When people think of the culinary scene in Maine, Mexican is not typically the first thing that comes to mind. With our abundant lobster options and other fresh seafood, it’s easy to ignore the many other delicious meals on offer here. Throughout the state, you can sample foods from places like Eritrea, Vietnam and Somalia. So, it should not be surprising that we do a pretty good Mexican feast as well. We may not do it a lot, but when we do it’s top notch. Here are some of the best restaurants in Maine to get Mexican food. Note: These are in no particular order.
- El Camino Cantina, Brunswick
El Camino Cantina / Facebook
elcaminomaine.com This funky little place is a hidden gem of a cantina in Brunswick. The menu is great, but the specials board is where you should focus your energy. Their of-the-day meals are always delicious. Visit them here and at 15 Cushing Street, Brunswick / 207-725-8228.
- El El Frijoles, Sargentville
El El Frijoles / Facebook
El El Frijoles / Facebook I wish we could include a photo of every single one of the dished served at El El Frijoles. They not only have the most clever name in Maine, they also serve up one absolutely gourmet dishes. This place is NOT to be confused with a quick eats taco joint. If you want authentic and delicious Mexican with a fresh and local feel, this is for you. They’ve just opened their doors for the season so keep a lookout for their outdoor events! Visit them here and at 41 Caterpillar Hill Road, Sargentville / 207-359-2486.
- Taco Escobarr, Portland
Taco Escobarr / Facebook
Taco Escobarr / Facebook At Taco Escobarr, you’ll find your typical taco and burrito options, along with dishes loaded with the expected beans and rice. If you’re looking for something a bit new, try the puffy taco. If you want to have a real party in your mouth, order a margarita. There are tons of unique infusions, such as toasted coconut. Visit them here and at 541 Congress Street, Portland / 207-541-9097.
- Taco Trio, South Portland
Corey T. / Yelp
Bill M. / Yelp Taco Trio just might be the most loved taco joint in Portland! Located in an off-the-beaten path location in South Portland, Taco Trio serves up incredible food but they shine when it comes to their salsas. No matter what you’re craving, Taco Trio has a salsa to satiate. Visit them here and at 119 Ocean Street, South Portland / 207-767-9055.
- Zapoteca Restaurante Y Tequileria, Portland
Zapoteca Restaurante Y Tequileria / Facebook
Zapoteca Restaurante Y Tequileria / Facebook If you’re looking for Mexican with a Maine twist, this is it. Zapoteca is well-known for surprising lobster-related dishes - from lobster tacos to lobster guacamole. They’re in the midst of some back-of-house changes so keep on eye on them, but we can’t imagine the place ever not serving up delicious fare. Oh, and they’ve got brunch! Visit them here and at 505 Fore Street, Portland / 207-772-8242.
- Verve Burritos, Bangor ( and Orono)
Verve / Facebook
Verve / Facebook With locations in both Orono and Bangor, Verve is well-known in the area for those in search of a burrito. They have what you might expect - great burritos and other easy-to-take-away options. But, they’ve also got a great, relaxed vibe. It’s easy to come here, enjoy a burrito and do some work. Tip - the 12" burritos are huge and things WILL get messy. Visit them at: 92 Main Street, Bangor / 207-922-2556.
- Bruce’s Burritos, Yarmouth
Bruce’s Burritos / Facebook
Clint B. / Yelp Bruce’s is a seemingly no-frills burrito shop with lots of frilly options! Don’t want rice in your burrito? Get sweet potato instead. The folks at Bruce’s will customize just about anything. Check their Facebook page for daily specials and call ahead at lunch to grab your order to go. Visit them at: 438 Route 1, Yarmouth / 207-846-6330.
- Las Palapas Mexican Restaurant, Bangor
Las Palapas Mexican Restaurant / Facebook
Las Palapas Mexican Restaurant / Facebook If you’re looking for something in Bangor with more of a sit-down vibe, you’ll want to check out Las Palapas. Try the rave-worthy “El Burrito Alteno” or go on a Tuesday for taco specials. You’ll be treated to “all you can handle” chicken or beef Tacos for $1.25 each. Also, they’ve got lots of vegetarian options for those who aren’t into meat. Visit them at: 8 Bangor Mall Road, Bangor / 207-947-3500.
What is your favorite Mexican restaurant in Maine? Let us know over on our Facebook page!
El Camino Cantina / Facebook
elcaminomaine.com
This funky little place is a hidden gem of a cantina in Brunswick. The menu is great, but the specials board is where you should focus your energy. Their of-the-day meals are always delicious. Visit them here and at 15 Cushing Street, Brunswick / 207-725-8228.
El El Frijoles / Facebook
I wish we could include a photo of every single one of the dished served at El El Frijoles. They not only have the most clever name in Maine, they also serve up one absolutely gourmet dishes. This place is NOT to be confused with a quick eats taco joint. If you want authentic and delicious Mexican with a fresh and local feel, this is for you. They’ve just opened their doors for the season so keep a lookout for their outdoor events! Visit them here and at 41 Caterpillar Hill Road, Sargentville / 207-359-2486.
Taco Escobarr / Facebook
At Taco Escobarr, you’ll find your typical taco and burrito options, along with dishes loaded with the expected beans and rice. If you’re looking for something a bit new, try the puffy taco. If you want to have a real party in your mouth, order a margarita. There are tons of unique infusions, such as toasted coconut. Visit them here and at 541 Congress Street, Portland / 207-541-9097.
Corey T. / Yelp
Bill M. / Yelp
Taco Trio just might be the most loved taco joint in Portland! Located in an off-the-beaten path location in South Portland, Taco Trio serves up incredible food but they shine when it comes to their salsas. No matter what you’re craving, Taco Trio has a salsa to satiate. Visit them here and at 119 Ocean Street, South Portland / 207-767-9055.
Zapoteca Restaurante Y Tequileria / Facebook
If you’re looking for Mexican with a Maine twist, this is it. Zapoteca is well-known for surprising lobster-related dishes - from lobster tacos to lobster guacamole. They’re in the midst of some back-of-house changes so keep on eye on them, but we can’t imagine the place ever not serving up delicious fare. Oh, and they’ve got brunch! Visit them here and at 505 Fore Street, Portland / 207-772-8242.
Verve / Facebook
Verve / Facebook
With locations in both Orono and Bangor, Verve is well-known in the area for those in search of a burrito. They have what you might expect - great burritos and other easy-to-take-away options. But, they’ve also got a great, relaxed vibe. It’s easy to come here, enjoy a burrito and do some work. Tip - the 12" burritos are huge and things WILL get messy. Visit them at: 92 Main Street, Bangor / 207-922-2556.
Bruce’s Burritos / Facebook
Clint B. / Yelp
Bruce’s is a seemingly no-frills burrito shop with lots of frilly options! Don’t want rice in your burrito? Get sweet potato instead. The folks at Bruce’s will customize just about anything. Check their Facebook page for daily specials and call ahead at lunch to grab your order to go. Visit them at: 438 Route 1, Yarmouth / 207-846-6330.
Las Palapas Mexican Restaurant / Facebook
If you’re looking for something in Bangor with more of a sit-down vibe, you’ll want to check out Las Palapas. Try the rave-worthy “El Burrito Alteno” or go on a Tuesday for taco specials. You’ll be treated to “all you can handle” chicken or beef Tacos for $1.25 each. Also, they’ve got lots of vegetarian options for those who aren’t into meat. Visit them at: 8 Bangor Mall Road, Bangor / 207-947-3500.
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