast service.“

“El Pollo Rumbero is a fantastic spot for enjoying authentic Colombian cuisine. The vibrant atmosphere makes it perfect for gatherings with friends. Their menu boasts a delightful array of dishes that capture the rich flavors of Colombia. Don't miss out on their expertly crafted cocktails, which pair wonderfully with the food. Whether you're a fan of traditional Colombian dishes or looking to try something new, El Pollo Rumbero won't disappoint. Highly recommended for a memorable dining experience!“

“Favorite local Mexican restaurant. Haven’t been disappointed since new owners took over.“

“Qdoba is a good chain and this is a good Qdoba. Convenient location and nice staff. I appreciate them putting up with the many times I ordered a burrito with so many ingredients it was difficult to wrap. Any restaurant where your order is limited by physics, not your wallet, is doing something right.“

“We've been to Mexli a couple of times now and recommend it. The portions are ample, the staff is super friendly, and the food is good. The first time we went our server recommended the chilaquiles. I didn't get that, my husband did, and I wish I had! My huevos rancheros were good, but the chilaquiles were amazing! I got them on my second visit. I'm sorely tempted by the sweet breakfasts the next time we go.“

“🤩Exactamente lo que quería siiiii !!! Gracias muy recomendados para sus diseños en pastel 🍰 chicas ahí está el lugar 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 . Otros lados me dijeron que no podían hacerlo pues , ahí si lo lograron hacer y yo muy satisfecha 😁 para mi Ocasion especial de hoy“

“Juicy grilled steak, roasted corn, black beans, sautéed peppers, shredded cheese, cotija, and a double scoop of guac—loaded up Baja-style. 10/10 flavor explosion in every bite 🌯🔥 (And yes, someone’s hoping I drop it 😅🐶)“

“We were staying at the VA hospital today after flying in from Denver. I walked there, lots of construction. The delivery process seemed too complicated. The order online function wasn't working. The facility was clean. Very few customers at about 6 PM. The food looked fresh and a good variety. The gentleman who prepared our meals was polite and attentive. The guacamole was excellent. We ordered 3 chicken street tacos and a chicken salad bowl.Definitely recommend“

“I want to say a big thank you to the staff at Qdoba Mexican Eats on East Towne Boulevard in Madison, Wisconsin. I normally buy food here and the staff are always very friendly, but I especially want to give a big thank you to Victor.

I came in to buy food, and when I went back to my car, it wouldn’t start. I went back inside to see if someone could help me jump-start it. Victor kindly came out to help, but the car still wouldn’t start.

Even though he was on his break, he was kind enough to drive me in his own car to the nearest O’Reilly Auto Parts so I could get a new battery, and he even helped me install it.

Victor is an amazing person, very kind, thoughtful, and helpful. He truly went above and beyond to help me, and I’m very grateful. Thank you again, Victor, for your kindness and for going out of your way to help me.“

“I've catered out of this location many times and they don't disappoint. This time, even though I'm a dope and entered the order for the wrong date, they still accommodated me with nothing but smiles and kindness! Cant forget to mention the chips are the best on this planet! Thanks Qdoba on Mineral pt road!“

“Nice new addition to this area of town. It’s a decent sized coffee shop with several seating areas. Nice menu with both ready made foods and simple options to order. Coffee and matcha options are fairly decent. They also have a decent tea selection. Pleasant and clean. They have outdoor seating areas, which will be fantastic for the warmer months. Parking in this area is not easy, you might find street parking. They do have roasted beans and other merch to purchase. Take a break - make it a fika time - enjoy the coffee and connecting with friends!“

“Every time I come here they are very attentive and kind. Henry is the best always serving me with a smile and professionalism. Not to mention the food is off the chain. I only had an apetite for one taco in the morning today and I ended up ordering two more. Prices are reasonable and affordable. I would recommend bringing your friends and even family here.“

“Stopped here for lunch today. Great tacos! Definitely recommend & I’ll be back for more.“

“Probably the best/most authentic california-style mexican restaurant in Madison. Great food and portion sizes for a decent price—beats chipotle/Qdoba any day of the week. The burritos are good and as large as your forearm, but I would recommend the enchiladas or steak.“

“Pan & Pan Bakery is an amazing Mexican bakery! Their cakes and desserts are always fresh, delicious, and beautifully made. The staff are super friendly, and the place has such a warm vibe. Highly recommend for anyone who loves great pastries or needs a cake for a celebration“