10 Best Mexican Restaurants in Sacramento (2024)
Want to find the best Mexican restaurants in Sacramento? We’ve got you covered with these must try favorites!
As the state capital of California, Sacramento has a ton to offer.
Mexican cuisine has been an integral part of Sacramento’s culinary landscape for well over a century.
The history of Mexican restaurants in Sacramento reflects the city’s diverse cultural fabric and its close proximity to California’s agricultural heartland, which has influenced the availability of fresh ingredients and culinary traditions.
The earliest Mexican restaurants in Sacramento emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, catering primarily to Mexican immigrants and laborers who came to the region to work in agriculture, railroad construction, and other industries.
These establishments often started as small, family-owned eateries serving traditional dishes such as tacos, tamales, and enchiladas.
As Sacramento’s population grew and diversified, so did its culinary scene.
The mid-20th century saw the expansion and evolution of Mexican restaurants in the city, with many establishments incorporating influences from other Latin American cuisines and adapting to changing tastes.
In the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, Mexican cuisine gained widespread popularity in Sacramento and across the United States, fueling the growth of both traditional and modern Mexican restaurants in the region.
These restaurants range from casual taquerias and food trucks to upscale eateries offering innovative interpretations of classic dishes.
Today, Mexican restaurants in Sacramento continue to thrive, reflecting the city’s vibrant multiculturalism and ongoing culinary innovation.
They play a significant role in shaping the city’s dining landscape and are beloved by residents and visitors alike for their delicious food, warm hospitality, and rich cultural heritage.
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Best Mexican Restaurants in Sacramento
Here are the top 10 Mexican restaurants in Sacramento.
1. Zocalo
Address: 1801 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95811
Zocalo is a Michelin rated modern Mexican restaurant right in the Capitol Mall.
They offer dishes from several regions of Mexico like Puebla-style chicken enchiladas and Michoacan-style carnitas.
2. 3 Hermanas
Address: 2416 K St, Sacramento, CA
Tres Hermanas specializes in Chihuahuan style Mexican cuisine, where the owners are from.
They’ve even opened a second restaurant called “3 Hermanas” in East Sacramento.
3. Tequila Museo Mayahuel
Address: 1200 K. St., Sacramento, 95814
This upscale Mexican restaurant is meant to be a cultural museum highlighting the best of Mexican art, music, culture, and history through it’s dishes and tequila drinks.
4. Chando’s Tacos
Address: 5644 J St, Sacramento, CA 95819
This quick service Mexican restaurant has a little bit of everything.
All kinds of meats, including birria + burritos, quesadillas, tacos, tortas, taquitos, flautas, and more!
There are several locations in the Northern California area.
5. Centro Cocina Mexicana
Address: 2730 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 3 pm – 5 pm with discounts on food and drinks.
Centro Cocina Mexicana also offers monthly specials on in-season dishes.
6. Caballo Blanco
Address: 5604 Franklin Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95824
Caballo Blanco has been a family owned Mexican restaurant since 1961.
Monday through Friday there are lunch specials that change daily.
7. Ernesto’s Mexican Food
Address: 1901 16th St. Sacramento, CA 95811
Ernesto’s offers all kinds of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, and other specialties for $10-$20 per meal for dine-in or to-go.
8. Azul Mexican Food and Tequila Bar
Address: 1050 20th St, Sacramento, CA 95811
Azul is a blend of traditional Mexican cuisine with modern influence, making it a sophisticated, ambient dining experience.
9. El Novillero Restaurant
Address: 4216 Franklin Blvd on the corner of 18th Avenue, Sacramento, CA
El Novillero has been a Sacramento staple for over 52 years!
It has been consistently ranked as one of Sacramento’s best Mexican restaurants, sometimes even taking the top spot.
10. El Rincon Mexican Restaurant
Address: 3030 T Street, Sacramento, CA
El Rincon offers weekend specials, Taco Tuesday specials on street tacos for $1.50, plus daily specials for $9.99.
They offer some of my favorite dishes like quesabirria, chicken flautas, and California burritos.
More of the Best Restaurants in Sacramento
Being the state capital, Sacramento has something to offer for everybody.
In addition to their Italian cuisine, there is also plenty of Chinese and Mexican restaurants to try.
✅ Best Chinese Restaurants in Sacramento
There are some iconic and historic restaurants in Sacramento and some of them are Chinese restaurants frequented by the local elite.
✅ Best Italian Restaurants in Sacramento
Indulge in some of the best pasta in the state of California.
These are the best places in and around Sacramento to try!
The Best Places To Stay in Sacramento
Why not stay in town for a bit at one of these highly rated hotels?
✅ Inn & Spa Parkside
This four star hotel is located in the historical district of Downtown Sacramento, making it close to all the action.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Luxurious Stay at Inn & Spa Parkside Today!
✅ The Exchange, A Curio Collection by Hilton
If you’re looking for something a little cheaper or name brand, check out The Exchange.
This Hilton hotel is right in the city center of Downtown Sacramento.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Stay Downtown at The Exchange Today!
Resources For Planning Your Trip To Sacramento
If you need help planning your trip to Sacramento, 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 flash floods, earthquakes, or wild fires.
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 Sacramento
The rich history of Sacramento lends itself to even richer dining options around town.
There is nothing more indulgent than these best Mexican restaurants in Sacramento.
