Given its status as the state capital, it is little wonder that the city of Sacramento has much to offer visitors to this corner of California. From the striking architecture and impressive works at the Crocker Art Museum to the historic gold rush era buildings of Old Sacramento, and even the imposing edifice of the California State Capitol Museum. And when you’re out exploring the sights, you’ll no doubt be on the lookout for some tasty cuisine to satiate your appetite. And if a little Mexican dining sounds tempting, then you’ll certainly not go wanting. The state’s historic links to Mexico mean the area is rich in Spanish and Mexican culture, and the food scene reflects that. Read on for some of the best Mexican restaurants to visit in Sacramento, California.
1. Nopalitos Southwestern Cafe
A landmark in East Sacramento since the early 1990s, Nopalitos will be a great place to pick up a bite at the start of a busy day or for a tasty treat at lunch. Its breakfast burritos and Little Cactus specials have won plenty of fans, as have its Tex-Mex offerings. Lunch choices include a range of quesadillas, tostadas, burritos, and rice & bean plates. Little wonder that this family-owned eatery is a very popular establishment and is regularly busy. But if you are heading there, make sure you bring cash as the restaurant doesn’t take credit or debit cards.
Nopalitos Southwestern Cafe
Address: 5530 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95819
Website: Nopalitos Southwestern Cafe
Opening hours: 6.30am to 2.30pm (Mondays to Fridays)
Average price for two people: Under 10 USD
2. Tres Hermanas Mexican Restaurant
Named after the three sisters who first set it up, Tres Hermanas enjoys glowing word-of-mouth and is one of the top-rated eateries (of any type) in the whole of Sacramento. Its casual atmosphere, and mouth-watering dishes have earned it plenty of positive comment - the enchiladas proving a particular highlight of many diners. While the owners swear that their cilantro dressing will have people “coming back for more”. What’s more, the eatery’s location on K Street is within handy reach of such attractions as the historic Fort Sutter.
Tres Hermanas Mexican Restaurant
Address: 2416 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
Website: Tres Hermanas Mexican Restaurant
Opening hours: 11am to 9pm (Mondays to Thursdays), 11am to 10pm (Fridays), 7am to 10pm (Saturdays) and 7am to 8pm (Sundays.
Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD
3. Cielito Lindo Mexican Gastronomy
Offering a mix of traditional dishes with modern influences, Cielito Lindo’s menu has earned praise from many customers and it is one of the highest rated eateries in the whole of Sacramento. What’s more, there is a range of meats available, from seafood to beef and chicken to pork - so there’s likely to be something that will appeal. Those who are vegetarian or vegan will also be pleased to note that a number of tasty options are available too - including a Mexican lasagne and vegetarian enchiladas.
Cielito Lindo Mexican Gastronomy
Address: 3672 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
Website: Cielito Lindo Mexican Gastronomy
Opening hours: 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5pm to 8pm (Mondays to Wednesdays), 11.30pm to 2.30pm and 5pm to 9pm (Thursdays and Fridays), 11.30am to 9pm (Saturdays). Closed on Sundays.
Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Zocalo Midtown
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located on Capitol Mall in the Midtown area, Zocalo is a real contender for those seeking a romantic eatery or restaurant for a special occasion. It not only scores highly for its food, atmosphere, and service, its stylish location within the renovated Arnold Brothers Building will add a little ambiance - whether you’re dining inside or looking to enjoy some al fresco dining on the patio. There are also vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. One of three eateries in the chain, there’s another in the University Village at Howe Avenue, which you may wish to bear in mind should your sightseeing place you nearer its vicinity.
Zocalo Midtown
Address: 1801 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95811
Website: Zocalo Midtown
Opening hours: 11am to 9pm (Sundays and Mondays), 11am to 10pm (Tuesdays to Thursdays) and 11am to 11pm (Fridays and Saturdays). Bar is open late.
Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD
5. Chando's Tacos
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Despite being established as recently as 2010, Chando’s Tacos has been making waves. This family-owned chain now operates four outlets in the area, with a fifth due to open in the near future - taking the number within Sacramento itself to three. This means you’ll likely not be too far from your nearest outlet, regardless of your location within the city. One reason for this success is its mix of simple staples like burritos, tostadas and tacos, and an array of “signature meats”. There’s also a low-carb menu and vegetarian options, should you have any specific dietary requirements.
Chando's Tacos
Address: 863 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA, 95691
Website: Chando’s Tacos
Opening hours: 10am to 9pm (daily)
Average price for two people: Under 10 USD
6. Mezcal Grill
A restaurant which will appeal to aficionados, the owners offer a menu with “a little bit of everything” from Mexico’s four corners - reflecting subtle differences in preparation in differing states. This has resulted in an extensive menu featuring everything from seafood to traditional tacos and burritos. Hit the diner early and you’ll also find a range of breakfasts, while families will find the addition of a child’s menu handy. The eatery will also likely appeal to those who support local producers, as all ingredients are sourced from growers and sellers in the wider Sacramento area.
Mezcal Grill
Address: 1620 West El Camino Avenue STE 172, Sacramento, CA, 95833
Website: Mezcal Grill
Opening hours: 10am to 9pm (Mondays to Saturdays), 10am to 8pm (Sundays)
Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD
7. Florez Bar & Grill
Florez Bar and Grill has been wining and dining customers for three-and-a-half decades. Part of that success is likely due to its extensive menu - which runs to numerous pages and covers everything from Chile Verde and eggs to a traditional Enchiladas Mexicanas. This eatery is also a full bar, complete with happy-hour margaritas - should you be in the party mood. Indeed, there’s even a range of accompanying happy hour food specials on top of the regular menu. And those who like a little live music should check out ‘Mariachi Fridays’ for a vibrant and atmospheric accompaniment to your meal.
Florez Bar & Grill
Address: 5900 South Land Park Drive, Sacremento, CA 95822
Website: Florez Bar & Grill
Opening hours: 7am to 9pm (daily)
Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD
8. Centro Cocina Mexicana
Convenient not just for such historic sites as Fort Sutter but also for key road links like the Capitol City Expressway, Centro Cocina up to its name when it comes to its central city location. This will naturally make it easy to reach, or offer a handy stopping off destination while wandering the city. The shrimp tacos were a particular highlight among past diners, as was the high level of service and atmosphere. The extensive main menu is also accompanied by a range of tasty quick bites during happy hour, should you and your friends get the munchies during a few tequilas.
Centro Cocina Mexicana
Address: 2730 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
Website: Centro Cocina Mexicana
Opening hours: 11.30am to 9pm (Mondays), 11.30am to 10pm (Tuesdays to Thursdays), 11.30am to 11pm (Fridays), 11am to 11pm (Saturdays) and 11am to 9pm (Sundays). Bar can be open later.
Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD
9. Ernesto's Mexican Food
Another long-standing fixture of Sacramento’s food scene, Ernesto’s has been serving diners for coming up three decades. It enjoys a good reputation for its food and atmosphere, even winning awards for some of its dishes. Decor includes colorful art as well as indoor seating, there is also an outdoor area for a little al fresco dining in the sun. Past diners were big fans of the flan and even described the carnitas as being amongst the best in the city. And there are vegetarian options available.
Ernesto's Mexican Food
Address: 1901 16th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
Website: Ernesto’s Mexican Food
Opening hours: 11am to 10pm (Sundays to Thursdays), 11pm to midnight (Fridays and Saturdays)
Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD
10. Midtown's Cantina Alley
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
One of the newest additions to the local food scene, Cantina Alley has only been operating since summer 2017 but has made some big waves in that time. Entertaining diners and bar-goers at its vibrant location within Jazz Alley, it has already picked up three awards - including being named best new restaurant by the city newspaper. Dishes include the likes of Chicken Tinga tostadas and Taco Arrachera. So popular has it been that it opened a new outdoor patio area just last summer (pictured) for its bar-goers.
Midtown's Cantina Alley
Address: 2320 Jazz Alley, Sacramento, CA 95816
Website: Midtown’s Cantina Alley
Opening hours: 4.30pm to 10pm (Tuesdays to Thursdays), 4.30pm to 2am (Fridays), Midday to 2am (Saturdays), Midday to 10pm (Sundays). Closed on Mondays.
Average price for two people: 11 to 30 USD
Which Mexican eatery will you choose?
You’ve plenty of choices when looking for Mexican dining options in Sacramento - be it simple bites on the go or a hearty feast in an atmospheric setting.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to