Rhode Island's Best Mexican Food

Rhode Island's Best Mexican Food

Rhode Island is a long way from Mexico, but we remain today a terrific spot for immigrants to settle. So it is that we have become a a very small state with some very good Mexican restaurants. They run the gamut from formal, sit-down restaurants to food trucks. We set out to find you 5 fun choices from both ends of the Mexican spectrum....

Perro Salado, Newport

Word has gotten out about this island favorite and now we're all privy to the authentic farm-to-table Mexican turned out by Chef Dan Hall. Lucky for us Hall has opened a second location -- El Perrito on Thames Street -- a more casual taqueria that serves to-go highlights from his extensive repertoire, such as the tacos, served up on authentic, hand-made corn tortillas and always topped with Hall's delicious salsas. At Perro we're apt to be drawn to the just-off-the-boat fish (this is Newport, after all), such as an out-of-this-world chili-dusted scallop salad, the fish tacos (best in the state!), or the ceviche. Margarita lovers will appreciate co-owner Andi Johnson's menu, which includes a must-try cilantro-jalapeno margarita that is herbacious and delicious! Johnson's deft decorating hand has made the interior of this restaurant, in a historic house, complement the food, and the result is a fully-authentic Mexican experience. 19 Charles St, 619-4777, www.perrosalado.com

Chilangos, Providence

Chilangoes is a bit more than a hole in the wall--drive by too quickly and you might miss it. And what a shame that would be, because some of the best Mexican around can be had inside its doors. Regulars will tell you it is the best guacamole in the state -- served alongside just-made tortilla chips. Tacos and burritos (the villa burrito is a fave) run the gamut from a smoky, spicy chicken tingga to pork al pastor. Don't miss the flan for dessert -- it is exactly as it should be, all creamy and sweet. Even the details here, such as the smoky refried beans, are incredibly well done and better, more flavorful options than what you might be used to. Portions are huge and the service is freindly -- make a little effort and you'll feeel like you are a part of the family. 447 Manton Ave, 383-4877.

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El Taconazo, Providence

As Rhode Islanders, we were nervous when we saw the name Taconazo. Did this involve the Big Nazo puppets serving Mexican food? Thankfully, no. It involved authentic Mexican food being served in the most modest of settings. It's almost as if the taco truck died and they built a little restaurant where it stood. Don't come here for creature comforts such as AC. Come here for well-prepared Mexican food, and at crazy-low prices. Grab a couple of authentic tacos--served double wrapped as they should be--and a Mexican soda and get out of there for less than $5. Don't let the line or the wait scare you away; it's more than worth it. The woman behind the counter the day we visited did it all: took our order, prepared our food and served it to us with a smile. We have been back twice in two weeks and, as we're writing this, the cravings have begun for the incredible Al Pastor tacos and the chicharones. 500 Valley St. 437-8808

Taqueria Lupita, Central Falls

One good insider test for an ethnic restaurant is, Do people native to that culture eat at that spot? You wouldn't eat at an Italian restaurant that was devoid of Italians, would you? The first time we walked into Taqueria Lupita we knew we were in for a treat. The restaurant smelled heavenly, and the food is fresh and flavorful and very reasonably priced. The most expensive dish on the menu is $12.99. Most of the entrees are $9.99 and you can even get freshly made tamales for $2! We flipped for the chicken mole and the very interesting pineapple. We were surprised by how well the the pineapple flavor melded with the corn masa. It is wrapped in a corn husk and steamed and we loved it. If you are in the market for lunch, how can you beat a fresh Mexican lunch with salad, rice and refried beans alongside a choice of 7 items for $6.50? Exactly. 765 Dexter St. 724-2650, www.taquerialupitari.com

Mijo's Tacos, Mobile

Our first trip to California was a blur of taco trucks. You have to remember the time...here in Rhode Island, we had Haven Brothers but no other food trucks. A visit to a relative in California opened our eyes to the fact that the best Mexican food we tasted came from a truck. Fast forward to today and Providence is abuzz with food trucks and there aren't many better than Mijo's Tacos. This is as close to that original trip as we've gotten east of the Mississippi. Chef Peter Gobin does it right. He takes the flavor profiles of traditional Mexican and adapts it to the fresh, seasonal bounty we have here. He works with the same fish company as all the top restaurants in the city. He keeps it simple, fresh and delicious, which is what good Mexican is all about. A recent visit found us gorging on perfectly braised Lengua, or tongue, tacos. It was tender and flavorful, just as we remembered. Other stars include the pork belly and the incredibly fresh fish tacos. Follow them on Twitter  to find locations and menu items. We'll be back soon to reminisce about those sunny California days! www.twitter.com/mijostacos