Best Mexican chain restaurants

15 Best Mexican Chain Restaurants in USA

Mexican cuisine has become popular in the United States, with several Mexican chain restaurants serving a variety of classic and modern Mexican meals. With so many alternatives available, deciding on a restaurant can be challenging. To help you decide, we’ll look at the 15 finest Mexican chain restaurants in the United States that will leave you wanting more.

Mexican food is one of America’s most popular cultural dishes, and it’s easy to see why. Mexican food has incredible flavor, is filling and fascinating, and is not complicated to cook.

Best Mexican Chain Restaurants

Mexican food is one of the world’s most loved dishes. The United States of America is no exception, as the country brims with Mexican chain restaurants that serve good food and an amazing eating experience.

Hop in as we look at the 15 best Mexican chain restaurants in the United States.

1. Chipotle

Chipotle
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Chipotle

It is no surprise that Chipotle tops our chart of best Mexican chain restaurants. When Steve Ells founded the first Chipotle restaurant in Denver in 1993, he knew he wanted to build a restaurant with fresh, economical ingredients.

He had no idea how enormous and successful it would become, with over 1,500 outlets in four countries.

Ells made a significant adjustment that transformed the company in the late 1990s and early 2000s when he mandated that all pigs and chicken used be reared naturally. This eventually resulted in no trans fat on the menu, the use of naturally grown beef, and other changes.

They have great burrito bowls, burritos, and guacamole. The food is wonderful and fresh, but the best part is that you know precisely where every ingredient in your meal comes from.

2. Qdoba

Qdoba
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Qdoba

This Mexican restaurant, one of the best Mexican chain restaurants, first opened its doors in Denver in 1995 under a different name. Qdoba was once known as Zuma, and later Z-TECA Mexican Grill.

However, because these names were too similar to those of other restaurants, founder Anthony Miller and partner Robert Hauser picked Qdoba. There are currently over 600 outlets, and the brand is mostly known for its Mission-style burritos, a San Francisco staple.

Burritos with roasted chile corn, ancho-chile barbecue sauce, fajita veggies, shredded beef, and a three-cheese queso are available.

Amazing fact: It took 47 attempts for the folks at Qdoba to perfect the three-cheese queso.

3. Baja Fresh

Baja Fresh
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Baja Fresh

This California-based restaurant, which stresses fresh ingredients, first opened its doors in 1990. Everything is made by hand and unprocessed. There is no lard, can openers, MSG, microwaves, or freezers at any of Baja Fresh‘s more than 200 locations.

Try the Baja Bowl, which is made up of rice, cilantro, beans, roasted veggies, onions, salsa verde, and your choice of line-caught ono fish, chicken, steak, pork carnitas, or grilled shrimp.


Alternatively, try one of their premium burritos to have a feel of one of the best Mexican chain restaurants.

4. Uncle Julio’s

Uncle Julio’s
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Uncle Julio’s

If you’re looking for some true Tex-Mex cuisine, Uncle Julio’s is the place to go! This restaurant company specializes in scratch-made Tex-Mex cuisine that will tempt your taste buds.

Uncle Julio’s has 30 locations around the United States, so there’s certain to be one near you.

You will feel transported to Mexico the instant you walk into one of Uncle Julio’s restaurants. Uncle Julio’s delivers a really authentic eating experience with its rustic décor and Mexican-inspired architectural design. And, of course, the food is amazing.

5. Taco Bueno

Taco Bueno
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Taco Bueno

Taco Bueno is a restaurant chain headquartered in Texas that specializes in Tex-Mex cuisine. Taco Bueno has around 150 outlets in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas. Taco Bueno first opened its doors in 1967 in Abilene, Texas, more than 50 years ago.

Taco Bueno’s menu encompasses all the Mexican fast-food staples, including tacos, quesadillas, nachos, burritos, and salads.

Taco Bueno also offers six different types of combo meals, allowing you to pair your favorite menu items with a drink of your choosing. So if you desire to dine at one of the best Mexican chain restaurants, try Taco Bueno.

6. Del Taco

Del Taco
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Del Taco

Del Taco is another well-known Mexican restaurant chain in the United States. If you enjoy tacos as much as we do, don’t miss out on this Mexican restaurant experience!

Del Taco was started in California in 1964. Del Taco has something for everyone, with both Mexican and traditional American fast cuisine.

A visit to this restaurant (one of the best Mexican chain restaurants) will not disappoint, whether you’re seeking great-value Tex-Mex or your typical burger and fries.

7. Torchy’s Tacos

Torchy’s Tacos
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Torchy’s Tacos

Torchy’s Tacos began as a small food truck in South Austin, Texas, and quickly became the most popular taco place in town, with 75 locations and plans to create an additional 80 in 2023.

Torchy’s Tacos is not your typical two-ingredient taco; they’re one-of-a-kind, unique, and massive tacos with at least seven ingredients and ridiculous names like the Dirty Sanchez and the Trailer Park.

They also serve authentic Mexican Street corn, which is grilled corn with lime juice, spicy mayo, and cotija cheese. If you desire a treat in one of the best Mexican chain restaurants, then Torchy’s Tacos is the place to go.

8. Moe’s Southwest Grill

Moe's Southwest Grill
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Moe’s Southwest Grill

Moe’s is well-known for their unusual menu names and high-quality ingredients. Cage-free chicken, steroid-free and grain-fed hog, grass-fed beef, and organic tofu are all on the menu.

There are also no microwaves, trans fats, or MSG. Take a sample of their Homewrecker Burrito, which comes with lettuce, guacamole, rice, sour cream, beans, and your choice of meat.

9. El Pollo Loco

 El Pollo Loco
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El Pollo Loco

The El Pollo Loco is the only restaurant on our list of best Mexican chain restaurants that originated in Mexico, so you can be confident that the food is authentic.

The main attraction is fire-grilled chicken, which is marinated in a mixture of fresh herbs, lime, and orange juices, and a variety of spices before being cooked in an open flame. As a result, the chicken is full of flavor and always moist.

El Pollo Loco will satisfy your demands whether you want a fast nibble or a sit-down dinner. With approximately 500 locations across the United States, there is sure to be one near you.

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10. Taco John’s

Taco John’s
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Taco John’s

Taco John’s is the place to go if you want a quick, good, and inexpensive Mexican lunch. This Midwestern chain specializes in “West-Mex” cuisine and serves a large selection of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and bowls.

Taco John’s is also well-known for being the first restaurant to coin the phrase “Taco Tuesday,” which they even trademarked. Taco John’s is sure to satisfy your cravings, whether you’re looking for a fast lunch or a late-night snack.

11. Chuy’s

Chuy’s
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Chuy’s

Chuy’s is the ideal spot for a wonderful and imaginative Tex-Mex supper. Chuy’s, which is one of the best Mexican chain restaurants in the U.S. is famous for its quirky and lively atmosphere, which is inspired by Austin’s “Keep Austin Weird” slogan.

You’ll be transported back in time the instant you walk into a Chuy’s restaurant, with Mexican decorations, retro memorabilia, and ’50s-style vinyl booths and chairs.

Enchiladas, chile rellenos, quesadillas, fajitas, burritos, and unlimited baskets of chips, salsa, and their popular creamy jalapeño dip are among the menu items. Chuy’s provides something to fulfill your appetite no matter what you’re in the mood for.

12. Wahoo’s Fish Tacos

Wahoo’s Fish Tacos
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Wahoo’s Fish Tacos

Wahoo’s Fish Taco, one of the best Mexican chain restaurants there is, started in 1988. Wahoo’s Fish Tacos is well known for its fish tacos, which combine flavors from Brazil, Hawaii, and Asia.

Moreso, the menu differs based on where the restaurant is located. No matter where you visit Wahoo’s, you will have a unique eating experience loaded with fresh and local ingredients.

The restaurant, however, does not simply serve tacos. Enchiladas, burritos, and other Tex-Mex dishes are also available. Whatever you order at Wahoo’s, you will have a fantastic dinner.

13. Pappasito’s Cantina

Pappasito’s Cantina
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Pappasito’s Cantina

It’s simple to see why Pappasito’s Cantina is regarded as one of the best Mexican chain restaurants in the United States. The food is excellent, and the family-style eating atmosphere is unparalleled.

Surprisingly, the chain was established by a Greek family. Despite their Mediterranean origins, they have created one of the most popular Mexican restaurant franchises.

The sizzling mixed grill fajita plate at Pappasito’s is cooked to perfection and comes with fresh, made-to-order guacamole. Your server prepares the guacamole at the table, and it is very excellent.

14. On the Border

On the Border
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On the Border

On the Border is famous for its lovelyTex-Mex food. The restaurant was founded in 1982 in Dallas, Texas, and is named after the Texas-Mexico border. On the Border has approximately 120 outlets in 29 states across the United States.

The menu includes mesquite-grilled meals like Spicy Chorizo Quesadillas, Mexican Surf & Turf, and Monterey Ranch Chicken. The restaurant also serves margaritas, beers, and wines.

On the Border is an excellent alternative for anyone seeking a casual eating experience with substantial amounts of delectable Tex-Mex cuisine. The mesquite-grilled foods are a menu highlight, and the margaritas complement the meal perfectly.

15. El Torito

El Torito
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El Torito

Look no further than El Torito for a really authentic Mexican dining experience. This California-based restaurant has been serving wonderful Mexican cuisine since 1954, and it’s simple to understand why it’s been a local and guest favorite for so long.

El Torito’s most famous dish is its flame-grilled fajitas, which are served sizzling hot and loaded with all of your favorite toppings. Enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and the Create Your Own Combo plate, which lets you mix and combine some of the most popular dishes, are among popular menu items.

El Torito guarantees a great and genuine Mexican meal no matter what you order. So, the next time you’re craving some authentic Mexican cuisine, stop by this well-known restaurant chain.

Summary

Whether you are in for enchiladas, tacos, or burritos, There is a Mexican restaurant on this list that will meet your craving.

So, when next you’re in the mood for some amazing Mexican food, try any of these 15 best Mexican chain restaurants in the U. S.