You’ve just arrived at Doral’s most talked-about taqueria, only to discover the line snakes around the block. Settling for mediocre nachos feels like culinary surrender. What you need is a sure thing: a guide to the authentic, vibrant Mexican spots where the margaritas flow freely and the wait—if there is one—is always worth it.
Bandidos Taqueria
$ | (305) 530-8899 | WEBSITE
Bandidos Taqueria in Doral appeals to authentic Mexican food and margarita enthusiasts, and fortunately for all of us, everybody is an authentic Mexican food and margarita enthusiast these days. When you’ve got some time to kill before your chicken quesadilla, it just makes sense to order more carnitas. The tortilla soup is less than a half mile away from perfection, and even at its most crowded, you can find space in their friendly dining room to linger with a margarita.
For something a bit more indulgent, try the chicken burrito, which has generous portions every time.
Tacos La Potranca & Cantina Miami
$$ | (786) 963-1192 | WEBSITE
Friday afternoon at Tacos La Potranca & Cantina always seems like a good idea, until you show up and find a line of people in bright colors and casual wear waiting to put their name in, just so that they can wait longer for an actual table. Follow suit, and then head to the self-serve station. Chances are high it’ll also be teeming with devout taco lovers, but there’s lots of colorful atmosphere, the micheladas are authentic, and the people-watching is even better.
If you can’t score a table, try the birria tacos, which have a very notable rich and delicious flavor.
Taco Rico Doral
$ | (786) 331-4100 | WEBSITE
Taco Rico Doral and its neighboring taquerias are all clustered together in the Doral area, and in our most optimistic moments, if we can’t decide between them, we just pick this one. In practice, your safest choice is Taco Rico itself, which can get a little busy during peak hours, but where you can enjoy complimentary chips and salsa while waiting, if necessary.
Or grab a spicy chicken burrito at the counter—it’s technically a sit-down spot, but it’s easy to get a table, and it serves Mexican food in case you get too hungry to linger elsewhere.
Taco & Chelas
$ | (305) 469-6612 | WEBSITE
While you mentally prepare yourself for the potential disappointment of a syrupy margarita or underwhelming queso fundido at Taco & Chelas, might we suggest focusing on what this Doral spot does right? It’s just the kind of unremarkable in the best way Mexican joint you need when craving tacos and guacamole. Bring your appetite and stick to the praised quesadillas at a table where the service shines.
Or, if you’re more of a house margarita person, give them a try—the elotes come recommended, and the potential is there for a solid Mexican dining experience.
Cancun Grill Doral
$$ | (305) 307-7003 | WEBSITE
If you arrive at Cancun Grill Doral by 5:30pm on a Sunday, you might actually get a table right away for the buffet, one of Doral’s best Mexican spots, at 6pm. But if you can’t make that happen, put your name in, accept your wait time, and then do one of two things. If it’s before 7pm, go next door to the plaza seating area, where you can enjoy the mariachi band and send a few texts (there’s good reception out there). Or, head across the parking lot to the sports bar.
The local hangout has plenty of stools that are rarely all taken, and if you want to start the festivities early, you can get a $12 margarita with a salted rim.
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
$ | (305) 463-7788 | WEBSITE
The best place to fuel up before a busy day in Doral? At Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, a consistently welcoming spot with tacos that will make any craving disappear. Order the queso dip with seasoned chips and a burrito if you need one. Lime Fresh Mexican Grill offers catering, but there is a pickup option—so if it’s too crowded, head to another location, a place where you can enjoy a fresh meal and savor a post-lunch dessert.
Bandoleros Tacos – Doral
$$ | (786) 916-0388 | WEBSITE
If Bandoleros Tacos were a taco stand, it would be casual. But it’s upscale, so it’s polished. And unless you arrive at this Doral spot just before 6pm, you can safely bet that you’ll wait for a table. Enter the lively Latin music. There’s Latin-inspired decor throughout, a Taco Tuesday special and a comfortable atmosphere, so enjoy a margarita while you wait for your Short Ribs Tacos. Or—if it’s a celebration—head to the vibrant bar area, which has fantastic service and rich guacamole.
