13 Best Mexican Restaurants in Kansas City, According to a Local
Are you on the hunt for the best Mexican restaurants in Kansas City? Mexican cuisine has been a part of Kansas City’s food scene for decades. It’s home to over 50 taquerias, restaurants, and markets on the Kansas City, Kansas (KCK) side alone.
In the span of three months, my husband and I went on an adventure of exploring various Mexican restaurants across Kansas City, including some we’ve frequented many times before, all in the quest to determine which ones are truly worth a visit.
You won’t find any Tex-Mex eateries on this list (not to say those aren’t delicious too), but rather, truly authentic Mexican cuisine that’s unique to KC.
So, put on your stretchy pants and get ready to enjoy some of the most flavorful Mexican cuisine in the KC metro area – a.k.a “America’s true taco capital“.
Best Mexican Restaurants in Kansas City
1. Los Alamos Cocina
Located in the Westside neighborhood, Los Alamos Cocina has been serving authentic Mexican food to Kansas City for over 20 years.
What sets this place apart, besides the delicious food, are two key factors: First, the service is exceptional; the staff treats you like family, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Second, the location. Situated in the up-and-coming Westside neighborhood, it reminds me of a New York City borough with its walkable streets and nearby local shops (don’t miss Westside Storey just across the street).
Los Alamos Cocina is one of the more expensive places on this list (plan on spending around $15-20 per person plus drinks), but it’s worth it. Be sure to check the operating hours beforehand, as some days only serve breakfast and lunch (closes at 2 pm).
Recommended dishes: If it’s your first visit, I would recommend starting with the Street Taco Sampler so you can try a little bit of everything. It comes with 6 tacos — 2 beef, 2 pork, and 2 chicken (or your choice of meat). There’s also a burrito special called the Burrito “Chingon”, a.k.a. Bad Ass Burrito that lives up to the hype.
LOCATION
📍1667 Summit St Kansas City, MO 64108
📞 (816) 471-0450
⏱ Sunday, Tues-Wed: 6:00 am-2:00 pm; Mon: CLOSED; Thu-Sat: 6:00 am-9:00 pm
🌐 www.facebook.com/Alamoskc/
2. Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio
Located in Kansas City, Kansas Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio is a tortilla factory, grocery market, and taqueria all wrapped into one. With just 10 tables inside, you come here for the atmosphere just as much as you do for the food.
The taqueria offers a wide variety of menu items that includes tacos, quesadillas, burritos, tortas, tamales, and menudo. There is also a self-service taco bar behind the seating area where you can adorn your tacos with onions, cilantro, limes, and four different salsas as well. Be warned: these salsas are HOT!
Recommended dishes: I would personally rate the al pastor, barbacoa, and carnitas tacos as #1, #2, and #3, respectively. And at just $3 per taco, you won’t break the bank. Don’t forget to try the fresh juices too! (P.S. No alcohol is served here)
LOCATION
📍830 Kansas Avenue, Kansas City, KS, 66105
⏱ Every day 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
🌐 www.facebook.com/CarniceriaYTortilleriaSanAntionio/
3. Taco Naco KC
Taco Naco KC, a combined taqueria and market, certainly holds its own in a city full of longtime-standing Mexican restaurants. Recently opened in 2021, Taco Naco has a casual, colorful, and lively atmosphere paired with an outdoor patio that is perfect for the summertime.
The chefs at Taco Naco deviate from the local “Tex Mex” and instead offer a wide variety of artisan street tacos using tortillas from James Beard-nominated Yoli Tortilleria, burritos, handcrafted salsas prepared daily, dips, and fresh-fruit margaritas.
🏆 Taco Naco received the ‘Best Tacos’ award from Kansas City Magazine in 2023.
Recommended dishes: Honestly, everything here is delicious! The pork al pastor, quesabirria, and Tecate® fried fish tacos are so yummy, along with their famous breakfast burrito, and housemade margaritas (wild berry is my personal favorite).
LOCATION
📍 8220 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66204
📍 4141 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111 (Westport)
📞 (913) 730-8565
⏱ Sun 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Mon: Closed; Tue-Thu 10:00 am-8:00 pm; Fri-Sat 8:00am-9:00 pm
🌐 https://taconacokc.com/
4. Don Antonio Meat and Tortillas
A bit of a hidden gem located in Kansas City, Kansas, Don Antonio Meat and Tortillas has been around since 2014 and is definitely worth visiting. This establishment serves as a taqueria, market, and butcher shop, with a catering business on the side.
Here, you can enjoy tacos made with homemade tortillas and meat, served with separate bags of cilantro, onions, and sauce. Tacos are priced at $2.00 each or $7 for a set of 4. They also offer tamales, quesadillas, burritos, tortas, and menudo.
Customers use a microphone to place their order, and after their name is called, proceed to the counter to make a payment. It makes for a fun experience!
Recommended dishes: We didn’t have a single bad thing here! My husband and I ordered a couple of tamales as well as the asada, pastor, carnitas, barbocoa, birria, and tripe tacos and all were 10/10.
LOCATION
📍 7510 State Ave, Kansas City, Kansas, 66112
⏱ Sun 7:00 am – 4:00 pm; Mon-Sat 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
🌐 https://donantoniokc.com/
5. Rico’s Tacos Lupe
Situated on Southwest Boulevard amidst a whole row of spots serving Mexican cuisine, Ricos Tacos Lupe is a charming hole-in-the-wall taco joint. The interior of Ricos Tacos Lupe recently underwent a little makeover, now offering a clean, modern space with more seating.
Once seated, a staff member greets you with a serving of chips and homemade salsa, giving you time to review the menu. The service is equally efficient, with orders often arriving before you finish the basket of chips.
Tip: Be sure to check their operating hours before you visit, as some days have funky closing times as early as 2:00 p.m.
Recommended dishes: Ricos is known for its tacos and homemade tamales, so of course we had to try both. The horchata tacos in particular are a MUST! Make sure to visit on Taco Tuesday, where tacos are just $1.50 each (regular price of $2.50).
LOCATION
📍 802 Southwest Blvd, KCMO, MO 64108
⏱ Sun CLOSED; Mon 11:00 am – 2:00 pm; Tues 11:00 am – 8:30 pm; Wed 11:00 am – 2:00 pm; Thu-Fri 11:00 am – 8:30 pm; Sat 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
🌐 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063509892499
6. El Camino Real
El Camino Real delivers bold flavors, friendly service, and an inviting atmosphere. The menu includes an array of authentic options like tacos, burritos, tortas, enchiladas, and other traditional Mexican dishes. The taqueria offers dine-in service and makes for a great spot to have a night out with friends or a date night with your loved one.
But, what really makes El Camino Real stand out from other spots in town is how they make the tortillas fresh with every taco order (right in front of you, I might add). And boy are they delicious!
Recommended dishes: We tried 7 varieties of tacos – Al Pastor, Cabeza, Pollo, Longaniza, Lengua, Rajas, and Chuleta and would highly recommend each one…Except skip the pollo as it lacked the punch of flavor the others provided.
If you have an interest in Kansas City murals, there are a couple a few blocks down from El Camino Real on 8th Street that showcase the city’s history and are worth seeing. One of Kansas City’s casinos (7th Street Casino) is also located nearby if you want a little nightcap.
LOCATION
📍 903 N Seventh St, Kansas City, KS 66101
📍 1147 Argentine Blvd Kansas City, KS 66105
⏱ Sun-Thu 10:00 am – 10:00 pm; Fri-Sat 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
🌐 facebook.com/elcaminoreal1and2
7. Bonito Michoacan
Bonito Michoacan is another combined grocery store, butcher’s shop, and taqueria featuring authentic Mexican food in the Kansas City, Kansas area. It is a no-frills, order-at-the-counter type of place where the staff speaks little English and the food is full of flavor! Each customer settles their bill at the counter after their meal.
The only reason why Bonito Michoacan isn’t ranked higher (KC locals are probably screaming right now) is simply due to the atmosphere. The taqueria is a little rough around the edges and is not necessarily the kind of place where you dine inside (most customers take their orders to-go).
Taco Tuesday is a different story though — so come this specific day if you want a lively ambiance.
Recommended dishes: Though Bonito Michoacan offers a full menu, between the two of us, we enjoyed the barbacoa, discada, carnitas, and al pastor tacos (all $2.50) along with the Combo Tamal plate. The barbacoa and carnitas tacos were some of the best (if not the best) we’ve ever tasted.
LOCATION
📍 1150 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, KS 66102
📍 1229 East Santa Fe, Olathe, KS 66061
⏱ Every day 7:00 am – 9:30 pm
🌐 www.bonitomichoacanmarket.com/
8. Tacos El Gallo
Another popular spot on Southwest Boulevard, Tacos El Gallo is one that my husband and I have frequented many times. It’s a traditional Mexican restaurant where you seat yourself and order at the counter. Speaking of which…for newcomers, the counter where you order/pay is tucked away in the back corner on the left-hand side as you enter.
The taqueria also functions as a market, offering items such as sombreros and piñatas, and adds to the fun and inviting environment.
Tacos El Gallo is one of the few spots open late on weekends in case you ever find yourself having the late-night munchies.
Plus, there is a full-service bar with spiked slushies and margaritas if you feel like having a tasty beverage with your meal.
Recommended dishes: For me, it’s all about the birria tacos here. I’m tempted to say they are in the top 3 in all of Kansas City. For a unique choice, try the birria noddles — you won’t regret it.
LOCATION
📍 806 Southwest Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108
📍 5038 Lamar Ave Mission, KS 66202
⏱ Sun & Wed 10:00 am – 7:00 pm; Mon-Tue & Thurs 10:00 am – 9:00 pm; Fri – Sat 10:00 am – 12:00 am
🌐 https://tacoselgallo.com/
9. Taqueria La Nueva
Taqueria La Nueva has two locations across the Kansas City metro, the newest being in Westport. The taqueria is known for its friendly staff and clean atmosphere.
The taqueria pleasantly caught us by surprise. It’s a place we hadn’t known much about or been to before, but it’s now definitely a spot we will return to. Like others listed, Taqueria La Nueva offers a variety of toppings, but they go a step further with options like radishes, pineapple, and pickled onions. YUM!
Recommended dishes: Get the tripe “crispy” option (vs. soft). DELICIOUS! Quesabirria tacos were also tasty as were the lengua tacos. Note: Menundo is not served on the weekend, so come on a weekday instead if this is something you are craving.
LOCATION
📍 3906 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64111 (Westport)
📍 12561 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213
⏱ Sun-Thu 10:00 am – 10:00 pm; Fri-Sat 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
🌐 https://www.taquerialanueva.com/
10. El Pollo Rey
El Pollo Rey offers a simple menu focused on one ingredient — chicken! The menu consists of three options: Half chicken, Whole chicken, or Buffalo Wings. Each choice includes rice, charro beans, and tortillas on the side. This makes it easy for those who have a hard time deciding what to order, much like myself.
The chicken served here is cooked to perfection: smoked and then grilled for a crispy skin. And SO juicy! Note: Prices have seen a slight increase in the past year. A whole chicken now costs $22.50, while a half chicken is priced at $11.25.
Recommended dishes: There are only three menu items, so this goes without saying, but try the chicken ha!
LOCATION
📍 901 Kansas Ave, Kansas City, KS 66105
⏱ Sun 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Mon-Sat 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
🌐 https://www.facebook.com/pages/El-Pollo-Rey/109331789107695
Best Mexican Restaurants in Kansas City for Date Night
11. Ixtapa Fine Mexican Cuisine
Are you looking for a good date night spot in Kansas City? Ixtapa Fine Mexican Cuisine is the perfect place. This unassuming spot located in Overland Park, KS (with a second location in North KC) combines upscale dining with authentic Mexican food.
The service here is also incredible — from the moment you sit down you are greeted with a tostada with bean puree to start (on the house) and knowledgeable staff helping you decide what to order.
The owner even jokes that if you choose one of his recommendations and are not satisfied, he will pay you back in cash. Thankfully, we were far from disappointed!
Recommended dishes: For an appetizer, you cannot go wrong with any of the unique quesadilla starters – Quesadillas De Huitlacoche, Quesadillas De Flor De Calabaza “Squash Blossom”, or Quesadillas Huastecas. We also took the owner’s recommendations and highly enjoyed #27 steak ixtapa and #29 pork chile verde for our entrees.
LOCATION
📍 7305 W 95th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212
📍 7103 NW Barry Rd Kansas City, MO 64153
⏱ Sun 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Mon-Sat 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
🌐 http://ixtapamexicancuisine.com
12. Jarocho Authentic Mexican Seafood
I know what you are probably thinking…what is a “seafood” place doing on the list? But, Jarocho isn’t just any seafood spot, it’s a Mexican seafood restaurant.
The menu features items that focus on seafood as the central element, but with a touch of Mexican flavor within each dish — fresh guacamole and blue crab queso for appetizers and rice, beans, elote, and Mexican slaw to pair with the main course. Of course, don’t forget the extensive selection of tequila and mezcal choices too.
If you enjoy their dinner offerings, be sure to go for the Sunday buffet brunch at their KCK location from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., held on the first Sunday of each month. It’s one of the best in KC!
Recommended dishes: Grilled Stuffed Oysters and Fried Red Snapper served whole (yes, with the head and everything) which is brined for 24 hours to give it its crispy exterior. The fried fish is a speciality item so call for availability if this is what you want. Both items were featured on the popular TV show, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
LOCATION
📍 719 Kansas Ave, Kansas City, KS 66105 (KCK)
📍 13145 State Line Rd., Kansas City, MO 64145
⏱ Sun-Mon CLOSED; Tue-Thu 11:00 am – 9:00 pm; Fri-Sat 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
***Exception – Open the first Sunday of every month for El Bruncho***
🌐 https://www.jarochokc.com/
13. Estrella Azul Mexican Cuisine
Estrella Azul is a hidden gem located in Mission, Kansas but spends about half their time in the food truck at events around town. Everything is made fresh daily and groceries are hand-selected by the owner.
The menu offers the usual fare you’d anticipate from a Mexican eatery: tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and more.
Since Estrella Azul originated as a food truck and is committed to maintaining this element of its business, the restaurant hours vary weekly (and may differ from what’s listed on their website). Be sure to look at their Facebook page for the latest updates.
Recommended dishes: Al Pastor street taco and Carne Asada Fries
LOCATION
📍 6011 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66202
⏱ Sun-Mon CLOSED; Tue-Fri 11:00 am – 8:00 pm; Sat 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
🌐 https://estrellaazulkc.menufy.com/
FAQs
What are the best Mexican restaurants in downtown Kansas City?
You have a few good options in the heart of downtown Kansas City. Los Tules located across from the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a favorite among locals. Mission Taco Joint in the Crossroads Arts District provides a Tex-Mex menu with a lively atmosphere and is also a popular spot.
For authentic Mexican cuisine, just a short distance from downtown on Southwest Boulevard, there’s a whole row of choices, several of which are included in my list above (#5 & #8).
What are some fancy Mexican restaurants in Kansas City?
If you want an upscale dining experience plus authentic Mexican cuisine, I would point you toward Barbacoa or Ixtapa Fine Mexican Cuisine.
If your focus is on the atmosphere rather than the authenticity of the food, then there are also a ton of great Tex-Mex restaurants in Kansas City such as K-Machos, Kansas City Taco Company, Torchy’s Tacos, and El Patron Cocina & Bar.
Final Thoughts
Kansas City has no shortage of delicious Mexican restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for classic dishes like tamales, tortas, and tacos al pastor, or more modern, innovative dishes, there’s something for everyone.
With so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to find your new favorite Mexican restaurant in Kansas City. I hope this guide has inspired you to add a few new spots to your list to try!
