Gainesville has the University of Florida, the Butterfly Rainforest, and some championship-winning sports teams. It’s also home to some fantastic Mexican restaurants, which is fortunate since the Gators (probably) aren’t inviting you to their training table. Whether you crave authentic street tacos, sizzling fajitas, or mole that tells a story, these spots deliver. Here are our 15 top picks for Mexican cuisine in town.
Cantina Añejo
$$ | (352) 451-4504 | WEBSITE
It’s not the most subtle name, but it definitely gets the point across. This sit-down spot focuses on Mexican comfort food, meaning you can get things like chicken quesadillas, shrimp burritos, and killer tacos—authentic. Just know that this place is very popular with groups and families, so plan on enjoying your Tequila Gold Rush and fish tacos in the lively, casual atmosphere.
Los Pollos
$ | (352) 451-4366 | WEBSITE
Los Pollos serves Mexican fast food, and almost everything here is made fresh to order. The menu has generous portions along with plenty of authentic and tasty options. This is where you come for things like the chicken wrap, carne asada, and arroz con Pollo.
Everything tastes seasoned well and satisfying, and if you’re a Gainesville family looking for a home-cooked meal, it’s a great way to show everyone that eating out doesn’t mean sacrificing amazing flavors or friendly atmosphere (though variety is important).
Los Tacos de mi abuela
$ | (352) 665-0658 | WEBSITE
Los Tacos de mi abuela is a taco stand located on US 441, next to the old Hollander’s Hydraulics building, and it’s worth seeking out if you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican street food. You’ll find dishes like tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and tostadas. The food is really good, and the service is friendly and efficient.
Just be aware that it’s currently a grab-and-go place with no seating, so the experience can feel pretty basic if you come expecting a sit-down meal, but they do have their own porta-potty and easy access from both sides of the road.
Las Margaritas
$ | (352) 374-6699 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a solid-but-not-too-fancy spot to eat with your friend who goes to the University of Florida, this is it. Las Margaritas is a Mexican restaurant known for its great 2 for 1 margarita deals. The menu has the usual suspects, like a hearty taco salad with generous portions and the Steak Jalisco that sometimes comes with rice and beans. The food isn’t going to wow you, but it’s good enough and the fast service is incredibly friendly.
So if you just finished a tough exam, coming here for a margarita and some chips and salsa might make you feel a little bit better.
Linda Vista
$ | (352) 377-7866 | WEBSITE
Not only does this Mexican spot have the best cheese dip we’ve encountered in Gainesville, but it’s also a blast. The colorful counter-service restaurant has a lively vibe, fantastic lunch specials, and makes bean burritos that aren’t too heavy. Along with the aforementioned cheese dip (which comes with a constant flow of salsa and chips) the menu has other classics.
There are well-seasoned entrees and unbeatable vegetarian options that had a great amount of flavor, and a little extra salsa poking out of the basket. We’d like to think it’s encouraging us to order more food.
Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant Gainesville
$$ | (352) 331-6337 | WEBSITE
This lively Mexican restaurant is one of our favorite group dinner spots in the neighborhood. The dining room is vibrant and bustling, and there’s a separate, well-stocked hot sauce bar area that’s great for just grabbing margaritas. The menu has fresh starters like table side guacamole and chips, delicious queso, and entrees like perfectly seasoned tacos or some very flavorful enchiladas.
Tacos 352
$ | (352) 554-5695 | WEBSITE
Tacos 352 is a Mexican restaurant in Gainesville, but the food is so authentic we’re not letting geography prevent us from including it. At lunch, you can order their fantastic birria tacos (our favorite is the set with three tacos, consumé, and chile sauces), and their other tacos (like carne asada or al pastor) are available all day. Portions are generous, so come with friends and plan on sharing everything.
La Tienda
$ | (352) 367-0022 | WEBSITE
If you haven’t already discovered it, you may have heard of La Tienda because of its reputation as one of Gainesville’s top Mexican spots—it’s famous for delivering an authentic and delightful dining experience. There’s even a sense of cultural charm that makes you feel transported.
But what really makes this place stand out is the fact that it’s a clean, basic venue with a welcoming atmosphere, complete with football playing on the TV, friendly and helpful staff, and plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. The food—like the pescado tacos that provide a truly euphoric experience, chips with queso, quesabirria quesadilla, and flan—is our favorite thing to eat here.
Just remember that while the portion sizes are good and there are tons of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options including corn tortillas, the prices can be slightly higher than some might expect.
TonyDillas
$ | (352) 363-8652 | WEBSITE
It’s not often we enthusiastically recommend a food truck for lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks. But TonyDillas, a counter-service Mexican spot, is a great choice for all three occasions. The truck is compact, vibrant, and perfect for grabbing a quick quesadilla with signature Tony sauce, a satisfying dinner of fresh tacos and avocado creme, or a post-event meal of delicious egg rolls and customizable bowls.
The entire menu is available during operating hours, and there’s a condiment station up front full of incredible sauces, like that avocado creme where each dollop somehow enhances every bite—which everyone knows makes the meal.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
$ | (352) 367-8565 | WEBSITE
This local favorite has been a staple for years. It’s a relaxed counter-service setup, known for its generous burrito bowls (especially the steak and chicken options), which are ideal for quick lunches or satisfying post-workout cravings.
Boca Fiesta
$ | (352) 336-8226 | WEBSITE
This spot feels cool and vibrant, and is located right in Gainesville as one of the best Mexican restaurants around. Come here for habanero/pineapple salsa, tacos like al pastor and shrimp, and the famous gator burrito. The food is awesome and flavorful, and it’s a nice change from typical fast-casual joints with their predictable menus. The margaritas are light and refreshing, made in-house, and pair perfectly with trivia nights that add to the fun atmosphere.
Even during busy times, they accommodate with seating and quick takeout, and the staff provides unmatched service. Vegetarian options like TVP in a burrito or taco round out a menu that keeps things exciting without being overwhelming.
Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina
$ | (352) 727-4619 | WEBSITE
This is from the same crew that’s been serving Gainesville for years, a solid Mexican spot that’s become a local favorite. Now they’re still at their original location, dishing out the same tasty burria tacos and burritos as always. The atmosphere feels authentic and even a little festive, with local music playing and colorful papel picado hanging from the ceiling. But it’s great for quick lunches, or a casual dinner out. Especially if you’re craving some seriously good hotsauce.
Chuy’s
$ | (352) 373-2489 | WEBSITE
Chuy’s is a casual Mexican restaurant serving bold, flavorful food. They do lots of Mexican staples—burritos, fajitas, chips with house-made sauces, and more—really well. If you can’t make a decision, try the $18 ‘Big As Yo’ Face’ Burrito stuffed with fajita chicken, refried beans, and cheese, topped with the flavorful Boom-Boom sauce, or the $12 combo that includes crunchy chips, creamy green chile sauce, and a refreshing Large Tumbler Paloma.
Midpoint Park and Eatery | Food Truck and Restaurant Park
$ | (352) 376-7568 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever spent time at a food truck gathering in a college town, Midpoint Park and Eatery will feel familiar. You get the feeling that everyone around the picnic tables has imminent plans to skip the dining hall and indulge in something more exciting. The outdoor area feels comfortable and lively, and they have a variety of food trucks serving diverse cuisines, with plenty of options for vegan eaters.
Come for the delicious carnitas tacos from the Mexican truck, and stay to soak up the great hangout atmosphere while the vintage market is in session.
La Fiesta Mexican Grille
$ | (352) 335-8484 | WEBSITE
This Mexican restaurant is another one of our favorite options for a quick meal near the interstate in Gainesville. La Fiesta is always busy, the service is friendly and attentive, and the menu offers generously sized dishes (like the enchilada platter and seafood burrito) that are ideal for sharing.
The restaurant is nice enough that you can get dressed up to celebrate your friend’s successful dissertation defense, but you can also come here with your kids, who insist on ordering from the multiple kids meal options whenever we’re in town.
