Best Mexican Restaurants in Wilmington, NC

I absolutely love Mexican food. Wilmington, North Carolina, has some fantastic spots. The flavors here are incredible. You can find something amazing at every corner. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

So, what are the best Mexican restaurants in Wilmington, NC? You’re in for a treat! This city has a variety of places serving mouthwatering dishes. From cozy tacos to delicious enchiladas, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. You’ll get the true taste of Mexico right here.

I can’t wait to share my favorites with you. Let’s dive into the best places to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors. You’ll discover hidden gems and popular joints that are a must-try!

Top 10 Mexican Restaurants in Wilmington, NC

1. Buen Dia Mexican Breakfast & Lunch
2. Beer Barrio
3. Guelaguetza Oaxaca
4. El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant
5. Capricho
6. Zocalo Street Food and Tequila
7. Tacobaby
8. Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn WILMINGTON LOCATION
9. K38 Baja Grill
10. El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant

1. Buen Dia Mexican Breakfast & Lunch

Buen Dia Mexican Breakfast & Lunch is a favorite of mine. It’s tucked away on New Centre Drive. The vibe here is super cozy. You can sit inside or enjoy outdoor seating, which I love on sunny days.

I had the breakfast tacos there once. Wow, they were amazing! The tortillas were warm and soft. Each bite was full of flavor. I also tried the chilaquiles, and they blew me away. The chips were crispy, topped with a delicious salsa.

What really makes Buen Dia special is the fresh ingredients. You can taste the quality in every dish. The staff is friendly, making you feel right at home. If you want a tasty breakfast, you should definitely check it out!

2. Beer Barrio

Beer Barrio is right in the middle of downtown. It’s on N Front Street, which is super lively. The vibe here is trendy yet super laid-back. Indoor seating is cozy, but I love grabbing a table outside.

Their weekend brunch is a total game-changer. I once ordered their tacos, and they were incredible. Fresh and full of bold, amazing flavors! But honestly, the queso fundido stole my heart. It was warm, gooey, and ridiculously tasty.

What sets Beer Barrio apart? The mix of traditional and modern vibes. Plus, their craft beer collection is the best. I’d say pair your meal with a local brew for the full experience. Oh, and don’t forget the churros. They’re crispy, sweet, and an absolute delight!

3. Guelaguetza Oaxaca

Guelaguetza Oaxaca is one of my favorite spots in Wilmington. It’s on Market Street and has such a cozy vibe. You can sit inside or outside, which is nice. The place is super welcoming, and it’s easy to get around.

I remember trying their mole once, and it was amazing! The flavors were rich and just perfect. I also got to taste their tamales, and they were so soft and delicious. You could really tell they made everything with care.

What I love about Guelaguetza Oaxaca is how authentic it feels. Each dish has a true Oaxacan touch. If you go, you have to try the tlayudas. They’re crispy and loaded with tasty toppings. You won’t regret it!

4. El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant

El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant is such a great spot! It’s on College Road, and I love the vibe. You can sit inside or enjoy the outdoors, which is awesome. Plus, it’s easy to get around, which is a big plus.

I remember my last visit vividly. The menu is massive, and everything sounds yummy. I decided on the beef enchiladas, and wow! They were packed with juicy beef and covered in tasty sauce. Each bite was a delight!

What I enjoy most about El Cerro Grande is how casual and fun it feels. It’s a perfect place to relax. Their margaritas are a must-try, too! They’re super refreshing and pair perfectly with any dish. And don’t skip the guacamole! It’s fresh and so good!

5. Capricho

Capricho is a charming little spot on Princess Street. It’s super cute and relaxed. You order at the counter, which makes it easy. The menu has all my favorites—tacos, burritos, and amazing street corn.

I remember my last visit so well. I decided to try their street tacos. Wow! They were fresh and full of flavor. The tortillas were warm, and the toppings were perfect. I also had the street corn, and it was delicious. It had this yummy lime crema on top!

What I love about Capricho is how simple and tasty everything is. It’s a great place for a quick bite. If you go, definitely try the carnitas tacos. The pork is so tender and flavorful. Trust me, you’ll love it!

6. Zocalo Street Food and Tequila

Zocalo Street Food and Tequila is one of my favorite spots in Wilmington. It’s located on Barclay Pointe Blvd, and the vibe is just perfect. The space is stylish and airy. You can choose to sit inside or enjoy the outdoor area.

I had such a great time during my last visit. I was with friends, and we ordered a bunch of dishes to share. The tacos were so tasty! Each bite was full of flavor. I also loved their guacamole—it’s fresh and creamy!

What really makes Zocalo stand out is its fun atmosphere and delicious food. If you go, definitely try the shrimp tacos. They are incredible! And don’t skip the tequila flight. It’s a fun way to taste different flavors!

7. Tacobaby

Tacobaby is a really fun spot. It’s right on Grace Street. The vibe is casual and cool. You can sit inside or out. It’s also wheelchair-accessible.

I went there last weekend. I tried their fish tacos. Oh my, they were amazing! The fish was crispy and super fresh. Each bite was full of flavor.

Tacobaby stands out because of its chill vibe. The prices are great too. If you want something special, get the Korean BBQ tacos. They are unique and so tasty!

Tacobaby is a hidden gem. You should definitely check it out. You’ll have a great time and love the food!

8. Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn WILMINGTON LOCATION

Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn in Wilmington is a fun spot. It’s at 4002 Oleander Dr. The place has both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s perfect for any mood. The food is amazing. Burritos, tacos, and even vegan options. The salsa bar is my favorite part. You get to choose from so many flavors!

I love Flaming Amy’s because it’s not just about food. It’s the whole vibe. The colorful decor, the friendly staff. Everything makes you feel welcome. Plus, it’s affordable. That’s always a win.

If you go, try the “Big Jerk” burrito. It’s packed with jerk chicken, rice, beans, and pineapple salsa. It’s a mix of spicy and sweet. Don’t forget the chips. The salsa bar has so many choices. It’s a fun way to customize your meal. Flaming Amy’s is a must-visit if you love bold flavors and a lively atmosphere.

9. K38 Baja Grill

K38 Baja Grill is a fantastic spot! It’s located at 5410 Oleander Dr. The vibe is lively and fun. You can sit inside or outside, which I love. They serve up delicious fish tacos and other Baja-inspired dishes. Plus, the flavored margaritas are a must-try!

I remember my first visit. I ordered the fish tacos, and they were incredible! The fish was fresh and crispy. Every bite tasted like summer. I also tried a mango margarita, and it was so refreshing.

What makes K38 stand out is its cool beachy vibe. The staff is super friendly, too. If you go, definitely order the fish tacos. They show off the best flavors of Baja. You won’t be disappointed!

10. El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant

El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant is one of my go-to spots in Wilmington. It’s conveniently located at 341 College Rd. The atmosphere is super casual and inviting. You can easily sit inside or outside, which I really enjoy. They have great wheelchair access, and both takeout and delivery are available.

On my last visit, I ordered the fajitas. They arrived sizzling on my plate! The fresh veggies and tender meat were just perfect. I paired it with one of their margaritas, and it was so refreshing—just what I needed.

What makes El Cerro Grande stand out is the friendly vibe and tasty food. If you visit, you have to try the enchiladas verdes. They are packed with flavor and truly show off the restaurant’s quality!

Map of Mexican Restaurants in Wilmington, NC

Choosing the Right Restaurant for You

With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best Mexican restaurants in Wilmington, NC?
You have to try places like Buen Dia, Beer Barrio, and El Cerro Grande. They are all amazing and so fun.

2. Do any Mexican restaurants in Wilmington have veggie or vegan options?
Yes, totally! Flaming Amy’s and K38 Baja Grill have delicious veggie and vegan dishes. You’ll love their veggie tacos and burritos.

3. Are there Mexican restaurants with outdoor seating in Wilmington?
Yes, for sure! Tacobaby and Zocalo have great outdoor spots. Perfect for a meal in nice weather.

4. Can I get takeout or delivery from Mexican restaurants in Wilmington?
Absolutely! Most places offer takeout and delivery. Just check their website or call them.

5. Which Mexican restaurant has the best margaritas?
I’d say Beer Barrio and El Cerro Grande. Their margaritas are top-notch!

6. Are there kid-friendly Mexican restaurants in Wilmington?
Yes! El Cerro Grande and Flaming Amy’s are great for families. They have dishes kids will love.

7. How can I make a reservation at a Mexican restaurant in Wilmington?
It’s easy! You can reserve through their websites or by calling. El Cerro Grande is popular, so book ahead.

8. What time do Mexican restaurants open in Wilmington?
Most open around 11 AM for lunch and stay open late. But, always double-check their hours online.