Tasty Mexican Restaurants in Brooklyn

Those in Brooklyn are constantly working on new developments and improvements to the city, providing the locals with unique experiences. Many restauranteurs and entrepreneurs open their own restaurants offering locals and visitors varied unique dining experiences. To that end, we’ll be focusing on the best Mexican restaurants in Brooklyn.

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Chavela’s

A lively eatery serving up authentic Mexican food with a large selection of margaritas, tequilas, and specialty cocktails.

736 Franklin Ave | Brooklyn | chavelasnyc.com

Chavela’s is an insanely popular restaurant with over 1800 reviews on Google. When you step into this restaurant, you immediately understand why. It’s bursting with vibrant personality and color. They have a lovely outdoor area where you can eat or you can choose to have your meal inside. Live plants are scattered around. There's an open bar with comfortable stools. A beautiful chandelier hangs from a ceiling that's filled with decorated tiles. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow for a lot of natural lighting. All in all, the atmosphere is excellent.

Chavela’s was established in 2007 by Chef Arturo Leonar. He was born and raised in Mexico City and moved to New York to work in restaurants. His love and natural skill with cooking propelled him forward into his career as a chef. When Chavela’s opened, locals loved it and in 2011, Chevela’s moved to its current location to accommodate more guests. Chevela’s provides upbeat music, amazing food, and a lot of laughs with loved ones.

This little Mexican restaurant offers brunch, lunch, and dinner. For an entree, dive into the Pastel Azteca which are tortillas that are layered with roasted poblano peppers, squash blossoms, mushrooms, corn, caramelized onions, queso, and topped with a roasted tomato sauce. They also have vegetarian or vegan options available for many of their dishes. So if you want flavorful food, a lively atmosphere, and a good time with friends, make sure to stop by Chevela’s.

"Delicious! I had the shrimp enchiladas and they were soooo flavorful with a little bit of a kick. This was my first dining indoors experience and it was lovely. I felt very safe. The service from the hostess to the wait staff was wonderful. I'll definitely be back." - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card to Chavela’s.

Oxomoco

A modern eatery offering woodfired Mexican dishes with tequila and cocktails.

128 Greenpoint Ave | Brooklyn | oxomoconyc.com

Let me start by saying that Oxomoco Mexican food is Michelin starred! So you know you're getting something super tasty right off the bat. It's a great place for an intimate gathering or even with a larger group of people. The staff is friendly and accommodating and many locals love coming here.

Not only is the food delicious, but the surroundings of Oxomoco are also unforgettable. First off, they have indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor patio is fenced off so it feels separated from the rest of the world. They also have these little gardens and potted plants around which adds to the relaxed vibe.

Now the inside is something to behold. They have planters in the rafters on the ceiling so vines are spilling out of the rafters. It feels almost like you're eating under a tree. The space is open and airy with warm lights that give the environment a homey feel.

They have a smaller menu, but it's filled with tasty options. We recommend trying the Hamachi Rhubarb Aguachile with hibiscus, ginger, and chili puja oil. Yum yum! If you didn't want to go for the atmosphere, you'll definitely want to go for the food.

"We ordered downright everything - the guacamole, soya marinated tuna tostada, market corn tlayuda, chicken quesadilla, pork tacos, and steak tacos. Everything was super fresh and tasty as hell. The tlayuda in particular was perfection. Fresh queso, tomato, and cilantro on a perfectly crispy yet chewy tortilla.  Matter of fact, we loved the tlayuda so much we got a second round. Had to unbuttoned the pants but totally worth it.  Oh and don't forget to slurge on their drinks - the watermelon mint margarita was deeeelightful!" - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card to Oxomoco.

Chela Modern Mexican

A lively restaurant offering Mexican fare with a colorful atmosphere.

408 5th Ave | Brooklyn | chelaparkslope.com

Established in 2017, Chela Modern Mexican was opened by Ronny Jaramillo. Ronny previously lived in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and immigrated to the United States wanting to pursue a culinary career. He worked hard and managed some of the best restaurants around before opening his own restaurant. He wanted Chela to be a restaurant full of warmth and incredible food. I think locals will agree when I say that he met his goal.

Chela serves up authentic Mexican dishes with an innovative and creative spin on some of the classics. So you'll find unique dishes at Chela. Start off with their Elotes or corn on the cob made with Chile Manzano aioli, queso cotija, and chile powder. They also make incredible tacos and offer a variety from fish to braised short rib to vegan.

The last thing I want to touch on is the setting of this Mexican restaurant. It has warm lights and it's very atmospheric. It's a casual eatery with large paintings and shelves lining the walls where live plants rest. Chela provides a dining experience you won't forget.

"Super yummy Mexican food. Had the costilla tacos yummy fall off the bone meat. The drinks were nice and strong and just absolutely above and beyond attention and service" - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card to Chela Modern Mexican.

Mesa Coyoacan

A unique eatery serving classic Mexican dishes on communal tables.

327 Graham Ave | Brooklyn | mesacoyoacan.com

Mesa Coyoacan is another fantastic restaurant bursting with personality. It has a rustic-chic look with some interesting Mexican elements. They have pictures covering one of the walls, Mexican decorations scattered here and there, and a fun atmosphere.

Mesa Coyoacan offers authentic Mexican food and a comfortable environment to the people of Brooklyn. Chef Ivan Garcia brings traditional culinary flavors and styles from his home in Mexico City to the patrons of Mesa Coyoacan. They use organic ingredients and grass-fed beef to bring you the finest quality meals. The setting with their long communal tables is perfect for family dinners and celebrations.

Start your meal with Nopal Aasado made with grilled cactus and topped with cheese and rajas con crema. This is an Aztec delicacy that's meant to be shared. For an entree, make sure to try Chef Ivan's secret family recipe - Enchiladas de Mole made with organic shredded chicken, crema fresca, avocado, onion sesame seeds, black beans, and queso fresco. The flavors, the atmosphere, and the experience are nothing short of perfect at Mesa Coyoacan.

"I am impressed, Mesa Coyoacan was truly amazing. The vibe is chill. Truly impressed with their menu, lots of good options, Churros was absolutely incredible. The staff was really helpful and service is wonderful. I will definitely be back the next time I'm in the area." - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card to Mesa Coyoacan.

Xixa

An upscale and trendy eatery dishing up inventive Mexican fare along with a selection of mezcals.

241 S 4th St | Brooklyn | xixany.com

Owners and couple Heather Heuser and Jason Marcus created Xixa to share their love of Mexico City, its cuisine, and its culture. Xixa is cosmopolitan in its setting and service while reflecting modern Mexican tradition, culture, and aesthetics. Their vision shines in their surroundings and menu. Starting with the atmosphere, it's a cozy restaurant with modern decorations. Each table has a little candle bringing a touch of warmth and comfort to every meal. The hanging chandeliers and the uniquely shaped light fixtures add to its modern vibe.

All of their food is made with top-notch ingredients and is bursting with flavor. They offer a wide selection of food to choose from. Try their Scallop Ceviche made with apple mint, pistachios, cucumber, avocado, and soy. If you find yourself a little lost on the menu, make sure to check with your waiter or waitress and they'll come up with some great recommendations for you.

"A+ for Xixa. It's kind of the perfect location. Easily the most fabulous menu item for me was Coconut Shrimp Ceviche. Workers are extremely helpful and service is very quick. Xixa, so glad they're in town." - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card to Xixa.

Alma

An upbeat restaurant offering a year-round roof deck, ground floor bar, and delicious Mexican food.

187 Columbia St | Brooklyn | almabk.com

Alma offers their guests a lovely feast for the eyes and the taste buds. So if you're a foodie and you like sharing your meals on social media, Alma is the place for you. Alma was established in 2002 and continues to create and modernize traditional Mexican dishes.

A big appeal of this restaurant is the atmosphere and setting. On the ground floor of the restaurant, it has a casual rustic area that’s a great place to chill with friends. The main star of this restaurant is the upstairs rooftop patio. It’s open year-round and can be covered or uncovered. It offers an incredible view of Manhattan and locals love enjoying their meal on this spectacular rooftop dining area.

Of course, their creative take on their Mexican dishes is not to be missed. Start your meal with Tostadas de Atun which is seared tuna, avocado salsa, black beans, and balsamic. For your main meal, try out their delicious tacos. You can choose between vegetable tacos, steak tacos, shrimp tacos, and more.

"Phenomenal experience. The staff was professional, safe and friendly. And the VIEWS!!!!! So gorgeous. An incredible outdoor dining experience in the time of covid. The food was fabulous and space is gorgeous. I wish I could remember the name of our waiter because he was so sweet. Thank you Alma!!!" - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card to Alma.

Every one of these restaurants that we've listed offers their guests something truly unique in both their menus and the setting. You’ll have an unforgettable experience at each of these restaurants and you may even find your new go-to Mexican restaurant. Based on the atmosphere and the food, which restaurant would you want to try first? Leave us a comment below.