23 Best Mexican Restaurant Chains in 2025

Are you looking for the best Mexican restaurant chains? Luckily for you, there is no shortage of fantastic Mexican spots to check out!

According to Pew Research Center, around one in 10 restaurants in the United States serves Mexican food. From tasty taco hotspots to popular enchilada havens, this large number of restaurants means there’s bound to be a Mexican restaurant chain that suits your desire for fast, affordable and delicious dishes. 

With all the excellent Mexican restaurant chains, finding the right one can feel trickier than folding a fully loaded burrito. This guide is here to make your decision process as easy as possible, ensuring you can find the perfect Mexican or Tex-Mex eatery for whatever you're craving.

From the histories of the restaurants to some tips on how to order the tastiest meal possible, this rundown has you covered. 

 Jump to Section

• How We Choose the Best Mexican Restaurant Chains
• The 23 Best Mexican Chain Restaurants
• Learn To Cook Mexican Food

How We Choose the Best Mexican Restaurant Chains

More than a decade of experience in the food industry means that the team at Cozymeal is well-versed not only in connecting foodies with fun culinary experiences but also in creating informative and engaging food guides on a range of topics. This library of content includes many restaurant pieces, from round-ups of the best eateries in cities across the globe to spotlights of the healthiest fast food chains and, in this case, the best Mexican restaurant chains in the U.S.

To create this in-depth guide to the most popular Mexican food chains, we turned to our own knowledge of the best Tex-Mex and Mexican eateries while also conducting in-depth research. We scoured social media platforms, forums like Reddit and consumer review platforms like Yelp to round up 23 top places for delicious Mexican food.

In addition, our guide to the best Mexican restaurant chains:

• Features restaurants that offer a range of dishes, from more authentic Mexican cuisine to Tex-Mex fast food. 
• Covers eateries that are suitable for various budgets.
• Includes a mix of take-out and sit-down restaurants. 
• In most cases, highlights national chains or those that operate in multiple states. 

Finally, for those who have dietary restrictions, we have highlighted which Mexican restaurant chains offer vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free dishes. However, do note that there is the potential for cross-contamination in all cases, so avoid these Mexican restaurant chains if that is of concern.

The 23 Best Mexican Chain Restaurants 

1. Taco Bell

With nearly 8,000 locations across the United States, plus international locations, it’s hard to debate that Taco Bell is the most popular Mexican restaurant chain. From creative, craveable creations like the Doritos Locos Taco to under-the-radar Taco Bell secret menu offerings, Taco Bell’s unique Tex-Mex fare has gained what can best be explained as a cult following.

The most popular Taco Bell items, along with the already mentioned choices, include the Crunchwrap Supreme, the many breakfast offerings and cinnamon twists for dessert. Taco Bell has an excellent selection of vegetarian options as well and you can customize many menu items to be vegan.

You can even eat relatively healthily here, with the healthiest items at Taco Bell including black bean burritos, beef tacos and almost anything fresco-style. 

• Most Popular Orders: Crunchwrap Supreme, Spicy Potato Soft Taco, Chalupa Supreme, Chicken Quesadilla, Mountain Dew Baja Blast.
• Suitable For: Vegetarians. Some gluten-free and vegan options if you customize regular menu items. 
• Price: $

2. Chipotle

The wildly popular Chipotle is one of the top Mexican restaurant chains around, thanks to its commitment to fresh ingredients made from scratch. The quintessential fast-casual Tex-Mex spot, Chipotle has set the standard for fast food Mexican restaurant chains in terms of quality and flavor. 

The burrito bowls, which can include Chipotle’s renowned guacamole for an extra price, are a popular go-to for regulars. But if you want to dig deeper into Chipotle’s offerings and try something a little more unique, there’s a Chipotle secret menu that’s got your name all over it. 

There are also many healthy items at Chipotle, such as vegetable bowls and black bean burritos, making it a top choice among Mexican food chains for those trying to eat more healthily.

• Most Popular Orders: Burritos and Burrito Bowls. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarians and vegans. Some gluten-free options. 
• Price: $ to $$

3. Del Taco

Del Taco first opened its doors in California in 1964, and since then, the popular Mexican fast food chain has developed a rivalry of sorts with Taco Bell, forming a mighty group of loyalists who swear by the Mexican restaurant chain’s approach to Tex-Mex. 

Beyond the typical fare, such as tacos and burritos, Del Taco’s secret menu is the stuff of legends. Order a “Bun Taco,” which features tasty taco fillings piled on a hamburger bun for a mix of tacos and burgers.

You can also ask for your food to be “made bold,” which calls for the addition of special sauce and fries to your order. Tamales are also available around the holidays at this popular Mexican chain restaurant.

• Most Popular Orders: The Del Taco, Chipotle Crispy Chicken Taco, Beer Battered Fish Taco, 8 Layer Veggie Burrito. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarians and vegans. Some gluten-free options.
• Price: $

4. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina

On The Border is a Dallas-born Mexican restaurant chain with locations in almost 20 states. The casual restaurant is a reliable source of tasty Mexican food. There is also a special mesquite seasoning to try, which gets integrated throughout the menu of classic Tex-Mex dishes.

Menu items at this Mexican restaurant chain range from fajitas and enchiladas to carne asada and grilled queso chicken. As with other sit-down Mexican restaurant chains, you can order from an extensive drinks menu, including various margaritas, and lots of desserts like tres leches cake, mini sopapillas and strawberry cheesecake chimichangas. 

This eatery is additionally famous for its massive portion sizes, so if you’re feeling particularly hungry, On The Border is the spot for you. Just expect to take home plenty of leftovers from this Mexican food chain!

• Most Popular Orders: Steak Fajitas, Chips and Guacamole, Fajita Salad, Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas, Margaritas. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarians. Some vegan and gluten-free options. 
• Price: $$

5. Torchy’s Tacos

Torchy’s Tacos is a Mexican restaurant chain that has grown considerably since it first opened up as a food truck in Austin, Texas. The taqueria has expanded its empire throughout Texas and into other states, serving up tasty tacos throughout the entire day, including a delicious offering of breakfast tacos. 

As you can probably guess from the name, this Mexican fast food restaurant specializes in tacos. Unique taco fillings range from fried avocado or crispy chicken with green chiles and poblano sauce to bacon and potato chip-crusted chicken tenders with pineapple coleslaw. There are also breakfast tacos, salads and bowls, and even desserts at this fast food Mexican spot.

If you find yourself at Torchy’s and want to take your experience to new heights, Torchy’s secret menu will help you do just that, with plenty of imaginative taco options that expand their already extensive menu.

• Most Popular Orders: Baja Shrimp Taco, Brushfire Taco, Fried Avocado Taco, Trailer Park Taco, Airstream Salad. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarians and vegans. Some gluten-free options.
• Price: $ to $$

6. Moe’s Southwest Grill

The only thing more exciting than Moe’s signature “Welcome to Moe’s” greeting is actually sitting down to enjoy the food. Moe’s opened its doors in Atlanta in 2000, and since then, has experienced a meteoric rise, quickly becoming one of the most popular Mexican restaurant chains in the United States.

This Mexican restaurant chain is wonderfully welcoming, pairing its greeting with complimentary chips and salsa. But don’t mistake their friendliness for a lack of flavor. Moe’s uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to craft their Tex-Mex fare.

Every dish, from the massive burritos to the loaded quesadillas, is sure to satisfy hungry customers looking for a delicious meal. This chain Mexican restaurant also has lots of build-your-own options, making it easy to customize your fast food Mexican order just to your liking. 

• Most Popular Orders: Homewrecker Burrito, Edgy Veggie Burrito, The Stack, Chicken Club Quesadilla. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarian and vegan. Some gluten-free options.  
• Price: $ to $$

7. Café Rio

This Utah-based Mexican restaurant chain is known for its fresh approach to Mexican cuisine. In fact, none of the food at any of Café Rio’s locations is pre-prepared, so you can expect a freshly made dish every time you dine there.

The casual restaurant has an extensive menu, including classics like burritos, quesadillas and fajitas, and is primarily build-your-own, meaning you can add all the proteins, vegetables and sauces you like to your order. Make sure to try the sweet pork barbacoa, which is hard to find at most chain Mexican food restaurants.

• Most Popular Orders: Sweet Pork Barbacoa Salad or Burrito, Chicken Tacos, Burrito Enchilada Style (any protein). 
• Suitable For: Vegetarian and vegan. Some gluten-free options.  
• Price: $ to $$

8. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a Mexican restaurant chain that first opened in Fort Worth but has since expanded throughout the Lone Star State as well as throughout the rest of the South. As per their name, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is known for its tacos, specifically the shrimp and fish tacos. 

But don’t worry if you’re not in a taco mood! Fuzzy’s also has other Tex-Mex staples, including burritos, quesadillas and nachos. They also have plenty of veggie options for those who don’t eat meat or seafood, making this one of the best vegetarian fast food places for convenient Mexican dishes. 

• Most Popular Orders: Shredded Chicken Taco, Shrimp Tempura Taco, Pulled Pork Taco, Baja Fish Taco.
• Suitable For: Vegetarians. Some gluten-free and vegan options.  
• Price: $

9. Dank Burrito 

Primarily located in Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina, Dank Burrito is a Mexican restaurant chain that’s gaining popularity for its fresh and flavorful burritos. Dank Burrito started out as a food truck before opening its first brick-and-mortar location in 2015.

Since then, the Mexican restaurant chain has been adding its creative twist to Tex-Mex classics, serving up dishes like a honey truffle Buffalo shrimp burrito and a soy ginger pork burrito. Despite the name, tacos, salads and bowls are also available at this Mexican chain, offering something for everyone.

• Most Popular Orders: Bang Bang Shrimp Burrito, Pork Belly Burrito, Honey Truffle Buffalo Chicken Burrito, Tree Hugger Burrito. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarian. Some vegan options.  
• Price: $ to $$

10. Baja Fresh 

One of the healthiest fast food chains around, Baja Fresh is a Mexican restaurant chain that lives up to its name. Baja Fresh was using farm-fresh ingredients and sustainable meat long before it was trendy to do so. All food, from tacos to burrito bowls, is made to order and doesn't include any frozen or microwaved ingredients. 

The restaurant, which first opened up in 1990, has a bright and festive interior that’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner. So if you want some fresh Mexican food in an accessible and casual setting, look no further than Baja Fresh. 

• Most Popular Orders: Nacho Burrito, Wahoo Taco, Grilled Shrimp Taco, Chili Lime Salad. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarian. Some vegan options.  
• Price: $

11. Qdoba

Qdoba is a Mexican fast food chain that has more than established itself among the top Mexican restaurant chains in the country. With locations in nearly every state, Qdoba offers its loyal customers the chance to build their own bowls, burritos, tacos and salads using a revolving menu of delicious, fresh ingredients.

Plus, Qdoba doesn't charge extra for their guacamole or queso, which isn’t something that similar Tex-Mex and Mexican chains can claim. There are lots of customizable options as well. 

• Most Popular Orders: Chicken Burrito, Street-Style Chicken Tacos, Habanero Lime Steak Bowl. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarian and vegan. Some gluten-free options.  
• Price: $

12. Taco John’s 

This Mexican restaurant chain specializes in potato olés. These are deep-fried potatoes that are essentially treated like nachos, with lots of delicious toppings, such as meat, sour cream, cheese and salsa. 

But in addition to the signature potatoes, Taco John’s has a creative menu of classic Tex-Mex dishes, including stuffed grilled tacos, that you’d be hard-pressed to find at most other Mexican fast food chains. All-in-all, this Wyoming-bred taco spot is one that fans of Tex-Mex and Mexican food won’t want to miss out on.

• Most Popular Orders: Super Potato Olés, Fried Chicken Tacos, Scrambler Burrito, Meat and Potato Burrito. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarian. Some vegan options.
• Price: $

13. Taco Cabana

This San Antonio-based Mexican restaurant chain is a fast-casual eatery that offers delicious and fresh Mexican fare in a fun, family-friendly space. Taco Cabana’s roots are in Texas, but this Mexican restaurant chain has since spread to Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico as well.

One of the defining features of Taco Cabana is its array of options. They offer tacos, burritos, bowls and much more, plus lots of breakfast items. Taco Cabana is also known for their flautas, which are perfectly crispy rolled tacos that you won’t want to miss. 

• Most Popular Orders: Chicken Flautas, Tajin Mango Fried Pie (Limited Time), Cabana Bowls, Steak Fajita Combo. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarian and vegan. Some gluten-free options.
• Price: $

14. El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco is a Mexican restaurant chain that’s famous for their signature fire-grilled chicken. The titular meat is the only kind on the menu, so be ready to enjoy some delicious chicken served in whichever form you’d like, whether it be a scrumptious bowl or a hearty burrito.

With close to 500 locations across the country, this chicken fast food chain has made their mouth-watering grilled chicken one of the most sought-after fast food options around, especially by diners looking for a healthier option than other fast food joints have to offer. 

• Most Popular Orders: Original Pollo Bowl, Chicken Tostada Salad, Chipotle Guacamole Chicken Burrito. 
• Suitable For: Some vegetarian options.
• Price: $

15. Chuy’s

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that’s definitely the case for some of the burritos that they serve over at Chuy’s. This Austin-based Mexican restaurant chain opened up in 1982, and they’ve since expanded to almost 20 states across the country. 

Chuy’s is famous for its handmade tortillas, giant “Big As Yo Face” burritos and other freshly prepared Tex-Mex classics. The fresh-never-frozen ingredients come together to bring Chuy’s imaginative menu to life, and their extensive collection of handmade sauces helps take the food to the next level.

• Most Popular Orders: Steak Burrito, Chuychanga, Green Chile Fried Chicken, Baja Shrimp Tacos.  
• Suitable For: Vegetarian and vegan. Some gluten-free options. 
• Price: $$ 

16. Bubbakoo’s Burritos

Located primarily on the East Coast, Bubbakoo’s Burritos is a Mexican restaurant chain that serves up deliciously fresh burritos made to order. This New Jersey native is satisfying burrito enthusiasts from all over the country with their accessible, customizable menu and unique, approachable atmosphere. 

While the Mexican restaurant chain is famous for its burritos, it also has plenty of other items on the menu, such as quesadillas, nachos, bowls, salads and chicken wings. They also have quite a good selection of plant-based toppings, making this a popular vegetarian and vegan fast food Mexican restaurant for those after classic dishes without animal products. 

• Most Popular Orders: Nashville Hot Crispy Chicken Burrito, Hibachi Shrimp and Steak Burrito, Crispy Chicken Bacon Sriracha Ranch Quesadilla. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarian and vegan. Some gluten-free options. 
• Price: $ to $$ 

17. TacoTime

Founded in 1960 in Eugene, Oregon, TacoTime is considered by many to be the king of the Pacific Northwest taco scene. This Mexican restaurant chain started as a way for founder Ron Fraedrick to feed hungry college students, but it has since expanded with more than 300 locations across the United States and Canada.

Unsurprisingly, the tacos are the stars of the show at TacoTime. However, the burritos and the breakfast menu offerings, such as breakfast burritos and quesadillas, shouldn’t be missed either. 

• Most Popular Orders: Crisp Burritos, Mexi-Fries, Chicken or Cheese Quesadilla, Chicken Soft Taco.
• Suitable For: Vegetarian and vegan. Some gluten-free options. 
• Price: $ to $$ 

18. Pancheros

Is there anything better than a piping hot, handmade tortilla? Pancheros is a Mexican restaurant chain that uses its hand-pressed, freshly made tortillas as a baseline for its tasty menu of fresh, Tex-Mex classics. 

The standout at this Midwestern fast-casual spot is the burrito, which features delicious ingredients packed in a signature tortilla. Each bite is perfectly engineered to reach burrito perfection, and the collection of fresh salsas and toppings enhances the experience to the fullest extent.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the tacos and quesadillas are also delicious and made with fresh tortillas.

• Most Popular Orders: Burritos and Tacos. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarian and vegan. Some gluten-free options. 
• Price: $ to $$ 

19. Rubio’s Coastal Grill 

Considered by many to be the spot that introduced Baja-style fish tacos to the United States, Rubio’s Coastal Grill is a Mexican restaurant chain that’s definitely left its mark. Primarily located on the West Coast, Rubio’s is a fish taco-focused institution with a strong focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients.

The fish tacos are understandably the main draw at Rubio’s, but they also have burritos and bowls that can be topped with steak and chicken in addition to the spot’s signature fish and seafood. 

• Most Popular Orders: The Original Fish Taco, Ancho Citrus Grilled Shrimp Burrito, California Bowl. 
• Suitable For: Some vegetarian options. 
• Price: $$ 

20. Uncle Julio’s

Offering refreshing, creative beverages and luxurious twists like tableside guacamole, Uncle Julio’s is a Mexican restaurant chain that knows how to bring the party. The Dallas-born restaurant has expanded to 10 other states across the country, and its mesquite-grilled Tex-Mex fare has been a hit at every destination.

The enchiladas are one of the more popular orders at Uncle Julio’s, but no matter what you eat, you’ll want to pair your food with a freshly crafted margarita. 

• Most Popular Orders: Tableside Guacamole, Enchiladas, Tamales, Chocolate Piñata, Margaritas. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarian. Some vegan and gluten-free options. 
• Price: $$ 

21. Dos Toros Taqueria

If you find yourself craving Mexican food in New York City, you’ll definitely want to check out Dos Toros Taqueria for some of the best Mexican food in NYC. This Mexican restaurant chain is a fast-casual NYC staple that has also expanded to Washington, D.C., and is known for its tacos, burritos and burrito bowls.

Dos Toros is a popular lunch spot that loyalists swear is better than some of the more popular Mexican chains. One of the best qualities of Dos Toros is that you can get crumbled tortilla chips as one of the toppings for your bowl, which adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.  

• Most Popular Orders: Burritos, DT Quesadillas, Guacamole and Chips. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarians and vegans. Some gluten-free options.
• Price: $

22. Taco Bueno 

Another product of the Texas taco scene, Taco Bueno is a Mexican restaurant chain that prides itself on customization opportunities and freshly prepared ingredients. Primarily located in Texas, with additional locations in Oklahoma and Arkansas, Taco Bueno is one of the South’s best-kept secrets in terms of the top chain Mexican food restaurants. 

Taco Bueno does the classics well, but you won’t want to miss out on The Muchaco, which replaces a traditional taco shell with warm and fluffy pita bread — it’s exactly as delicious as it sounds. 

• Most Popular Orders: Beef Muchaco, Bean Burrito, Original Crispy Taco. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarian. Some vegan and gluten-free options. 
• Price: $

23. Abuelo’s 

With locations all across the country, Abuelo’s is an authentic, family-friendly Mexican restaurant chain that offers fresh, flavorful food in an inviting setting. Slightly more upscale than other Mexican food restaurants on this list, Abuelo’s is a great place for a casual weekday date night or family outing.

You won’t want to miss Abuelo’s signature margarita to accompany hearty enchiladas and sizzling fajitas that are sure to satisfy even the hungriest of customers. Plus, they have plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options (although, as with all restaurants on this list, cross-contamination is possible). 

• Most Popular Orders: Fajita Chimichanga, Chile Rellenos, Steak Fajitas, Margaritas. 
• Suitable For: Vegetarians and vegans. Some gluten-free options.
• Price: $$

Learn To Cook Mexican Food 

When it comes to convenience, there’s nothing like eating out at a restaurant. But if you want to fully immerse yourself in the world of Tex-Mex and Mexican cooking, a hands-on experience like a cooking class offers the perfect opportunity to do so.

When you enroll in cooking classes near you, a professional chef will teach you plenty of culinary skills while you learn how to cook a variety of authentic Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes. If you’re looking for a relaxing night in, online cooking classes provide another great way to elevate your cooking skills without having to leave your own kitchen. 

There is certainly no shortage of Mexican restaurant chains that offer fresh and delicious Mexican and Tex-Mex fare. So if you’re craving Mexican food, there’s bound to be a top-notch spot nearby that will whip up a hearty burrito, flavorful taco or offer creation in no time. If you need a helping hand in finding the best Mexican restaurant chains around, hopefully, this rundown can serve as a useful starting point.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.