12 Family-Owned Mexican Restaurants In Ohio That Locals Can’t Stop Talking About
Ohio might not top the list of Mexican dining destinations, but tucked across the Buckeye State are family-run gems that prove otherwise.
In cities like Columbus and Cleveland, generations have carried cherished recipes north, filling tables with vibrant flavors and time-honored traditions.
These restaurants serve more than unforgettable meals – they share heritage, family stories, and a kind of hospitality that keeps Ohioans coming back again and again.
1. Los Guachos Taquería – Columbus’s Spit-Roasted Sensation
Started by a family of passionate taqueros, Los Guachos has become a Columbus institution for late-night cravings. The restaurant’s crown jewel is their al pastor tacos, carved straight off the trompo with mesmerizing precision.
Regulars swear by the gringas and campechanos too, paired with their vibrant house salsas. With multiple locations across the city, this fast-casual spot makes authentic Mexican street food accessible to everyone in central Ohio.
2. La Super Torta – Mexico City Flavors in Columbus
Hidden on Georgesville Road sits a sandwich paradise that transports you straight to Mexico City. The milanesa torta here features crispy breaded steak nestled in pillowy bread with all the fixings.
Beyond their namesake sandwiches, weekend visitors line up for steaming bowls of menudo, a traditional soup said to cure any ailment.
The small, unassuming space belies the massive flavors within, making this family enterprise a true Columbus treasure.
3. Taqueria Mixteca – Dayton’s Beloved Taco Haven
Walking into Taqueria Mixteca feels like entering someone’s home kitchen in central Mexico. The aroma of slow-cooked meats has been tantalizing Daytonians since the mid-2000s.
I still remember my first visit – the server laughed when I tried to finish their forearm-sized burrito in one sitting! Their street tacos arrive simply dressed with cilantro and onion, letting the expertly seasoned meats shine.
This no-frills spot on East 3rd Street remains the gold standard for authentic Mexican in Dayton.
4. Krazy Taco 937 – Springfield’s Creative Taco Workshop
When a local Springfield couple took over the beloved Guerra’s Krazy Taco in 2023, taco enthusiasts held their breath. They needn’t have worried.
The new owners preserved the fun, family-friendly atmosphere while adding their own creative spin. The Belmont Brisket Blaze taco has developed a cult following with its tender smoked meat and signature heat.
This casual cantina balances tradition with innovation, creating tacos that are both respectful of Mexican cuisine and playfully inventive.
5. Tortillería García – Cincinnati’s Fresh Masa Masters
The magic at Tortillería García begins with the tortillas. Owner Omar García brought his childhood tortilla-making skills to Cincinnati, creating a restaurant built around fresh masa made daily.
The difference is unmistakable in every bite of their carne asada and barbacoa tacos. National food critics have made pilgrimages to taste these authentically crafted corn discs.
With several locations across the Cincinnati area, this family has turned a simple staple into an art form.
6. Taqueria Mercado – Downtown Cincinnati’s Mexican Heart
The León family has created a downtown Cincinnati institution where generational recipes shine. Their alambres – a sizzling mix of grilled meat, peppers, onions, and cheese – arrive at the table still bubbling.
My grandmother from Guadalajara visited once and declared their enchiladas suizas better than her own! Don’t tell her I told you.
The restaurant’s proximity to Fountain Square makes it the perfect spot for pre-game meals or post-concert feasts, complete with a full bar serving excellent margaritas.
7. La Plaza Taquería – Cleveland’s Market-to-Mouth Marvel
What began as a tiny counter inside the Ortega family’s supermarket has blossomed into Cleveland’s taco headquarters. Located on the Lakewood border, locals plan their weekends around scoring these coveted tacos.
The al pastor and carne asada have achieved legendary status, but the house salsas deserve equal praise.
The family’s success has sparked expansion throughout Northeast Ohio, but taco purists still make the pilgrimage to the original market location for the authentic experience.
8. El Jalapeños – Lakewood’s Fajita Phenomenon
Since 2007, the Hernández family has been satisfying Cleveland’s west side with sizzling platters of joy. Their fajitas arrive in theatrical fashion, steaming and crackling as they make their way through the dining room.
The restaurant strikes that perfect balance between family-friendly comfort and festive cantina. Quick service and generous portions have created a loyal following that spans generations.
The jumbo margaritas here have become the stuff of local legend, complementing their flavorful, no-nonsense Mexican classics.
9. El Jalapeños II – Youngstown’s Sister Sensation
The Hernández family extended their Mexican hospitality to the Youngstown area with this beloved sister location. Austintown residents flock here for the same sizzling fajitas that made the Cleveland original famous.
I once drove 40 minutes out of my way during a snowstorm just to get their enchiladas verdes! The verde sauce achieves that perfect tangy-spicy balance that’s nearly impossible to replicate at home.
This outpost maintains the family’s commitment to generous portions and warm service.
10. Cocina de Carlos – Toledo’s Taste of Jalisco
Chef-owner Carlos Méndez brings his Jalisco heritage to life in this suburban Toledo gem. Every enchilada and taco dorado reflects generations of family cooking tradition, with recipes that refuse to cut corners.
The restaurant’s success has spawned multiple locations across the Toledo area. Locals appreciate the scratch kitchen approach, where sauces simmer properly and meats marinate fully.
Summer evenings on their patio, enjoying authentic Mexican flavors while watching the sunset, embody Ohio’s unexpected culinary diversity.
11. Tlaquepaque – Canton’s Long-Standing Legend
For over two decades, this family-owned group has brought authentic Mexican flavors to Stark County. Named after a famous artisan town in Jalisco, the restaurant honors old family traditions in every dish.
The street-style tacos transport diners straight to a Mexican mercado. Their house specialty fajitas feature a secret marinade that locals have tried unsuccessfully to replicate for years.
With several locations throughout Canton and North Canton, this family has created a mini-empire built on consistency and genuine Mexican hospitality.
12. Amigos Taquería – Stow’s Neighborhood Gem
Tucked away in Stow, this unassuming taquería has built a devoted following through word-of-mouth alone. The birria tacos here have reached mythical status, with their rich consommé perfect for dipping.
During summer, their house-made aguas frescas provide refreshing relief from the heat. The guacamole is prepared throughout the day in small batches, ensuring peak freshness.
What makes Amigos special is the unmistakable family-run atmosphere – you’ll often see three generations working side by side during busy weekend rushes.