Indianapolis

Top 5 Mexican Restaurants in Indianapolis That Locals Love

February 15, 2021
Food & Drink
jason wolfe
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Whether you're hungry for something filling, craving a fresh meal, or want something to warm you up on a winter's day, you can never go wrong with Mexican food.

And if live in or are visiting Indianapolis, you're in luck. This vibrant city's food scene happens to feature plenty of delicious Mexican options.

If you're craving your favorite Mexican staples or want to try something new, check out these 5 local favorites located around Indy. From sizzling fajitas to sweet conchas, there's a restaurant or bakery on this list for every taste and craving.

Mexican food is always a great choice for dinner out with friends to celebrate a birthday, a big win at work, or just the end of the week. Surprise your friends with a virtual GiftYa card that they can use to dine at a variety of restaurants and bars in Indianapolis, including plenty of tasty Mexican locales where they can raise a toast with a margarita or two. Because it's virtual, you won't have to worry about mail delays getting in the way of your friend enjoying their gift. You can even personalize your card with a special message before sending it straight to their inbox!

1. Mama Ines Mexican Bakery

Decadent Mexican bakery specializing in authentic, colorful treats, savory tamales, and friendly staff

Dine on sweet and savory baked goods in a colorful, family atmosphere. Image courtesy of Yelp.

(518 Sagamore Pkwy S, Lafayette)

While it might not be a full-service restaurant, this colorful, family-owned Mexican bakery is well worth a visit. Whether you're looking for beautiful custom cakes perfect for birthdays or anniversaries or want to try authentic Mexican baked goods and desserts like Tres Leches and conchas, you'll find it all here. If you're too hungry to go straight to dessert, you'll also find a variety of tortas, a style of Mexican sandwich, as well as homemade tamales.

This popular bakery was once located in a tiny strip mall. It's since expanded to a larger location, and you can expect plenty of laughter and fun in this gathering spot, even as they continue to limit capacity and promote social distancing indoors at this time.

"Park in their big parking lot, walk in (with your mask on), and you'll be greeted by their friendly staff....along with walls full of pastries that it will be hard to choose from. Since covid, you go up to the counter to get your tray and tongs - and sanitize your hands before collecting your pastries. I got 2 doughnuts (delicious and generous), then 2 hot and ready tamales that they can serve you when you check out. Prices are super reasonable. I love how it's open later than most bakeries - so you don't have to rush there in the morning!" -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Mama Ines Mexican Bakery.

2. Fast Burrito

Quick and delicious burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and more in a convenient downtown location that's popular with the lunch crowd

Indulge in cheesy, delicious quesadillas served up fast by smiling staff. Image courtesy of Yelp.

(111 Monument Circle, Ste 120, Indianapolis)

This popular downtown burrito shop is perfect for grabbing a quick bite any time of day. Fast Burrito is known for its simple, straightforward menu options. Whether you're craving a breakfast burrito loaded with eggs, potatoes, cheese, and your choice of meat, or a veggie and cheese packed quesadilla, you'll find it here.

You can customize their burritos, quesadillas, bowls, and nachos with your favorite toppings and mix-ins. Add a side of chips and salsa, queso, or guacamole to make it the perfect meal. You'll be greeted as a friend by the smiling staff, and while lines may form during the lunch rush, you'll be in and out as fast as the name suggests!

"I love coming here on my lunch break. On the lower floor of the salesforce building, across from Yolk. The employees here refer to everyone as "friend," and though they're quick at getting you through the assembly line, the preparation is personal. Expect to spend about $8-10 for lunch. Better than Qdoba, and closer to my office." -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Fast Burrito.

3. Alazan Mexican Restaurant

Popular Mexican restaurant serving up classic, filling staples and drinks

Hearty meals and fresh ingredients make this the perfect date night--or weeknight! Image courtesy of Yelp.

(3561 English Ave., Indianapolis)

If you're in the mood for authentic, hearty, and fresh Mexican classics, you can't go wrong at El Alazan. With a lengthy menu packed with a variety of dishes from tacos to fajitas, seafood, and more, there's something for everyone on the menu.

If you're looking to get the most bang for your buck, lunch specials and all-day combos are a great way to save. El Alazan also features a full bar and drink specials so that you can wash down those spicy dishes with a sweet margarita or a pitcher of your favorite draft.

"Their sopes are life!!! My family and I frequent this place often. It's authentic, vibrant, and almost always packed. Being Mexican-American it's hard to find a good spot to call home, but we have found ours in El Alazan. Treat yourself to some culture, crying babies, and delicious food. I've yet to have something on their menu that I didn't love. The price is right and the food is hot." -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Alazan Mexican Restaurant.

4. Leonardo's Mexican Food

A 24-hour drive-thru is just one of the tasty reasons this Indianapolis staple is so unique

Day or night, cruise through the drive-thru for your favorite Mexican dishes and snacks. Image courtesy of Yelp.

(8431 N Michigan Rd., Indianapolis)

Leonardo's Mexican Food features authentic Mexican food grilled up fresh. But it's the 24/7 drive-thru that the restaurant is perhaps best known for. Drive right up to the window to order generously topped tacos, overstuffed burritos, melty quesadillas, and more, great for grabbing on busy nights or for a quick lunch.

With 24 combo plates to choose from, it's easy to get a filling meal any time of day for under $10. The restaurant does have some limited seating inside and out for those who can't wait until they get home to dig in. Because of COVID-19, their drive-thru is currently not open 24 hours a day, though that popular feature is likely to return in the future.

"Wow! Amazing Food! Drove up from Bloomington to do my shopping and just by chance stumbled on this taco shop. We are from Southern California and miss our Mexican food, but Leonardo's came through for us! 1st taco shop to offer rolled tacos and carne asada burritos that gave us a taste of home! They have a 24 hour drive through like back home, and have kind people running it! You won't be disappointed! We will be back!!!!!!  What a gem!" -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Leonardo's Mexican Food.

5. El Morral Mexican Restaurant

Classic Mexican dishes done the right way, washed down with the perfect margarita

From fajitas to tacos, enjoy your favorite Mexican staples made with the freshest ingredients. Image courtesy of Yelp.

(2519 Albany St., Beech Grove)

When it comes to classic Mexican dishes in Indianapolis, nothing beats El Morral. They're serving up homemade staples made with fresh ingredients and piled with toppings like cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and more. You'll find an extensive menu with a variety of entrees, sandwiches, combos, and more.

El Morral celebrates weekly "Taco Tuesdays," offering both ground beef and shredded chicken tacos with your choice of two toppings for just $1. Wash it down with their Tuesday drink special, which is a 16 oz lime margarita for just $2.99. The rest of the week, you'll enjoy a variety of rotating lunch and drink specials to help you save a little cash on your favorites.

"Some of the best Mexican style food around!  A real treat and surprise find for me, not far from home.  Great lifesaver for busy WFH days, too (thanks, GrubHub).  The steak tacos and chicken tacos seasoned deliciously and each comes with its own particular type of sauce.  They do not hold back on the meat -- three of these tacos (one order) are quite filling.  That won't happen at "taco bell"!  They also include refried beans & rice, also a in generous amount.  And yes, they've sprinkled the obligatory cotija cheese on the beans.  Bonus points earned there." -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for El Morral Mexican Restaurant.

Indianapolis might not be known for its Mexican cuisine, but that doesn't mean that you won't find delicious options throughout the city. Whether you're looking for a sweet dessert or a hearty meal, these restaurants won't disappoint. Which Mexican restaurants do you plan to visit? Let us know in the comments below!

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Trae Bodge

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