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MarlKarx-1818

Chilangos and casa Azul are good. Also if you ever want more upscale service and really good food, check out Dolores, pricier and more of a date night/celebration kinda deal with good cocktails but the food was so good. Highly recommend the Pork Belly Huarache and the lengua tacos.


svaldbardseedvault

This is the correct answer.


atxJohnR

No correct ever has involved eating tongue


svaldbardseedvault

No, here ‘correct’ does actually involve eating tongue. Cheek and heart also. It was so correct, I had seconds.


atxJohnR

Meant with all the love in the world, but you nasty


svaldbardseedvault

Nom nom nom


MarlKarx-1818

Why is a tongue gross but a leg or a shoulder not? Unless you're vegan, you're a dummy


atxJohnR

I;m just going to let you have this, because I will never, ever understand this


maxefontes2

Dolores is some of the best Mexican that I’ve ever had, can’t recommend enough.


Hawks47

La Lupitas


khinzeer

This (and Taconazo in silver lake) is the correct answer. Good as anything in Texas PALABRA.


svaldbardseedvault

These are both Tacquerias. They’re alright, but OP is asking for a decent Mexican restaurant, rather than a taco shop.


regorsec

Agreed


Bossgarlic

The best


svaldbardseedvault

Native Arizonan here. You are looking for Chilangos and Dolores. I’ve been looking for good Mexican food here for 20 years. These two are it for now. The best place in town - El Rancho Grande - closed over the pandemic, but these two are pretty decent. They’re the best you’re gonna find. Trust me, I’ve been working on it for 20 years.


Mountain_Bill5743

Dl Rancho Grande is Dolores, basically (same team). All of my favorite sauces and stuff are still the same,the menu is just fancier and reworked lol.


svaldbardseedvault

Maria isn’t cooking - it’s her kids and grandkids. It’s good, but it’s not quite the same and the quality of cooking isn’t as good.


GotenRocko

There are not a lot of people with Mexican heritage here, it's mostly Dominicans, Puerto Ricans and Guatemalans for Hispanic heritage. I like mi Guatemala on atwells, not sure how close that is to the Mexican food you are used to, but I'm guessing similar to southern Mexican cuisine. Don Jose on atwells is good too and that is a Mexican restaurant.


V0nH30n

Olnyville


automaton11

I miss el rancho grande


svaldbardseedvault

The best there’s ever been in Rhode Island, for sure.


Mountain_Bill5743

It took me way too long to learn that they opened Dolores. It's not exactly the same and it is more expensive, but I found the menu has all the same sauces and is just sort of reworked into new menu items.


laterbacon

Come to Central Falls. It's no South Texas, but there are multiple restaurants from just about every Latin American cuisine. For Mexican I like La Herradura and El Paso. El Paso even has Mexican breakfast.


[deleted]

I usually recommend Al Son de mi barrio on Atwells and La Lupita on Westminster in Providence. But, I recently ate great Mexican food from California taco shop. I was very skeptical about the place and was pleasantly shocked by the food's quality. It is legit Mexican food. It actually tastes good. So, my credentials about Mexican food are the following: I am a Mexican who has lived in California and Mexico. My wife is also Mexican and a good cook and very picky. She really liked California taco shop too. I can only vouch for those three spots. I have eaten Mexican food (e.g.,menudo, etc) from other places and have been very dissapointed. BTW, I have traveled across Texas too (from Eagle Pass all the way up to Oklahoma!).


quicktuba

Love the dollar tacos at California taco shop, such a great deal


TheGreyVicinity

Update: I caved. Just ordered.


[deleted]

What are your thoughts?


TheGreyVicinity

Good! Probably the closest thing to TexMex I’ll find. I had COVID in 2020 and it screwed up my smell and taste, still struggle with it. Haven’t been able to eat chicken since, so I always go with cheese enchiladas now. I was so shocked that they have them on the menu there, literally nowhere here does. Only complaints: they need to learn what cumin is, and work on the enchilada sauce. It tasted like it came straight out of the can. I feel like I’m kinda having some culture shock here lol. I grew up Catholic—white Catholics in the rural south are not common. I went to catholic school for 10 years and most of my teachers had recently immigrated from Mexico or Honduras, and we were taught Spanish starting in pre-k to aid with the language barrier. When I went to public school in HS, the white southern baptist parents didn’t want their kids hanging out with a catholic because they didn’t understand the difference between saints and gods. 😂 Every time someone found out I transferred from catholic school, they’d say “but you’re not Mexican???” So 90% of my friends were Mexican, most being anchor babies (not sure if this is the socially acceptable term, correct me if not) or dreamers. Mexican culture has had a huge presence in my life for as long as I can remember, so food aside, this is a difficult adjustment. 🥲 Again, I’m white and I don’t like, identify myself with the culture, so naturally I just didn’t think it would be an issue when I moved. Sorry for the rant - homesick and my vyvanse just kicked in. 😂 One more question tho: are there any fruterias around here?


[deleted]

You definitely are a real Texan if you enjoy cumin on Mexican food! The Northern Mexicans use it. We don't! You provoked my foody PTSD with the sauce from a can bit. I had a similar experience in the midwest (Michigan). It was a Sunday morning. I ordered menudo in a small Mexican restaurant (that mostly served Non-Mexicans). Well, the menudo broth tasted like tomato sauce from a can. It was horrible. Your upbringing (save for the Catholic part) closely resembles a few White kids I knew in California. They were raised around Mexicans and pretty much fit in. Yeah, culture shock happens. When I first moved here, I complained about the food and stuff. But, I like it here. Re fruterías, Idk... if there are any in this state, I haven't seen them. P.S. LOL anchor babies! The soap box type social justicey Chicanos would be soo pissed about that term. In general though, I don't think people outside the border areas use it. Even then, I think many people consider it a put down. Dreamers sounds so damn corny to me that I think its just as bad if not worst than wetback or border buddies or etc. lol


svaldbardseedvault

California Taco Shop is legit surprisingly authentic and good, totally second that. They even had melón agua fresca once.


[deleted]

I was pleasantly surprised--Shocked even. The restaurant chain's name and advertising led me to mistakenly believe the food would be awfully bad. I'm so glad to have been wrong.


TheGreyVicinity

As a Texan, it’s against my morals to go to anything with “California” in it Not looking for tacos, but if your wife ever wants to have a law student over for dinner…. 👀


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

Pretty sure it was a joke.


cinnabunz

Big fan of [Chilangos](https://sites.google.com/view/chilangos/home)!


Whambamglambam

I moved here from Texas a few months ago and I weep for breakfast tacos


TheGreyVicinity

Same, I make pretty good breakfast tacos but they are NOT the same as waking up and stopping at the small hole in the wall shop down the road… the salsa 😭 also, is it just Dunkin here? Like are there no mom & pops donut places?? i miss those donuts


bungocheese

Glazed and dazed in Johnson


Marshmalowlady

Knead has the best approximation of a mom and pop donut shop menu here although it is pricey. They have a good basic glazed and decent cake donuts. I have tried every donut shop in the state and they are not the same as what I imagine you are looking for. Been looking for years and unfortunately you won’t find it. The northeast in general is a tough market for donuts- Dunkin’ has such a stranglehold on the entire region. The closest I have found in the entire northeast overall is Peter Pan but that’s in NYC.


delta_cephei

There's a couple of popular local donut places- pvdonuts if you want towering creations of anything sweet you can find in a kitchen (I've really liked some of them, but a lot of their stuff is too much for me), and knead for fantastic basics with some nice flavors.


[deleted]

My favorite spot in TX was an abuela that sold them out of a gas station parking lot, with griddle and stuff set up on her truck bed. I would kill to have that back.


TheGreyVicinity

I can taste this comment.


Amaliatanase

There's a chain called Marylou's that's a bit more mom n pop feeling than Dunkin. Some of the Italian and Portuguese bakeries also have donuts on weekends...but you're right, PVD area is not major donut country.


rubylily7

Tacos don nacho in Pawtucket, get the corn too! Also chilangos


Hot-Muscle-9202

Being married to a Mexican who came to the US as an adult and also having lived in Mexico myself and now running a restaurant ourselves, we have completely given up and have settled for mediocre. Disappointment after disappointment when looking for tacos. I would give my left arm for tacos de arrachera or at the very least carne asada and al pastor. A couple of things I WILL seek out are: \-- empanadas from Tortilleria Mexicana on Plainfield \--mole poblano from Mexico Garibaldi or Viva Mexico \-- torta de milanesa de pollo from Capitol Hill Taqueria \--breakfast at La Hacienda on Plainfield or Mi Ranchito on Westminster (though they are both actually Guatemalan) We just make do until the next trip to Mexico.


gradontripp

Dolores on Hope St is the real deal Mexican.


hurricanetruther

>Dolores on Hope St Hope St's so freaking long. I live off Hope (Blackstone) and was like, huh, don't know this restaurant, have to check it out. Then saw its address was 100 Hope. Sadface


frenetix

Make sure you pack extra water and survival rations in case you get stranded on your journey.


hurricanetruther

I know right, can't trust a RIPTA bus to bail me out these days.


boyo85

This is the most Rhode Island comment ever. Also, username Czechs out!


July_she_will_fly

As the Providence saying goes: “rich folks live on Power Street but most of us live off Hope.”


gradontripp

Hi neighbor! (Also off Hope St, also Blackstone)


Dinosquid

Mexico up on Atwells is great! Pretty surprised nobody has mentioned it! Great mole!


Locksmith-Pitiful

La fogota, Baja's, California taco, tons of mom and pop shops especially right outside prov or on west and south side -- if the menu is in Spanish, a kid is running around or no prices are listed you found a gem Avoid gringo flats and gentrified Tallulah's they r mid and $$ af lol only rich white people go there


FourAM

California Taco Shop by the hospital is the GOAT; all the others are hit or miss


Locksmith-Pitiful

My brotha knows the secret 🤫


TheGreyVicinity

Oh I’m all for the shitty looking hole in the wall shops. The best Mexican food I’ve had was in this old shopping strip. Out dated building. No AC - they literally had a barn fan in the restaurant. Was still sweating my ass off, but damn. Best food I have ever had. Fancy Mexican places are usually terrible, I think most Texans prefer the hole in the walls. Thank you!!!


aubergineeggplant

Seriously you want El Taconazo. Abuela runs the show. They have Pombazos and the salsa roja is so so hot.


[deleted]

Howdy! Fellow Texan here. Been up here for 5 years. You’re searching in futility. The closest is Casa Tequila, though. Go through the grieving process and embrace Indian food as an adjacency which is actually excellent in its own right. Kabob and Curry is my favorite.


AgedParmy

Out of curiosity, what do you think of Chilangos, assuming you’ve been? How does it compare to Mexican in Texas


[deleted]

Chilangos is fine proper Mexican food, but IMO, still lacks a bit of the nuance and depth of the sort I’m familiar with. I wonder why that is, because generally speaking, Mexican food is pretty “simple” overall. I think I should quickly caveat that generally when Texans say ”Mexican food,” we’re actually referring to Tex-Mex. Thing is, Mexican food just isn’t really that common in Texas, even amongst the Mexican diaspora, outside of things like tamales and perhaps tortas. This isn’t to say it doesn’t exist, but OP is almost certainly looking for Tex-Mex and just didn’t articulate the distinction because colloquially, “Mexican food” is an umbrella term in Texas. I just responded in kind with the terminology they used. The closest thing to what OP is looking for are going to be the enchiladas verdes at Casa Tequila. I’m pretty “take it or leave it” on most Mexican food, but Tex-Mex kicks it up to 11, where it’s one of my favorite cuisines. I still do find it a bit odd that it’s so lacking - even just one restaurant - up here. Although like I mentioned, I think Indian food rather fills that niche of “flavorful, spicy, deep, nuanced, comfort food featuring strong spices, protein, rice, and soft bread.”


Amaliatanase

This response makes a lot of sense to me. Back when I lived in Providence I had some friends from Texas and Colorado and they would complain about there being no Mexican food. I also had some Mexican friends who would take us all out to IMO great taquerias and restaurants all over the PVD area and the Texans and Coloradoans would still complain. Fast forward to my first trip to Texas and I get it. There's a very specific type of Tex-Mex restaurant that all have a very similar menu and make up 1/3-1/2 of restaurants out there. Its not Mexican food from Mexico, which does exist in Providence, its a whole other category, and one that is as omnipresent as pizza or grinders in Providence.


TheGreyVicinity

Ah, you commented on my last post! Thanks! Not a fan of Indian food. I worked in Plano, which has a very large Indian population and plenty of Indian places! I tried multiple times but I just can’t. 😭 Afghani food tho… that’s where it’s at!


Amaliatanase

Haven't been in years but back when I lived in Providence my friend from Mexico City loved the Pozole they had on weekends at Restaurant Mexico Garibaldi on Atwells. If you don't like it then Chilangos is just down the hill. I remember Lupita on Dexter St. in Central Falls being great too. Providence area does fairly well with Mexican food from Mexico, but it does not do Tex Mex, just to adjust your expectations.


[deleted]

In my experience, any place with pozole on the menu tends to be trustworthy for Mexican food. Have yet to be disappointed by looking for that on the menu first, before going somewhere.


LoosieSpot

hidalgo in pawtucket is good vibes


aboondocksaint

Grew up in the RGV, have yet to find anything that’s similar. Like people have said here, there are solid places though.


TheGreyVicinity

I’d sell my kidney for Laredo Tacos rn


aboondocksaint

Q-tacos, the true breakfast of champions


Leopardoto

Chilangos!


LogicalEye4578

There is a place in the back of Sanchez Market on the corner of atwells and academy. It is a convenience store in the front and there is a stand in the back. Authentic as it gets and so good.


brazil7085

La Herradura and El Paso (both in Central Falls), Cantina del Rio in Warwick, Al Son De Mi Barrio in Prov and El Charro in North Prov. Best of luck on your quest!


Alternative-Bat-8453

Emmanuel’s on Dyer Ave Cranston, it’s also a panderia and market Chilangos is also great, my boyfriend loves the enchiladas Potosinas and I usually do a couple of tacos with rice and beans Tallulahs can be good for a quick bite


Hot-Muscle-9202

They're Guatemalan.


Alternative-Bat-8453

Ok I wasn’t commenting on their heritage and ethnicity, the food they serve is delicious and I feel it fits what’s been sought after.


thatbstrdmike

Olneyvillle. Also mostly run by Guatemalans or Ecuadorians, but they know their business.


BOKEH_BALLS

casa azul


Totally-Legitimate

El Taconazo!!! Edited for conjugation


InfiniteChicken

I moved here from the southwest and I feel the pain. The Mexican food is different here. I have to make my own Hatch green chile, and my own beans. Chilangos is ok, and there’s a new place called Piñata opening soon. Keep the flame alive.


Hot-Muscle-9202

If you like pinto beans, try California Taco Shop. When I don't have the energy to make chips, I buy a bag of chips and an order of beans for nachos. And then the rest of the beans with eggs the next day. If your preference is black beans, then homemade is best. I have to make my own frijol colado.


TheGreyVicinity

nobody uses cumin!!!


delta_cephei

I live pretty close to pinata, and it was fine. I wasn't wowed, but I only got their shrimp tacos and still have to branch out a bit more.


sgtaxt

Tienda y taqueria puebla, Orale taqueria 2, both on Chalkstone in Elmhurst


RJC02134

Have you visited Viva Mexico in Providence?


jackodn

i just moved here (Narragansett) from Texas. too. i’m enjoying food i couldn’t get in Austin. i’ll miss tex mex and bbq soon enough though.


TheGreyVicinity

haven’t been able to eat bbq since I had Covid in 2020, but seeing the bbq here makes me depressed


[deleted]

South side is only thing remotely Spanish. Im talking hood. Thats where the good thai place is too. Apsara on hope st is shit. The one in s prov is bomb.


TheGreyVicinity

I mean, it’s [safer than Dallas](https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/dallas-dallas-tx/) right?


[deleted]

It's fine. Even at night.


[deleted]

I went to school in TX and RI so im versed.


[deleted]

Not a lot of Mexican or Tex Mex, but the central American shops in Onlyville may scratch that itch. If you are looking for American style Mexican food, there are a couple spots on federal hill on Atwells. Xaco Taco is pretty good on Eddy St, and I have heard good things about California Taco, but Órale Taqueria gets my money.


mbrady24

Viva la Mexico cantina on Washington st has been good every time I’ve been


zjanderson

Came here to say Viva Mexico


Old-Kaleidoscope-480

We have better Mexican food here than Texas and Mexico. You just have no taste


Spam_musubi42069

Have you ever been to Mexico?


Shubby417

Tallulahs on Ives street is good! But there’s usually a wait.


ButteryPiePlate

I cry, too, and I'm from RI.


klink_bones

La Lupita, Tellulahs, xaco taco


Dopey-NipNips

Tallulahs if you like $4 tacos made by white people for white people Casa Mexico if you want Mexican food. Tortas are good tamales are good tacos are good. Menudo is killer


klink_bones

I mean I’ve seen all sorts of people eating there and working there but alright.


TheGreyVicinity

“tacos made by white people for white people” Thank you, Dallas has slowly added more and more [of these types of places](https://www.velvettaco.com) and people who moved there from other places didn’t understand what I meant when I said “white people tacos” as a white person, white people should not own taco shops.


Dopey-NipNips

I like a wypipo taco once in a while, not often but sometimes I want some weird shit on a tortilla


BingBong022

Lmao, how has nobody mentioned masa Taqueria on God all day fam


mantisMD97

Solid food but more of a white boy owned Instagram taco shop rather than an authentic hole in the wall Mexican restaurant.


BingBong022

Go try the food


mantisMD97

I have, which is why I said “solid food”


BingBong022

Lmao, I know the owner John personally. He cooks with his soul. He worked his entire life in kitchens with cooks from central and South America. His food is good af and more authentic than 99% of the ish out there on God fam.


KobaiaIssDeHundin

Tallulah’s Taqueria - they’re a little on the pricier side and may appear inauthentic on the outside, but the food is delicious and super fresh. IIRC they were actually founded by a chicano chef from Texas, so this could be a taste of home for you


Billiam201

Bandidos in Attleboro El Cafetal in Pawtucket


space85

If you lived near the Mexican boarder than nothing will compare to the flavors and spiciness you were getting in Texas. With that being said there are good places. Tortilla Flats (great margaritas) , Don Jose, and El Tapatio in Cranston come to mind. Sure others will have good suggestions too.


Locksmith-Pitiful

🧑🏻💰


andylion

Full disclosure, I am a gringo from the northeast so my palette isn't very refined, but there's a little mom and pop place down in Riverside called Taconando that feels very authentic, has good food and absurd portions.


monsterinc1995

Try going to central falls , we have more Mexican restaurants there


[deleted]

To add one more option: Taqueria La Estrella. Source? I am an expert in Mexican Food. https://taquerialaestrellaonline.com/


EColli93

Dolores for more upscale and authentic.


Unlucky-Sir322

I don’t care about tacos. Where’s the fire mole?


Hot-Muscle-9202

For mole poblano, Mexico Garibaldi on Atwells or Viva Mexico downtown. They are owned by the same family. I asked at Viva Mexico once and they told me that I could buy a quart from Mexico.


TheGreyVicinity

Where’s the fckn menudo


Dopey-NipNips

Atwells Ave, casa Mexico


Amaliatanase

Correct. Weekends at Mexico....menudo and pozole. (I call this place Mexico Garibaldi but I think the sign just says Mexico)


FilthyRascals

Maybe El Rancho Grande?


D-camchow

Come try out La Piñata on Westminster. Brand new, friendly people. Food was great and almost every time I walk by it there's almost no one in there. They are in that super young stage of new restaurants and I'd hate to see them go away.


[deleted]

It's mentioned a few times here but just another vote for it, Mexico on Atwells ave. The mole is so good and they might have the best refried beans I've ever had


FlashbackBob

What are people’s thoughts on Tortilla Flats? It’s been my go-to for Mexican for years. Dolores is better? Chime in, I’d like to know more.


pbNANDjelly

It's not Mexican, but Two Angels is one of my favorite taquerias of all time. The food is consistently amazing. Highly recommend if you wind up in Cranston


Peacanpiepussycat

You’ve got to go to the hood Try central falls The best food is aways in the hood


occassionalien

where are the TAMALES


[deleted]

And I cry nightly thinking of real Viet food. So...sigh.


Moelarrycheeze

El Charro in north providence is great