16 Must-Try Mexican Restaurants in Indianapolis, IN
Mexican food has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts worldwide, and Indianapolis is no different.
As a resident or visitor of this vibrant city in the heart of the United States, you can indulge in a diverse and alluring culinary scene. Embark on a captivating culinary journey as we explore the best Mexican restaurants in Indianapolis.
Discover the historical roots of Mexican cuisine in the city as you trace the influences of Mexican immigrants on the local food culture.
Prepare to delight your taste buds with iconic dishes like tantalizing tacos, comforting enchiladas, and salsas.
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Mexican festivals and cultural celebrations. Experience the convergence of food, music, and dance that creates an unforgettable experience.
Join us on this flavorful adventure and celebrate the Mexican culinary scene that Indianapolis has to offer.
Mexican Restaurants in Indianapolis
La Parada
Find this hidden gem in the Near Eastside neighborhood of Indianapolis. The service at La Parada is top-notch.
The salsa offerings include a super new variety with cilantro and onions, as well as spicy and green options on the table for individual preference.
Enjoy tasty tacos with a side of rice and beans. Pick your favorite meat and choose between corn or flour tortillas. They are drizzled with delicious hot salsa and accompanied by a cheese dip. It hits the spot and satisfies the taste buds.
For those craving flavorful fajitas, the chicken option is a generous serving suitable for two diners to enjoy and feel completely satiated. This local restaurant is known for serving the best Mexican food downtown and exceeds expectations.
Nada
Nada is a trendy Mexican restaurant at Circle Centre Mall in Indianapolis. Renowned for its funky ambiance and vibrant design, Nada attracts locals and visitors with its Mexican menu.
Besides its traditional and creative taco dishes, Nada has a wide selection of margaritas and cocktails.
Popular items include Pork Al Pastor tacos featuring salsa verde, onion, grilled pineapple, and cilantro on a corn tortilla.
Brussels sprouts and mushroom tacos are available for those on a plant-based or gluten-free diet.
Nada now has locations in Indianapolis and other cities such as Cincinnati, Nashville, Columbus, and North Bethesda.
Whether you desire a relaxed meal or a night out with friends, Nada Indianapolis promises a unique Mexican experience.
Loco Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
This Indianapolis eatery has gained popularity for its Mexican cuisine, and it’s easy to see why. Loco runs two locations in Indianapolis: Fountain Square and Fall Creek Place.
The restaurant has a festive ambiance, resembling a typical Mexican spot, but the chefs go above and beyond to infuse every dish with exceptional flavors. One satisfied customer raves about their experience with the chicken tacos and burritos.
Loco serves them with rice, beans, and a spicy and flavorful sauce that elevates a few slices of cucumber and these tacos. The recommendation holds for the steak tacos as well.
The prompt and efficient service ensures that the food arrives quickly at your table. With its feel-good atmosphere, this place provides an ideal setting for a relaxed and enjoyable casual date.
Bakersfield
You can enjoy the lively, happy vibe of Bakersfield. Discover this taco spot at 334 Massachusetts Avenue in Indianapolis.
Bakersfield, better known as a lively bar than a traditional restaurant, impresses guests with its extensive beer selection and special margarita and whiskey cocktail menu.
Sharing a pitcher of their fantastic margaritas with your pals is a great way to bring people together and have a good time.
If the lively crowd and interesting conversation have worked up an appetite, Bakersfield has many delectable tacos to satisfy any craving.
The short rib, chorizo, and shrimp tacos are fan favorites because of the unique flavors they bring to the table.
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
La Hacienda, a well-known restaurant in Indianapolis and Carmel, Indiana, welcomes you to its convenient locations. You’ll find ample parking at all three spots. The restaurants’ traditional Mexican style creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
You’ll be delighted by the range of dishes on the menu. Try flavorful enchiladas, burritos, and fajitas, including vegetarian options. The restaurant’s popular choices include chicken enchiladas, steak fajitas, and grilled shrimp with chipotle sauce.
As a locally owned and operated La Hacienda, they take pride in serving you freshly made food. Enjoy their outdoor seating or opt for take-out. La Hacienda is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Condado Tacos
Condado, a taco joint that began in Columbus, Ohio, in 2014, has expanded to different locations, including Indianapolis.
You’ll love their unique dining experience with fresh ingredients and various taco options. They have suggested tacos like Korean BBQ, El Tradicional, and Chicken Bacon Ranch, but you can also create combinations.
Plant base options available like Rango Tango and Power Plant at Condado. The Indianapolis location is at 530 Massachusetts Avenue and has received positive reviews for its best food, many taco choices, and outdoor seating.
Apart from tacos, they also serve Mexican street corn, queso, nachos, and different margaritas and other drinks. Visit Condado and enjoy reasonable prices, excellent service, and delicious offerings.
The Tamale Place
Visit this restaurant if you are a big fan of tamales. You’ll find The Tamale Place near the south end of the Marsh building, off Rockville Road.
You can find savory, mild, spicy, and vegan in banana leaves and sweet tamales. The tacos, nachos, tortas, thick chips, guacamole, salsa, rice, black beans, rice, and white queso dip are equally tasty.
There are plenty of delicious nachos for everyone to share. You get the tasty white queso dip, and you get to choose the toppings (some of which cost extra).
Either eat-in or take-out is an option. There are five or six tables inside, and if the weather is nice, a couple more can be set up on the sidewalk.
Los Cuates Mexican Restaurant
In Spanish, Los Cuates means “The buddies,” and that’s precisely how they want you to feel when you visit!
When you have guests over, you must treat them with the utmost respect and ensure they have everything they need to feel at home, including food. Under that primary goal, every dish at Los Cuates prepares from scratch daily using premium ingredients.
Their authentic, housemade Mexican and traditional Tex-Mex dishes are what has made them famous. The specialty of Los Cuates is their mouthwatering fajitas and soft tacos. Large groups are welcome at Los Cuates, and there’s a full bar for your enjoyment.
La Margarita Fountain Square
Regarding Mexican restaurants in Indianapolis, La Margarita is a top choice. The restaurant can find in the G.C. Murphy Building. In a lively setting, it serves authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant features both outdoor and indoor seating on its large patio.
La Margarita has a full bar and is an excellent choice for its margaritas and different mixed drinks. They are very proud of their commitment to making only natural meals. Delicious guacamole and chicken-and-chorizo nachos are just the beginning of your meal.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are abundant. Dinner can be as simple as picking something off the menu, like tamales, chile rellenos, or fajitas. Visit and enjoy their traditional Mexican fares in Indianapolis.
El Jalapeño Mexican Restaurant Indy
Located in the Edgewood area, El Jalapeño crafts the most outstanding steak fajitas that grace taste buds.
The seating booths boast exquisitely painted and carved woodwork, adding elegance to the surroundings. The vibrant colors and lively music create an atmosphere brimming with festivity.
The Chimichanga Texas style is an unforgettable experience, featuring a compelling combination of chicken, steak, and shrimp. The first bite is an instant revelation, and the desire to relish it again is undeniable. You can savor the medley of meats without making a choice. It’s a truly indulgent treat.
The initial allure that draws guests to this place is enjoying black beans instead of refried beans. Don’t hesitate to give this establishment a try. Alongside the classic Mexican fare, they showcase unique and tantalizing dishes that impress.
Festiva
The food at Festiva delights customers just as much as its vibrant exterior. The Festiva margarita impresses with its delightful twist and a hint of carbonation, making it a smooth and generous pour.
Moving on to the main course, Al pastor proves delicious, much like every other dish. For dessert, the churros are a perfect choice.
Festiva offers a beautiful patio area with adjustable windows, allowing guests to enjoy their desired ambiance. A spacious dining area and a cozy bar exist if the patio is complete. As one of the best upscale Mexican restaurants in Indianapolis, Festiva stands out in its category.
Mr Tequila’s Cantina & Grill
Mr Tequila’s is a Mexican restaurant and bar in Fletcher Place in Indianapolis. You enjoy Mexican and Tex-Mex fare, making this restaurant a favorite for get-togethers.
Since a family runs it, diners can expect a more intimate atmosphere. The guacamole, enchiladas, and steak fajitas are just a few of the dishes that have drawn visitors’ praise.
The restaurant has great margaritas, a full bar, patio seating, and lunch and dinner specials.
Evenings are made even more exciting by the performances of local musicians who provide live music. Overall, if you’re in Fletcher Place and looking for authentic Tex-Mex fare and a good time, Mr Tequila’s Cantina & Grill is where you need to be.
Bugambilias Mexican Cuisine
Bugambilias is a family-owned restaurant located in Castleton Square Pavilion that Mexican food made from scratch.
You can order take-out or dine in and enjoy the outdoor seating. The menu includes Oaxacan regional dishes such as Pipian Verde, carnitas, guacamole, and Cemita Felipe.
Try the Enchiladas Poblanas with Pipian Verde, and it is divine. Savory pumpkin, tomatillo, and peanut-based sauce smothered all over perfectly made enchiladas. They traditionally make their carnitas by slow-simmering pork in lard.
Among their drink options are several Mexican sodas and Jarritos flavors. Because of its flavorful and fresh food, locals claim the restaurant serves the best Mexican food in Indianapolis.
Luciana’s
You’ll love the diverse menu at Luciana’s. They have multiple locations in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.
The restaurant has a lively and slightly upscale atmosphere compared to other Mexican restaurants. You’ll find large, comfortable booths, four-top tables, high-top tables, and booths in the bar area.
Once seated, the chips and salsa will quickly arrive at your table and taste delicious. Their El Colorado, Shrimp Burritos, and Enchiladas Del Camarones are great choices if you want something unique.
If you prefer tacos, go for the three hard-shell tacos with all the toppings. Make sure to visit during regular hours to enjoy more delicious items and drinks.
Paco’s Taqueria
If you’re a chorizo burritos fan, try Paco’s Taqueria. The restaurant is a little busy, so you might have to wait a bit for your food. But it’s worth it!
They perfectly cook the chorizo with just the right amount of spice. Their chorizo burrito is, without a doubt, your favorite. Every bite bursts with flavors and spices that hook you from the first taste.
But it’s not just the chorizo burrito that’s great; every dish you try is outstanding. The tacos, tortas, and quesadillas are all fresh, delicious, and made with utmost care.
Paco’s Taqueria also supplies a catering service. No matter the occasion – a birthday, wedding, corporate event, or a cozy get-together – Paco’s Catering will bring a special touch to your event.
El Corcel Mexican Restaurant
El Corcel offers a blend of Mexican and Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant has three locations in Indianapolis: West 56th, West Morris Street, and Lafayette Road. You can visit the restaurant at these three locations.
Standout dishes include the Big Burrito, Veggie Quesadilla, Torta Cubana, and Ceviche Mixto. The menu also features a variety of appetizers such as Guacamole, Nachos, and Fajitas Vegetarianas.
Customers praise El Corcel’s fresh food, quick service, and friendly staff. The restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as take-out and delivery options. It is open seven days a week, making it a convenient choice for diners looking for a satisfying meal any day.
FAQs
What are the best Indianapolis Mexican restaurants?
Our top pick-up Indianapolis Mexican eateries include La Parada, Nada, Loco, La Hacienda, Bakersfield, Condado Tacos, and The Tamale Place.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available at these Mexican restaurants in Indianapolis?
Some Mexican eateries in Indianapolis offer vegetarian and vegan options. You can find vegetable fajitas, bean burritos, enchiladas with cheese, or plant base tacos.
Are reservations required at Mexican restaurants in Indianapolis?
At some Indianapolis Mexican restaurants, reservations might not be necessary. To ensure a smoother dining experience, we recommend making a reservation, mainly when the restaurant is busy or during weekends. You can call the restaurant directly or check their website for reservation options.
Do these Indianapolis Mexican restaurants provide catering services for events?
Many Mexican restaurants in Indianapolis supply catering services for events, birthdays and corporate parties, or special occasions. Whether hosting a large-scale event or a small gathering, you can rely on them.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
