You don’t have to go south of the border to enjoy great Mexican food right here. The cuisine is heavily influenced by chili peppers, corn and beans, as well as savory meats and scintillating spices. From what’s considered street food — tacos, quesadillas, and tamales — to home-cooked soups, rices, pastas and tortillas, it’s guaranteed to make your taste buds grateful. For the best Mexican food around, look no further than the Best Mexican Restaurant on Long Island.
2024: Long Island Voted Dirty Taco and Tequila – Multiple Locations Best Mexican Restaurant!
Dirty Taco and Tequila – Multiple Locations
201 Sunrise Highway, Rockville Centre
(516) 600-9874 – dirtytacoandtequila.com
At Dirty Taco and Tequila, culinary boundaries blur, creating a tantalizing fusion of global flavors and urban flair! This unique establishment seamlessly blends the authenticity of LA Taco truck cuisine with the boldness of Asian street food, resulting in an unparalleled dining experience on Long Island. From traditional Mexican favorites to innovative creations, every dish reflects a harmonious marriage of diverse culinary influences. Beyond the menu, the restaurant exudes an urban street vibe, captivating patrons with its vibrant ambiance. For those seeking an unforgettable gastronomic adventure, Dirty Taco and Tequila reigns supreme as the premier Mexican restaurant, embodying the spirit of culinary innovation!
2023: Long Islanders Voted Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine Best Mexican Restaurant!
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine
211 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset
(631) 979-7724 – marias211.com
Fans of Mexican food will want to try Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine, whose menu is designed to open the senses to a magical Latin-inspired dining experience. Whether eating under a custom stained-glass window that showcases beautiful Mexican glass or sitting near the signature sunflower wall, visitors will be transported to tropical locales while dining in the restaurant’s newly renovated space. Maria’s decor is warm and inviting while paying tribute to Latin American culture. Voted the Best Latin American Restaurant on Long Island for eight years in a row, Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine offers mouthwatering, locally sourced, fresh produce and delicious fresh meats and seafood; they also have a gluten free menu. Maria’s also has Music & Margaritas every Thursday night!
2022: Long Islanders Voted Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine – Nesconset Best Mexican Restaurant!
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine – Nesconset
211 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset
(631) 979-7724 – marias211.com
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine consistently ranks atop the Best Of Long Island competition, and for very good reason: Long Islanders know that when they come to Maria’s they will be greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff. They know that the atmosphere will always be warm and inviting. They also know that they will enjoy the freshest ingredients and the most exceptional cuisine, made with a whole lot of TLC, too! Both its lunch and dinner menus have loads of options to choose from, including empanadas, quesadillas, and nachos for appetizers, and taco combos, sandwiches, and chicken dishes for entrees. Top it all off with a churro sundae or one of the many dessert options. Yum!
2021: Long Islanders Voted Besito Mexican Best Mexican Restaurant!
Besito Mexican
Multiple Locations
besitomexican.com
Whether you are in the mood for traditional Mexican fare or more offbeat options, Besito Mexican is the perfect choice. You can start your meal with one of nine margarita options and chips with homemade guacamole made tableside. Appetizer choices include tortilla soup, chicken and vegetable quesadillas, shrimp empanadas, and sweet potato, crispy fish and crispy shrimp tacos. Popular entrees include Swiss enchiladas (Enchilada Suizas) made with shredded chicken, salsa tomatillo con crema, queso chihuahua, onions and cilantro. If you can’t choose between the grilled skirt steak and grilled chicken Iron Skillet Tacos, you can get both in the Mixtos Iron Skillet Tacos, along with chorizo – all served in warm corn tortillas. Make reservations or order online to try a taste of the greatest Mexican food around!
2020: Long Islanders Voted CaraCara Mexican Grill Best Mexican Restaurant!
CaraCara Mexican Grill
354 Main St, Farmingdale
(516) 777-2272 – caracaramex.com
CaraCara Mexican Grill prides itself on serving authentic, upscale Mexican food in a comfortable setting. Dig in on nachos, quesadillas, iron-skillet tacos, enchiladas and sandwiches that is sure to satisfy your stomach and make you come back for more. Along with daily food specials and happy hours, CaraCara carries an astounding 60 premium tequilas in their tequila lounge along with favorites like margaritas, mojitos and sangrias that you can enjoy your meal with — and your freshly made guacamole that’s prepared tableside every day. For a truly Mexican restaurant experience, don’t hesitate to visit the best!
2019: Long Islanders Voted CaraCara Mexican Grill Best Mexican Restaurant!
CaraCara Mexican Grill
354 Main St., Farmingdale
(516) 777-2272 – www.caracaramex.com
Upscale Mexican cuisine served amid plush banquettes, mood lighting & pop portraits of Frida Kahlo. CaraCara Mexican Grill serves authentic, upscale Mexican food in a comfortable setting. Couples, families, and singles will feel at home both in CaraCara’s Dining Room, and in their Tequila Lounge. There is also a Children’s Menu available as well as football specials during all NFL games! Feliz Hora (Happy Hour!) Monday through Friday 4 -7 PM in CaraCara’s Tequila Lounge. Weekend Brunch 11:30 AM – 3 PM. Special prefix dinner menu for $23.95 offered Sunday through Tuesday. CaraCara Mexican Grill offers a taste of Mexico that will delight along with drink specials that go down easy. Catering for events is also available at this conveniently located, authentic Mexican dining experience.
2018: Long Islanders Voted R.S. Jones Best Mexican Restaurant on Long Island!
R.S. Jones
153 Merrick Avenue
Merrick, N.Y. 11566
516-378-7177. rsjones.com
Rodeo-themed with exceptional cuisine, R.S. Jones serves up electrifying southwestern, Cajun, BBQ and soul food dishes in Merrick, Long Island. Delicious specialties include gumbo, fried pickles, alligator wontons, shrimp and grits, and biscuits and gravy! You will be saying muchas gracias after trying the amazing Mexican dishes including the Macho Nachos with fire roasted salsa, and delicious Vegetable Fiesta. Not only a food destination, R.S. Jones features great live music, so the overall vibe is downhome and hopping. At R.S. Jones you will always find flavorful food, and a happy clientele. All this, and so much more, make R.S. Jones an absolute amazing restaurant experience. Yeehaw!
2017: Long Islanders Voted Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine Best Mexican Restaurant on Long Island
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine
211 Smithtown Rd., Nesconset. 631-979-7724. marias211.com
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine consistently ranks atop the Best Of Long Island competition, and for very good reason: Long Islanders know that when they come to Maria’s they will be greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff. They know that the atmosphere will always be warm and inviting. They also know that they will enjoy the freshest ingredients and the most exceptional cuisine, made with a whole lot of TLC, too!
2016: Long Islanders Voted CaraCara Mexican Grill Best Mexican Restaurant on Long Island
CaraCara Mexican Grill
354 Main St., Farmingdale. 516-777-2272. caracaramex.com
An upscale setting, stylish decor and fresh take on traditional Mexican cuisine add up to make CaraCara Mexican Grill in Farmingdale the best Mexican restaurant on Long Island. Delicious ingredients prepared to perfection helps CaraCara take its fare to the next level. From cool guacamole made table-side to hot enchiladas and tacos sizzling right off an iron skillet, CaraCara is The place to be if you are “loco” for Mexican food. By the way, Thursday is Ladies Night, when the sangria flows like wine in the Tequila Lounge. Muy bien, amigos!
2015: Long Islanders Voted Caracara Mexican Grill Best Mexican Restaurant on Long Island!
Caracara Mexican Grill
354 Main St., Farmingdale. 516-777-2272. caracaramex.com
Caracara Mexican Grill in Farmingdale offers up a fresh take on standard Mexican cuisine. With top-notch ingredients prepared with exceptional skill, Caracara takes Long Island Mexican food to the next level. From guacamole made table-side to enchiladas and iron-skillet tacos, Caracara is nacho usual Mexican place. Ole!
2014: Long Islanders voted Caracara Mexican Grill in Farmingdale Best Mexican Restaurant on Long Island!
1. Caracara Mexican Grill
354 Main St., Farmingdale.
516-777-2272. caracaramex.com
2. Besito
Multiple Locations. besitomex.com
3. El Mariachi
213 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre. 516-536-6660.
2013: Long Islanders Voted Besito Best Mexican Restaurant on Long Island!
1. Besito
Multiple Locations. www.besitomex.com
2. El Mariachi
213 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre. 516-536-6661. www.facebook.com/elmariachirestaurant
3. Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine
211 Smithtown Rd., Nesconset. 631-979-7724. www.marias211.com
2012: Long Islanders Voted Besito Best Mexican Restaurant on Long Island!
1. Besito
Multiple Locations. www.besitomex.com
2. Caracara Mexican Grill
354 Main St., Farmingdale. 516-777-2272. www.caracaramex.com
3. Don Ricardo’s
94 E. Main St., Babylon. 631-587-0122. www.donricardos.com
2011: Long Islanders Voted Besito Best Mexican Restaurant on Long Island!
1. Besito
402 New York Ave., Huntington. 631-549-0100; 1516 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. 516-484-3001. www.besitomex.com
2. Pancho’s
10 Grace Ave., Great Neck. 516-829-5305; 4245 Austin Blvd., Island Park. 516-897-8300. www.panchostexmex.com
3. El Mariachi
213 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre. 516-536-6661. www.elmariachirvc.com
2010: Long Islanders Voted Besito the Best Mexican Restaurant on Long Island!
1. Besito
402 New York Ave., Huntington, www.besitomex.com
2. Don Juan
4899 Merrick Rd., Massapequa Park. 516-798-1172. www.donjuanny.com
3. Don Ricardo’s
94 E. Main St., Babylon. 631-587-0122. www.donricardos.com
