I haven't been here in years! A bustling lunchtime crowd. Rather pleasantly noisy. They have a huge bar selection, and three TV's showing soccer games. As a starter we ordered the freshly made (piping hot) chips with a slightly spicy salsa. Perfect combination! The chips are paper thin and so crunchy. We ordered the shrimp fajitas. The portions are HUGE! The skillet contains shrimp, caramelized white onions, green peppers, the side platter contains ample portions of shredded lettuce, avocado, sour cream, Mexican rice, refried beans and a tomato relish. Service was prompt, knowledgeable, and well mannered. A super delicious lunch! read more

Taqueria Mercado - Freshly made hips with sausa - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The food is always fresh and the service is outstanding!! I visit from out of town several times a year, and usually visit while in Cincinnati. read more

Flavorful and not too spicy, the Mole sauce was delicious on my cheese enchiladas. I had a house margarita during happy hour that was yummy!! Our server was helpful in picking out my order and quick with our waters/drinks. This restaurant you have to buy the chips and salsa, so be prepared. The salsa was spicy and made my spouse's eyes water, he loved it! My son had a cheese enchilada that was a tiny bit greasy but huge and filled with chicken. My beans were more liquid than I like but I mixed with my rice. On Sunday night, we had no problems getting in and out in 40 min. Very fast service and always a nice time for me! Mmmmmmm read more

Stopped in for a quick lunch while downtown. It took me by surprise how much I enjoyed my meal here! The chips here come out warm and crunchy. They are light and airy which I love. I ordered a small steak burrito, but it was definitely big! You definitely get your moneys worth. This was the best steak burrito I have had in Cincinnati. The green salsa adds some extra spice so make sure to ask for it. The steak was cut up in smaller pieces which I liked and it had great seasoning. Honestly loved it here and am so glad I tried it! I can't wait to go back! read more

Taqueria Mercado - Phone did not eat first... lol too good - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Came in after the lunch rush for some quick tacos and horchata on my way home and glad I did! Even though it was seat myself service the greeter made sure I was happy with my table and service was prompt! I've never been here before and will definitely be coming here to sample the menu more fully. Today I had 2 asada tacos, fresh horchata, and chips and guacamole (the server also brought me salsa so BONUS!!) I should have listened to my gut (literally) and only ordered one taco as I ended up taking the second one to go. Generous portion sizes are always welcome!! Since it's between lunch and dinner the place was pretty much empty but still clean and inviting. read more

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When we arrived at Taqueria Mercado, it wasn't very crowded, but it definitely filled up as the night went on. The portions were huge! My chicken fajitas easily served three. The food was tasty and satisfying, but the service was painfully slow. We were actually suppose to make it to an FCC game that night and ended up running late because it took over 45 minutes for our food to arrive. Great food in generous portions but be prepared for a wait if you're on a schedule. read more

Taqueria Mercado - Chicken Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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HUGE portions. My husband and I got the fajitas for 2 and both had left overs the next day. Their chorizo queso is amazing, I could eat it all day! Service is quick and drinks are strong. Great for lunch downtown or even a quick dinner before headed to a show downtown! read more

Came for lunch and the food came quickly. Service was friendly. Lunch menu is a great deal!! The chips and salsa are extra (not complimentary). Salsa is spicy and chips are great but need salt. I'd come again for lunch. Probably not for dinner. Nothing special, but a good quick lunch. read more

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Staff is generally pretty nice and accommodating, This was a delivery this time. Taco platter was good and meaty, thought the meat was incorrect. The big burrito ordered was with ground beef. It was really under seasoned and extremely pink in color. read more

Brought my wife here on our second date - not saying my awesome taste in food is why she married me, but it could be on the list. Kinda feel this is one of the hidden gems of Mexican food in Cincinnati. Really unassuming place downtown, and hasn't changed much over the years (been coming here for almost 8 years now!). Nothing tremendous in terms of décor or ambiance, but WOW when it comes to the food, buckle up. Never had a bad meal here, and they have excellent portion sizes for everything. Service and staff have always been great in the dozens of times I have been here, and every time I go I seem to discover something new I haven't tried before. Plus they have those awesome "layered" tortilla chips. The. Best. Highly recommend Taqueria Mercado. read more

(3.5) ~ good overall food & service. MENU: * Birria Taco = (3.5) good * Steak Taco = (3.5) good * Ground Beef Taco = (3.5) good * Multiple Sauces = (3.5) good overall read more

The food was dry and over priced don't waste your money here and got order wrong. You have to pay for chips and salsa. Beans taste like dog food read more

Good little lunch spot after my jury duty! Within walking distance to 3CDC Kroger parking structure. I was able to sit at the bar and watch some tennis and read. Busy during lunch but food came out very fast and hot! I got two quesadillas lunch special which comes with rice and beans (asked for sour cream on the side) and it was exactly what I wanted. Service was great and seems to be nice spot for lunch with your co-workers. They even had sitting outside but it was too hot IMO. I added a bud light for drink and it was under $20 with tip! read more

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My friends and I visited the cute restaurant, Taqueria Mercado before attending a play at the Aronoff. We enjoyed both the lime and mango margaritas, which were excellent. Our server,Ramone, provided outstanding service. Before our main course, we ordered nachos with cheese and salsa, and Ramone kindly offered us samples of both the hot and the green salad. We then shared a generous portion of fajitas with chicken and steak, which was more than enough for us. Despite the restaurant being quite busy, we had ample time to walk to the Aronoff and take our seat before the performance. read more

We met our son and his girlfriend here for dinner one weeknight and were impressed. The restaurant is wide open and as a result it's a little noisy. But the food makes up for any issues your ears may have. My Dos XX Ambar was ice cold and served in a chilled/frosted class, making it the perfect drink for a nearly 100° day. My wife ordered quesadilla and man was it huge, and nicely filled, not just a giant tortilla. I'm looking at you Mazunte. My chimichanga was cooked perfectly and the rice and beans were exceptional. The service was a little slow, and kind of confused. But eventually everything worked out. Good food, okay value, meh on the service. We'll try again. read more

Excellent quality of Mexican food. The mole sauce is homemade. In downtown Cincinnati quaint bar area with variety of beers and margaritas. Friendly servers helped with local favorites. read more

Taqueria Mercado - Two Enchiladas Combo and Torta - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Located in downtown Cincinnati, Taqueria Mercado is an amazing place for authentic Mexican cuisine. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with vibrant colors, lively music, and the enticing aromas of freshly prepared dishes that promise a true taste of Mexico. Their extensive menu features everything from street tacos bursting with tender meats and fresh toppings to hearty platters of enchiladas, tamales, and sizzling fajitas. Each dish is crafted with care and authenticity, showcasing bold spices, rich sauces, and traditional cooking techniques. The atmosphere at Taqueria Mercado is festive and welcoming, with colorful decor that reflects the spirit of Mexican culture. The restaurant buzzes with energy during peak hours, yet manages to maintain a cozy ambiance perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. Whether you're seated indoors surrounded by vibrant murals or enjoying the weather on their outdoor patio, the atmosphere enhances the meal. Service at Taqueria Mercado is attentive and friendly, reflecting a genuine passion for sharing their culinary heritage. Staff members are knowledgeable about the menu, happy to offer recommendations, and quick to accommodate special requests. The food arrives promptly, and servers are diligent in ensuring your dining experience is enjoyable from start to finish. Considering the quality and portion sizes, Taqueria Mercado offers good value for authentic Mexican cuisine in Cincinnati. Prices are reasonable, especially given the generous servings and the authentic flavors that make each dish a standout. It's a place where you can indulge in delicious food without breaking the bank. My go to order is the Chicken - #13 One Tamale and One Enchilada which is served with a side of rice and refried beans. I also love getting their house margarita which is delicious and has a heavy pour. Make sure to stop in and try one! read more

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I'm in love with their vegetarian burrito! I love it so much I've been back twice. Couldn't be happier with the quality and quantity of the serving. It's fresh and loaded with refried beans, rice, crunchy lettuce and cilantro. I leave off the cheese and sour cream because of my dietary restrictions. I definitely plan to eat here weekly as it's just a few steps from my building. Not only the food is amazing but the service is too. I highly recommend it! Hope to see you there. read more

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I have never had such great food. It starts with the most amazing HOT tortilla chips and home made salsa. I can't express how much I've been searching for another place with these type of chips but can't be found. Their salsa has spice which is divine. Everything is absolutely delicious and made to order. I will be buried with a tortilla chip from this place in my hands. read more

Taqueria Mercado - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

A fun local spot! We enjoyed having a casual drink and chips and dip for our own impromptu happy hour along with the kind staff. read more

Taqueria Mercado - Chips and dips - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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If you're looking for a great, authentic Mexican restaurant in Cincinnati, look no further. Taqueria Mercado is great for all of your classic favorites! My friend and I got there on Friday night to find the place packed! We were seated right away though, and were able to place our order for margaritas, chips and salsa within minutes of sitting down. The salsa was great, as I personally like a chunkier salsa, and that's what this one was! I ordered the Pechuga Mercado for my main course which was also fantastic. The plate was HUGE and it came with so much food. Definitely enough that you can take home leftovers! The servers also brought out 10 tortillas in total for my friend and I, so we were able to make mini tacos with all the food we had. It was a nice addition that we didn't know was included! The service was also excellent, as our server was really attentive and kind. My friend is a big fan of hot sauce, and they unfortunately did not have her favorite. However, our server brought out three different kinds for her to pick and choose from, to find something that was a close second. She really appreciated that gesture! Overall, I would highly recommend stopping in. I'm so glad I went and checked this place out! Will definitely go back very soon. read more

Taqueria Mercado - Mango marg and a raspberry marg! - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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If you're looking for drinks, this is the place to go! The margarita tower is about 100oz of margarita. My group had 6 people and it ended up being about $11 a person. I thought our house lime margarita was too sour, so I didn't drink much of it although it was still $11, disappointed by that. Also, the food was pricey for the quality, granted you got 1-2 meals from it depending on how much you normally eat. I probably will not return here to eat, or eat before I come. I did like our sausage and cheese queso and chips. That dip was so good! Would recommend this as a starter. read more

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Love this Mexican restaurant located Downtown, Cincinnati! Each and every time I stop here, the service is amazing! They are fast and courteous to ensure we have the best experience. The food is always fresh, and tastes amazing. Also, the drinks are great! I typically get a margarita, and you can tell they are made fresh. If you are in the area, stop by! They are located near the street car so it makes for easy transport to avoid parking fees. read more

Taqueria Mercado - Decor - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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The young man who waited on us was so nice. The chips were hot, fresh, and crisp. My tacos full of tender pork. My husband got the shrimp chimichanga plate and it was steaming hot but that did not stop him from cleaning the plate. The drink I got was light and refreshing. My husband ordered the Mango Margarita. We will be back to try other menu items. read more

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New menu, New outside seating, same great service. I know that people get fussy when chips and salsa aren't offered complimentary at Mexican restaurants, but I am telling you, the 3.00 price point is worth it. They bring you 3 kinda of salsa-the original, Verde, and spicy. They are all good, but the spicy is my favorite. They have lunch specials that are still a ton of food, and the margaritas are strong. Again, the spicy marg is my favorite. They also have some great vegetarian options, with the enchilada smothered in queso and the mini quesadilla being my favs. If you are downtown and looking for some delicious food, this is a great option that won't break the bank. Parking downtown is what it is and there is a parking lot right across the street from this restaurant and on street parking spots can usually be found if you travel a few blocks. Go. Eat. Be. Happy. read more

I ve visited this place a couple of time before but never actually reviewed it here. We had chicken and carne asada tacos along with chiles toreados. They were good, the chicken tacos were deft better than the carne asada ones. I don't think they are the best tacos for the price, but they are decent. I loved the chiles toreados and the salsa for the tacos. Not my favorite spot but not bad to give it a try. read more

Taqueria Mercado - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Nice ambient , great bar set up . This was a take out order for 4 asada chimichanga burritos, chips and salsa. The meal was good, didn't care for the cheese sauce. The green and red sauce were good. The red is more spicy. The salsa that comes with the chips is not spicy and is more tomato based. Great customer service. read more

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Dining at Taqueria Mercado was ok. I appreciate that they were able to accommodate the very large group of people I was with, but my dinner was a bit lacking in flavor and portion. I ordered the Mercado Salad without avocado, but with chicken. The salad greens honestly looked more like a handful of lettuce or spinach used for garnishing other dishes, instead of something nice designated for a salad. The chicken was overcooked and under-seasoned . I ordered ranch dressing along with, but received blue cheese. Perhaps my experience was an off night or because I was part of a larger group. I'm not sure I'd want to go back. read more

Taqueria Mercado - Mercado Salad without avocado, but with chicken - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This is the best salsa I've ever had. Hear my words. Good margarita, good service. Would come back if I were in town. read more

I went here with a vegetarian friend because she really likes their mole, and they have big plates.... And honestly I don't really get what had her so jazzed! It was okay! There was pretty good service, the food came quick, the food wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. The food exists in a weird pricepoint where they are large serving sizes, but high prices as well. I'd rather pay a few dollars less and not have to pack up half my meal to go home. I got a chicken torta, that was a good size serving of chicken, with a nice amount of accompanying toppings on decent bread. It wasn't amazing, though I'd be fine ordering it again. Mercado is fine, it's okay, it's decent. there's no reason to avoid it, but no reason to go back either. read more

Taqueria Mercado - Chicken torta, pretty big sandwich, pretty good flavor. - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

It's expensive for what you get. Taqueria Mercado has changed a lot over the years. It used to be known as an undiscovered gem downtown that had affordable, authentic Mexican dishes. The good: -I love their double wrapped tacos -the corn chips are fried in house and fresh (but you have to buy them, they aren't free for the table) -good variety of vegetarian options from fajitas, tacos etc. The bad: -refried beans were tasteless -I love cilantro but it was used as a substitute for lettuce: way too much -they renovated the outside, but removed the signage from the building exterior -inside lacked ambiance, tables were sticky The prices have risen significantly (pull up an old menu to compare). Not that there's anything wrong with charging a premium for location, but the quality wasn't there for the price point. I try to support local (and family restaurants) but there are better options. Veracruz and Cancun come to mind as superior alternatives. read more

Taqueria Mercado - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I came here for the 2nd time, after volunteering at our local beerfest for the afternoon. I wasn't really hungry, but my husband and brother-in-law were. I got their cheese enchilada meal with 3 enchiladas, refried beans, and spanish rice. I really liked the refried beans. The cheese enchilada was tasty, but I couldn't eat much of it. The rice wasn't really that impressive to me. It's by NO means because it was a bad meal or tasted bad, because it was VERY tasty, what I ate. I just wasn't hungry that day. read more

Taqueria Mercado - Cheese enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

From the first bite, Tacqueria Mercado's carne asada reminded me of what I've always considered the best in my experience---from my favorite Mexican restaurant in Tucson (Mi nudito). Is it cured in a little cage on the roof like it's done in the barrio? Probably not. Is it truly "authentic" Mexican cuisine on the banks of the Ohio River? I'm sure 10 in 10 blowhards would say, "no." For my part, I think it's as good as Mexican cuisine gets in O-hi-o. I mean no disrespect in qualifying; this is great food. Aside from the carne asada, I've enjoyed Chicken Tortilla Soup (delish if a bit salty), homemade chips and guacamole, camarones a la Mexicana...and a margarita now and again. Todos buenos! Great place to enjoy drinks and great Mexican food. Casual. Televised sports. I go again and again. read more

Taqueria Mercado - Chips (still hot!), guacamole, and salsa. - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This is a super popular lunch spot downtown! You have to find luck with the seating since it is seat yourself. I was very happy with the lunch portions of a small quesadilla and taco. It was quite tasty and filled me up without being too much. I imagine this place is just as delicious for dinner. read more

They please small parties and large groups. The food is authentic and it's a great space.

Extremely bad customer service and rude management. Went in a Saturday afternoon around 12:30. Once seated it took our server almost 10 minutes to make his way to our table. He told us to wait to place our order until he came back with waters. When he returned about 5 minutes later we started to order. We ordered drinks and chips and guacamole and attempted to order out food. Again we were told to wait. When he finally came with the drinks we were allowed to place our food order. As we chatted and waited for our food we realized it had been almost an hour and people who were seated 30 minutes after us had received their food but we hadn't. We attempted to get our servers attention only for him to wave us away. We then watched him go to the ordering system and put in our order and tell the window he forgot to enter the order. He then came over to the table and said the food will be out in 10 minutes. No apology. No acknowledgment of the error. After 15 minutes a different server dropped our food off with saying a word. My friend then asked to speak to a manager. The manger was rude and condescending. His words were "you had to wait for your food. It's not cause you're black. What do you want me to do about it? I'm wasting time talking to you and not making customers drinks". We left immediately after. We paid for the drinks we had but did not pay for the food or eat the food. We simply left it on the table untouched. Worst experience ever. Would not recommend. In reviewing the lowest rated reviews after the fact, I notice black customers all have the same experience of bad service. read more

Walked around my hotel looking for a good spot to eat !a lot of options to choose from but didn't want fast chain food .. came across Taqueria Mercado and ordered food to go , ordered grilled shrimp to go , pleasant cashier to take my order.. the place has a nice bar , which next time I'm in town I will belly up to it ... anyways with my order I got a generous amount of corn tortillas you can pick flour if that what u prefer. Back in my hotel room I enjoy my fabulous feast Everything was so tasty , please don't waste money at chipotle near by ! You get much more at this place . Your taste buds will thank you ! What a nice little gem in downtown Cincinnati read more

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Wow this place was incredible. Cinco de Mayo we came and Tatiana was our incredible server. We order not one but 2 towers of margaritas. She brought all of our food and it was so delicious. She is currently splitting up our checks 57 ways and that's just above and beyond. We will be beach forever. read more

I LOVE this place! I always go here when I am in town as it's one of my favorite Mexican places! The food is always consistent and delicious. Drinks are also strong as well and I always leave with a buzz if I decide to indulge. I typically order a veggie and a shrimp quesadilla. The tacos are delicious too. The verde salsa could be bottled up and sold as well. Definitely give this place a try If you are looking for a food and affordable place to eat downtown read more

Taqueria Mercado - Outside - Mexican Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I have come to this location about four times now. Every time has been wonderful! They have the best tortilla chips of any Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. They're extremely crispy and delicious. Salsa is also clearly homemade and very tasty. Overall we had a wonderful experience. read more