Ohio does not always get top billing in the Mexican food conversation, which is exactly why this list is so much fun to make. I have pulled into modest storefronts expecting a quick taco stop and walked out plotting a return trip before I even found my keys.
The best spots here do not lean on gimmicks or oversized menus to impress people. They win with fresh tortillas, deeply seasoned meats, house-made salsas, and the kind of cooking that tastes rooted in tradition from the first bite.
This roundup of 13 Ohio restaurants is for anyone chasing truly authentic Mexican flavor, whether you are in a big city or passing through on a hungry detour. Bring your appetite and a little curiosity, because Ohio is hiding some serious gems.
1. Tapatias Taqueria, Cleveland
Street taco lovers, this one is for you. Tapatias Taqueria on Lorain Avenue in Cleveland delivers the kind of no-frills, flavor-packed experience that keeps regulars coming back week after week…