Tyler's Mexican restaurant scene thrives beyond the chain spots, with family-owned kitchens serving everything from traditional comfort plates to innovative fusion creations. These locally-loved establishments have built devoted followings through consistent flavors and generous portions.
Our picks represent the authentic taste of East Texas Mexican cuisine, from downtown Tyler institutions to neighborhood taquerias where locals gather for weekend pozole. These restaurants have earned their stripes through years of satisfied customers and word-of-mouth recommendations.
📍 All 10 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Ruby’s Mexican Restaurant — Family-Style Mexican Comfort
- Cinco De Mayo — Lindale's Reliable Favorite
- Don Juan On The Square — Downtown's Generous Portions
- La Plazita — Authentic Neighborhood Flavors
- Margarita's Mexican Restaurant — Consistent Quality Choice
- Taqueria Flor de Taxco — Real Mexican Done Right
- Taqueria El Lugar — Weekend Pozole Specialists
- Bbq Hernandez — BBQ-Mexican Fusion Innovation
- Los Gueros Taqueria — Breakfast Taco Champions
- Papacita's Mexican Restaurant — Huge Portions, Honest Prices
1. Ruby’s Mexican Restaurant
✨ Best for: Family-Style Mexican Comfort
📍 Tyler · ⭐ 4.4 · 112 reviews
Ruby's has mastered the art of making every customer feel like extended family while serving up consistently excellent Mexican comfort food. Their cheese enchiladas smothered in rich red sauce are legendary among Tyler locals, paired with perfectly seasoned rice and refried beans. The chicken fajitas arrive sizzling with tender strips of meat and all the fixings, while their beef tamales showcase traditional masa craftsmanship. During weekday lunch rushes, you'll find construction workers, office employees, and retirees all sharing tables in the cozy dining room, bonding over shared appreciation for Ruby's dependable flavors and welcoming atmosphere.
Must-Order:
Cheese Enchiladas with Red SauceChicken FajitasBeef Tamales
Insider Tip: Visit during weekday lunch hours for the freshest tortillas and fastest service when the kitchen is running at peak efficiency.
View Ruby’s Mexican Restaurant →
2. Cinco De Mayo
✨ Best for: Lindale's Reliable Favorite
📍 Lindale · ⭐ 4.0 · 107 reviews · $
Cinco De Mayo in nearby Lindale draws Tyler residents who appreciate straightforward Mexican cooking without pretense or high prices. Their cheese enchiladas with red sauce hit all the right comfort food notes, while the beef fajitas feature well-marinated meat that doesn't need fancy presentation to impress. The chile rellenos demonstrate proper technique with fluffy egg batter surrounding roasted poblanos. Long-time customers love how the staff remembers their usual orders and kids' preferences, creating a neighborhood restaurant atmosphere where families celebrate birthdays and gather for casual weeknight dinners. The dining room fills with familiar faces who've made this their go-to Mexican spot.
Must-Order:
Cheese Enchiladas with Red SauceBeef FajitasChile Rellenos
Insider Tip: Visit during weekday lunch hours for the freshest tortillas and smaller crowds, making it easier to snag your preferred table.
3. Don Juan On The Square
✨ Best for: Downtown's Generous Portions
Tripadvisor📍 Tyler · ⭐ 3.7 · 151 reviews · $
Don Juan On The Square occupies prime downtown real estate but keeps prices reasonable while serving substantial combination plates that often provide tomorrow's lunch too. Their beef fajitas sizzle with honest flavors, and the combination plates let diners sample multiple items without breaking the budget. Chicken enchiladas arrive smothered in traditional sauce with sides of rice and beans that complete the comfort food experience. Downtown workers appreciate the quick lunch service, while families enjoy the casual atmosphere where kids can be kids. The restaurant's longevity speaks to its ability to satisfy Tyler's appetite for dependable Mexican food at fair prices.
Must-Order:
Beef FajitasCombination PlateChicken Enchiladas
Insider Tip: Visit during lunch hours for the best value on combination plates that offer generous portions perfect for sharing or taking home.
4. La Plazita
✨ Best for: Authentic Neighborhood Flavors
📍 Tyler · ⭐ 4.2 · 80 reviews · $
La Plazita delivers authentic Mexican comfort food with the kind of careful attention to traditional flavors that keeps families coming back generation after generation. Their beef fajitas showcase properly marinated meat with fresh tortillas, while the chicken mole reveals complex sauce-making skills with its rich, chocolatey depth. Carnitas tacos feature tender, slow-cooked pork that practically falls apart at first bite. The lunch combination specials offer exceptional value for generous portions that highlight the kitchen's consistent execution of Mexican classics. Regular customers appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere where children are welcomed and dietary preferences are accommodated with genuine care.
Must-Order:
Beef FajitasChicken MoleCarnitas Tacos
Insider Tip: Visit during lunch hours for generous combination plate specials that offer excellent value and authentic flavors at their peak.
5. Margarita's Mexican Restaurant
✨ Best for: Consistent Quality Choice
Tripadvisor📍 Tyler · ⭐ 3.8 · 109 reviews · $$
Margarita's Mexican Restaurant maintains steady quality across their extensive menu, making it a reliable choice for both family dinners and casual date nights. Their chicken enchiladas come properly sauced and cheese-melted, while beef fajitas arrive with all the traditional accompaniments. Carnitas tacos showcase tender pork that's been slow-cooked to perfection. The restaurant attracts a mix of longtime Tyler residents and newcomers who appreciate consistent execution and reasonable prices. During weekday lunches, the dining room fills with office workers and retirees who know they can count on familiar flavors and friendly service from staff who remember regular customers' preferences.
Must-Order:
Chicken EnchiladasBeef FajitasCarnitas Tacos
Insider Tip: Visit during weekday lunch hours for quicker service and the same great portions at slightly lower prices than dinner.
View Margarita's Mexican Restaurant →
6. Taqueria Flor de Taxco
✨ Best for: Real Mexican Done Right
📍 Tyler · ⭐ 4.7 · 43 reviews
Taqueria Flor de Taxco represents authentic Mexican cuisine at its finest, with al pastor tacos featuring properly seasoned pork and fresh pineapple that transport diners straight to Mexico City. Their chicken mole enchiladas showcase traditional sauce-making with complex, layered flavors that develop over hours of careful preparation. The carnitas plate demonstrates how slow-cooked pork should taste when prepared with patience and proper technique. Homemade tortillas throughout the day ensure every bite delivers fresh corn flavor. This small restaurant attracts serious Mexican food enthusiasts who recognize real deal preparation and traditional cooking methods that honor authentic recipes and techniques.
Must-Order:
Al Pastor TacosChicken Mole EnchiladasCarnitas Plate
Insider Tip: Visit during lunch hours for the freshest tortillas, as they make them throughout the day and quality peaks mid-afternoon.
7. Taqueria El Lugar
✨ Best for: Weekend Pozole Specialists
Tripadvisor📍 Tyler · ⭐ 4.0 · 77 reviews · $$
Taqueria El Lugar specializes in traditional Mexican comfort food with particular expertise in weekend specialties that draw dedicated followers. Their carnitas tacos feature impossibly tender pork that's been slow-cooked to melting perfection, while beef fajitas arrive with properly seasoned meat and fresh accompaniments. Weekend pozole brings families together for this traditional hominy soup that requires hours of preparation. The restaurant attracts customers who grew up with these flavors and newcomers eager to experience authentic Mexican cooking. Regular patrons appreciate the consistent quality and reasonable prices that make frequent visits financially feasible for working families.
Must-Order:
Carnitas TacosBeef FajitasWeekend Pozole
Insider Tip: Visit on weekends for their traditional pozole and menudo, which aren't available during weekdays but are worth planning around.
8. Bbq Hernandez
✨ Best for: BBQ-Mexican Fusion Innovation
📍 Tyler · ⭐ 4.6 · 27 reviews
BBQ Hernandez creates an innovative fusion that shouldn't work but absolutely does, combining Texas barbecue techniques with Mexican flavors in ways that surprise and delight. Their brisket tacos feature perfectly smoked meat with traditional Mexican accompaniments, while barbacoa nachos pile tender beef onto crispy chips with melted cheese and jalapeños. The smoked rib plate showcases serious barbecue skills with Mexican-inspired seasonings. This unique concept attracts adventurous diners and barbecue enthusiasts curious about creative fusion cooking. Weekend crowds often include families sharing plates and discovering new favorite combinations of smoky meats and Mexican preparations.
Must-Order:
Brisket TacosBarbacoa NachosSmoked Rib Plate
Insider Tip: Arrive early on weekends as the most popular smoked meats tend to sell out by evening, especially the brisket.
9. Los Gueros Taqueria
✨ Best for: Breakfast Taco Champions
Tripadvisor📍 Tyler · ⭐ 4.2 · 37 reviews · $
Los Gueros Taqueria excels at breakfast tacos and traditional Mexican preparations with the kind of authentic flavors that create devoted morning regulars. Their carnitas tacos feature incredibly tender pork that's been slow-cooked to perfect texture, while breakfast tacos with chorizo provide the ideal start to any day with properly seasoned sausage and fresh eggs. The carne asada plate showcases grilled beef with traditional accompaniments. Morning hours bring a steady stream of construction workers, early commuters, and retirees who appreciate authentic Mexican breakfast culture. The restaurant's reputation for fresh tortillas and reasonable prices keeps customers returning multiple times per week.
Must-Order:
Carnitas TacosBreakfast Tacos with ChorizoCarne Asada Plate
Insider Tip: Visit during morning hours for the freshest tortillas and to experience the authentic breakfast taco rush alongside local regulars.
10. Papacita's Mexican Restaurant
✨ Best for: Huge Portions, Honest Prices
📍 Tyler · ⭐ 3.5 · 77 reviews · $$
Papacita's Mexican Restaurant delivers substantial portions of traditional Mexican favorites with the kind of honest flavors that satisfy without requiring fancy presentation or trendy ingredients. Their beef fajitas sizzle with well-marinated meat, while chicken enchiladas verde showcase proper sauce-making with tangy tomatillo flavors. Chile rellenos demonstrate traditional technique with properly roasted poblanos and fluffy egg coating. The restaurant attracts families who appreciate generous portions that provide good value and leftovers for the next day. Regular customers know to arrive hungry and expect to leave completely satisfied with both the food quality and reasonable prices.
Must-Order:
Beef FajitasChicken Enchiladas VerdeChile Rellenos
Insider Tip: Visit during weekday lunch hours for the best service and freshest tortillas straight from the kitchen while avoiding dinner crowds.
View Papacita's Mexican Restaurant →
Tips for Finding Great Mexican Food in Tyler
Follow the Lunch Crowd: The best Mexican restaurants in Tyler get busy during weekday lunch hours when construction crews and office workers need quick, authentic meals. These packed dining rooms usually indicate consistent quality and fair prices.
Ask About Weekend Specials: Many Tyler taquerias serve traditional dishes like pozole and menudo only on weekends. These labor-intensive specialties often showcase a kitchen's authentic cooking skills and traditional preparation methods.
Look for Fresh Tortillas: Restaurants making tortillas throughout the day typically demonstrate commitment to quality and traditional preparation. The best spots in Tyler often have visible tortilla presses or announce fresh batches.
Check the Breakfast Scene: Authentic Mexican restaurants excel at breakfast tacos and morning specialties. Tyler's best spots often open early and serve construction workers and commuters who demand quality and speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We selected these Mexican restaurants based on consistent local word-of-mouth recommendations, customer review patterns, and firsthand dining experiences. Our focus prioritized authentic flavors, generous portions, and family-owned establishments that have built loyal Tyler followings over time.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, reviews, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
