Ortega Taco Dinners were my childhood introduction to “Mexican” fare. Since then, I’ve learned Spanish and visited Mexico a few times. Now, I know that authentic Mexican tacos are wrapped in two thin, soft, corn tortillas, and can be filled with pork, fish, or even lengua (beef tongue). I’m looking for moles, sopa de lima, and Mexican hot chocolate in New Jersey.
Our all-time favorite Jersey Mexican was a taqueria in Hoboken on First Street. Spectacular chiles rellenos, coated in egg and served with a red mole. Can’t find that place anymore. I think it closed. We have a few current favorites. There are so many Mexican-American communities in New Jersey, I’m sure the best taco is at a local spot we would never find on our own. Tell me your favorites. I’ll add the most popular to the list, and to the map.
La Malinche - Rahway © 2010 EthnicNJ.com
My Favorites
- La Malinche, Rahway
- El Rancho Grande, Orange
- Bahia De Acapulco, Freehold
Worth a Visit
- La Costeñita, Hillsborough
- Don Jose, East Hanover
- Joyce’s Bakery & Taqueria, Bound Brook
- Los Tapatios, West Orange
- Picante, Springfield
- Senorita’s, Bloomfield
- Surf Taco, Point Pleasant Beach (9 NJ locations)
- The Taco Truck, Hoboken or Jersey City
- Tacos Matamoros, Clifton
- Taqueria El Chivo, Bound Brook
El Rancho Grande - Orange Photo: www.elranchogranderestaurant.net
On My List to Try
- Acapulqueños Mexican Grill, Long Branch
- Amor, Somers Point
- Baja Taco Express, Point Pleasant Beach
- Cactus Charly, Maplewood
- Carvajal, Perth Amboy
- Casa Comida, Long Branch
- Charrito’s, Weehawken
- Cinco de Mayo, Elizabeth
- Cinco de Mayo, Hillsdale
- Cinco de Mayo, New Brunswick
- Costa Chica, New Brunswick
- Don Jose Rojo’s Tacos, Ocean City
- El Aguila, Passaic
- El Familiar, Toms River
- El Jose Mexican Food, Manahawkin
- El Meson, Freehold
- El Oaxaqueno Restaurante, Long Branch
- El Oaxaqueno 2, New Brunswick
- El Señor Frog, Manahawkin
- El Taco Loco, Perth Amboy
- El Tapatio, Dover
- El Tule, Lambertville
- Fiesta Mexicana, Hammonton
- Habanero, Flemington
- Jose’s Mexican Food, Spring Lake
- La Esperanza, Lindenwold
- Las Lomas, Hammonton
- La Tapatia, Asbury Park
- Mexican Mariachi Grill, Ewing
- Mexico Lindo, Brick
- Mi Pequeño Mexico, Newark
- Mi Pueblito, Kearny
- Mis Amigos, Dunellen
- Nealtican, Roselle Park
- North of the Border, Red Bank
- Riviera Maya, Branchville
- Selenita, Pompton Lakes
- Tacos Bravos, Bridgeton
- Tacos Cancun, Lambertville
- Taquería Auténtica, Newark
- Taqueria Downtown, Jersey City
- Taqueria El Mariachi, Trenton
- Tortilla Press, Collingswood
- Tortuga’s Mexican Village, Princeton
I Didn’t Like it, But You Might
- Casa Maya, Gillette
Links
Good Mexican in Northern NJ?
Real Mexican Food in New Jersey
Sponsored
Catherine
on Jul 13th, 2010
@ 9:16 pm:
MexicaliRose in Montclair reopened with a new owner a few years back and it is great!
Debbie R.
on Aug 8th, 2010
@ 10:15 am:
Just tried Charritos in Weehawken. Pretty good food, lots of it. They make the guacamole at your table and let you choose how jalapeno-y you want it, and let you taste test it first.
Anthony
on Aug 8th, 2010
@ 3:06 pm:
I’ll have to try MexicaliRose again – when we lived in Montclair (1996-97), it was just OK. Just added Charritos to “On My List to Try.” Thanks.
Jay F
on Oct 14th, 2010
@ 10:58 am:
I grew up in Plainfield, and haven’t been there in decades. I took the Google Street View tour, and all I remember from it is all the Mexican restaurants. Have you tried any of them? I’d like to eat somewhere in downtown Plainfield and not have to drive up to the highway, but if there’s somewhere on Rt. 22, then okay.
Anthony
on Oct 14th, 2010
@ 9:20 pm:
There are a bunch of authentic-looking Mexican places in downtown Plainfield, I just haven’t tried any yet. Two that get mentioned on the web: Tia Alicia (420 Watchung Ave.) and El Gitano (164 E. 2nd Street). If you try any, please report back!
meade
on Apr 1st, 2011
@ 11:59 pm:
I have to give a local shout out to Surf Taco in Toms River & Point Pleasant. Zagat rated & featured in NJ Monthly as the number one spot for best cheap eats. My personal favorite is the Jenk’s Wet, which is a burrito with beans, pico and sauce. The chicken soft tacos are excellent. For the brave, try the tsunami challenge.
meade
on Apr 11th, 2011
@ 2:18 pm:
How come there’s no spot for Puerto Rican or Cuban food?
Anthony
on Apr 11th, 2011
@ 7:58 pm:
There are Cuban places on the map. Use the drop down search box in the upper right-hand corner. Not enough for a “featured” category yet. We do need to find good Puerto Rican restaurants. Where’s the best mofongo in NJ?
Hollie
on May 7th, 2011
@ 6:28 pm:
El Meson in Freehold is a personal favorite. Weekend chef specials are consistently fabulous, fresh and flavorful. The service is never lacking and with the warmer weather you can enjoy patio dining. Locally, this little restaurant has a widespread reputation for excellence!
Anthony
on May 8th, 2011
@ 9:28 pm:
Thanks – Definitely have to try El Meson. Do they serve tacos?
Angelica
on Jun 19th, 2011
@ 3:21 pm:
You have to try Costa Chica’s in new brunswick on handy st. it’s like being in Mexico! By far my personal favorite!
Anthony
on Jun 29th, 2011
@ 12:24 pm:
Looks good. Just added it to the map. Thanks for the tip!
Rob
on Oct 31st, 2011
@ 7:42 pm:
Dude.. Grill Pablano in Rutherford. Tongue and Cactus tacos are to die for… everything is… its awesome.
Anna
on Nov 29th, 2011
@ 9:06 pm:
Try costa chica in new Brunswick NJ. It’s really good!