Mexican and Latin American Food in Northern Kentucky

From authentic street tacos to tacos with Venezuelan flare… there are so many incredible options for Mexican food in Northern Kentucky!  We've put together a list to get you started, but don’t overlook the listings below for more mouth-watering recommendations.

Best Mexican Food in Covington

Agave & Rye, Covington

Agave & Rye seems like it's boomed lately, with a total of nine locations, but Covington was the original, the OG, the epicenter of epic-ness.  Start with the incredible dips--from the guacamole to the queso, you can't just try one.  And the chips are house-made.  Expert tip: If you like a softer/fluffier chip, or just want to try it once, ask your server if you can have the flour tortilla chips. They typically come with the pimento cheese dip, but man, they're delicious with the queso! 

Olla Cov, Covington

From Birria tacos, chicken tacos, quesadillas, elote, and nachos, Olla serves up incredible food.  We recommend the Guti Fries, which are similar to loaded nachos, except with a bed of French fries.  

Zapata Cantina

Located on Madison Avenue in Covington, Zapata Cantina opened in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic in the fall of 2020.  They serve a traditional handmade Mexican experience in a modern, industrial space.  Don't leave without ordering the queso fundido appetizer.  The lime juice for the traditional margarita is fresh-squeezed in-house daily, and their seafood is flown in fresh daily--they don't even have a freezer!  

Frida 602, Covington

Located in Mainstrasse Village, Frida 602 features a tequila & mezcal bar and Latin street food.  Owned by the same people as Otto's and The Standard, it's no surprise that Frida is top-notch.  In addition to the beautiful art throughout, Frida features some cool hangout spots like picnic tables and  foosball on the sidewalks.  Don’t forget the Friday taco window--grab them to go or hang out in the village!

Best Mexican Food in Newport & Bellevue

La Mexicana, Newport

One of the most authentic Mexican restaurants you'll find in Northern Kentucky, there's good reason La Mexicana was chosen one of the top Mexican restaurants in the Cincinnati area by Citybeat readers.  In the heart of Newport's Monmouth Street, you've probably driven past it a thousand times.  Next time, be sure to stop in for piping hot chips, corn truffle tacos, or pumpkin flower tacos.  

Cancun Mexican, Newport

Looking for tacos (and margs) with a view?  Look no further than Cancun in Newport.  Only a couple blocks from Newport on the Levee, Cancun (and its awesome patio) has some excellent riverfront dining.  And while their sister location on Monmouth Street in Newport is equally as delicious, you just can't beat those Cincinnati skyline sunsets from the riverfront patio.

Nomad, Bellevue

Located in Bellevue, Ky., Nomad is fairly new to the scene, but definitely a strong contender of the best tacos in the Newport area.  There are eight different varieties of tacos on their menu, including Korean BBQ, buffalo chicken, and the Patata, which includes tater tots, the restaurant's other speciality.  If your group loves tacos, tater tots, and a cool patio, Nomad is definitely a good choice for your next night out!

Taqueria Nogal

Located in Dayton, Ky., just down the street from Newport, Taqueria Nogal may be the area's best kept secret.  You never know day by day what may be on the menu, or what the day's special may be, but no matter what it is, I can tell you that it will be delicious!  

Best Mexican Food in Florence

La Torta Loca, Florence

The murals and bright colors inside La Torta Loca welcome diners and showcase the owners' pride.  The couple is from Mexico and Venezuela, respectively, and created La Torta Loca as a blend of their hometown culinary delights and to highlight Mexican and Venezuelan street food.  Don’t miss the Torta Loca.  The sandwich (yes, both halves) comes stuffed with steak, chicken milanesa, carnitas, bacon, melted cheese, grilled onions, and jalepenos.  Speaking of large portions, there's a note on their menu that says "don't forget to ask about Ñoño."  If you're up for a challenge, order el Ñoño, a six-pound torta that if eaten in less than 25 minutes is free!  You also get a t-shirt to commemorate your achievement.

Torres Mexican Steakhouse, Florence

If you're looking for something a little different than your traditional neighborhood Mexican restaurant, check out Torres Mexican Steakhouse.  Their menu includes hand-cut Angus steaks, so a perfect compromise for couples arguing over the great debate of where to eat.  

Taqueria Ramirez, Florence

Some may say this one's a sleeper... but luckily they have two locations for you to try!  One on Burlington Pike and the other on Dream Street in Florence.  An authentic Mexican restaurant, they’ve been in business for more than 20 years.  

El Ocho Loco, Erlanger

Though technically located in Erlanger, we'd be remiss if we talk about tacos In Florence and don't mention El Ocho Loco.  El Ocho Loco features some delicious tortas, street tacos and burrito bowls.  Pro tip:  Be sure to ask for some of their home made hot sauce--it's amazing!

More incredible Northern Kentucky Mexican restaurants: