We Ranked The Best Mexican Restaurants In Ohio And Here Is Who Made The Cut

One of the best taco spots in Ohio decorates its dim dining room with Mexican wrestling gear. Masks, capes, the whole lucha libre look.

I love that a dinner out can come with a side of theater.

That detail sent me looking for more places with real personality. I found a Oaxacan kitchen that opens at 10 in the morning.

I found a dining room built around a wood-fired hearth.

Then I kept going. The list stretches from Lake Erie to the hills of the southeast.

It includes a counter with a salsa bar and a family spot where you bring your own drinks.

None of these places feel like copies of each other. Each one earned its slot for a different reason.

So which corner of Ohio is about to become your next excuse for a road trip?

1. Casa Oaxaca

Breakfast tacos at 10 in the morning? Casa Oaxaca on the northwest side of Columbus opens its doors early, Tuesday through Sunday.

The kitchen leans into traditional Oaxacan cooking. That means you can order a tlayuda, the big crisp tortilla often called a Oaxacan pizza.

Birria tacos are a house signature, so plan on at least one. Menudo and pozole show up too, and the pozole is listed as vegan.

Vegetarians get Enchiladas Oaxaqueñas, and the Enchiladas Bandera are another favorite. Complimentary chips and salsa land on the table while you decide.

Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu here. That makes picky eaters a lot easier to handle on a long drive day.

Parking is free, with a lot and street spaces nearby. It sits just off Hayden Road, a short hop from I-270 and Sawmill Road.

Save room for churros, because they make a strong finish. Sunday afternoons and Saturdays tend to be the busiest stretches.

Monday is the one day the doors stay closed. Hours can change, so a quick check before you head out never hurts.

Address: 2910 Hayden Rd, Columbus, OH 43235

2. Momocho

Wrestling masks on the walls set the tone before the first chip hits the table. Momocho in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood is a dim, lively cantina with lucha libre decor.

The food here takes a creative, modern spin on Mexican flavors. Start with the guacamole sampler, which lets you try several versions in one go.

Carnitas tacos and barbacoa cover the hearty side of the menu. Blue corn enchiladas suiza bring a meatless option with plenty of comfort.

Vegetarians actually get a full menu of their own. Carrots elote is a playful twist that swaps the corn for carrots.

Tacos dorado add crunch, and fried ice cream wraps things up nicely. Small plates make it easy to share around the table.

It’s a dinner-only spot, open from 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Sundays are closed.

Reservations are recommended, and a wait is common on Friday and Saturday evenings. Parking around Fulton Road can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes.

When the weather cooperates, the patio is a nice bonus. Dogs are welcome out there too.

Address: 1835 Fulton Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113

3. Mazunte Taqueria

A salsa bar is a dangerous thing to put in front of a hungry person. At Mazunte Taqueria in Cincinnati’s Madisonville area, the homemade salsas are yours to load up on.

The space is bright and colorful, with counter service that keeps things moving. You order, grab a seat, and wait for street food to arrive.

Pork tacos and mixed tacos are strong places to start. The blue corn quesadilla is a vegetarian standout with real personality.

Chile relleno and crunchy tacos dorados round out the lineup. On a chilly Ohio day, caldo de pollo makes a soothing bowl of chicken soup.

Queso fundido with chips is a crowd pleaser for the whole table. Vegans and vegetarians each get a full menu, which is rare for a taqueria.

Doors open at 11 a.m. seven days a week. Reservations aren’t taken, so plan on a little patience Thursday through Saturday evenings.

Free Wi-Fi, high chairs, and outdoor seating make it easy for families. Madison Road is a quick drive from I-71.

Address: 5207 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227

4. Sueño

Fire is the main ingredient at Sueño, and it shows. The kitchen in downtown Dayton cooks over a wood-fired hearth.

That flame gives the creative tacos and small plates their personality. The taco de cochinita is a great pick if you like slow-cooked pork.

Vegetables get serious attention here too. Shishito peppers, piquillo peppers, and Brussels sprouts all appear on the menu.

Esquites bring corn in a cup, and the Oaxacan black bean dip is fully vegan. Full vegan and vegetarian menus mean nobody at the table gets left out.

Desserts deserve a slot in your plan. Tres leches cake and cheesecake are both on the lineup.

The room leans upscale, with a fireplace that suits a special night out. It’s a natural choice for anniversaries or a grown-up dinner.

Dinner runs from 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday is closed.

Reservations are recommended, especially on Saturday evenings.

You’ll find it on East Third Street, near the Oregon District. Free street parking and valet are both available.

Address: 607 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402

5. Deseo Modern Mexican

Waffles and tacos on the same menu? Toledo’s Deseo Modern Mexican makes a strong case for that pairing at brunch.

Brunch is a real highlight here. The En Su Jugo Benedict puts a Mexican spin on a breakfast classic.

Later in the day, the menu shifts toward elevated tacos and small plates. Tacos de calle keep things simple, while the tuna tostada feels a bit fancier.

The guac trio is a fun way to start, and it’s vegan. Esquites add a creamy corn side worth sharing.

Hibiscus tea is a refreshing pick for drivers and kids alike. Speaking of kids, there’s a kids’ menu and high chairs.

The setting feels modern without being stiff. It works for a casual lunch or a dressier dinner.

Doors open at 11 a.m. daily, with later hours on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially midweek and weekend evenings.

Look for it on Central Avenue in west Toledo. Free parking is usually easy to find.

Address: 3137 Central Ave, Toledo, OH 43606

6. Taquería La Loma

Lengua and tripa tacos are a sign that a taqueria means business. Taquería La Loma in Akron serves both, along with plenty of familiar favorites.

The dining room keeps it simple, with a bright wall mural adding color. The focus stays squarely on classic street food.

Burritos come in a few styles, including the wet burrito and the Gordo Burrito. La Loma’s Enchiladas carry the house name for a reason.

Feeling ambitious? The Molcajete Mar Y Tierra pairs land and sea in a stone bowl.

The torta de queso de puerco is a sandwich for the curious eater. Nachos with queso keep the younger crowd happy.

Sunday hours start early at 9 a.m. Weekdays and Saturdays open at 11 a.m.

It’s a family-friendly place with high chairs and fast service. Reservations aren’t taken, and Sunday afternoons get busy.

Find it on Darrow Road in Akron’s Ellet area, near the edge of town. Parking is usually plentiful.

Address: 459 Darrow Rd, Akron, OH 44305

7. Lulu’s Casa El Camino | Mexican

Sizzling fajitas make an entrance nobody can ignore. At Lulu’s Casa El Camino in Athens, the Fajitas Camino are a house specialty.

This family-oriented spot sits on East State Street. It’s an easy stop for Ohio University families or anyone exploring the Hocking Hills region.

Street tacos and the New Enchiladas Trio round out the main lineup. A taco salad offers a lighter choice.

Cheese dip is the classic opener, alongside chips and salsa. Vegetarians get a full menu, so everyone can find something.

Fried ice cream closes the meal on a sweet note. It’s a fun treat for kids after a day on the trails.

Families will appreciate the high chairs and kids’ menu. Reservations are accepted, which helps with bigger groups.

Weekdays open at 11 a.m., and weekends start at 11:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday evenings tend to be the busiest.

Free parking is usually easy here. Delivery isn’t offered, so plan to dine in or grab takeout.

Address: 1017 E State St, Athens, OH 45701