New England’s Best Taco & Burrito Places For Coastal-Mex Cuisine

New England might be famous for clam chowder and lobster rolls, but trust me when I say the coastal-Mexican food scene here is absolutely exploding with flavor.

From Maine’s rocky shores to Boston’s bustling streets, talented chefs are blending fresh seafood with bold Mexican spices to create something truly magical.

Whether you’re craving fish tacos that taste like vacation or burritos stuffed with oceanic goodness, these spots will completely change how you think about Mexican food in the Northeast.

Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar

Where crispy fish meets tropical heat in the most glorious way possible, you’ll find yourself questioning every taco decision you’ve ever made. Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar nails the Baja fish taco with beer-battered cod that shatters under your teeth while staying impossibly moist inside.

The cilantro-lime slaw adds brightness, but it’s that charred pineapple and pickled serrano combo that sends your taste buds on a rollercoaster.

Honestly, the chipotle aioli is the glue holding this masterpiece together, creamy and smoky in all the right ways.

Coco Bar And Grill

Though most shrimp tacos play it safe, this Biddeford gem decided to coat theirs in coconut breading and change the game entirely. Coco Bar and Grill serves up their signature Coco taco with a crunch factor that could wake the dead, and the sweetness from the coconut plays beautifully against tangy toppings.

Every bite feels like a mini beach vacation, even when you’re landlocked in Maine. The menu goes beyond this showstopper, too, with thoughtfully constructed Tex-Mex dishes that respect tradition while adding creative twists.

Taco Escobarr

Are authentic flavors and craft beer your love language? Taco Escobarr on Congress Street delivers both with zero pretension and maximum flavor. This Portland hotspot keeps things casual while serving up seriously legit Mexican cuisine that doesn’t cut corners.

The atmosphere invites you to stay awhile, munching on perfectly seasoned tacos while sipping something cold and hoppy. What sets this place apart is how they balance authenticity with accessibility, making everyone from Mexican food newbies to seasoned taco hunters feel right at home.

Vazquez Mexican Takeout

However remote Milbridge, Maine might feel, this tiny takeout spot proves that exceptional Mexican food can thrive anywhere passion exists. Vazquez Mexican Takeout makes their corn tortillas fresh every single day, and you can taste the difference in every single bite.

The chorizo tacos are legendary around these parts, with spicy, crumbly meat that’s properly seasoned and never greasy. Finding this level of authenticity in a small Maine town feels like discovering buried treasure, and locals guard this secret fiercely.

Rosa Mexicano Seaport

Did upscale Mexican dining just become your new obsession? Rosa Mexicano in Boston’s Seaport district pairs stunning waterfront views with elevated coastal cuisine that feels both fancy and approachable.

The seafood here gets star treatment, with preparations that honor Mexican traditions while showcasing New England’s incredible ocean bounty. Guacamole made tableside is practically a religious experience, and watching them muddle fresh ingredients makes you appreciate every creamy, limey bite.

This spot proves that Mexican food deserves just as much sophistication as any other cuisine.

Vida Cantina

Hence the waterfront location and creative menu, Vida Cantina has become Portsmouth’s go-to spot for Mexican food with a view. Their taco selection rotates with the seasons, ensuring that whatever’s freshest from local waters ends up on your plate.

The vibe here strikes that perfect balance between lively and relaxed, making it ideal for both quick lunches and leisurely dinners. What really impresses is how they incorporate New England ingredients into traditional Mexican preparations without making it feel forced.

Everything tastes intentional, thoughtful, and downright delicious.

Temazcal Cantina

This spot takes its tequila as seriously as its tacos, and honestly, that dedication shows in every aspect of the experience. Temazcal Cantina brings vibrant, authentic Mexican flavors to Boston with a menu that respects regional traditions while keeping things fun and approachable.

The carnitas are fall-apart tender, the kind that makes you close your eyes and sigh with satisfaction. Beyond the food, the atmosphere pulses with energy, colorful decor, and the kind of warmth that makes you want to gather your entire crew.

Angela’s Cafe

Where neighborhood charm meets seriously satisfying Mexican comfort food, Angela’s Cafe has been feeding East Boston for years. Their breakfast burritos are the stuff of local legend, stuffed so generously you might need both hands and a napkin backup plan.

Everything tastes homemade because it is, from the salsa to the perfectly seasoned beans that anchor every dish. The cafe atmosphere feels like eating at a friend’s kitchen table, unpretentious and genuinely welcoming. Prices stay reasonable, portions stay generous, and quality never wavers.

Tenoch Mexican

Though tortas often get overshadowed by tacos, Tenoch Mexican makes a compelling case for why these Mexican sandwiches deserve equal respect. Their bread gets perfectly toasted, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to soft, pillowy insides loaded with flavorful fillings.

The tacos here don’t play second fiddle either, with traditional preparations that transport you straight to Mexico City. What makes Tenoch special is their refusal to Americanize anything, keeping flavors bold, authentic, and unapologetically Mexican.

This is food that demands your full attention and rewards it generously.

Chilacates

Are chilaquiles the most underrated brunch dish in existence? Chilacates makes a strong argument with their namesake dish that combines crispy tortilla chips, tangy salsa, and perfectly cooked eggs into breakfast perfection.

The restaurant brings vibrant Mexico City flavors to Boston with a menu that goes way beyond the usual suspects. Every dish feels carefully crafted, with layers of flavor that keep your palate interested from first bite to last.

The bright, cheerful atmosphere matches the food’s energy, making even Monday mornings feel a little more festive.

Picante Mexican Grill

When you need a burrito the size of your forearm stuffed with grilled fish and fresh vegetables, Picante Mexican Grill understands the assignment completely. Their California-style approach means generous portions, quality ingredients, and customization options that let you build your perfect meal.

The grilled fish stays flaky and moist, never dry or overcooked like so many places manage to mess up. Fast-casual doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor, and this spot proves it with every order.

You’ll leave satisfied, full, and already planning your next visit.

El Pelón Taqueria

However many taquerias you’ve tried, El Pelón still manages to stand out with its commitment to authentic street-style preparations. This Boston staple keeps things simple, focusing on perfectly grilled meats, fresh toppings, and tortillas that actually taste like corn.

The burritos here are legendary, wrapped tight and packed with flavor that doesn’t quit halfway through. What started as a small operation has grown into a local institution, but the quality hasn’t wavered one bit. Lines form during lunch for good reason, and trust me, the wait is always worth it.

Los Amigos

Did someone say family-style Mexican comfort food that hits all the nostalgic notes? Los Amigos serves up those classic combination plates that let you sample a little bit of everything in one glorious sitting.

The enchiladas come smothered in sauce that’s been simmering for hours, and you can taste the care in every component. This is the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name and everyone feels like extended familia.

Prices stay affordable, portions stay generous, and the warm atmosphere makes every meal feel like a celebration.

Cilantro Mexican Grill

When you want Mexican flavors but also want to pretend you’re being healthy, Cilantro Mexican Grill offers bowls loaded with seafood and fresh vegetables. Their build-your-own approach means you control exactly what goes into your meal, from protein to toppings to salsa heat level.

The seafood options shine here, with shrimp and fish that taste ocean-fresh rather than freezer-burned. Everything gets prepared right in front of you, so there’s zero mystery about ingredient quality or freshness.

Fast, customizable, and legitimately delicious makes this spot a regular rotation contender.

Habanero Mexican Grill

Though the name promises heat, Habanero Mexican Grill actually offers a full spectrum of spice levels to accommodate every palate. Their salsa bar lets you choose your own adventure, from mild and fruity to face-melting inferno.

The tacos here come loaded with generous portions of well-seasoned proteins and fresh toppings that add crunch and brightness. What sets this place apart is how they balance bold flavors without relying solely on capsaicin to make an impression.

Even their mild options pack serious flavor, proving that heat isn’t the only way to create memorable Mexican food.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

Are sizzling fajitas the most dramatic way to enjoy Mexican food? Margaritas Mexican Restaurant thinks so, and they deliver platters that arrive at your table with theatrical smoke and irresistible aromas.

The seafood fajitas showcase New England’s coastal bounty, with shrimp and fish grilled to perfection alongside colorful peppers and onions. This regional chain has perfected the art of consistent quality across locations, so you know exactly what deliciousness to expect.

The festive atmosphere and generous portions make it perfect for group gatherings where everyone leaves happy and stuffed.

Acapulcos Mexican Family Restaurant

Where family recipes meet New England seafood, Acapulcos creates enchiladas that bridge two culinary worlds beautifully. Their green sauce enchiladas stuffed with local fish offer a lighter alternative to the usual cheese-heavy options.

The family-friendly atmosphere means kids are not just tolerated but genuinely welcomed, with a menu that pleases picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. Portions lean generous without being absurd, and prices stay reasonable enough for regular visits.

This is the kind of dependable neighborhood spot that becomes part of your weekly routine without even trying.

Mixteca Taqueria

However far you are from Mexico City, Mixteca Taqueria brings authentic street food flavors straight to your neighborhood. Their al pastor tacos feature perfectly spiced pork topped with sweet pineapple, creating that addictive sweet-savory balance that keeps you reaching for just one more.

The handmade tortillas make all the difference, with a texture and flavor that store-bought versions can’t touch. Small, unassuming, and absolutely packed with flavor, this taqueria focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering an overwhelming menu.

Baja Fresh

When you need Mexican food fast but refuse to compromise on freshness, Baja Fresh delivers exactly that promise. Their grilled fish tacos stay true to Baja California traditions, with simply seasoned fish that lets the ocean flavor shine through.

The cabbage slaw adds crucial crunch and tang, while lime wedges provide that essential brightness to tie everything together. No microwaves, no can openers, just fresh ingredients prepared to order in minutes.

This chain proves that fast food doesn’t have to mean low quality or boring flavors.