This hidden gem was everything we hoped it would be! We knew it was going to be authentic once we walked in and saw the people and food! And to say we were not disappointed is an understatement! The chef knows exactly what he is doing! In a 6 day span we came here 4 times lol. The salsa was so fresh and flavorful. The chips were also perfect. We all got margaritas. Can you believe that these were the smaller size options? Lol I got the shrimp cockatil the first time. It came in a huge margarita glass and was served similar to ceviche and topped with avocado. My coworkers got steak quesadillas and steak fajitas. Everything here was extremely fresh and you can taste the love in every bite! And the decor is so cute especially the anchors along the wall! When i came back I ordered 2 shrimp tacos and 1 pescado taco! And they gave me a free churro to go! read more

See all

GREAT PLACE FOR MEXICAN FOOD NEAR THE INDY AIRPORT ================================================= My son met my husband and I for dinner after we landed at the Indy Airport on Thursday, June 18, 2026. He is a native Californian and knows good Mexican food so we trusted him. They did not have the carnitas that I ordered so I ended up ordering fish tacos. They were really good. My son likes the place and has eaten there a couple of times. My husband was happy with the beef fajitas as well. The staff are friendly and the service is quick. You can watch the World Cup while dining as well. read more

El Crucero - Fish tacos - Mexican Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

See all

We went in and ordered to go. The servers were nice and the ambiance was decent for such a small place. I got the nachos and was pretty disappointed. Almost everything loaded on the nachos was flavorless. I also got the Jamaican juice and ended up not drinking it. The flavor was very concentrated. My husband got a steak quesadilla and pineapple juice. He was content with his food. After tipping, our bill totaled around $67 and half the order ended up in the trash. read more

I've passed by the little converted bungalow many times without noticing that they serve Mexican food. But my Yelp radar with glowing reviews led me here today. We weren't even sure it was opened because there were no cars in front, but the neon sign glowed OPEN. We heard Mexican music when we opened the door and a small group of workman were seated waiting for their lunches. There are about a dozen tables scattered around and a big white Christmas tree stood with lights. The place isn't trendy or upscale, just homey. A cheerful server told us to find a seat anywhere and follow us with menus. Complimentary chips were fresh and the house made salsa was delicious. The menus were filled with authentic Mexican options written in Spanish and English. I selected the lunch special tacos with chicken. My street tacos came with plenty of flavorful chicken, cilantro and sweet onions. The beans were probably the best I've had, made from scratch with bacon. My husband had the burrito lunch, made with steak with lettuce, tomato, cheese, etc. he loved his burrito. Food came out quickly. Our server checked on us several times. There is a discount for paying cash (as opposed to credit card). El Crucero deserves their great reviews. This is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Indy! read more

See all

El Curcero is a gem. Our entire experience amazing - food, presentation, and service. We had great guacamole, fajitas, Arroz con camarón, and Chimichangas. A frozen strawberry Marguerita was a work of art. Be sure to choose their homemade Aguas rather than the bottled Mexican sodas. Our server was so friendly and helpful with translations. read more

El Crucero - Frozen strawberry marguerita - Mexican Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Outstanding menu and friendly staff. The salsas on the table were flavorful and complex.

This place is a must go if you're into the great Mexican restaurants in the Indianapolis area the service is fantastic extremely friendly very very attentive and happy to say yes to reasonable request. The ambience is a typical great Mexican restaurant. Everything is so nice and the food is just over the top. This place is a must try! read more

El Crucero - So bomb, very friendly people work here and the food is fire - Mexican Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

El Crucero catered my friend's wedding over the weekend and the tacos were amazing. I got one beef and two pastor and loved every bite. They had all of the topping and multiple sauces to add to our tacos. All of the sauces were too spicy for me but the tacos didn't need any sauce. I am excited to go to the restaurant and eat cause they are only about 5 miles from my house and I have never been there. read more

El Crucero - They catered my friend's wedding. My dinner. - Mexican Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Don't let any thoughts about the outward appearance of the building stop you from walking inside and enjoying some of the best Mexican food you will find in the state! We walked in to a warm, friendly, clean and inviting environment and sat down to an amazing menu of truly incredible food. Literally everything we tried we loved--chorizo and pollo tacos, pollo chimichanga, and outstanding, fresh and flavorful queso and salsa! The horchata...? Made from scratch and the best we've ever tasted, as was the guacamole--made fresh and to order!! Ana, our server was kind and attentive. She gave us great recommendations and even helped us with local travel advice! The food arrived surprisingly quickly (we did eat at a somewhat slower time). I've already said it but seriously. Don't miss out on this absolutely gem! read more

See all

Great agua frrscas, . So many flavors to choose from: pineapple. Passion, tamarind, cucumber ,... and such nice owners! Enjoy! read more

El Crucero - Mexican Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Wonderful food and wonderful service. Very authentic and huge servings. I really loved it. read more

El Crucero - Carne Asada - Mexican Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

See all

Amazing value for excellent food. One of my favorite margaritas ever. Can't believe it wasn't packed. I live outside Chicago, my bill would be double for food half the quality read more

Good food and average pricing. Good lunch special pricing. Would definitely return. Service was pretty fast, it I told them I was in a big hurry, so I don't know if it's like that all the time read more

See all

What a hidden gem! We spotted El Crucero and decided to try it out for lunch! So glad that we did! The salsa and chips were great! Our lunches were even better! We had the nachos and tacos! Not only was the food delicious the portions and the prices were right! read more

The food was great, people were great, service was exceptional! Definitely recommend as we will be eating there again soon!

Great service, great variety, good price, good food, and excellent homemade hot sauces. This is a hidden gem for sure!!

Absolutely incredible experience here. I got 3 tacos: carne asada, birria and al pastor....delicious and seriously the best tacos I've had in a long time. The birria quesadilla also was a hit. This place is authentic and it's exactly what you want from a hole in the wall casual Mexican spot. The guac needed a little enhancement w some lime and salt but, other than that, everything was perfect. The trio of spicy sauces they offer took it home. The service was excellent too. read more

See all

Food was excellent!!!!! Large portions and authentic Mexican cuisine.... Would definitely go back.

Yes! Try this place out. It looks a little rundown, and it's small but the service is friendly and helpful and the food is delicious!! There aren't many vegetarian items listed on the menu but my lunch mate asked our server for options and she offered plenty of choices to try, and he went with veggie quesadillas with rice and beans on the side. I just wanted to try a couple Birria tacos and a single pastor taco. All were very yummy! Also, I ate way too much and the taco plate pictured here was only $10!!! read more

See all

I went here with my friends the other day and I'm upset I had never been there sooner! This place was delicious. The staff was very friendly and the inside had the best decor. We got complimentary chips and salsa and queso as soon as we sat down. The jamaica was delicious also. Definitely recommend! read more

See all

Good and authentic Mexican food. In-house made Sauces are awesome. Great taste and service was great.

Arrived shortly after they opened. Huevos con salchicha, refried beans and rice. All very good. Will be back again soon.

Everything everyone says is true! Nothing is better than this whole in the wall small places that are authentic, plentiful, delicious and at prices that make you say; " how do they make money?" Small place so go off hours. read more

El Crucero - Their Asada Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

The whole staff was so nice and helpful. That alone makes it worth it. But on top of that the food was amazing! We had the Elote, Queso, chicken fajitas, a steak and a chicken quesadilla and the queso birria tacos. I also had a horchata. Large portions and delicious! There was also someone singing who was awesome and he was also offering karaoke. 10/10 love this place! read more

El Crucero - Queso Birria Tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This joint is legit. Seems odd to come from California to eat Mexican cuisine, but this was well worth it. Food is delicious and service is extremely friendly. 5:5 every visit so far. read more

Fantastic new discovery for me. It's near my workplace. Tight, cozy, festive location on a snug little corner lot. Staff was super friendly and accommodating. I'll be back read more

See all

Legit this might be the best Mexican I've ever had in my life. Every single thing was fresh and incredible tasting. I can see why locals want to share but also don't want anyone to know. I would feel the same if we lived here, but we don't so I have to leave a review and stress how much you need to visit! 100% if you're within a 40 minute drive and want Mexican, make the trip here. We had tacos, quesadillas, queso birria, salsas (the red one is incredible, the green one bright and a little hot), queso (fantastic) and more. I love my local place but even they can't compete with this place. A huge bonus is everyone here is so happy to be here. It's beyond friendly and makes you feel so welcome. I genuinely loved that most. read more

This was my first visit to El Crucero and we were there on a Monday at lunchtime. They give you a small complimentary queso, as well as the regular chips and salsa. They also bring three fresh salsas/hot sauces to the table. I think they were salsa verde, salsa roja, and maybe an avocado salsa. All of these were spicy and fresh tasting. I ordered the nachos Crucero which have steak, shrimp, and chicken. The portion was generous and they were delicious. Sodas are sold by the can. Staff were very friendly and attentive. The space is small but clean and welcoming. We'll be back, for sure. read more

Visited this restaurant after landing from a late flight at Indy airport for a work trip. Not only were the tacos absolutely delicious, the service was quick and they were kind and responsive. Ended up coming back a second time with colleagues before heading home because it was that good. Birria tacos are the best and the salsas are great. It's a modest hole in the wall type place but don't be shy it's amazing food. read more

Really cool place. Small restaurant, they had live music and karaoke Saturday night. It was a fun atmosphere for dinner. I had a very good asada burrito and side of rice and beans. Service was excellent. read more

Food was amazing. We got tacos and chimochangas. The service was beyond friendly. The singing was wonderful

Restaurant is very clean and has excellent service!! Portions are huge and delicious. We were in Indy for a quick visit and boy am I glad we stumbled on this place. Hands down some of the best AUTHENTIC Mexican food I've ever had. And don't get me started on the beans....AMAZING. read more

Absolutely amazing food and great staff. prices are also very good! I have been here two days in a row and am bringing people along

Best Mexican food I have had in Indy area! Extremely authentic! Salsa is incredible! Service was fantastic and a nice little restaurant.

Amazing! In a non-descript building that looked like a house. But, OMG, the food was amazing. I immediately had chips, salsa, and quest at my table and the waitress recommended the quesabirria. It was very authentic, delicious, and HUGE! They filled those shells up with biriani meat and the stew was plenty. read more

I drove about 45 min from Avon to get here. Tried calling ahead to see if they had margarita pitchers and was hung up on. Ended up going anyway because it was for a birthday. Got here and place is definitely run down. Asked about the pitcher we seen on yelp reviews and was told it's juice and beer. Would not recommend. Definitely not Birria tacos. Definitely go somewhere else! read more

The location is small, intimate almost a little hole in the wall, but the service is great and food is delicious! We stopped by on a Saturday afternoon and the place was busy, and even then food came out at a decent time after order was placed. I had camarones aguachiles, she had shrimp chimichanga (which was huge). Drinks were good also! read more

Great wait staff, nice fresh chips and queso and the best birria quesadilla I've ever had..

Little house but food is Outstanding! Try the Torta, you will not be disappointed. Try the chocoFlan and you will... nevermind, leave the chocoFlan for me. read more

Amazing food! I got quesabirria tacos and a shrimp taco and it was so delicious. Their three spicy house sauces were all amazing and flavorful. The staff was all super nice, helpful, and very attentive! Very relaxed setting. Will come back again if I'm in the area 11/10! read more

El Crucero - Shrimp taco supreme - Mexican Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

See all