Patch Picks: Great Local Mexican Food

Everyone knows there is no shortage of excellent Mexican food in South City, so narrowing this week’s top picks for Mexican restaurants down to five was a challenge. Here are a few great spots offering different dining experiences in various locations around the city. While we could not recognize all the places we would have liked, as always we invite readers to chime in and tell us about their favorite Mexican eats around town.

One of many independent taquerias lining downtown Grand Avenue, El Chapparal has a large enough space to accommodate groups, televisions to take in some soccer and, most importantly, great food.

For a sit-down-and-stay-awhile type dinner, this well known and long established El Camino Real spot has plenty of family style seating and a full bar. Quality entrees and small dishes are served daily and the eatery’s festive and decorative atmosphere lends itself to diners enjoying long, entertaining meals.

La Perla’s authentic cuisine and cozy, welcoming family vibe are hard to beat. Another long in business family run restaurant, this place sits like a hidden gem on Lux Avenue that mostly locals frequent, and frequent often.

Part Mexican deli and grocer, part taqueria, this place has long been a favorite of locals. Its quality meats and ingredients are what make its dishes shine, and the helpful, friendly service has kept guests coming back for years.

Another great, slightly more formal dining spot, Los Pinos’ quiet but fun atmosphere beckons dates as well as family dinners. Homemade favorites like the extra tender chile relleno and generous portions on drinks as well as food have made this Baden Avenue restaurant an off the beaten path favorite.