GETTING OUT: Best Mexican Restaurants in Central Mass

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Jeffrey Starr, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, burritos, chimichanga, nachos. Names with a Spanish origin that nonetheless have become some of the most commonly used words in the American lexicon. Why? Because they are the names of delicious Mexican food concoctions that can't help but make your mouth water. Mexican Restaurants are everywhere now because of their innate popularity, but a few are certainly better than others. Here are a few in Central Mass that you simply must check out.

Mezcal Tequila Cantina
166 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester; 20 Central Street, Leominster
Mezcal Tequila Cantina combines the taste of traditional Mexican plates with the "colors and flavors" of southwestern US cuisine. The fresh guacamole is made to order and the extensive tequila menu is unrivaled in the area. Monday through Friday 4:30-7 pm take advantage of the special $5 bar menu. House specialties include the Pulled Pork Tostadas, the Chili Rellenos, and Pescado Y Patatas.

Sol of Mexico
538 Pleasant Street, Worcester
Sol of Mexico may seem small on the outside, but once you get in you'll be thoroughly impressed by its extensive menu of authentic Mexican cuisine. It includes many chicken, seafood, beef and veggie plates with all the trimmings and all the styles one should expect. Also try their special Mexican Hot Chocolate and Churros special during the winter months as well as fruit smoothies.

Plaza Azteca
539 Lincoln Street, Worcester
Plaza Azteca, thanks to its delicious and well-known selection of authentic Mexican food, is expanding fast throughout Massachusetts and New England. Start off with a few delectable appetizers like the Jalapeños stuffed with cheese and creamy chipotle or the Taquitos Mexicanos. For the entree, chef specials include a number of scrumptious steak (rib eye and t-bone) and chicken dinners, and there a number of great vegetarian options as well.

Ixtapa Cantina
308 Mass Avenue, Lunenburg
For over 10 years now, Ixtapa has served only authentic Mexican cuisine (with a few good old American burgers in there as well) with the freshest ingredients in a friendly environment. Try the Tacos al Pastor or Ixtapa's huge Trio Amigo dish complete with steak, chicken and shrimp as an entree. Tasty and unique desserts include Deep-Fried Ice Cream, Apple Burritos, or the Sopapilla, a warm Mexican pastry dusted with cinnamon sugar.

The Alamo
55 Medway Road, Milford
The Alamo is a perfect Mexican restaurant for a nice, relaxing family night out complete with a great children's menu in addition to full lunch and dinner menus. Alamo "classics" include the San Antonio Burritos, the Sanchez Steak, and the Camarones Diablo which is a mouth-watering combination of shrimp, angel hair pasta and spicy marinara sauce. Also try the Alamo Nachos or the Alamo Salad as appetizers. If you'd rather dig in to a nice burger instead, you won't be disappointed.

Mexicali Grill
117 Main Street, Spencer
Mexicali has all the traditional old Mexican plates to offer and great pork, chicken, steak, heuvo (egg) and seafood dishes. You can also make your own burger with a Mexican flair. Lunch specials include a fajita or a taco salad. House specialties include the Chile Verde and the Mexicali Picado.