Zocalo Mexican Restaurant

A Guide to Mexican Restaurants in Kansas City

Kansas City’s culinary scene has flourished in recent years, meaning that the Mexican food offerings throughout the metro are better than ever. While casual chips-and-salsa happy hour hangouts continue to fill itineraries, there’s also a newfound blossoming of chef-forward concepts that prize local ingredients, craft techniques and unique menus.

Enjoy some of KC’s most popular Mexican restaurants:


Local Classics

Long-running standbys and regional institutions beloved by locals and visitors alike.

A Culinary Destination

Kansas City, Kansas has such an impressive assortment of Mexican restaurants that it's home to its own culinary journey: the KCK Taco Trail.

  • El Camino Real: The KCK staple offers a full menu of delicious Mexican street food.
  • El Pollo Rey: A local legend that dishes out wood-fired, south-of-the-border fare.
  • Don Antonio’s Meat and Tortillas: A relative newcomer on the KCK Mexican scene, Don Antonio’s doesn’t disappoint with a fresh menu and high-quality ingredients.
  • Taqueria Mexico #4: Fajitas to molcajete, the expansive offerings at Taqueria Mexico #4 mean everyone can find something satisfying.
  • Burritos La Chiquita: It’s all in the name at Burritos La Chiquita, because the loaded wraps are just that tasty. 

Happy Hour

Ideal for impromptu get-togethers, such as casual meals, drinks and meetups.

  • El Patron: Another Southwest Boulevard favorite, El Patron boasts excellent upper deck views and potent margaritas.
  • Teocali: Soak up some rays on the rooftop patio at this bustling Mexican spot just east of Crown Center.
  • Margarita’s: In business since 1985, this aptly named local Mexican chain touts a killer happy hour menu.
  • Brookside Barrio: An excellent patio setup is the perfect situation for relaxing with a drink in-hand and chips & salsa on deck.

Tacos and Burritos

Two trays of tacos on a table

Ready to pick from a menu of supremely satisfying dishes? Head to these picks specializing in tacos and burritos.

  • Taco Naco: The relatively new addition has drawn significant fanfare, with a vibrant restaurant space in Westport joined by locations in Overland Park and Waldo.
  • Tacos Valentina: Hand-pressed corn tortillas envelop irresistible flavors—barbacoa, carne asada, mushroom tinga and more—inside Torn Label Brewing Co.
  • Tiki Taco: Try crave-worthy bites on quirky 39th Street West, on Troost, or in Overland Park.
  • Kansas City Taco Company: New and novel shape the menu at KC Taco Co. in the River Market. Try Thai-chili shrimp tacos, Korean pork tacos and plenty more.

 

Table of food and colorful drinks at Session Taco
  • Session Taco: The funkier the flavor the better at this East Crossroads haunt that specializes in creative tacos and cocktails, making it perfect for an evening out with friends.
  • Burrito Brothers: Fresh, locally sourced ingredients make up the menu items at this spot in The City Market.
  • Ricos Tacos Lupe: Authentic tacos and other options located right on Southwest Boulevard.
  • Dos de Oros Taqueria: Street tacos and breakfast tacos stand out on an authentic menu that also includes massive, footlong burritos.

Craft Concepts

Higher-end experiences featuring thoughtful, carefully concocted menus can be found at Jarocho Pescados Y Mariscos, where chef Carlos Falcon expertly runs the kitchen. This much-awarded Mexican seafood restaurant currently operates two metro locations.

Make a trip to Kansas City's treasured and historically Hispanic Westside neighborhood to sample Sonoran-style tortillas from Yoli Tortilleria, a James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Bakery.