Craving Mexican food? Day-dreaming of tacos falling from the sky or pools of salsa? Sure, you can grab a frozen burrito from the store (yuck!) but who wants that? And with authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine so close to home, why would you? Of course, knowing what you want and knowing where to go are completely different choices, and it can often be even more difficult to pick the latter. That’s why the team at Room Escape Fairfax compiled this handy list of the best Mexican restaurants in town. Hurry! Read on and pick your restaurant of choice, your (growling) stomach will thank you later.
Top Mexican Restaurants In Fairfax, VA
Planning for Cinco de Mayo? Below each restaurant’s description you’ll find current specials, discounts and other bargains so that you can determine the best spot for you and your family and friends.
Coyote Grill
For those in the mood for Tex-Mex (otherwise known as Mexican-American fusion), Coyote Grill is a reputable joint. Serving Tex-Mex quintessentials like “Chile Con Queso, Quesadillas and Navajo Nachos,” this friendly neighborhood cantina serves some of the best tejano-inspired food north of Texas. Bring your friends and come hungry, cause finger-friendly tacos, carnitas, and fajitas don’t feed themselves, and you’ll have more than enough to share. Also, be sure to dine in their all-season outside patio–it’s the best in town!
Seasonal specials include: Red Chili Pork Enchiladas, Baja Fish Tacos, Stuffed Avocado, Donut Holes and Garapiña’s (Bolivian cocktails).
Bar Taco
Located in the heart of Mosaic (across from the Target and next to Williams & Sonoma), Bar Taco is a taco bar like no other. With its white-washed interior, basket light fixtures, wander-lust photos and expansive bar, Bar Taco is reminiscent of a South-American “playa” (that’s Spanish for beach) than anything else. And with a menu featuring salads, rice bowls, desserts, and (of course) some of the best tacos in town, it’s hard to resist. Team favorites include: chicken pastor or pork belly tacos, duck quesadillas, churros (no doubt) and key lime pie in a jar(!).
While we couldn’t find any local specials in tow, BarTaco features weekly cocktails and recurring secret menu tacos at #bartacosecret. Check it out on their facebook page [here](https://www.facebook.com/btmosaic/).
El Fresco
True to its name, El Fresco is FRESH in all caps. Highlighting homemade Mexican wonders made for on-the-go eating, El Fresco is ideal for power-hungry teenagers, Mexican-food junkies and busy hard-working people alike. Our recommendation: check out there Nacho Supreme (a gorgeous mount of corn tortillas smothered in all the traditional fixin’s), Mariachi Burrito (musical ensemble not included) or Ensaladas (particularly the Shrimp Fajita Guacamole Salad).
Specials include “$7.99 Fajita Mondays,” “Taco Fiesta (10 tacos for $15.99)” or “Lunch for 3 (or 5 small children) for $19.99”.
Zandra’s Taqueria
Created out of a desire to serve yummy handcrafted tacos, excellent guacamole and margaritas, tequila and cervezas in a cozy fun atmosphere, Zandra’s Taqueria in Fairfax is a notoriously-likable hangout for Northern Virginia locals and tourists alike.
Ahi Tuna, Spicy Cuban, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Beef Barbacoa, Ground Bison(?), Honey Habero Shrimp(!)…the (extensive) list of tacos goes on and on. Top it off with a seemingly endless variety of on-tap beers, mind-blowing dessert (fried ice-cream, Oreo churros, etc.) and live music every Saturday, and it’s easy to see why Zandra’s is so popular.
Uncle Julio’s
Committed to handcrafted, fresh Tex-Mex in a casual-dining atmosphere, Uncle Julio’s has built a culinary empire (35 restaurants a counting) in just three decades. With their made-from-scratch fajitas, quesadillas, tacos and tamales, not to mention a full bar menu featuring shaken-to-order margaritas, mojitos and sangrias, Uncle Julio’s is a go-to spot for anyone looking for quality and affordable Tex-Mex. Add to that a rustic-modern venue, with wood-plaid floors, Mexican-inspired architecture and folk art, and you might just forget you’re in the Old Dominion state.
Specialties include Table-side Guacamole, Bacon-Wrapped Camarones, Carne Asada, Guadalajaras, and of course, the Chocolate Piñata.
Ines Place
A warm and lively atmosphere. Competitive prices. Best ingredients. Creative Cocktails. Authentic Mexican and Salvadorian Cuisine. That’s just a few good things people have said about Ines Place. In little over a few years, this small but trendy hotspot has set a new standard for local Mexican food. And with a nearly perfect 5-star rating on Yelp, it’s got the testimonials to prove it. Check out their “Platano Frito’s” (fried plantains in cream) “Alambre Fortachon” (marinated pork, chicken, bacon served with peppers) or “Mar Y Tierra” (boiled steak with shrimp and Salvadorian salsa).
Stop By Room Escape Fairfax While You’re Out
All that (spicy) food got you shaking like a Mexican jumping bean? Why not use all that lively energy doing something fun with your friends. In just a short drive, you could be solving complex puzzles, getting creative, and saving the world, all while having fun and burning calories to boot. Head over to Room Escape Fairfax to round off your Mexican fiesta and feel like a saldado yourself!
Got plans for Cinco de Mayo? Want to celebrate the Battle of Puebla and lead your team to victory like Ignacio Zaragoza did in 1862? Contact Room Escape Fairfax to schedule your escape room experience now.