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    El Centro

    3.7 (449 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    El Centro Photos

    Business Info

    EL CENTRO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Classy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - El Centro

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    Hot dog Sonora style
    Rob B.

    Great place for a modern twist on Mexican SW cuisine. Loved the Chicken Tinga Enchiladas, we got one red sauce one green. The queso and guacamole are both super good. The hot dog was better on the menu than on the table, very salty. All the sauces are delicious I liked the habanero best, not that spicy. Service was friendly but lethargic.

    Carne Asada Plato
    Melissa P.

    The menu is expansive with all of the core appetizer and entree items you could wish for at a Mexican restaurant. I was excited to see birria tacos on the menu and ordered it right away. I was let down by the lack of crunch of the tortilla shell and the meat was ok but not very tasteful. When I eat a birria taco I want to crunch into a savory core and that is not what happened. Again, the tacos were good - but didn't feel worth the high marked prices here. I also felt the dipping sauce which is an essential element of what makes birria tacos special, just wasn't enough for 3 tacos (small sauce cup as shown in picture). The wait was excruciatingly long but we were patient given this was a Friday night in Boston. It did feel strange there were only (2?) waiters serving the entire restaurant (inside and outdoors). I understand the business decision to create a level of anticipation from customers but even the drinks took 20 minutes to arrive. I didn't finish the passion fruit margarita because it was sour and I really did not like it. The carne asada was good but my partner ordered a side of rice when he realized it doesn't come with the full plate of guac, pico, and refried beans. If you get the queso fundido, be aware that it comes with only 3 soft tortillas - not enough for the dip nor even two people. I found it strange they give an odd number of tortillas and only 3 for a table of more than 1 person and an entire cheese bowl... All in all, the food was good but not great (for the prices). The wait was long(er) than necessary. I likely won't come back here unless someone else decides they really want to go.

    Guacamole Estilo El Centro
    James H.

    High marks on nearly every scale. The (one) missing mark is price. This food is expensive -- much more than food should be. I understand that we're in Boston and that costs a premium but there are tacos that go for + $7.

    Colin P.

    Really nice experience with fun vibes. The staff is super friendly and everyone is having a good time. The bar is great. Love the new digs!

    Mezcalita
    Iaroslav M.

    So nice to see them reopening..The owner stopped by and chatted with us asking our opinion on food...If you love ceviches- you should be here sometime soon trying their luna ceviche! I told my husband that this is the best one since I've had one in Hawaii and I've had good ones in Oaxaca. But now I have a spot a block away from us that makes such a good ceviches and mezcalitas! Love this place..

    Sopa de Tortilla Lunch
    Corrina M.

    Favorite lunch spot, family owned business please support . Pedro is very nice makes sure everything comes out correct Pedro is the man !!!

    Fish Taco
    Reshma K.

    We went here on a week night for margaritas and tacos. And it didn't disappoint. We ordered fish tacos, chicken and pork tacos and they were all good. I love seafood and fish tacos were the my favorites in comparison. I got a classic margarita and I enjoyed it with my taco. Tamarind margarita had a great kick from the fresh jalapeño which balanced the tamarind really well. I suspect they are short on servers. The servers were crazy busy and were running around to keep up. The outdoor seating added to our experience, the lights are such a nice touch. We had a lovely evening here.

    Coconut Margarita

    Best Margarita in Boston. Small, intimate feel in a residential neighborhood. Recently renovated. The staff is wonderful and service is great. We live in the South End and this may be our favorite spot - which says a lot!

    Taco de Pollo Dinner

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    2 years ago

    Newly renovated and wepanded bar, this neighborhood staple had reliable Tex-tex and excellent ceviches

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    1 year ago

    $6 tamale - tasty especially with the green salsa. One was enough for a small lunch. Quick takeout. I will be returning soon

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    10 months ago

    Friendly staff and timely service! I would certainly recommend, especially for lunch.

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    1 year ago

    Friendly and hard working staff. Delicious margaritas. Well seasoned meat. Nice atmosphere.

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    2 years ago

    Pretty good food. The entire area is great if you like Hispanic food and this place is a solid choice for Mexican food.

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    4 years ago

    Went there had the typical Mexican food and it was amazing. I love Mexican food - this was authentic! Can't wait to go back.

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    Page 1 of 12

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    Lolita Back Bay - Lolita Back Bay

    Lolita Back Bay

    4.0(2.8k reviews)
    0.8 mi•Back Bay
    •$$
    Luxury
    Outdoor seating

    This place was phenomenal!…read more I have to say, living in San Diego, I was not expecting much from a "Mexican" restaurant in BOSTON. (Any more than anyone from here would expect decent Chowder in San Diego.) My local friend chose this place, and I couldn't be more impressed. It started with this amuse-bouche, which was this frozen grapefruit treat that they poured some tequila on top of. (I uploaded a video of it.) We ordered a Red Crab Aguachile, Habanero Chicken Rancho Quesadilla, and Beef Gorditas. I would describe all of them as Mexican-inspired. They took the flavors and ingredients of Mexican cuisine, and then ran with them. Nothing was "familiar," per se. That is to say, if you're looking for Authentic Mexican cuisine, I'd suggest coming over to my place. :) But this food was absolutely delicious. Our waiter was super helpful, giving us plenty of time to order and consider the menu, there when we needed him, and didn't rush us to finish. The vibe in there is super warm, with some interesting decor. My friend said it was a little louder than normal because of a private party that was happening. But it just felt like a vibrant restaurant.

    Such a fun restaurant! The theming and decorations are like gothic Mexico. Dark and colorful. Since…read moreI was alone, I sat at the bar. There was a wait for tables even on a weekday evening. I ordered calamari and griddled cornbread (based on reading reviews) yeah I know too many carbs. And because I heard that the drinks are so good here, I wanted to try something, but I don't drink tequila. The bartender asked me if I liked coconut and made me what I think was a coconut lemonade drink which was delicious! And both dishes were really good too. Would be a great place to go with a group of friends for a nice evening out. And yes, I'd go there again when I'm in town.

    Photos
    Lolita Back Bay - Beef Gorditas, Hot Queso Dip, Steak Quesadilla, and Spicy Artichoke Empanadas

    Beef Gorditas, Hot Queso Dip, Steak Quesadilla, and Spicy Artichoke Empanadas

    Lolita Back Bay - Lolita, Diablo, Spicy Cucumber, Broken Heart

    Lolita, Diablo, Spicy Cucumber, Broken Heart

    Lolita Back Bay - Lolita Back Bay Mezcal Room

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    Taqueria Jalisco - Al Pastor.

    Taqueria Jalisco

    4.6(536 reviews)
    3.7 mi•East Boston
    •$$

    Taquería Jalisco is a casual Mexican restaurant in East Boston specializing in traditional…read morestreet-style tacos, tortas, tamales, and dishes inspired by the flavors of Jalisco. We walked into a small, unassuming space where the focus is squarely on freshly prepared food made with bold, authentic flavors. The dining room is modest and functional, with a counter and a handful of tables that give it the feel of a neighborhood taquería rather than a sit-down restaurant. The energy is practical and welcoming, with the open kitchen allowing us to see the tortillas being pressed and the meats being grilled fresh behind the counter. The birria tacos are the signature order and the dish that defines the menu. We ordered a few and found the tortillas crisped up on the griddle, the beef tender and well seasoned, and the rich consommé served on the side for dipping. The combination of the savory meat, the crispy tortilla, and the deep, slightly smoky broth made each bite feel layered and complete. Other standouts include the adobada tacos, which had a good char and a subtle spice that built gradually, and the lengua torta, with tender tongue layered between a soft roll and topped with fresh ingredients. The pozole was hearty and comforting, with a broth that carried the flavor of the hominy and meat without being overly heavy. The tamales, chicken flautas, and well-seasoned rice and beans rounded out the menu, each arriving hot and freshly made. The pickled onions and house salsas added extra flavor, and the horchata was a popular choice to pair with the meal, its cinnamon sweetness cutting through the richness of the dishes. Service was friendly and welcoming, and the restaurant maintained a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere that keeps people coming back. Despite its modest size, the kitchen moved efficiently, making it a reliable option for both dine-in and takeout. The staff checked in at the right moments and kept the pacing of the meal comfortable, ensuring that even when the small dining room filled up, the experience stayed smooth. If you are looking for authentic Mexican food in the Boston area, Taquería Jalisco stands out for its consistently flavorful cooking, generous portions, and menu built around classic recipes rather than modern interpretations. It is the kind of place where the food speaks for itself, and the simplicity of the setting only adds to the sense that you are eating something made with care and tradition.

    Lip-smacking Mexican food! I got the Jalisco Birria Tacos. They were crisp and hot, with a sizable…read moreportion of flavorful meat and plenty of cheese. The consomé and the other accompaniments were all solid as well. Definitely will need to try some of their other specialties next time!

    Photos
    Taqueria Jalisco - Interior

    Interior

    Taqueria Jalisco - Assorted Dishes

    Assorted Dishes

    Taqueria Jalisco - Birria tacos

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    Birria tacos

    Citrus & Salt - Tacos

    Citrus & Salt

    3.9(1.1k reviews)
    1.6 mi•Waterfront, South Boston
    •$$

    LOVE this place. The Gordita crunch is to die for. I've been before for dinner, but I tried the…read morebrunch recently and it was delicious. I ordered the chorizo burrito and it was so flavorful! It was my partners birthday and I was able to opt into their birthday package which comes with a cupcake and balloon for $10. It was worth it! The cupcake was gorgeous and my partner said it was very good quality cupcake. The ambiance was also gorgeous as always. I love how they decorated the restaurant! Perfect for an event or gathering. Totally photo worthy.

    Great meal and service…read more Our waitress was phenomenal and extremely accommodating for our kids regarding food they'd eat - getting us a plate of off menu chicken fingers. The food was very good. Octopus - Octopus is my favorite meal, and this is one of the best examples I've ever had. Steak tips - cooked perfectly medium rare, overall dish great Oysters - shucked clean and fresh Chips and salsa were great, no notes. Lobster empanada - crispy on the outside, soft and creamy inside, very good Fish Tacos - good fish tacos, nothing earth shattering to write home about - paled in comparison to the tapas. Dole Whip - great Churros - very good, they were small donut things not the traditional long churros, the mezcal chocolate was great and the vanilla cream too.

    Photos
    Citrus & Salt - Interior

    Interior

    Citrus & Salt - Yummy coffee beans that come w/ espresso martini

    Yummy coffee beans that come w/ espresso martini

    Citrus & Salt - BEEF BIRRIA TACOS

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    BEEF BIRRIA TACOS

    Tulum Mexican Cuisine - Barria Birria Street Tacos (3)

    Tulum Mexican Cuisine

    4.3(87 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    I had been to Tulum before with a friend and really enjoyed it. We got the Pulpo Al Pastor, the…read moreguacamole, and the Volcano Molcajete, which had beef, shrimp, pork, al pastor, cheese, nopales, rice and beans. Basically, the whole yard. The meat was cooked so well. Everything was so tender and juicy, and there was just so much food. I went back again this week for Mexican Independence Day, this time with my cute date. We shared the Queso con Chorizo and the Guacamole con Chicharrón. Honestly, those two things could have been dinner because the portions are so generous. Don't be fooled by the size of the queso plate. That thing is deep. Seriously, there is a LOT of queso in there. They also give you a generous amount of chicharrón with the guacamole. The chicharrón tasted warm, almost like it had just been fried, and added a really nice crunch to the guac. For a main, I had the octopus tacos, which had a lot of octopus in them. The watermelon and radish, along with the aioli, added such a nice contrast of sweet, savory, warm and cool. They were delicious. Honestly, my only problem with this place is that the food is so good and the portions are so fair that I had a hard time eating all of it. Oh well. We got to take some of it home, so I guess that's a good kind of problem. We also shared a flight of margaritas: the classic, mango, passionfruit, and watermelon. I think a flight is actually great for two people, unless you want to get crunk! The restaurant is very "instagramable" and the service was excellent. Overall, I think this is a great place for a date night with good eats and drinks!

    Excellent service. The tuna tostadas were delicious, so were the baja tacos, the street corn is a…read moremust and the best had. I went for the flight of margaritas with no regrets. The decor is so cute. Backroom is perfect for a little private party

    Photos
    Tulum Mexican Cuisine
    Tulum Mexican Cuisine - Shaved Street Corn

    Shaved Street Corn

    Tulum Mexican Cuisine - Mocktail

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    Mocktail

    Sabina Mezcaleria - Esquites tostadas

    Sabina Mezcaleria

    4.1(49 reviews)
    0.8 mi•Back Bay

    We've Found a New Favorite!…read more Sabina Mezcaleria - Back Bay What a wonderful find! Sabina Mezcaleria is a cute, cozy restaurant with impeccable, genuinely warm service and absolutely incredible food. We always prefer eating at the bar--it feels more personal and less transactional, and we've met so many wonderful strangers that way. Last night reminded us exactly why we love it. Luis, our El Cantinero, took us on a spectacular journey through the world of mezcal and tequila. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about what he does. We learned so much from him about tequila and mezcal, and he made the whole experience feel like an adventure rather than simply ordering drinks. And then came the food! I had the Enchilada Mole, and the mole was beautiful--deep, complex, rich, and perfectly balanced, without that powdery quality you sometimes find in lesser versions. The Chicharrones were enormous, thick, and cooked perfectly--almost melting in your mouth while absolutely exploding with flavor. Then came my favorite: the Empanada de Maíz. We had the one with chicharrones, beans, and mozzarella, and I almost cried. Seriously. SO flavorful, with this delicate little crispy coating on the outside that made it extraordinary. From Luis and the bar experience to every plate that came out of the kitchen, this was just an exceptional evening. Warm, intimate, delicious, and memorable. We came up from Providence by train, and Sabina alone is worth the trip. We've found a new Back Bay favorite--and we will absolutely be back!

    Last night we went to Sabina Mezcaleria to watch the Mexico vs South Korea World Cup game. It was…read moregreat World Cup atmosphere. I must admit that based on some other Yelp reviews I was expecting the food to be ok but I was so very pleased because everything we ate was absolutely fantastic!!! I didn't take any photos but will say that the following were FABULOUSLY delicious and very much worth ordering. Esquite Tostada Cuadrito de Lechón Mini RibEye Tacos Guacamole with RibEye Chicharron You will need 4-5 of their small plate sized apps for 2 of you to share. BTW I always try to have a Michelada at Mexican restaurants. I ordered at Sabina with a Modelo and theirs was fantastic. All that being said, highly recommend this great place on Newbury Street.

    Photos
    Sabina Mezcaleria - Mezcal Bar :-)))

    Mezcal Bar :-)))

    Sabina Mezcaleria - Ribeye tacos

    Ribeye tacos

    Sabina Mezcaleria - Mezcal lover  Mezcalita

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    Casa Romero - Chicken Quesadilla

    Casa Romero

    3.5(667 reviews)
    0.9 mi•Back Bay
    •$$

    Surprised at all the negative reviews. We were party of 7 and had a great time there. Love the…read morehidden entrance feel, and the decors inside were interesting. The service was quick and friendly. Drinks were well made and the food is solid. Is it the best food Mexican food around Boston, no, but it was all tasty. Along with the decor and the fact that it felt cozy yet not crowded, just made a cool experience. Will be back.

    Me and my friends came here after work and had a 5pm reservation and were seated right away. There…read morewas maybe 1 other table here. It is a cute spot, but just a heads up that the entrance is a little hard to find- I thought I had walked in through the back door. The restaurant is actually located in the public alley, not directly on Gloucester Street. The food was really good. I am obsessed with their rice and beans. Everyone seemed to love what they ordered! However, Im taking away two stars because of our service and our waitress. When we sat down, she casually asked, "Can I get you started with chips and guac?" At pretty much every Mexican restaurant I have ever been to, that phrasing implies it is complimentary. At no point did she mention that the guac was an added charge. We later found out we were charged $16 per guac, yes because she brought over TWO (!!) which totaled over $30, which felt really misleading. If something is meant to be an appetizer you are paying for, I expect it to be framed as, "Would you like to order any appetizers?" not presented as a default and free starter. That part left a sour taste in my mouth. I would consider coming back for the food, but I would be much more cautious ordering anything they recommend.

    Photos
    Casa Romero
    Casa Romero - Enchiladas Poblanas

    Enchiladas Poblanas

    Casa Romero - Grilled Quesadillas of Cheese and Roasted Poblano Peppers

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    Grilled Quesadillas of Cheese and Roasted Poblano Peppers

    El Centro - mexican - Updated October 2026

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