Mexican restaurants are a staple in many communities, known for their lively atmosphere and delicious food. The menu is a restaurant’s first impression, offering a glimpse into the culinary experience that awaits.
A well-crafted Mexican restaurant menu is more than just a list of dishes; it’s a showcase of the rich and diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine. It should appeal to a wide range of palates, from those seeking traditional favorites to those looking for something new and exciting.
In addition to highlighting the classics, a good menu should also cater to various dietary needs, with options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners. A great beverage selection can also enhance the dining experience. This article will explore the key sections of a typical menu mexican food restaurant, as well as factors like dietary accommodations and special offerings.
Appetizers & Dips: Setting the Stage for a Mexican Feast
No proper Mexican meal begins without a tempting appetizer or a flavorful dip. These starters are designed to get your palate excited for the main course.
Popular Dips
- Queso Dip: Who can resist a warm, cheesy dip served with crispy tortilla chips? Some restaurants put their own spin on it with additions like chorizo.
- Guacamole Dip: Fresh avocados mashed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice – perfection! You might find a “Guacamole Your Way” option, allowing you to customize your dip.
- Other Dips: Beyond queso and guacamole, look for bean dip, chorizo dip, or seafood options like shrimp or shrimp and crab dip.
Appetizer Favorites
- Nachos: The ultimate shareable appetizer! A bed of tortilla chips topped with cheese, beef, chicken, or a delicious combination. Keep an eye out for opportunities to “make them ‘Supreme'” for a small upcharge.
- Quesadillas: Grilled tortillas oozing with melted cheese and your choice of fillings. Options often include grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.
- Ceviche: A refreshing seafood dish where shrimp or fish is marinated in citrus juices, creating a light and flavorful appetizer.
Main Courses: A Culinary Journey Through Mexico
The heart of any Mexican restaurant menu is its selection of main courses. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular and diverse offerings you’re likely to encounter.
Tacos, Enchiladas, and Burritos: The Cornerstones of Mexican Cuisine
No Mexican menu is complete without tacos, enchiladas, and burritos – the holy trinity of handheld deliciousness. Each offers a unique canvas for a variety of flavors and fillings.
- Tacos: The taco reigns supreme as a versatile and customizable option. Whether you prefer a crispy hard shell or a soft, warm tortilla, the possibilities are endless. You’ll often find classics like carne asada (grilled steak), al pastor (marinated pork), and variations featuring shrimp or fish. Keep an eye out for regional specialties like street tacos or the ever-popular quesabirria tacos, known for their cheesy, flavorful goodness.
- Enchiladas: Enchiladas take tortillas to the next level, filling them with savory ingredients and smothering them in a flavorful sauce. From the classic Enchiladas Supreme to the vibrant Enchiladas Verdes (green sauce) and the rich Enchiladas Poblanas (mole sauce), there’s an enchilada for every palate. Fillings typically include cheese, chicken, beef, or seafood.
- Burritos: For a heartier option, burritos deliver a satisfying combination of fillings wrapped in a large tortilla. Expect to find classics filled with meat, beans, rice, and cheese, alongside specialty creations like the BTO Fajita, BTO California, or BTO Cancun. If you’re watching your carbs, a Burrito Bowl offers all the flavors of a burrito without the tortilla.
Fajitas: Sizzling Skillets of Flavor
Fajitas are more than just a dish; they’re an experience. These sizzling skillets of grilled meats and vegetables arrive at your table with a flourish, ready to be assembled into delicious tacos.
- You’ll typically find options like Steak Fajitas, Chicken Fajitas, and Shrimp Fajitas, as well as combination platters like Fajitas Texanas or Fajitas Ixtapa, which often include a mix of meats.
- Fajitas are traditionally served with warm tortillas, along with essential accompaniments like guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
- Vegetarian diners can rejoice in Veggie Fajitas, which feature a colorful assortment of grilled vegetables.
Chicken & More: Expanding the Options
Beyond the classics, many Mexican restaurants offer a range of chicken and other meat-based dishes to satisfy diverse cravings.
- Arroz Con Pollo: This comforting classic features tender chicken and flavorful rice, often prepared with a variety of sauces and spices.
- Pollo Chipotle and Pollo a La Crema: These chicken dishes showcase the versatility of Mexican sauces, with Pollo Chipotle offering a smoky, spicy kick and Pollo a La Crema delivering a creamy, savory experience.
- Carne Asada: A staple of Mexican cuisine, Carne Asada consists of grilled steak, often served with rice, beans, and tortillas. It’s a simple yet satisfying option that highlights the quality of the ingredients.
Sides, Salads, and Soups: Complementing the Main Event
No great Mexican meal is complete without a flavorful side, and sometimes a lighter salad or soup can be the perfect choice.
Sides: Essential Accompaniments
Rice and beans form the foundation for many of our most popular dishes. You can choose Cheesy Spanish Rice or Mexican Potatoes, or opt for Black Beans or Refried Beans.
If you’re looking for a healthy side, try our Sautéed Vegetables or Fajita Vegetables.
Corn and flour tortillas are available with many of our dishes.
Salads: Lighter and Fresher Alternatives
Our Taco Salad is a classic, served in a crispy tortilla shell and customized with your choice of meat and toppings.
The Fajita Salad brings you all the flavors of fajitas, but served over lettuce for a lighter meal.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try the Tampico Salad, Tequila Lime Salad, or Citrus Shrimp Salad.
Soups: Heartwarming and Flavorful
Nothing beats Mom’s Sopa De Pollo, a traditional chicken soup that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Quench Your Thirst with Mexican Flair
No Mexican meal is complete without something delicious to drink. Here are some popular choices you might find on the menu:
Alcoholic Beverages: A Taste of Mexico
If you’re in the mood for an adult beverage, you’ll have plenty of choices:
- Mexican Beer: Many restaurants carry a range of lagers and ales, including Negra Modelo, Modelo Especial, Corona, and Dos Equis.
- Margaritas: It’s hard to beat a well-made margarita! You’ll often see several variations on the menu, such as Mexico Lime, Cadillac, and frozen margaritas. Some places offer premium or “skinny” versions, too.
- Tequila: From Blanco to Añejo, a good Mexican restaurant will have a diverse tequila selection. You might even see premium brands and tequila tasting flights.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Refreshing Alternatives
If you’d rather skip the alcohol, there are lots of refreshing options:
- Classic sodas and juices
- Jarritos, the popular Mexican soda with unique fruit flavors
- Sweetened and unsweetened iced tea
- Regular and decaf coffee
Got dietary needs? We’ve got you covered.
Our goal is to make sure everyone finds something delicious on our menu, no matter their dietary restrictions. We’ve got gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options clearly marked for your convenience.
- Gluten-Free (GF): Craving something without gluten? Try our Tampico Salad, Fajita Salad, or Enchiladas Verdes.
- Vegetarian: We’ve got delicious dishes without any meat, like our Veggie Fajitas, Veggie Quesadillas, and Veggie Taco Salad.
- Vegan: Looking for plant-based deliciousness? Try our Fajita Beyond, Beyond Street Tacos, or Vegan BTO Bowl.
Daily lunch specials and kids’ menu
Come on in for great deals on our lunch menu! We’ve got discounted prices on some of your favorites during lunch hours, including Lunch Fajitas, Lunch Burritos, and Lunch Combos.
We also have a kids’ menu with smaller portions and simpler flavors, with options like chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers, and quesadillas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the healthiest meal you can get at a Mexican restaurant?
Generally, a grilled protein option like fish tacos or chicken fajitas (hold the sour cream and extra cheese!) with plenty of veggies is a good bet. Opt for corn tortillas over flour, and load up on the salsa! Black beans are usually a healthier choice than refried beans, too.
What’s the best meal to order at a Mexican restaurant?
“Best” is subjective, of course! But a classic choice is enchiladas, maybe with a mole sauce if they have it. Street tacos are also a winner – get a variety to sample different flavors. Don’t forget the guacamole!
What are the most popular Mexican food dishes?
Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and guacamole definitely top the list. Fajitas, tamales, and chile relleno are also super popular and widely available.
What are 20 Mexican foods for dinner?
Okay, here’s a quick list to get your mouth watering: 1. Tacos 2. Enchiladas 3. Burritos 4. Fajitas 5. Tamales 6. Chile Rellenos 7. Mole Poblano 8. Chiles en Nogada 9. Pozole 10. Menudo 11. Barbacoa 12. Carnitas 13. Birria 14. Tostadas 15. Flautas 16. Sopes 17. Quesadillas 18. Empanadas 19. Arroz con Pollo 20. Cochinita Pibil. Now, go get some!
Key Takeaways
A comprehensive Mexican restaurant menu should offer a wide variety of choices, from appetizers and main courses to sides, desserts, and beverages. It should also include helpful descriptions that let customers know what to expect.
The best Mexican restaurants cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. By including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, you can appeal to more diners and ensure everyone in a group finds something they’ll enjoy.
Your menu plays a crucial role in shaping your customers’ dining experience. A clear, informative, and well-organized menu enhances customer satisfaction and encourages them to return again and again. A great menu can be a powerful tool for building a successful and thriving Mexican restaurant.