Blog · The Best Bite · Astoria · October 2026
The 5 Best Mexican Restaurants in Astoria, Queens
From Oaxacan moles to breakfast tacos on fresh tortillas, these are the Mexican spots Astoria's critics and regulars keep pointing to. We checked ratings and recent reviews for each and ranked them.
How we score: Tommy Shark Score (out of 10) = Google rating 35% · Yelp rating 25% · review volume 15% · critics' and local guides 25%, using numbers we checked on Oct 22, 2026. Yelp doesn't let us read its star ratings, so this round uses Google, review volume and guides. No Google rating we could verify = "Not yet scored". We read the ratings and reviews; we haven't eaten at every spot.
- Best overall: El Lado Taco (Score 9.2; fresh tortillas, three critics' picks)
- Best value: El Lado Taco (Score 9.2; free coffee with 3 breakfast tacos)
- Best for a group: Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine (Score 8.2; festive room, mezcal and brunch)
The list
El Lado Taco
Breakfast tacosOpen
Google 4.5 (268) · Yelp rating unavailable · On 3 critics' or local guides · checked Oct 22
From Ram Reddy, who also runs Seva across the street: Mexico City-style tacos on homemade corn or flour tortillas. The breakfast tacos are the critics' favorite, especially the El Buen Día with longaniza, eggs and chipotle-peanut salsa, and any three come with a free coffee.
What people like: Fresh tortillas · breakfast tacos · friendly, clean, casual room
Picked by: The Infatuation · Hell Gate · Robert Sietsema
Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine
Oaxacan molesOpen
Google 4.5 (906) · Yelp rating unavailable · On 1 critics' or local guide · checked Oct 22
Four moles made from Oaxacan recipes are the draw here, poured over enchiladas and more, with mezcal flights and a daily brunch. The electric-pink patio and weekend 2-for-1 brunch drinks make it a party spot. It's on The Infatuation's citywide best-Mexican guide.
What people like: Festive, stylish room · attentive service · generous portions and good drinks Watch out for: Waits at busy times · live music can drown out conversation
Picked by: The Infatuation
Las Catrinas Mexican Bar & Eatery
Birria & margsOpen
Google 4.5 (1,128) · Yelp rating unavailable · On 1 critics' or local guide · checked Oct 22
Day of the Dead decor, house-made salsas and tortillas, and birria tacos with consommé for dipping. Groups go for "The Machete," a 24-inch tortilla piled with meat and cheese, plus the signature margaritas.
What people like: Standout decor and vibe · birria tacos and guacamole · inventive cocktails Watch out for: Limited seating, so book for groups
Picked by: Give Me Astoria
Fresco's Cantina
Mexican fusionOpen
Google 4.6 (518) · Yelp rating unavailable · On 1 critics' or local guide · checked Oct 22
Owner Brian Martinez puts Asian, Indian and Latin twists on Mexican food: think a beer-battered mahi taco and a Cubana al pastor. Fresh-juice margaritas and a garage-door room make it a happy-hour favorite in Old Astoria.
What people like: Friendly, attentive service · cozy, art-filled room · fish tacos and strong drinks Watch out for: Extra fees on the bill, including a card fee · service can be slow
Picked by: QNS
Chano's Cantina
Late-nightOpen
No Google rating we could verify · On 0 critics' or local guides · checked Oct 22
A family-owned cantina opened in 2019 by a founder from Guerrero who started out washing dishes. Pork tacos with grilled pineapple, pollo con mole and shrimp al mojo, plus happy hour until 7, karaoke, and hours until 4am on weekends.
Picked by: Not on a critics' list yet; included on ratings and local reviews
Astoria keeps changing: Queens had 7 new restaurant and bar liquor license filings in the week of Oct 13–19 alone. See the weekly count by borough in the NYC Build & Open Index.
Hear about the next ones before they open.
New restaurants file for a liquor license weeks before opening day. First Bite sends the newest Queens and NYC filings every Monday, free.
Get First BiteFAQ
What is the best Mexican restaurant in Astoria?
El Lado Taco on 30th Avenue leads our list for Mexico City-style tacos on homemade tortillas, with Ruta Oaxaca on Broadway the pick for moles, mezcal and a big group dinner.
Where can I get breakfast tacos in Astoria?
El Lado Taco at 34-14 30th Ave serves breakfast tacos daily from 8am (9am Sunday), and gives a free coffee with any three.
Where can I get late-night Mexican food in Astoria?
Chano's Cantina at 35-55 31st St stays open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, with tacos, margaritas and karaoke.
Sources: The Infatuation, best restaurants in Astoria; The Infatuation, best Mexican in NYC; Hell Gate; Robert Sietsema; Give Me Astoria; QNS; OpenTable. Google ratings and review counts via Wanderlog's Google data; checked Oct 22, 2026. Hours and menus change, so check before you go.