Updated October 2026
This might be a hot take but if you want the best Mexican cuisine, you’ll want to venture across the state line to Kansas City, Kansas to experience a number of authentic options.
That said, there are some outstanding opportunities for tacos, burritos, endless chips/salsa and more on the Missouri side. Below are some of our favorite Mexican joints in the Kansas City metro.
Margaritas Amigos - Best for Queso & Tex-Mex
This Kansas City staple has been around on Southwest Boulevard since 1985. Like Rudy’s, Margaritas makes sure you start eating shortly after sitting down. Where Margaritas differs is it’s squarely in the Tex-Mex category. The tacos and burritos here are greasier and cheesier. This isn’t refined fare. This is what you crave on a Friday evening after an exhausting week at work or when you wake up too late to have brunch because you had a few too many the night before.
What to Order
Margarita Dip. This is a white hot pepper queso with spinach and it’s some of the best queso in the city.
Original Taco. We are suckers for a basic fried taco and Margaritas are some of the best. Deep fried corn tortillas with your choice of meat and cheese, lettuce and tomatoes.
The Vibe
The atmosphere of this place is that of your standard Tex-Mex restaurant. Lots of booths, tables and of course margaritas.
What to Know
There are several locations throughout the city including in Kansas City, MO (Boulevard, North KC), Lenexa, Liberty and Martin City. Get there early, so you can beat the crowds.
Tacos Valentina - Best for Unique Mexican
This is one of the newer places to enjoy tacos in Kansas City and in our opinion, it’s the best. There are very few taco experiences we’ve had in Kansas City or abroad that come close to matching the quality and the uniqueness of these tacos.
What to Order
Kansas City Taco. This is unlike any fried taco you’ve had before. The fried tortilla tastes fresh and it’s filled with beef, potato, aioli and parmesan cheese. It’s probably our favorite taco in the city.
Suadero Taco. This is a street style taco, but it’s got a little more going on. Confit seared brisket and chuck, cilantro, onion and salsa. It’s so good.
Asada Fries. Fries topped with carne asada, guacamole, cheese, salsa.
The Vibe
This place is a ghost kitchen in Torn Label Brewing in the Crossroads Arts District. So, the vibe is that of your typical brewery. Concrete walls and floors, it’s a chill spot.
What to Know
Torn Label has some great beers and is one of our favorite breweries in the city. Check out some of their drafts while you are there. We love the Alpha Pale Ale.
Rudy’s Tenampa Taquiria - Best for Tex-Mex Fried Tacos
Take it from us; living down the street from this gem is dangerous. Rudy’s has some authentic options as well as your typical Kansas City Tex-Mex fare. There are two types of Mexican restaurant in Kansas City, those that give you bottomless chips and salsa the moment you sit down and those who don’t. This is the former. Rudy’s shines with their fried tacos. They’re consistently hot and crispy.
What to Order
Espinaca Dip. It rivals Margarita’s queso. White and yellow american cheese melted with spinach, tomatoes, onions. You’ll need it to go along with your unlimited chips and salsa.
Fried Tacos. Of course. Order the beef tacos for fried corn tortillas or the chicken for a fried flour tortilla. It’s delightfully soft and crunchy at the same time.
The Style & Vibe
Again this is another spot where it’s a typical Tex-Mex atmosphere. It’s a casual spot for chowing down on chips and swigging margaritas.
What to Know
Rudy’s has a Happy Hour from 4-6 which includes terrific food and drink options. It gets busy, but we don’t have issues if we get there early.
Ricos Tacos Lupe - Best for Authentic Mexican
They serve up classic, authentic street tacos at Ricos. This place is no frills and you’ll leave smelling like the food you just ate. It’s outstanding. When ordering, you’ll most likely just hear the question “onions and cilantro?”
What to Order
The menu is small. Order whatever taco or burrito suits you. They are all great.
The Style & Vibe
This is a small hole in the wall type restaurant. You’re here for the tacos.
What to Know
If you go on Taco Tuesday, you’ll experience one of the better lunch deals around.
Taco Naco - Best for Margaritas
Taco Naco takes the humble street taco and loads them with unique toppings. The tacos are usually overflowing with meat, salsa, sauces and other toppings. Sometimes it can be a little too much, but if you are looking for something different this place will suit your needs.
What to Order
Quesabirra Tacos. Birria style brisket, melty cheese, cilantro, onion and delicious consumme to dip in.
Tomatillo Jalapeno Salsa. If you are a fan of green salsa, they make some of the best. Their chips are really good as well. We like to order queso as well.
Margarita. Man this margarita is outstanding. It’s one of our favorite margaritas in the city. Tajin on the rim and a fun Hawaiian flower tops your drink.
The Style & Vibe
This place is colorful and bright. It’s inviting and if you go to the location in Overland Park there is a small market section where you can snag some Mexican goodies.
What to Know
You order at the counter and then snag a table. There’s sometimes a line, but we usually haven’t had issues with finding a table when it’s our turn. With three locations in the city, they’ve been slowing expanding. You can find them in Westport, Overland Park and along State Line Road.
Planning a full trip to Kansas City?
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