Where to Eat Tex-Mex Food in Atlanta

By Daniela Cintron

Published July 21, 2023

Tex-Mex can be the ultimate comfort food, especially when you are craving something savory, cheesy and with just a hint of spice. Tex-Mex is not Mexican food, but it is inspired by Mexican cuisine that evolved when Mexican immigrants arrived in Texas and tried to make Mexican dishes using the ingredients available in the United States at the time.  

Tex-Mex spread beyond Texas and became so popular that it finally was recognized as its own category in American cuisine in the early 1970s. From nachos to fajitas, enchiladas, flour tortillas and crunchy tacos, here’s where to find Tex-Mex in Atlanta. 

Superica 

From beef tacos to cheesy enchiladas, Superica is the place to go for modern takes on Tex-Mex. Owned by Ford Fry, who grew up in Texas, Superica features a lot of his childhood dishes. Roll up your flour tortillas and dip them into the queso fundido. Order the fajitas and watch that sizzling plate of meat turn heads. Or, try traditional Tex-Mex dishes. You’ll get all the right toppings with the tacos al carbon or the taco dinner. 

Insider Tip: If you are looking for a dish to bring you back to life after a fun night, opt for the enchiladas and the Frida margarita.  

Where: Eastside, 99 Krog St.; Buckhead, 38 Roswell Road.; Westside, 930 Howell Mill Road

Little Rey

With some Northern Mexico-inspired dishes, Little Rey also offers some Tex-Mex favorites. Line up and check out the menu as you wait. There are so many delicious options, but you shouldn’t pass on the smoked chicken. Order a whole pollo al carbon to share — or not. It comes with a smoked onion and jalapeño, cilantro rice, beans and tortillas. Choose the flour tortilla. Kids’ dishes are made with the same quality ingredients and consistency as the adult dishes — no boxed mac & cheese here, only the real Tex-Mex deal for all generations. Whatever you choose, don’t forget the salsas. Be sure to grab plenty of the jalapeño ranch.

Insider Tip: If you arrive at a busy time, head inside to the drinks window and order a margarita that you can sip while you wait in line. On your way out, go to that same window for soft-serve ice cream. 

Where: 1878 Piedmont Ave. NE

Nuevo Laredo

You will feel as if you are walking into someone’s house for dinner at Nuevo Laredo on the Westside. Nuevo Laredo doesn’t take reservations, so put your name on the list and head over to the small, tucked-away bar for a margarita. Start your experience sharing the nachos, then escalate quickly to chimichangas, rice and beans. Get the real Laredo experience with the hamburger “para gringos.” 

Where: 1495 Chattahoochee Ave. NW

Taqueria del Sol 

You’ll always find great energy at Taqueria del Sol. The rush after work and school is real, and that is because everyone needs a Tex-Mex fix after a long day. Tacos are served in flour tortillas, in a perfect Tex-Mex manner, and you can choose from the carnitas, the brisket, the fried chicken or even the veggie bean taco. Look in the side dishes for good options for kids. 

Where: 1200 Howell Mill Road

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina

From classics to the unexpected, Tin Lizzy’s has everything for a Tex-Mex taco fix. Start off with the TL nachos, topped with beans, pico de gallo, jalapeños, sour cream and lots of cheese. Add the ground beef for the full Tex-Mex experience. With more than 15 taco options, you will have no trouble finding what you like. The Southern Comfort is a nice nod to the South; the Classic is what you expect from a Tex-Mex bite; and the Executive takes it to another level with grilled steak and blue cheese.

Where: Buckhead, 3639 Piedmont Road; Downtown, 26 Andrew Young International Blvd. NE; Grant Park, 415 Memorial Drive; Midtown, 77 Twelfth St. NE

Velvet Taco

Anything goes at Velvet Taco. This isn’t your typical Tex-Mex spot. Here, tacos take on a whole new identity. Some are served in waffle tortillas. Others come with mouth-watering proteins such as chimichurri steak, Kobe bacon burger, Nashville hot tofu and more. Go to Velvet Taco with an open mind and no expectations for traditional Tex-Mex. Remember to check into the WTF — Weekly Taco Feature. 

Where: Buckhead, 77 West Paces Ferry Road NW; Westside, 1115 Howell Mill Road.

Tex-Mex shouldn’t bring too much heat, but if you are craving mouthwatering spiciness, try authentic Mexican food in Atlanta.

Born and raised in Mexico, Daniela is a bilingual journalist living in Atlanta. She is passionate about telling stories that highlight the diversity and the blooming gastronomic scene in Atlanta.