I love exploring different cultures throught their delicious foods. Mexican dishes are bursting with amazing flavors that I can’t get enough of! I live in Provo, Utah, and I’ve been searching high and low for the very best Mexican food here. Why? Because I love finding those hidden, authentic tastes.
Let’s explore the Mexican flavors right here in Utah!
What are the Best Mexican Restaurants in and near Provo, Utah?
1. Mi Ranchito Mexican Restaurant
Location: 1109 State St, Orem, UT 84097
Contact Information: (801) 225-9195
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
My friends from church invited me to Mi Ranchito Mexican Restaurant after we visited the Provo temple. They were right about how awesome this place is!
The food at Mi Ranchito is incredible, especially their seafood dishes. They made a version of Mole Chicken Enchiladas with veggies instead of chicken just for me. Those enchiladas were tasty!
Their combo meals are so delicious. Enchiladas or tacos come with beans, rice, and lots of melted cheese. The beans tasted so good.
My friends rave about their Chimichangas. They say Mi Ranchito makes the best Chimichangas around. They’re super accommodating–you can swap meat for veggies in most dishes!
The menu is extensive. They have everything – nachos and buffalo wings, soups, salads, combination platters, and lots of dishes with beef, chicken, pork, seafood, and vegetarian options.
Their daily lunch specials are hard to resist!
There are plenty of a la carte items, kids’ meals, egg plates, and desserts like Apple Flauta and Fried Ice Cream.
Mi Ranchito has generous portions. It’s a must-visit if you’re craving Mexican food!
2. Milagros Mexican Restaurant
Location: 970 W 800 N Orem, Utah 84057
Contact Information: (801) 655-1555
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed
I had a great experience at Milagros Mexican Restaurant! I was struck by the festive decor the moment I walked in.
The service was exceptional. I had a hard time choosing between the Happy Enchiladas and the Spinach Enchiladas but went with spinach. They’re soft tortillas filled with fresh spinach–so good!
The spinach was fresh and tasty. But my friend’s seafood ceviche (a mix of fish and shrimp) was the best thing ever!
What I liked a lot was the variety of vegetarian options available. It made me appreciate Milagros even more for catering to different tastes and preferences.
Signature offerings:
- Milagros Drive Thru Menu - provides a selection of dishes such as Mexican Pizza, Chicken Mango Salad, Tostada Grande, and customizable entree options with different proteins and sides.
- Milagros Flautas - corn and flour tortilla rolls with Mexican Street Corn and Pork Chile Verde options.
- Chips & Dips - a variety of dips including Milagros Famous Queso Fundido, Fresh Guacamole, and assorted salsas to complement the meal.
Milagros extends its menu to appetizers, salads, meats, tortillas, sides, classic Mexican dishes, seafood specials, combo plates, fajitas, specials, desserts, kids’ meals, and beverages, including Mexican bottled Coke and homemade Horchata.
I can’t wait to go back to Milagros Mexican Restaurant and try even more of their yummy dishes!
3. El Mexsal
Location: 325 S. Freedom BLVD Provo, UT, 84601
Contact Information: (801) 812-3849
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday 11:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
El Mexsal in Provo, Utah, is a mix of Mexican and Salvadoran foods! This restaurant offers a blend of traditional dishes from both cultures.
One of their standout offerings is the pupusas. These are thick, handmade corn tortillas filled with cheese, pork rinds, refried beans, and loroco. Yum!
The menu at El Mexsal:
- Appetizers: They have starters such as nachos, quesadillas, and cheese crisps.
- Tacos: They have lots of different kinds, from Tacos de Asada to Tacos de Pescado.
- A La Carte: You can try Enchilada Cheese or Meat, Chile Relleno, and the Bean and Beef Burrito.
- Drinks: Pair your meal with beverages, from soft drinks to traditional drinks like Horchata and Agua de Piña.
- Menu Salvadoreño: They also have Salvadoran treats such as the Carne Asada Plate, Platanos Fritos, and Desayuno Salvadoreño–a breakfast with eggs, beans, plantains, cream, and handmade tortillas.
- Friday and Saturday Specials: They have Sopa de Pata and Guiso de Pollo Salvadoreño.
- Pupusas: Don’t forget the pupusas! They are available in Revueltas, Cheese, Beans, Pork, and Loroco, or you can create your own combination.
- Signature Specialties: They also have main dishes such as Bistec Mexicano, Carnitas Michoacanas, and the Camarones del Golfo you’ll love!
- Desserts: Save room for dessert – Flan, Arroz Con Leche, and Fried Ice Cream.
4. Cafe Rio
Location: 2244 N University Pkwy, Provo, UT 84604
Contact Information: (801) 375-5133
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Wednesday 10:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill started in 1997 by Steve and Patrica Stanley in the town of St. George, Utah. They love making authentic Mexican food using recipes from the Rio Grande region of Northern Mexico, Southern Texas, and New Mexico.
People really like their food, so they opened more restaurants. Then, in 2004, Bob Nilsen took over Cafe Rio to share this tasty Mexican food with more people.
At Cafe Rio, they don't use freezers or microwaves. Every day, they start by preparing fresh ingredients, such as squeezing limes and scooping avocados, to make yummy recipes.
Their most famous dish is the Sweet Pork Barbacoa. They have other popular items like the Sweet Pork Barbacoa Salad and the Burrito Enchilada Style.
- Sweet Pork Barbacoa Salad
Hot-off-the-comal tortilla, black or pinto beans, cilantro lime rice, and sweet pork barbacoa, in freshly chopped romaine. Topped with pico de gallo, guacamole, and creamy tomatillo dressing or cilantro lime vinaigrette.
- Burrito Enchilada Style
Crafted using fresh, homemade tortillas with black or pinto beans, cilantro lime rice, and the protein of your choice. This is then smothered with cheese and one of Cafe Rio’s signature sauces.
Their menu has lots of options:
Entrees - Burritos, salads, enchiladas, tacos, tostadas, quesadillas, nachos.
Appetizers - Chips & salsa, chips and guacamole, chips & queso, tortilla soup.
Drinks & Desserts - Tres leches, fresh lime pie, specialty juices, and teas.
They have signature sauces too, like the Fire Roasted Habanero Sauce (a mix of habaneros, peppers, onions, and spices), for people who like spicy food. They make their own tortillas, which taste good!
Cafe Rio cares about your health and allergies. They provide information about nutrition and allergies on their website.
5. Costa Vida
Location: 1200 N University, Provo, UT 84606
Contact Information: (801) 373-1876
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 9:45 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Costa Vida started in 2003 by Kenny Prestwich and JD Gardner in Layton, Utah.
Sean Collins and Dave Rutter became the first franchisees. They worked hard to make the Provo restaurant successful.
They acquired a controlling interest in the company by 2008.
This place grew a lot! From just one restaurant, it became a big chain with 94 restaurants across the country.
Costa Vida has a range of entrees:
- Burritos - famed for their generous fillings and flavors, especially the Signature Sweet Pork Burrito paired with Black Beans and Tomatillo Cilantro Sauce.
- Enchiladas, Quesadillas, Tacos - stuffed with savory meats, cheese, and signature sauces.
- Nachos, Salads, Baja Bowl
Everything they make is inspired by the flavors of the coast and uses fresh, tasty ingredients. Their protein options and toppers make the food even more delicious!
You can have so many options there. They have:
- Sweet Pork
- Shredded Barbacoa Beef, Grilled Steak, Grilled Chicken
- Raspberry Chipotle, Baja Red Enchilada, Roasted Green Chile
They have accompaniments such as:
- Chips with Queso, Salsas, and Guac
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
Round off your meal with delicious desserts like Tres Leches or Key Lime Pie, accompanied by traditional Mexican drinks - Horchata or the Strawberry Limonada.
Costa Vida provides a Nutrition Calculator on their website for those mindful of their dietary intake.
6. Quiero Mas - Mexican Grub
Location: 155 N University Ave, Provo, Utah 84601
Contact Information: (801) 980-1189
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Friday 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed
I can’t get enough of that delicious queso, the perfectly toasted burritos, and those street tacos!
The quick service coupled with amazing food makes Quiero Más a must-visit spot for Mexican food lovers in and around Provo, Utah.
Signature Dishes:
- Burritos - a classic with a choice of protein like Asada, Al Pastor, Pollo, or Carnitas, packed with beans, Mexican rice, cheese, guac, pico, and crema. They also have Asada Fries and a Veggie Burrito that are tasty!
- Gringas - They are street tacos with melty mozzarella cheese. You can choose from different meats like Asada, Carnitas, Al Pastor, Pollo, or Birria. All of them are so yummy!
- Quiero Más Nachos - These are homemade tortilla chips with queso, Mozz, Crema, guac, pico, and you can choose your meat–like Asada or Pollo, or both.
- Street Tacos - Their street-style tacos are really good. They have flavors like Asada, Al Pastor, Carnitas, Pollo, and Chorizo.
- Birria - This dish is famous! It comes as Tacos De Birria, Quesabirria, Burrito de Birria, and Queso Birria Tacos. So tasty!
- Quesadillas - Flour tortilla with melted Mozzarella and your preferred protein or just cheese.
- Crazy Fries - with crispy fries, queso, Mozz, Crema, guac, pico, and beans topped with Azada.
- Chilaquiles - Fried corn tortilla chips cooked in salsa verde, Mozz Cheese, Beans, Rice, and Crema–try them with eggs or add a protein for extra flavor.
- Baja Pink Shrimp Tacos - Handmade Pink tortillas loaded with battered shrimp, cabbage, cucumber, pickled onions, Chipotle dressing, and crema.
- Pink Sopes - Fried masa base topped with choices like Asada, Pollo, or Carnitas, beans, sour cream, lettuce, and queso fresco.
Quiero Más has all your beverage needs sorted from Homemade Aguas Frescas to Mexican bottle sodas. Don’t forget to try their Elote on the Cob and Churro Bites!
7. Joe Vera’s
Location: 201 W Center St, Provo, UT, 84601
Contact Information: (801) 375-6714
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Joe Vera’s takes pride in its Mexican specialties served with rice, beans, guacamole, and sour cream. They have Sirlion Steak Enchiladas, Carne Asada Platters and Fajitas!
Don’t miss their best dishes! Try El Bandido and a variety of tacos–grilled chicken, pork, steak, tilapia, and shrimp. They are all served with rice, beans, guacamole, and sour cream.
Their salads, the Fajita Ensalada and Grilled Chicken Taco Salad, are fresh and delicious.
Joe Vera’s also offers American favorites. Enjoy cheeseburgers, breaded shrimp, chicken tenders, and La Fuente–a huge grilled flour tortilla with cheese and your favorite meat.
Kids have their own yummy choices! They have Kids Cheese Quesadilla, Chicken Fingers, Bean & Cheese Burrito, and more.
Wrap up your meal with fountain drinks, Mexican Coke and desserts–Tres Leches Cake Deep Fried Ice Cream, and Flan.
Joe Vera’s serves fresh chips with amazing salsa. Their menu has so much variety filled with authentic Mexican flavors!
8. Maria Bonita Mexican Grill
Location: 3815 167 West 800 North, Orem, UT 84057
Contact Information: (801) 426-9328
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Maria Bonita Mexican Grill in Utah has everything you might want, whether it’s yummy omelets for breakfast or tasty snacks such as nachos, guacamole, and quesadillas.
Maria Bonita has gluten-free food too!
Maria Bonita has seafood dishes: shrimp, octopus, and lobster. They make healthy salads and soups–like a soup with chicken, rice, and avocado. Try their food and find your new favorite dish!
9. Taco Amigo
Location: 1395 N State Street, Orem, UT 84057
Contact Information: (801) 224-4122
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Taco Amigo began in 1980 when Gary changed Taco Siesta into Taco Amigo. Even while working another job at the Alpine School District, he managed the restaurant and later passed it on to his wife.
In 1999, Taco Amigo opened in Orem and became famous for its good food. Taco Amigo is a big part of Orem, giving work experience to more than 800 young people and jobs to about 130 individuals, some who’ve been working there for more than ten years!
What makes Taco Amigo is how they prepare their food. They start at 7 a.m., making everything fresh–no cans or extra fat.
Taco Amigo has burritos, tacos, and enchiladas. Some favorites are the Bean Burrito, the Chicken Burrito, and the Bandido.
10. Sweeto Burrito
Location: 1990 N. State St. Orem, Utah
Contact Information: (801) 691-1771
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed
There was a guy who made yummy sandwiches for friends when he was young. He worked in advertising later but things got tough in 2007 and needed a new plan.
At a family gathering, someone suggested selling his tasty food to people working at North Dakota’s oil rigs. Crazy right? But with his family and a friend giving him a boost, they start making the most amazing burritos ever. Just like that, Sweeto Burrito started in just 60 days–trailer built, business booming!
Starting in a cold town wasn’t easy. But you know what? People loved their food! They became famous as the “Little Red Trailer in Alexander.”
Then, spring arrives. Construction nearly messes up their success. But they took a risk and headed to Sturgis! Slow start, but soon they’re the town favorites, making headlines in newspapers and on TV!
Sweeto Burrito went from a small trailer to a famous place in Sturgis. They got offers to open more places all over the country. What began as a simple idea to feed North Dakota workers now offers an irresistible menu!
Here are a few of the mouthwatering dishes they serve:
Burritos
- All American: Cheeseburger wrapped in a burrito, with bacon, fries, and a fry sauce
- Break Neck: Eggs, bacon, tater tots, salsa, and ranch
- Buff Chick: Crunchy chicken, tater tots
- Carne Assassin: Grilled steak, rice, beans
- Rise & Shiner: Steak, eggs, tater tots
Bowls
- Grilled Steak Bowl: Steak, rice, beans, cheese, and a hint of ranch
- Smoked or Citrus Chicken Bowl: Chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and salsa
- Sweet Pork Bowl: Pork, rice, beans, cheese, and salsa
Salads
- Grilled Steak Salad: Steak, lettuce, rice, cheese, and dressing
- Smoked Chicken Salad: Chicken, lettuce, rice, cheese, and ranch
- Sweet Pork Salad: Pork, lettuce, rice, cheese, and dressing
11. Taco Time
Location: 1110 W 800 N, Orem, UT 84057
Contact Information: (801) 655-0124
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Saturday: 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
TacoTime started in 1960 near the University of Oregon because a man named Ron Fraedrick loved making delicious Mexican food. He worked hard to make secret recipes for spices and sauces.
People loved his food so much that TacoTime restaurants started opening everywhere, even in Canada, by the late 1970s!
TacoTime has crispy burritos with beef and chicken. Their big burritos are bursting with flavors! Tacos with beef, chicken, or pork, plus cheesy quesadillas and nachos–they have it all!
TacosTime doesn’t just do lunch and dinner. They have breakfast too, like burritos with eggs and sausage. Just remember, not evey TacoTime serves breakfast, so check first.
There’s so much more to explore than just the places on this list! New food spots might pop up later on.
Enjoy the Mexican cuisine in and around Provo, Utah!
