I love Mexican food—give me a plate of tacos, fresh guac, and some killer salsa, and I’m happy. But let’s be real—not everything on the menu at a Mexican restaurant is a winner.
I’ve made my fair share of mistakes (yes, I’ve fallen for the sad, soggy nachos and the neon-yellow queso), and I don’t want you to do the same.
This list is here to save your taste buds from disappointment and steer you toward better, bolder, and more delicious choices.
1. Soggy Nachos
Nachos should crunch, not squish. If they arrive looking like a cheese swamp, send them back. All too often, they’re a sad pile of sogginess drowning in lukewarm cheese. Your taste buds deserve better.
Instead of wading through this mess, order street tacos. They’re authentic, flavorful, and always a win. Plus, you can eat them without a fork.
Nachos are about the balance of textures. If you can’t hear the crunch, they’re not worth it. Save your appetite for something stellar. After all, life’s too short for soggy chips.
2. Neon Yellow Queso
If your queso looks like it glows in the dark, it’s time to reconsider. Authentic queso is rich, creamy, and made with real cheese. Neon yellow screams processed.
This is the culinary equivalent of a tourist trap—flashy but lacking substance. Swap it for guacamole made fresh tableside. It’s green, it’s good, it’s what you should be eating.
Remember, queso shouldn’t resemble a science experiment. Steer clear of anything that looks like it belongs in a laboratory. Your taste buds will applaud the decision.
3. Hard Shell Tacos
Crunchy? Yes. Authentic? Not quite. Hard shell tacos are as Mexican as fortune cookies are Chinese. They crack, they splinter, and leave you with a salad in your lap.
Opt for soft corn tortillas instead. They’re traditional and pack a punch of flavor. Plus, they’re less mess, more taste.
Next time you’re tempted by that crispy shell, remember it’s all about authenticity. Hard shells are the fast food of tacos, not the real deal. Save your dignity and your shirt.
4. Chimichangas
Ah, the chimichanga—the deep-fried burrito that thinks it’s a delicacy. In reality, it’s a heart attack wrapped in a tortilla. Grease-laden and heavy, it’s more Tex-Mex than Mexican.
Why not choose a burrito bowl instead? It’s all the flavor without the oil slick. You’ll taste the ingredients, not the fryer.
This one isn’t about a tasteless menu item, it’s about your health. And for that I suggest you avoid the chimichanga. Your arteries and waistline will thank you. You’re here for Mexican, not a deep-fried disaster.
5. Americanized Fajitas
Fajitas can be fabulous, but not when they’re Americanized. Overcooked peppers, onions, and meat drenched in sour cream isn’t the way to go.
Seek out the traditional carne asada or a simple grilled chicken. It’s all about savoring the spice, not drowning it.
This beautiful dish should sizzle with authenticity, not just steam with excess. Choose wisely and enjoy the genuine taste of Mexican cuisine.
6. Tex-Mex Enchiladas
If your enchiladas look like a cheese avalanche, step away slowly. Tex-Mex enchiladas are a cheesy, saucy overload with little authenticity.
Switch them out for mole enchiladas. They’re rich, complex, and authentically Mexican.
When it comes to any food, especially Mexican, balance is key. Too much cheese and sauce masks the true flavors.
7. Frozen Margaritas
These margaritas might sound refreshing, but they’re usually just sugar and ice. They melt faster than you can drink them, leaving you with a watery mess.
Why not order a classic margarita on the rocks instead? It’s stronger, tastier, and stays cool longer.
Frozen may be fun, but it’s not authentic. Go for something that complements your meal, not competes with it.
8. Ground Beef Tacos
Ground beef in tacos is a shortcut, not a tradition. It’s often greasy and overcooked, leaving you wanting more.
Choose al pastor or carnitas for real Mexican flair. They’re flavorful, juicy, and satisfying.
Ground beef belongs in burgers, not tacos. Elevate your taste experience with authentic meat choices.
9. Bean Burritos
This one might sound wholesome, but too often it’s just bland beans in a soggy wrap. It’s the vegetarian option that nobody really wants.
If you’re looking for something Mexican and vegetarian, veggie taco’s are much bette. You’ll get fresh flavors without the mush.
Save your meal from mediocrity. There’s so much more to Mexican cuisine than just beans.
10. Overloaded Taco Salads
These ‘salads’ promise health but deliver chaos. A mountain of toppings on a soggy base isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time.
I suggest you go for a simple ensalada with fresh ingredients and a hint of lime. It’s refreshing, not overwhelming.
Once again, this is your health we are talking about. Taco salads are like the junk drawer of Mexican food. Clean it up with something fresh and exciting.
11. Quesadilla Burgers
Quesadilla burgers sound innovative but I think they’re a greasy misstep. Combining two great things doesn’t always make something better.
Order a torta instead. It’s authentic, delicious, and doesn’t leave you in a food coma.
Remember, fusion doesn’t always mean improvement. Stick to what Mexico does best.
12. Stuffed Jalapeños
Let me tell you something, this is the stuff of my nightmares. Stuffed jalapeños should be spicy, not subdued by cheese and breadcrumbs.
This dish often lacks the kick you’re craving. Try jalapeños en escabeche for real flavor and heat. They’re pickled perfection with a punch.
Don’t let your appetizer be a letdown. Choose bold, not bland.
13. Cheesy Churros
Churros are sweet, crunchy, and delightful—until someone stuffs them with cheese. Cheese and churros don’t mix, despite what some menus say.
I am all for experimenting with food, but sometimes it’s best to stick with the originals. The traditional cinnamon sugar churros are perfect as they are.
Dessert should be a treat, not a trick. Keep it simple, keep it sweet.
14. Mexican Pizza
Mexican pizza is neither Mexican nor pizza. It’s a confused concoction of mismatched toppings.
Opt for a tostada instead. It’s crispy, flavorful, and actually Mexican.
When you crave pizza, go Italian. When you crave Mexican, keep it real. This hybrid is just a culinary identity crisis.
15. Sweet Tamales
Sweet tamales can be delightful, but often they’re just cloyingly sugary. Gone is the subtlety, replaced by a sugar rush, like a lot of today’s food.
Instead of eating pure sugar, why not order savory tamales with mole or rajas? They’re traditional, nuanced, and completely satisfying.
Desserts have their place, but overly sweet tamales aren’t it.
16. Fried Ice Cream
Another dish with an identity crisis definitely is fried ice cream. Hot and cold collide, often resulting in a mess.
For a tasty dessert go for a classic flan or tres leches cake. They’re traditional, delicious, and won’t leave you questioning your choices.
Dessert should be the grand finale, not a confusing spectacle. Since you’re eating Mexican food, opt for something with true Mexican roots.
17. Refried Beans from a Can
Refried beans should be creamy and fresh, not plopped from a can. Canned beans lack the love and flavor of homemade.
Order frijoles charros or borrachos. They’re cooked with care, bursting with taste.
If it’s in a can, it’s not worth your time. Demand freshness, always.
18. Rice with Peas and Carrots
Rice should be fluffy, fragrant, and flavorful—not mixed with peas and carrots like a frozen dinner. And what I’ve seen in a lot of Mexican restaurants in the U.S. is just that.
You should ask for arroz rojo or arroz verde, instead. They’re spiced right and taste like Mexico.
Skip the side dish that looks like school lunch. You’re dining out—let it feel special.
19. Gringo-Style Burrito
If you ask me Gringo-style burritos are oversized and underwhelming. Packed with too much rice and not enough zest, they’re more filler than flavor.
Why go crazy when there’s authenticity? Try a burrito with authentic fillings like carnitas or barbacoa. They’re rich, juicy, and exactly what you need.
Size isn’t everything. In some cases average is better. Go for quality over quantity. Authenticity matters.
20. Overly Mild Salsa
Salsa should sing, not whisper. If it’s mild, it’s missing the point. Bland salsa is a missed opportunity for flavor.
By my standards, if you’re looking for something authentic, go all the way. Ask for the spicy stuff—salsa verde or a smoky chipotle will do the trick.
Don’t let your chips dip in vain. Demands salsa that delivers a punch, as it was meant to be.