• Taco Punk
    Gourmet tacos that redefine fast food, served on house-made tortillas with a variety of salsas. Choose from a list of local ingredients, and grab a light bite or go for the whole punk platter.
    584-8226
    tacopunk.com
    $ | NuLu/East Market | Mexican/Southwestern
  • Ernesto’s
    Authentic-tasting, generously portioned combination platters are sure bets. The tomatillo sauce is much-praised.
    244-8889
    $ | Middletown/Eastwood | Mexican/Southwestern
  • La Rosita Grill
    Regarded by many as tops for authentic Mexican fare, La Rosita’s patrons can’t go wrong with such staples Chile Rellenos or Carne Asada. More adventurous diners may want to try the beef tongue or goat.
    944-3620
    $$ | Downtown | Mexican/Southwestern
  • Tumbleweed
    This Louisville-based Tex-Mex chain specializes in mesquite-grilled steaks, chicken and chops, but locals love the burritos and bargain-priced margaritas.
    585-4107
    tumbleweedrestaurants.com
    $$ | On the River | Mexican/Southwestern
  • El Nopalito
    Its wide-ranging menu is a hit with families on a budget. Sizzling fajitas is the dish to order.
    231-4249
    $ | Buechel/Fern Creek | Mexican/Southwestern
  • Chuy’s
    Stop into the Louisville outpost of this Austin-based Tex-Mex chain after shopping at the nearby malls. They have a full menu of the usual suspects — tacos, burritos and enchiladas, plus fresh margaritas. For something different, try the Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken. It’s breaded in potato chips and served with green chile sauce.
    327-3033
    chuys.com
    St. Matthews | Mexican/Southwestern
  • El Nopal
    El Nopal serves enchiladas, burritos, and fajitas at 19 Louisville-area locations. Chiles Colorado with hot red chiles and beef tips is all you could ask for and more.
    327-6551
    elnopalmex.com
    $ | Springhurst/Summit | Mexican/Southwestern
  • Tequila Factory Bar & Grill
    Boasting a wide selection of tequilas and a number of dishes prepared with its namesake spirit, this bar and grill adds a pinch of flavor from South of the Border to the Highlands.
    459-9191
    $$ | Highlands | Mexican/Southwestern