Best Upscale Mexican Restaurants in Cincinnati | Upscale Mexican Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Mexican Restaurants in Cincinnati | Upscale Mexican Food

• Simply Rolled — Thai · rated 4/5: This vibrant dessert destination invites guests into a world of sugary whimsy where liquid cream is transformed into delicate, frozen ribbons on a frost-covered stage. From the neon-hued Cotton Candy Burrito to the decadent Buckeye Madness, each creation is a handcrafted masterpiece layered with playful textures like salty pretzels, toasted marshmallows, and chunks of edible cookie dough. It is a joyful sanctuary for the sweet-toothed, where every custom roll captures the nostalgic magic of a carnival treat reimagined with modern, artisanal flair.
• The Comet — Mexican · rated 4/5: Bathed in a warm, unpretentious glow, this neighborhood anchor serves as a vibrant sanctuary where the hum of local conversation mingles with the rhythmic pour of regional craft drafts. An impressive rotating selection—from velvety dunkels and crisp Helles lagers to bright, honey-kissed wheats—flows from the taps, inviting guests to settle into a space that feels like the soulful, beating heart of the community.
• The Littlefield — Mexican · rated 4/5: This neighborhood sanctuary invites guests into a warm, industrial-chic space where exposed brick and soft lighting create an intimate backdrop for spirited conversation. The bar crafts inventive, bourbon-forward cocktails that pair seamlessly with a rotating selection of elevated comfort fare, served either in the cozy interior or on the lush, verdant patio. It is a place where the hum of the community mingles with the clink of ice, offering a refined yet relaxed escape that feels like a well-kept local secret.
• Arnold's Bar and Grill — American · rated 3/5: Steeped in history and humming with a timeless energy, this storied tavern invites guests to settle into its warm, weathered corners for a feast of elevated comfort classics. The air is rich with the aroma of roasted garlic and golden deep-fried pretzels, while vibrant plates of Mexican street cauliflower and lemon chickpea kale salads bring a fresh, modern flair to the rustic table. Whether sharing a decadent bowl of Cincy poutine or savoring crispy wings, every bite captures the soulful essence of a neighborhood haunt where history and hospitality collide.
• Bakersfield — Mexican: This high-energy social hub pulses with the spirited energy of a modern honky-tonk, where the air is thick with the scent of hand-pressed tortillas and the vibrant hum of a bustling crowd. Guests gather around rustic wood tables to explore an impressive library of tequilas and whiskeys, pairing smoky spirits with bold, street-style tacos that burst with fresh, zesty flavors.
• The Whole Bowl Cincinnati — Mexican: Tucked into a vibrant corner of the neighborhood, this minimalist gem centers its entire world around a single, perfected bowl of wholesome comfort. Layers of nutty brown rice and hearty beans are crowned with buttery avocado and bright salsa, all brought to life by the legendary, golden Tali Sauce that blankets every bite in a creamy, garlicky glow.
• Cactus Pear — Mexican: Sun-drenched hues and rustic accents transport diners to a vibrant Southwestern oasis where the air hums with the smoky aroma of charred chilies and sizzling cast-iron skillets. Bold, earthy flavors come alive in every dish, pairing the zest of fresh citrus and prickly pear with slow-simmered spices to create a soulful dining experience that celebrates the rugged beauty of the desert.
• Lalo Restaurant — Mexican: Sunlight streams through large windows to illuminate the sprawling, colorful murals and the long communal table that anchors this high-energy urban bistro. The air is thick with the scent of freshly baked sourdough and roasting coffee as an open kitchen hums with the rhythmic clatter of chefs crafting vibrant, seasonal plates. It is a place where the boundaries between strangers blur over shared dishes of artisanal comfort food, creating a lively, social atmosphere that feels like the beating heart of the neighborhood.
• El Toro Mexican Restaurant — Mexican: El Toro captures the vibrant spirit of a sun-drenched hacienda, where the rhythmic sound of cocktail shakers and the savory aroma of charred chilies fill the air. Guests linger over hand-pressed tortillas and zesty, lime-brightened salsas, savoring a bold tapestry of smoky spices and fresh herbs that makes every meal feel like a festive celebration of authentic Mexican heritage.
• Jefferson Social — Mexican: Pulsing with the vibrant energy of the riverfront, this spirited social hub blends industrial-chic aesthetics with a sun-drenched, open-air atmosphere perfect for lively gatherings. The scent of zesty gourmet tacos and hand-shaken tequila cocktails fills the air as guests toast amidst a backdrop of upbeat conversation and modern urban charm.
• The Bagelry — Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese: The Bagelry serves as a vibrant neighborhood hub where the comforting aroma of toasted sesame and yeast-leavened dough beckons from the sidewalk. Inside, hand-rolled rings are boiled to a signature chew and baked to a golden crisp, creating the perfect vessel for silken cream cheeses and artisanal toppings that elevate the humble breakfast staple into a soulful morning ritual.
• Baru — Mexican/Spanish/Seafood influence: Baru transports diners to a sun-soaked coastal escape where the rhythmic pulse of Latin music mingles with the irresistible aroma of sizzling seafood and charred chilies. The kitchen celebrates the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean, turning out bright, citrus-forward ceviches and soul-warming small plates that burst with bold, tropical flavors. Whether sipping a hand-shaken cocktail on the breezy patio or sharing plates in the intimate, candlelit dining room, every visit feels like a festive and flavor-drenched getaway.
• Mexcantina — Mexican: Mexcantina pulses with a vibrant, sun-drenched energy, where the rhythmic shake of agave cocktails and the aroma of charred chilies draw guests into a spirited celebration of flavor. Hand-pressed tortillas cradle slow-simmered meats and bright, zesty salsas, creating a soulful dining experience that feels like a festive escape to a bustling neighborhood plaza.
• Patron Mexican Grill — Mexican: Vibrant colors and the rhythmic shake of agave cocktails set a festive stage at this lively grill, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of charred meats and hand-pressed tortillas. Plates arrive brimming with zesty salsas and slow-simmered classics that celebrate the bold, soulful spirit of Mexican cooking, offering a spirited escape that captures the warmth and energy of a neighborhood fiesta.
• El Jinete — Mexican (Commonly associated with this: El Jinete transports diners to a spirited Mexican hacienda, where the air is alive with the smoky aroma of charred chilies and the festive clinking of salt-rimmed margarita glasses. Beneath warm, rustic lighting, guests savor the vibrant soul of traditional cooking through hand-pressed tortillas and tender, slow-cooked meats that celebrate the bold and sun-drenched flavors of the south.
• Cancun Mexican Restaurante & Cantina — Mexican: Sunlight-drenched interiors and a festive cantina atmosphere transport diners to the heart of the Yucatan, where the air is thick with the savory scent of charred meats and fresh cilantro. Sizzling platters arrive at the table amidst a chorus of laughter, paired perfectly with hand-shaken margaritas and zesty, house-made salsas that dance on the palate. It is a vibrant escape where every meal feels like a coastal celebration, blending bold, traditional flavors with a warm hospitality that invites guests to linger.
• Los Potrillos Mexican Restaurant Bar & Grill — Mexican: This vibrant cantina pulses with energy, where the sizzle of cast-iron fajita platters and the bright citrus of hand-shaken margaritas create a festive backdrop for every meal. Warm hospitality meets a tapestry of bold, authentic flavors, inviting guests to linger over plates of tender slow-cooked meats and zesty house-made salsas in a space that feels like a spirited neighborhood celebration.
• Gomez Salsa — Mexican: Vibrant energy radiates from this neighborhood gem, where the air is thick with the scent of toasted tortillas and zesty, house-made salsas. Diners gather for the legendary Turtle, a perfectly pressed, golden-brown parcel that layers savory meats and melted cheese into a crisp, handheld masterpiece of Mexican street food. It is a lively, flavor-forward experience that transforms a casual meal into a bold celebration of fresh ingredients and urban charm.
• Taqueria Mercado — Mexican: Taqueria Mercado captures the vibrant energy of a bustling Mexican marketplace, where the rhythmic sound of cleavers on chopping blocks and the intoxicating aroma of seared meats fill the air. Guests gather in a lively, sun-drenched space to feast on street-style tacos served on warm, hand-pressed tortillas, each bite brightened by zesty house-made salsas and the cool crunch of fresh radish. It is an unpretentious destination where the bold, smoky flavors of the grill and the communal hum of the dining room bring the soul of traditional street food to life.
• Gomez Salsa - Walnut Hills — Mexican: This vibrant neighborhood gem pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of griddled tortillas and zesty, house-made salsas. The experience centers on the legendary Turtle, a masterfully folded and seared parcel that yields a satisfying crunch to reveal layers of savory, customizable fillings, creating a playful yet soulful tribute to modern Mexican street food.
• Mazunte Taqueria — Mexican: Vibrant colors and the rhythmic sizzle of the grill transport diners to a bustling Oaxacan street market, where the air is heavy with the intoxicating aroma of slow-roasted meats and toasted chilies. Hand-pressed corn tortillas serve as the canvas for a kaleidoscope of bright salsas and tender fillings, creating a soulful dining experience that pulses with the sun-drenched energy of the Mexican coast.
• Currito — Mexican: Vibrant colors and global aromas collide at this modern eatery, where the traditional burrito is reimagined as a canvas for bold, international flavors. Guests craft their own culinary journeys through nutrient-rich bowls and zesty wraps, pairing charred proteins with crisp, farm-fresh produce and house-made sauces that span the map from Mediterranean zest to Asian spice. The experience is rounded out by refreshing, fruit-forward smoothies that provide a cool, creamy finish to a meal defined by its energy and wholesome flair.
• Fuzzy's Taco Shop — Mexican: This vibrant Baja-style hangout pulses with energy, inviting guests to kick back in a colorful, laid-back space where the spirit of a permanent beach vacation thrives. Generous plates overflow with signature tacos topped with zesty garlic sauce and a distinct dusting of feta cheese, perfectly paired with frosty, salt-rimmed margaritas and the satisfying crunch of chips dipped into warm, spicy queso.
• Condado Tacos — Mexican: Vibrant hand-painted murals and an edgy, urban energy set the stage at this lively social hub, where the air hums with the rhythmic sound of cocktail shakers and spirited conversation. Guests become architects of their own flavor profiles, layering bold proteins and fresh toppings into signature double-decker shells that pair perfectly with house-infused margaritas and zesty, made-to-order salsas.
• Tortilleria Garcia — Mexican: The air at Tortilleria Garcia is thick with the comforting, nutty aroma of toasted corn, where the rhythmic hum of the tortilla machine serves as the heartbeat of this vibrant neighborhood staple. Steaming, hand-pressed tortillas become the canvas for slow-roasted meats and bright, zesty salsas, offering a soulful taste of Mexico that celebrates the timeless craft of scratch-made masa.
• Pata Roja Tacos — Mexican: The air around this vibrant walk-up window hums with the energy of a Mexico City street corner, where the intoxicating scent of charred pork and warm corn tortillas draws a lively, expectant crowd. At the heart of the experience is the glowing trompo, where thin ribbons of marinated al pastor are expertly carved and topped with a deft flick of pineapple to create a perfect balance of smoky heat and bright citrus. Each hand-pressed taco serves as a soulful tribute to traditional techniques, offering a transportive dining experience that feels both electric and timeless.
• Lalo — Mexican: Sunlight streams through large windows to illuminate a vibrant, floor-to-ceiling mural that sets a playful, high-energy tone for this bustling neighborhood gathering spot. Diners crowd around the long communal wooden table to share artisanal pastries and soulful, elevated comfort food that celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients with creative flair. The air hums with lively conversation and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, creating a warm atmosphere where every meal feels like a spirited celebration of community.
• Salazar Restaurant & Bar — Mexican: Nestled in a converted auto body shop along the LA River, Salazar captures the breezy essence of a desert oasis with its sun-drenched patio, vibrant succulent gardens, and mid-century charm. The air hangs heavy with the smoky perfume of the wood-fired grill, where tender meats and charred vegetables are prepared to be tucked into warm, house-made flour tortillas. As the sky turns to twilight, the space transforms into a lively social hub where guests linger over salt-rimmed margaritas and craft cocktails under a canopy of twinkling lights.
• Chuy's — Mexican: Vibrant neon lights and eclectic, kitschy decor set the stage for a high-energy fiesta where every corner reveals a whimsical surprise, from shimmering hubcap ceilings to hand-carved wooden fish. The kitchen pulses with the rhythm of hand-pressed tortillas and sizzling fajitas, inviting guests to indulge in bold Tex-Mex flavors elevated by their signature, crave-worthy creamy jalapeño dip and freshly shaken margaritas.
• Nada Cincinnati — Mexican: This vibrant downtown escape pulses with energy, inviting guests into a chic space adorned with bold patterns and plush velvet that set the stage for a spirited Latin-inspired feast. The kitchen transforms traditional flavors into modern art, serving up charred, gourmet tacos and zesty small plates that pair seamlessly with hand-shaken margaritas and the lively hum of a sophisticated crowd. Whether lounging on the sun-drenched patio or tucked into a glowing booth, the experience is a colorful celebration of bold spice and urban elegance.