Here are some great restaurants to nosh on authentic Mexican goodies.
Mexican restaurants
Here are the some of the best Mexican restaurants in the Lehigh Valley
April 16, 2009
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La Placita Mexican Deli
158 N. 12th St. - Allentown610-821-4549
Owner Jorge Rosales calls the food homemade in Spanish. For 10 years, he and wife Ana have served tasty tacos, enchiladas and chiles rellenos to Mexican food enthusiasts. At first, the tiny storefront looks like a deli. But behind the counter, there’s a large restaurant-style grill that’s sizzling with pork and other meats, and a handful of tables for dining in. Order a taco con carnitas at this little piece of Mexico in downtown Allentown.
Fiesta Ole Mexican Restaurant
1116 Chestnut Street - Emmaus610-966-5522
Upbeat Latin music, bright colors and spicy aromas give Fiesta Ole Mexican Restaurant an authentic appeal. Known for its fast service and reasonable prices, it suits families. Kids’ plates and combination platters featuring all of the usual Mexican farefrom nachos to enchiladas are all served in heaping portions. The family favorite, however, is their signature fried ice cream. The dining experience matches its commercial location: quick, casual and convenient.
La Tortilla Mexican Restaurant
33 N 9th St. - Allentown610-421-4422
Casa Toro Mexican Grill
7001 Route 309 - Coopersburg610-282-8888
It might not look like much from the outside, but head inside and it's a different matter. The tastefully decorated dining room gives you an idea of the food to follow: much better than your average Mexican fare. Still, this isn's a restaurant to get dressed up for-just expect something a lot better than you're used to at this price.
Mex-Tex Trio
42 S. Third St. - Easton610-253-2235
Family owned, Mex-Tex Trio has its own take on Tex-Mex cuisine. The decor features marble-tiled facades, canvas awnings and lots of terra cotta. The dining area is roomy, capable of seating 94. The Mexican products are shipped across the border. Its signature is the mole sauce, a traditional Mexican garnish. Mex-Tex also serves up tacos with carne asada, grilled shrimp with tortillas and carnitas.
Cactus Blue
2915 Schoenersville Rd. -
Bethlehem
610-814-3000
It opened two days after Christmas in 2004 and quickly, Cactus Blue became one of the most talked-about Mexican restaurants in the area. Lehigh Valley magazine readers voted it best Mexican restaurant for 2005, 2006 and 2007. The food includes all the usual Mexican varieties, with some slight twists. Tastier refried black beans, not pinto beans, come with most dishes, and the popular combo dishes include a shrimp taco. The menu includes lunch and children’s offerings and the BYOB policy is kind to a visitor’s budget.
El Cactus
2180 MacArthur Road - Allentown610-770-1818
Amigo Mio Cafe
545 Cleveland St. -
Allentown
610-776-2026
It’s hard to think of a cozier establishment than Amigo Mio, a family-run Mexican restaurant nestled in a house. Order the classic Mexican dishes here because restaurants like this one made them classics: tacos, burritos, enchiladas. The restaurant also features a small bar in the center of the room that’s quaint and welcoming. You may find yourself sitting there while you wait, as the small staff sometimes gets backed up.
La Mexicana Grill
407 N. Seventh St. - Allentown610-776-1910
Sit-down Mexican restaurant with a full menu. Located on Seventh Street in downtown Allentown.
Ricardo's Tavern House
605 Main Street - Hellertown610-838-6737
At Ricardo’s Tavern House everyone knows your name. It’s the Cheers of Hellertown. Except, you know, Mexican. It is THE place to stuff your face with enchiladas and enjoy a Margarita with friends (beware of the subsequent, inevitable food coma). Two TVs, one for sports and one for news, grace the small bar area but good luck trying to hear them once the jukebox get fired up. Arriba!
La Cocina Mexicana
107 W. Main St. - Kutztown610-683-5131
La Cocina Mexicana boasts authentic Mexican food. Tables and booths line brightly paint walls in this colorful restaurant. Daily lunch specials for $7 are available 11 a.m. – 2 p.m..Website www.lacocimex.com
La Lupita
4 West Fourth Street -
Bethlehem
610-868-5733
La Lupita, an eatery at the center of Lehigh University’s activities hub, is adorned with the red, white and green of Mexico in flags, curtains, hanging portraits of Our Lady of Guadalupe, assorted icons and blankets and south-of-the-border maps. The décor is source of pride for this family-run restaurant, whose proprietors hail from Vera Cruz. Two of menu items are particularly popular: the buoyant, citrusy guacamole bursting with chunky avocado, onion, cilantro and garlic and the soft, warm, freshly made corn tortillas.
Santa Fe Taco Co.
2022 Main St. -
Northampton
610-261-4970
If chiles are your thing, head to Southwest-inspired Santa Fe Taco Co. in Northampton. Terra cotta walls sporting Kokopelli the fertility deity, a funky sun and plenty of dried chiles give the large space a festive and warm air. Spicing up the pizza parlor booths and tables are bright, pepper-themed vinyl tops. A line-up of hot sauces for sale gets you in the mood for heat. The place is casual, funky and family-friendly. Spice-hounds will not be disappointed.
Caliente
3650 Nazareth Pike - Bethlehem610-419-8755
Featuring a menu with a combination of Tex-Mex and Nuevo dishes such asskillet fajitas, steak chimichangas, burritos and original creations like prawns con mole The casual restuarant isBYOBbut it offers an interesting selection of non- alcholic margaritas.
