Location: Ithaca
Top Restaurants in Ithaca
Where to eat Mexican food in Ithaca: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Find out what Mexican restaurants to try in Ithaca. "Ithaca is gorges" can be read on proud t-shirts across New York State, and there is definitely truth in advertising. Sitting on the shores of Cayuga Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, the hilly town of Ithaca is surrounded by dense forests, towering waterfalls, and many gorges. The natural beauty has a distinctly academic feel, as local universities have filled the woods with museums and education centers like The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which features a 220 acre wildlife sanctuary.
Things to do in Ithaca
6. Moe's Southwest Grill
Overall Ratings
3 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Bakersfieldfreddy
Service was slow on the day we were there. The lettuce there were serving was brown and old. We asked for fresh and they replaced it for us. There were out of chicken and had to wait for it to be cooked.
5. Bickering Twins
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Restaurant featuring authentic Latin American cuisine -- tacos, empanadas, sopas, guac/salsa and chips. Chicken, pork, shrimp, lamb--you name it. Fabulous cocktails too! Party room and catering offered as well.
Reviewed By Giveahoot
Loved our visit to the Bickering Twins today. From the inviting enterance, to the underground environment, to the welcoming staff. Not to mention the authentic Latin food and drink. The food menu has just the right amount of choices to please the palate. You'll want to take the time to read the interesting info in the drink menu as well. Our server Ryan was very helpful in clarifying some of the menu items to meet our dietary needs. Can't wait to go back with my family.
4. Chili's Grill & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Gibsoninpa
We stopped by here after hiking all day for dinner. There was a long wait for our meal and the manager came over and apologized and made it more than right with us. Now that's GREAT management, no excuses, just I'm sorry and let me make it right! Recommend and we'll stop again if in the area!
3. Zocalo Mexican Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By kwebster2
This is a new Mexican restaurant in the Triphammer Mall in Ithaca, NY. It has table service, unlike any other dining venue in this mall (previously known as the Pyramid Mall). The service was good, the food was pretty good, and the prices reasonable. I ordered the enchiladas. Better than other Mexican restaurants in the area, but still not as good as mine. My friend ordered the fajitas. The steak meat was tasty. Bottom line, I know I will return at some point. They charge extra for guacamole. The margaritas were reasonably priced and tasty as well. The atmosphere is very pleasant.
2. Old Mexico
Overall Ratings
4 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By Robert D
This is a good restaurant if you want authentic Mexican food it is really good and they definitely donât skimp on the portions I have been here multiple times and have never been disappointed they also make a good margarita among other drinks I hope everyone can enjoy this food as much as I did
1. Viva Taqueria & Cantina
Overall Ratings
4 based on 383 reviews
Reviewed By dese2
I've passed this place by several times. This time we did go in. Viva has two options - the Taqueria, for window service and Cantina, for full service. Both offer indoor and outdoor seating.We ate at the Cantina, indoors. They have booths or table indoors. You can also eat at the bar. In the back of the room I noticed a nice bench with low tables that looked like a good place if you just want drinks; although I'm sure you could order food too if you wanted.The restauarant does offer a full bar with cocktails, wine and beers, a mix of domestic and Mexican, and an extensive list of tequilas and mezcal. They make a house-style michelata with lime juice; no tomato juice. They offer tequila flights I would like to try sometime.We ordered chips and salsa fresca; chips fried on site and salsa made fresh every day, according to the menu and our waitress. No free basket to get you started!I got chicken mole enchilada and my table mate got the fajita burrito. Our chips, salsa and drinks came out quickly. We were disappointed with the salsa as it was mainly chopped tomatoes with little heat. There were two bottles of sauce on the table that I used for more flavor. Even the tomatoes were not too flavorful. Our mains were attractive and served with a bit of escabache, pickled vegetables; again, not spicy.My enchilada had finely shredded dark meat chicken. The mole was good. There were black beans and rice on the side.The burrito came with some cabbage slaw. It was a plump burrito with lots of filling. The beef seemed to be a skirt steak and tasted grilled.Our service was friendly and effecient. They offer vegetarian options.
