Discover Traditional Mexican Cuisine in Kentucky

Casa Grande, Somerset, KY

For a local taste of Mexico, visit Casa Grande in Somerset. Appetizers include cheese, mushroom, beef, chicken, or shrimp quesadillas and spinach, guacamole, queso, bean, or cheese dip, and nachos. They also have combination dinners that include refried beans and rice when choosing is difficult, authentic traditional and grilled specialties like chimichangas, quesadilla rellenas, Mexican pizza, and giant burritos filled with your favorite meats and veggies.

El Jimador, Bardstown, KY

Fast service, generous portions, and reasonable prices. That’s what you’ll find at El Jimador Real Mexican in Bardstown. For more than 11 years, El Jimador has been serving delicious South-of-the-border favorites like taco salad, meat and vegetarian fajitas, and burritos filled with your choice of beef, chicken, seafood, pork, or beans. They have a great kid’s menu, too, featuring favorites for the young ones.

El Rio Brava, Alexandria, KY

Consistency in service and the same great food time after time is what you’ll find at El Rio Brava. Located in Alexandria, this classic Tex-Mex restaurant has unforgettable margaritas that go with anything on the menu. Chips and salsa are served as soon as you’re seated and while you decide on what to order from the menu. The Spanish and Mexican surroundings will make you think you’re in an authentic diner, and you can eat outside on the patio when the weather is nice. Family owned and family friendly.

El Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, Newport, KY

Stepping inside the El Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant in Newport is like stepping into a lively fiesta. The colorful flags hanging from the ceiling and the brightly painted chairs are part of the charm in this popular authentic eatery. Open every day, you can count on getting traditional Mexican-style food like the Asado, a pork, rice, and beans dish served with tortillas and Mexican hot sauce or a fajita favorite that combines beef, chorizo, shrimp, chicken, onions, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream served with rice and beans. The children’s menu features burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and other kid-friendly favorites and includes a small drink.

El Tapatio, Elizabethtown, KY

If you crave delicious Mexican food, El Tapatio in Elizabethtown should be your next stop. Opened in 2009, the restaurant offers authentic Mexican food made from the freshest ingredients. It offers daily specials and a kid’s menu that will please the pickiest eaters. Tuesday is discount night, and it offers senior and military discounts.

El Rancho Tapatio, Lexington, KY

Family-owned El Rancho Tapatio in Lexington is a unique venue for authentic Mexican street food. Fresh and easy on the budget, this diner specializes in tacos, soups, gorditas, fajitas, and empanadas. For those who prefer lighter foods, they have excellent salads, including a specialty Rancho Salad made with grilled chicken, a creamy chipotle sauce, tomato, croutons, bacon bits, and rice on fresh lettuce, and a rich ceviche with shrimp or octopus, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice and spices on a tortilla with mayo and avocado.

Sol Azteca, Franklin, KY

Sol Azteca in Franklin is a hidden gem. This is the place to eat for reasonably-priced Mexican food and service that’s fast and friendly. If you enjoy consistency and know what you like, you’ll likely find it on the menu. Visitors who post reviews on social media recommend the chicken fajitas and beef carnitas.

Cancun Mexican Restaurant, Henderson, KY

No matter what day of the week you visit Cancun Mexican Restaurant in Henderson, there’s always something going on, from discounted drinks to live music to free kid’s meals. Cancun Mexican has all your favorite south-of-the-border foods, and signature dishes like their Famous Fajitas that are made from a special recipe, their version of a surf-and-turf, and a well-seasoned 14-ounce Angus Beef T-bone that will melt in your mouth. Open every day.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Traditional Mexican restaurants in Kentucky offer classic dishes.
• Casa Grande in Somerset offers a variety of appetizers and traditional Mexican dishes.
• El Jimador in Bardstown serves South-of-the-border favorites with a great kid's menu.
• El Rio Brava in Alexandria offers consistent service and traditional Tex-Mex food.
• El Rio Grande in Newport has a lively atmosphere and traditional Mexican-style food.
• El Tapatio in Elizabethtown offers authentic Mexican food with daily specials and discounts.
• El Rancho Tapatio in Lexington specializes in authentic Mexican street food.
• Sol Azteca in Franklin offers reasonably-priced Mexican food with fast and friendly service.
• Cancun Mexican Restaurant in Henderson has signature dishes and daily specials, including live music and free kid's meals.