If you’re in Hagerstown and craving authentic Mexican flavors, you’ll find more than just the usual taco spots dotting the map. From family-run taquerias serving generations-old recipes to modern cantinas with mezcal flights that transport you south of the border, we’ve scouted every corner. These are the 12 best places for carne asada after a day at the Maryland Theatre or when you need a fiesta without the fuss of cooking.
Casa Juarez Restaurant
$ | (240) 452-1456 | WEBSITE
This authentic Mexican and Salvadoran spot has cozy booths lining the walls, a vibrant dining area, and a handful of tables that work great for a family gathering or casual dinner. The prices here are pretty reasonable, with dozens of classic and signature dishes under $20. Our favorite, the steak quesadilla, comes filled with tender grilled steak and melted cheese and is served with fresh chips and salsa.
Head here for a casual weeknight meal or a weekend lunch when you want to impress your friends by finding a great Mexican restaurant with that perfect homemade touch.
El Eden Latin Restaurant
$ | (301) 739-0463 | WEBSITE
El Eden Latin Restaurant has the very authentic vibe of a neighborhood taqueria, but with a much more welcoming atmosphere (no disrespect to typical spots–we love a no-frills place with plastic tables and fluorescent lights). They make some fantastic flavorful tacos with red and green sauces and fresh lime, and a few spectacular traditional dishes–we’re partial to the seafood soup, simmered with fresh ingredients and served steaming hot.
There’s only a handful of tables inside, but it’s more enjoyable to soak in the Mexican culture through flags, music, and bilingual communication anyway. It’s a popular spot for Hagerstown locals and families, so if you want to enjoy the highly recommended Horchata without a crowd, plan to arrive before the dinner rush.
El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant
$ | (240) 420-2842 | WEBSITE
Hagerstown’s Mexican dining scene has this Goldilocks thing going on. When you want something fast, casual, and quick, there are plenty of options. For something more authentic, welcoming, and memorable, El Ranchero is the place. This Mexican restaurant also has standout menu items, with generous plates like the taco salad and steak & chicken fajitas, and perfect drinks like their margaritas.
It’s warm and inviting with complimentary chips and salsa, while the attentive service is perfect for celebrating. They also serve massive portions that you can share with your table while planning your meal (spoiler alert: you’ll want to try the Gobernador shrimp tacos).
Los Primos Mexican Restaurant
$ | (240) 513-6223 | WEBSITE
Primos means “cousins” in Spanish, and as it turns out, this family-owned spot may be one of the best. In some ways, it’s like other Mexican restaurants in town: tamales, rellenos, and shrimp fajitas on the menu. But it’s especially useful for their generously portioned (read: huge) $18 lunch special and a relaxed family dinner.
A few dishes that have our undivided attention are the delicate and flaky tamale, birria special with rich consommé, and tomatillo hot sauce that’s spicy without overwhelming the palate. There are warm wooden accents and soft lighting throughout—it feels like they know the regulars and celebration groups in the dining room will appreciate those thoughtful, welcoming touches just as much as the hint of lime in the margaritas (our favorite). And they do.
Taco Bell
$ | (301) 739-3752 | WEBSITE
Taco Bell is a fast-food spot that serves up Mexican-inspired eats—and keeps it all moving with speedy service. The clean dining area has helpful staff and plenty of space for groups, and it dishes out tasty items like the new crispy Chicken Empanada, customizable orders, and smiley faces drawn on drink cups. There’s not a bad option on the menu, but the Chicken Empanada is one of the best quick bites we’ve tried recently.
If you swing by for a road trip (like many regulars), grab a mobile order and pick it up at the drive-thru. Or roll through with a big crew for vegetarian picks, gluten-free choices, and as many tacos as you can handle.
Castello’s Pizzeria & Tex Mex
$ | (301) 791-9000 | WEBSITE
Usually, a good takeout pizza experience costs as much as a concert ticket. Kenley Village’s Castello’s offers something rare—a solid Tex Mex and pizza combo for under $20. Inside the clean, straightforward space, you’ll be picking up your order promptly, surrounded by the aroma of cheesy crusts and spicy sauces, and hear the friendly owner while waiting for your taco pizza to be boxed up. They have some of the same appeal as other local spots—loaded fries, cheesesteaks, and shrimp fra diavolo.
But unlike those other spots, this meal is in high gear (it’s ready in minutes). Stop by when you want a reliable takeout scene, and enjoy the chewy, slightly sweet crust while eating quality food, all without having to wait forever or break the bank.
Fajita Grande Mexican Restaurant
$ | (240) 707-6333 | WEBSITE
Fajita Grande Mexican Restaurant is a welcoming spot in Hagerstown serving an extensive menu of Mexican classics like sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos. The most notable aspect, though, is the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to service. Everything is meant to be enjoyed, from the fresh, flavorful main dishes to the perfectly balanced salsa and rice, but you’ll want to keep the staff’s attention to yourself.
The kind and helpful service, especially from team members like Athalia who go above and beyond for all customers, is unforgettable (and worth returning for).
El Castillo Pizzeria & Tex-Mex
$ | (301) 582-4727 | WEBSITE
For a spontaneous family dinner or takeout, El Castillo Pizzeria & Tex-Mex is the spot. They have a huge menu with a unique blend of Italian and Tex-Mex dishes, and large, family-style portions for sharing. Since the service is consistently fast and friendly, you can focus on the important things–Sicilian pizza or loaded nachos? Wings or loaded fries?
El Castillo has something for everyone, including a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a great place for groups, and those massive portions mean you’ll definitely have leftovers for tomorrow.
Mexicali Cantina
$$ | (240) 878-0748 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful weekend outing, we immediately think of Mexicali Cantina. The lively, dimly-lit Mexican spot is usually packed, but the tender Lomo Saltado, plates of crispy Masitas de Puerco, and vegetarian-friendly options are worth it. Come with a couple of friends or get a front row seat at the first come, first serve bar to enjoy the live DJ spinning all genres of Spanish music.
Las 3 Hermanas Restaurant
$ | (240) 366-6968 | WEBSITE
Las 3 Hermanas has a winning formula: can’t-miss pupusas, a disco on Saturday nights that gets everyone moving, and a warm, feels-like-family atmosphere that you can only get from an authentic Mexican and El Salvadorian spot. The menu is plentiful, and they have some of the best soup in town. The decadent Lobster, Shrimp, Crab, and Mussels soup comes brimming, so you don’t have to make the impossible choice between seafood or broth, and the flavors are generous.
Order that, plus the poppable frijol con queso pupusas. It’s a laid-back place where it’s easy to grab a table and celebrate, well, anything. And if the conversation dies down, just pick up where you left off in the fun vibe playing out on the dance floor. Spoiler: It’s Saturday. They will.
Big Papi’s Tacos
$ | (301) 639-4486 | WEBSITE
Big Papi’s Tacos is one of the first spots that comes to mind when you want to eat in Hagerstown–and not just because it has as much flavor as a Mexican fiesta. Grab a seat at the limited counter space, or head to the brightly lit dining area that looks a bit like a cheerful mercado. For a little taste of everything, get the $18 Birria Tacos, which includes three tacos plus consome’.
Try the dreamy Papi Fries topped with Birria meat, crispy chicken tacos, and finish with larger dishes like the carnita burrito bowl. You might need to wait for a table during peak hours, but you can always pop in for strawberry lemonade and shrimp tacos to go.
Las 3 Hermanas Food Truck
$ | (301) 331-2368 | WEBSITE
Most Mexican food trucks fall into one of two camps: greasy, bare-bones operations with questionable hygiene and rushed service, and overpriced, fusion-focused spots with Instagrammable plating and influencers filming reels over tacos. Las 3 Hermanas Food Truck sits smack dab in the middle—it offers the delicious, authentic flavors and affordable prices of a classic taqueria, with the friendly service, comfortable seating, and family-friendly atmosphere of a sit-down restaurant.
It’s small, almost cozy, and the basic but perfect salsa is the single best condiment on the truck. Be sure to get an order of the pupusas and vegetarian options, and forget about the bland chain restaurants awaiting you elsewhere.
