The Best Mexican Restaurants In Memphis Tennessee

Memphis, while famous for its Southern cuisine, has another, spicier side to its food that shouldn’t be overlooked. From Summer Avenue to Overton Square, the city is rich with hole-in-the-wall cantinas and taquerias. Culture Trip rounds up the top places to go for Mexican food in Memphis.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Elena’s Taco Shop

Restaurant, Mexican
This California-style taco shop stays true to its roots, offering fresh ingredients in every dish it serves. Try the carne asada or grilled chicken burrito with guacamole and pico de gallo, accompanied by a side of french fries. If you’re looking for a little bit of several flavors, order the carne asada fries, fish tacos and Elena’s tacos to bring that SoCal taste to your table.

Restaurant, Mexican
In the heart of downtown Memphis, you’ll find Maciel’s Tortas and Tacos. It’s a no-frills spot, focusing on the food instead, and offers upstairs, downstairs and outdoor dining. If the weather allows, it’s also fun to get takeout and walk down to the Mississippi River a few blocks away for a picnic. While most people come for the tacos, don’t overlook the complimentary chips and salsa, both made in-house. When narrowing down the tacos, make sure the al pastor and chipotle shrimp varieties are on your order. Wash it all down with a Mexican Coca-Cola.

Babalu

Restaurant, Mexican, $
Babalu is great for an evening out with friends in the trendy Overton Square. It’s hip, and you are sure to enjoy the people-watching in this Midtown restaurant. It mixes Southern staples with a Latin flair, bringing both tastes together. The tableside guacamole – made with perfectly ripe avocados and a blend of onions, herbs and spices – is a crowd favorite. Babalu leans in more to the tapas side, with many dishes meant to be served family-style.

Taqueria La Guadalupana

Restaurant, Mexican

The dishes at Taqueria La Guadalupana aren’t trying to be anything fancy – they are authentic and full of flavor. The ambiance is laid back and casual, while the food will leave you wanting to try everything on the menu. You can’t go wrong with any of the tacos or the torta Cubana.

Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana

Restaurant, Mexican, $
Las Tortugas is a place that people return to time and time again for its fresh flavors and ingredients. With items such as filet mignon tacos and king crab tacos, the food is hearty and delicious. Make sure to try the elote (corn on the cob with various seasonings) and watermelon agua fresca. If you feel overwhelmed by the menu choices, ask your server for a suggestion – it will be a good one. While it’s on the pricier side, it’s worth every penny.

La Michoacana Ice Cream and Paletas

Ice Cream Parlour, Mexican
Another must-stop on the tour of Summer Ave is La Michoacana Ice Cream and Paletas. The spacious establishment offers a variety of Mexican sweets, including paletas in flavors such as avocado, spicy mango, strawberries and cream (made with real slices of strawberries), and coconut. You’ll also find tasty ice-cream options, such as sweet corn and tres leches, or pineapple with cheese. Make sure to ask for samples so that you can get a little taste of all the flavors. You can dip the paletas in chocolate, too, which only adds a more complex layer for your taste buds.

Caminos de Michoacan

Bakery, Restaurant, Mexican
If you are heading out of town and need some goodies for the road, load up with a box of Mexican pastries at Caminos de Michoacan. Not far from Midtown, this unassuming restaurant serves a hearty breakfast, both savory and sweet. Bakery shelves on the back wall are brimming with delicious treats, such as conchas (sweet bread rolls), cajeta empanadas (filled with a Mexican caramel sauce), banderas (coconuts sweets), orejas (puff-pastry cookies) and so much more. If you are staying for breakfast or lunch, make sure to try the salsa that everyone is always talking about, both red and green. Mix them for an added layer of flavor. It also has telenovelas playing in the restaurant at all times, giving you another element of Latin charm.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.