5 Best Mexican Restaurants In Dayton, Ohio (2024) (From A Local)
Want to know all the best Mexican restaurants in Dayton, Ohio? We’ve got you covered with all of our local favorites!
After living in California for 8 years, a common question I get is if there are actually any Mexican restaurants in Ohio.
My answer to that is obviously we have Mexican restaurants in Ohio.
While there’s not as much variety as you’d get in the border states, we still have plenty to choose from.
JP was born and raised in Southern California where there are too many Mexican restaurants to even count and these are all JP approved!
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Best Mexican Restaurants In Dayton, Ohio
Here are our 5 favorite Mexican restaurants in Dayton.
1. El Toro
Location: there are 14 locations throughout Dayton, though I personally prefer the locations on N Fairfield Road in Beavercreek.
El Toro is a popular local restaurant chain.
A couple years back JP and I waited out a tornado at the location pictured above and nobody seemed phased at all that a tornado was going right down N Fairfield.
Their best dish is the Pollo Loco.
It comes topped with chorizo and a cheese sauce, so you can use your sides of tortillas and rice to build little chorizo tacos on the side.
So it’s like 2 dinners in one.
2. Elsa’s
Location: there are 6 locations throughout Dayton
If you’re looking for a place to meet up with friends for a night out, then Elsa’s is the perfect place.
They are best known for their Bad Juan Margarita.
For food, they’re known for their 10 inch Super Burritos.
3. Rusty Taco
Location: 1822 Brown Street, Dayton, Ohio 45409 and 2760 Towne Drive, Beavercreek, Ohio 45431
Rusty Taco is a chain of 25+ restaurants sprinkled throughout the US and Dayton is lucky enough to be home to 2 of these locations.
They’re most known for their street tacos and all day breakfast tacos.
For dessert, I highly recommend the Sopapillas.
They are our favorite dessert!
4. Sueño
Location: 607 E 3rd Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
Sueño is a modern, high end Mexican restaurant in Downtown Dayton.
They are open for dinner 6 nights a week (closed on Sundays).
It’s the perfect place for a date night.
5. El Rancho Grande
Location: 9 locations throughout the Dayton area
El Rancho Grande is most similar to El Toro.
They’re mid-range priced with menus that cover all your favorite Mexican dishes.
Plus, with locations all over, no matter where you live in Dayton there will be one nearby.
More Great Restaurants in Dayton, Ohio
In addition to these phenomenal Italian restaurants, here are more of our favorite restaurants around Dayton.
✅ Romantic Restaurants in Dayton
Whether you’re looking for a place to go out for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, a birthday, or even just a first date, Dayton is home to plenty of romantic restaurants for these special occasions.
✅ Italian Restaurants in Dayton
If you’re like me, a good bowl of pasta is your idea of the perfect dinner.
Dayton has its fair share of Italian restaurants, specializing in pizzas, pastas, and family recipes.
✅ Best Restaurants in Dayton
If you’re just looking for the best restaurants overall, we’ve got a list of over 30 of our favorites.
From local chains like Milano’s, Donato’s, and Skyline, to popular mom and pop restaurants.
Fun Things To Do In Dayton
Did you know is in the path of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse?
No matter what time of year you’re here though, there are so many festivals, special events, and tourist attractions that are open year round.
We’ve got you covered all year!
Check out our Dayton travel guides for Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring.
If you’re interested in venturing outside of town, check out our guide on the Best Day Trips From Dayton, Ohio or take a day trip out to Cincinnati or Columbus.
But if you’re wanting to explore the whole state, read up on The Ultimate Ohio Bucket List: Top 5 Things To Do In Ohio.
What is Dayton Known For?
Dayton is known for its rich history, welcoming locals, and vibrant culture.
The city has been home to many great inventions such as the Wright Brothers’ first successful flight, the cash register, and the pop top can.
Dayton is also well-known for its cultural attractions like Carillon Historical Park, Dayton Art Institute, and Victoria Theatre.
There are also an array of outdoor activities in Dayton including biking trails, kayaking on the Great Miami River, and hiking at John Bryan State Park.
Additionally, Dayton’s food scene offers a variety of cuisines from classic American diner food to upscale Italian cuisine with craft beer breweries sprinkled throughout the city.
Tips For Planning Your Trip To Dayton, Ohio
If you need help planning your trip to Dayton, check out our Tips For Planning A Trip To Anywhere (A Step-By-Step Guide).
Read our Best Tips For Staying Safe When Traveling During Extreme Weather if you’re traveling during tornado season in the Spring or the snow in Winter.
Also check out our Best Tips For Staying Well While You Travel if you’re prone to getting colds or have allergies when you travel or have other ailments.
Lastly, if you’re traveling on a budget, read up on our Best Tips For Traveling On A Budget: Your Guide To Planning An Affordable Trip.
Conclusion: Best Mexican Restaurants in Dayton, Ohio
These are just a few of the best Mexican restaurants in Dayton, Ohio.
There’s a good mix of local chains, national chains, and family owned restaurants.
