Best Mexican Restaurants in Fayetteville

Fayetteville serves authentic Mexican cuisine alongside Tex-Mex favorites—from family-owned taquerias serving generations-old recipes to bustling cantinas with fresh margaritas.

Why Fayetteville Has Great Mexican Food

The diverse military community brings Mexican families and food traditions from across the country and Mexico. You'll discover authentic regional Mexican alongside familiar Tex-Mex, all at prices that won't break your budget.

Authentic Mexican Restaurants

Fuego Azul Mexican Restaurant

Location: 516 North McPherson Church Road Style: Authentic Mexican cuisine with innovative techniques

What makes it special:

• Traditional Mexican recipes preserved
• Innovative cooking techniques
• Authentic ingredients imported
• Family-owned and operated

Menu highlights:

• Tacos (carne asada, carnitas, pollo)
• Aguachile (spicy marinated seafood)
• Traditional Mexican dishes
• Fresh salsas made daily
• Specialty margaritas

Price range: $$ (moderate) Best for: Authentic Mexican experience

Don Ramons Taco Shop

Location: 300 N Reilly Road Style: Real authentic and genuine Mexican food

Why locals love it:

• "Best Mexican food in ages"
• Authentic preparation methods
• Tacos with traditional recipes
• No Tex-Mex shortcuts

Specialties:

• Tacos de carne asada
• Quesabirria tacos (described as "absolutely AMAZING")
• Traditional Mexican street food
• Authentic seasonings

Price range: $ (budget-friendly) Best for: Quick authentic tacos, lunch

Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant

History: 35 years serving Fayetteville Locations: 18 throughout Cumberland County

What sets it apart:

• Three and a half decades of tradition
• Diverse menu of authentic Mexican food
• Vast array of margarita flavors
• Family recipes passed down
• Multiple convenient locations

Menu variety:

• Traditional Mexican entrees
• Combination plates
• Seafood specialties
• Vegetarian options

Margaritas: Known for creative flavors and strong pours

Price range: $$ (moderate) Best for: Family dinners, margarita lovers, consistency

Tex-Mex & Casual Options

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina

Style: Authentic Mexican food with American touches

Signature items:

• Mesquite-grilled fajitas
• Tacos (soft and crispy)
• Ice-cold margaritas
• Queso and guacamole

Features:

• Consistent quality
• Family-friendly
• Full bar with margarita selection
• Reliable chain experience

Price range: $$ (moderate)

Mexican Food Basics

Understanding the Menu

Tacos:

• Soft corn or flour tortillas
• Various fillings (meat, fish, vegetables)
• Topped with cilantro, onions, lime
• Salsa on the side

Burritos:

• Large flour tortilla wrapped
• Filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese
• Can be wet (topped with sauce) or dry
• Served with sides

Enchiladas:

• Corn tortillas filled and rolled
• Covered in sauce and cheese
• Baked until bubbly
• Usually 2-3 per plate

Fajitas:

• Sizzling skillet of grilled meat
• Bell peppers and onions
• Served with tortillas
• Build your own tacos

Quesadillas:

• Flour tortilla with melted cheese
• Optional meat or vegetables
• Grilled until crispy
• Cut into triangles

Common Fillings

Meats:

• Carne asada (grilled steak)
• Carnitas (slow-cooked pork)
• Pollo (chicken)
• Al pastor (marinated pork)
• Barbacoa (slow-cooked beef)
• Chorizo (spicy sausage)

Seafood:

• Pescado (fish)
• Camarones (shrimp)
• Pulpo (octopus, at authentic places)

Vegetarian:

• Frijoles (beans)
• Queso (cheese)
• Verduras (vegetables)
• Hongos (mushrooms)

Salsa & Spice Levels

Salsa varieties:

• Roja (red tomato-based, medium heat)
• Verde (green tomatillo-based, mild to hot)
• Pico de gallo (fresh chunky, mild)
• Habanero (extremely hot)

Spice indicators:

• Mild (little to no heat)
• Medium (noticeable warmth)
• Hot (significant spice)
• Extra hot/habanero (very spicy)

Ask before adding if you're sensitive to spice

Margarita Guide

Classic Margaritas

Traditional margarita:

• Tequila
• Triple sec (orange liqueur)
• Fresh lime juice
• Salt rim (optional)
• On the rocks or frozen

Variations:

• Strawberry margarita
• Mango margarita
• Watermelon margarita
• Jalapeño margarita (spicy)
• Top-shelf margarita (premium tequila)

Margarita Sizes

Standard: 12-16 oz glass Jumbo/Grande: 20-24 oz glass Pitcher: Serves 3-4 people

Pricing:

• Standard: $6-9
• Premium (top shelf): $9-14
• Pitcher: $20-35

Tip: Start with one—they're stronger than they taste

Authentic vs. Tex-Mex

Authentic Mexican

Characteristics:

• Corn tortillas (not flour)
• Simple preparations
• Fresh ingredients
• Regional specialties
• Less cheese
• Complex sauces (mole, verde)

Common dishes:

• Tacos with simple toppings
• Tamales
• Mole poblano
• Pozole (hominy soup)
• Ceviche

Tex-Mex

Characteristics:

• Flour tortillas common
• More cheese
• Larger portions
• Yellow cheese (cheddar)
• Americanized flavors

Common dishes:

• Fajitas
• Nachos
• Chimichangas (deep-fried burrito)
• Queso dip
• Loaded burritos

Both are delicious—just different styles

Sides & Add-Ons

Standard sides:

• Rice (Spanish rice, usually red)
• Beans (refried pinto or black beans)
• Chips and salsa (usually complimentary)
• Guacamole (extra charge, $2-4)
• Queso dip (cheese dip, $4-6)

Upgrade options:

• Add guacamole
• Extra meat
• Grilled shrimp addition
• Cheese dip on top

Mexican Breakfast

Some restaurants serve breakfast:

Desayuno options:

• Huevos rancheros (eggs on tortilla with salsa)
• Chorizo and eggs
• Breakfast burritos
• Chilaquiles (fried tortillas with salsa and eggs)
• Mexican sweet bread and coffee

Timing: Usually until 11 AM or noon

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

Most Mexican restaurants accommodate:

Vegetarian:

• Bean and cheese burritos
• Vegetable fajitas
• Cheese enchiladas
• Chips, salsa, guacamole
• Rice and beans

Vegan:

• Bean tacos (no cheese, no sour cream)
• Vegetable fajitas
• Rice and beans (ask if cooked with lard)
• Fresh salsa and guacamole

Always ask about lard in beans and rice

Kids Menus

Mexican restaurants are family-friendly:

Kid options:

• Quesadilla
• Small taco
• Mini burrito
• Chicken tenders (at Tex-Mex places)
• Rice and beans
• Includes drink

Price: Usually $5-7

Ordering Tips

First time at Mexican restaurant:

1. Start with combo plate (try multiple items)
2. Ask about spice levels
3. Chips and salsa usually free (don't fill up)
4. Pace yourself with margaritas
5. Save room for sopapillas (fried dessert)

Combo plates offer best value and variety

Dietary Considerations

Gluten-free:

• Corn tortillas (naturally GF)
• Avoid flour tortillas
• Check for cross-contamination
• Most grilled meats safe
• Ask about sauces

Low-carb:

• Fajita meat without tortillas
• Taco salad (skip the shell)
• Grilled chicken or steak
• Extra vegetables instead of rice

Price Guide

Tacos: $2-4 each Burritos: $8-12 Combination plates: $10-15 Fajitas: $14-20 Margaritas: $6-10 Appetizers: $6-12

Most meals include rice, beans, and chips

Happy Hour & Specials

Many restaurants offer:

• Discounted margaritas (4-7 PM)
• $1-2 tacos on certain days
• Lunch specials (smaller portions, lower price)
• Taco Tuesday deals
• Combo lunch under $10

Check restaurant social media for current deals

Takeout & Delivery

Mexican food travels well:

Best for takeout:

• Tacos (wrapped separately)
• Burritos
• Enchiladas
• Tamales

Request:

• Chips and salsa on the side
• Extra napkins
• Hot sauce packets

Delivery services: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub

Catering Options

Most Mexican restaurants cater:

Typical packages:

• Taco bar (meat, toppings, tortillas)
• Fajita platters
• Enchilada trays
• Chips, salsa, queso
• Rice and beans

Great for: Parties, military events, family gatherings

Military Discounts

Mexican restaurants often offer:

• 10-15% military discount
• Veteran specials
• Military appreciation days
• Birthday freebies with military ID

Present ID before ordering

Mexican Beverages

Non-alcoholic:

• Horchata (sweet rice drink)
• Jamaica (hibiscus tea)
• Tamarindo (tamarind drink)
• Mexican Coca-Cola (cane sugar)
• Jarritos (Mexican sodas)

Alcoholic:

• Margaritas (frozen or rocks)
• Mexican beer (Corona, Modelo, Dos Equis)
• Micheladas (beer with lime and spices)
• Tequila shots

Authentic Mexican Desserts

Traditional sweets:

• Sopapillas (fried dough with honey)
• Churros (fried dough with cinnamon sugar)
• Flan (caramel custard)
• Tres leches cake (three-milk cake)
• Fried ice cream

Price: Usually $5-7

Insider Tips

1. Try Don Ramons for authentic - Best street-style tacos
2. Mi Casita for variety - Huge menu, 18 locations
3. Lunch specials save money - Same food, smaller portions
4. Ask for extra chips - Usually free
5. Margaritas on the rocks - Stronger than frozen
6. Follow for Taco Tuesday - Best deals of the week

Mexican Food Etiquette

At the table:

• Chips and salsa are free (but don't fill up)
• It's okay to eat tacos with hands
• Use fork and knife for enchiladas
• Share appetizers family-style
• Ask before taking last chip

Tipping: Standard 15-20% on total bill

Resources

Find Mexican Restaurants:

• Yelp Fayetteville Mexican category
• Google Maps reviews
• "Best Mexican food Fayetteville NC"
• TripAdvisor recommendations
• Military spouse Facebook groups

Fayetteville's Mexican restaurant scene delivers authentic flavors and Tex-Mex favorites—from hole-in-the-wall taquerias to festive cantinas, all with generous portions and welcoming service.