Mexican Restaurants in Calgary
What Calgary lacks in quantity, it makes up with quality. When it comes to Mexican restaurants in Calgary, the last few years have been very generous to the local food scene. For a number of years Calgary suffered a shortage of good places to go for Mexican food, unless you were into the Taco Times and Taco Bells, there just wasn’t many options to choose from. Times have changed!
Here are some Mexican Restaurants in Calgary for you to try. Which one is the best? That is up to you! Everyone has different tastes, different tolerances for textures. Is there such a thing as “Best Mexican Restaurants in Calgary”? I don’t think so. Best is so subjective.
Here’s some random but decent Mexican food bags. Yes, even Mucho Burrito.
Blanco Cantina
Blanco’s offers more of a tex-mex style of Mexican food, with lots of options and ingredients. They have an especially large collection of Tequila, including Reposado (rested), Añejo (aged) – and extra Añejo, Mezcal and other Tequila based spirits. I highly recommend dropping by during their happy hour (they call it #halfyhour), where you can get 1/2 price Nachos, Tacos and Tequila. They also have $6 Margaritas and beer (20 oz) on special. Go for Nachos + beer during halfy hour. Trust meeee.
Native Tongues Taqueria
Native Tongues is located downtown in the beltline, just a few minutes walk from the Calgary Tower. They serve traditional Mexican street food, such as antojitos, grilled corn, egg dishes, tamales, tortas, quesadillas and yes of course the almighty tacos. The open concept kitchen and beautifully decorated interior makes it feel like you’re actually in Mexico. Try the authentic masa tortillas.
Anejo
Located in the middle of the downtown 4th street corridor, Anejo is a great place to drop in for authentic Mexican cuisine and good times. From 3 till 5 is their happy hour, which includes half priced margaritas and tacos. Try the fresh guacamole; they’ll make it right at your table! In addition to the food, Anejo also has over 200 varieties of tequila.
Los Chilitos
Simple, quality Mexican food. Hard and soft tacos, several types of freshly made salsas, burritos, tortillas and some yummy Pozole. Los Chilitos offers up a fun and cozy atmosphere that any self respecting taco fiend can fully appreciate. They’re a smaller restaurant and usually packed, so you may want to consider booking a reservation before checking them out, especially on a Friday or Saturday. They have a wonderful patio with lots of seating, however it’s only open during the summer months and closed during the winter.
Julio’s Barrio
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Julios is always a pleasure to visit. They have a wonderfully bright open room (filled with decorations) with upbeat music playing and a lively fun atmosphere. It’s a great place to drop in for nachos and Bulldog margaritas after a long work week. Their Mexican deep fried ice cream is so good, you’ve gotta try it. Also recommended are their Baja fish tacos. Julios gets pretty busy on weekends so expect a bit of a wait. You can make a reservation on their website.
Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill
Costa Vida is a franchise, so we have two locations here in Calgary. They serve up a variety of standard Mexican food; tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas and salads. They have a number of gluten free options as well. It’s all made fresh right in front of you. Costa Vida is more similar to a fast food joint than a fancy sit down restaurant (though of course you can!), but it doesn’t skimp on quality. You’ll love everything. They even have free refills.. of Horchata! It’s so delicious.
Mucho Burrito
17 locations – see list here
Currently with 17 locations in Calgary, Mucho Burrito is a hit with Calgarians and will probably keep growing. They opened up shop here a few years ago and we’ve been blessed with giant super burritos ever since. They offer a typical selection of fast-foody Mexican, and make it fresh and in front of you. Tacos, burritos, taco salads, quesadillas Their burritos are huge and the ingredients plentiful – the largest being The Mucho, weighing in at 1.5lbs! Bet you can’t eat two of them. Probably shouldn’t even try.
Salt & Pepper Mexican Restaurant – MacLeod Trail
This Salt & Pepper location is an independently owned. Having been in business for over 30 years in Calgary, you’ve likely passed by this place numerous times without realizing what was inside. Salt & Pepper on MacLeod trail serves up authentic traditional Mexican food, including tacos, las enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, sea food and so forth. This isn’t a fast food restaurant. Jugs of Sangria are half off on Wednesdays.
Salt & Pepper Restaurant Mexicano
This Salt & Pepper has two restaurants, one in Inglewood and one in Bowness. Salt & Pepper is another traditional authentic Mexican restaurant in Calgary. They serve up traditional and authentic Mexican food and have a nice sit down quiet atmosphere. Their menu is huge and well organized, with much more than just tacos and burritos. Highly recommended if you’re in the area and feel like Mexican food in Calgary. Salt & Pepper also does catering. They also have a coupon on their website for some free tacos. See here!
Have another suggestion?
Drop it in the comments below! What would you consider your go-to Mexican restaurant in Calgary?
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