Are you looking for the best Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Mexican Restaurants with epic food and great drinks? We have you covered! We live in Gulf Shores and visit these restaurants often.
Best Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Mexican Restaurant
I love Mexican Food! I am all in for a great enchilada, chips and salsa, and frosty frozen drink.
Moving to Gulf Shores one of our goals was to find our favorite local Mexican restuarant. We had an amazing Mexican Restaurant in Spokane that we would go to multiple times a month.
One thing we realized quickly is Alabama Mexican food is different from PNW Mexican Food. If you are traveling from outside of the south you may be surprised at some of the flavors found in our local Mexican food.
It is hard to describe the differences but I will say the cheese used in a lot of dishes is different, the sauces are a bit milder than the spice level we were used to.
They are still great but I want to make sure if you are coming from outside of the South you are ready for a new flavor profile.
Some of the Mexican dishes that were common in the PNW includinge Chicken Mole has been difficult to find along the Alabama Gulf Coast. So far we have found one restaurant that serves it. Let us know if you know of any others!
Are you ready for great food with the freshest ingredients, delicious desserts, and epic drinks.
TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
✨What's New in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Agave - Gulf Shores
Agave Mexican Restaurant in Gulf Shores has amazing food, great drinks, and a really fun vibe. Tons of art on the walls and tables, great music, and fun staff make this one of our favorite Mexican Restaurants in Gulf Shores.
Menu highlights
Molcajete - Order one of these if you are hungry and want a meal that is social share worthy. Cactus leaves with steak, grilled chicken, shrimp, served with onions, bell peppers and cheese, rice, beans
California Burrito - burrito stuffed with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, beans, rice, lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, sour cream topped with red sauce, cheese and green tomatoes
Pineapple Fajita - A pineapple stuffed with chicken or steak, shrimp and vegetables. Served with rice, beans and salad
Address - 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy # 370, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Located near Target and the movie theater in Gulf Shores
Parking - There is a large parking area near the restaurant for the theater along with parking in front of the restaurant.
Reservations - Walk in
El Toro - Gulf Shores
El Toro Mexican Restaurant is a small local Gulf Shores Mexican Restaurant tucked into a strip mall off of Highway 59.
This small restaurant makes an amazing Mole and great frozen drinks.
Menu highlights -
Chicken Mole - The only place we have found it in the area.
Arrachera Estilo El Toro - a marinated fajita steak grilled with green onions; served with chile toreados, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, rice and your choice of salad or charro beans
Grilled chicken taco salad - grilled chicken or steak with lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole and sour cream shrimp
Frozen margaritas - So good!
Address - 3645 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Parking - There is parking in front of the restaurant. It is not a huge lot.
Reservations - Walk in no reservations
Taco Fiesta- Gulf Shores
Taco Fiesta has amazing street tacos, burritos, and so much more. They have a location in Gulf Shores along with in Foley.
I need you to go for the street tacos and get a burrito to go. It is the best leftovers to bring home. YUM!
Menu highlights
Street Tacos - Asada (Steak), Al Pastor (Marinated Pork), Pollo (Chicken), Barbacoa (Shredded Beef), Chorizo (Mexican sausage), Carnitas (fry pork), Campechana (mix of steak & Chorizo), Tripe, and Chicharron (spicy pork skin).
Burritos - Carne Asada (Steak), Al Pastor (marinated pork), Pollo (chicken), Barbacoa (Shredded beef), Chorizo (Mexican Sausage), Carnitas (fry pork), Campechana (Mix of steak and chorizo), and Chicharron (spicy pork skin) with rice, beans, and cheese.
Address - 1316 Gulf Shores Pkwy (Hwy 59), Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Parking - There is parking in front of the restaurant.
Reservations - Walk in
Cantina La Luz - Gulf Shores - Closed now El Ray Mexican
Cantina La Luz is located in the Rouse's grocery store complex in Gulf Shores. They have a great brunch menu along with a full lunch and dinner menu.
Menu highlights - Huevos Rancheros, Quesadillas (ground beef, chicken, steak, shrimp, pastor, or cheese), Fajitas (chicken, steak, shrimp, veggie, fajita Texana), chimichanga (chicken, beef, steak, shrimp), Taco salad, Carne Asada, Flautas, Bistec a la Mexicana.
Address - 1545 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Parking - There is a large parking lot for Rouse's and the restaurants in the complex.
Reservations - Walk in
Cactus Cantina Mexican Grill - Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Cactus Cantina has multiple locations in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley.
They have a big menu with a little bit of everything on it. They are really popular with locals and visitors.
Menu highlights
This is the first Mexican restaurant that we have visited that serves cheese grits as a side option.
Grande Supreme Nachos - Tortilla chips topped with black or refried beans, seasoned shredded chicken or ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños and topped with cheese dip.
Carnitas - Slow-simmered pork tips cooked with sautéed onions. Served with fresh tortillas, lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream.
Address
Gulf Shores - 3849 Gulf Shores Pkwy Suite 1 and 2Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Orange Beach - 25908 Canal Rd Suite AOrange Beach, AL 36561
Orange Beach - 25311 Perdido Beach BlvdOrange Beach, AL 36561
Foley - 1605 S McKenzie StFoley, AL 36535
Parking - There is a nice size parking lot for each of the locations.
Reservations - Walk in
Mexican Restaurants in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach we still need to visit:
- YoHo Rum & Taco Bar - at The Wharf, Orange Beach
Closed Mexican Restaurants - There are a few lists floating around that include restaurants that are permanetly closed. The following restaurants have closed - Chronic Tacos, Margarita Loca Bar & Grill, and Mexico Lindo Mexican Restaurant.
Great Mexican Restaurants Near Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL
Vallarta Mexican - Foley
We love the drinks at Vallarta Mexican Restaurant. They have innovative margaritas including margarita flights.
Menu highlights - Ocean Margarita, margarita flight, custom cocktails,...all the drinks
Address - 1145 S McKenzie St. Foley, AL
Parking - There is a nice size parking lot in front of the restaurant.
Reservations - Walk In
There are a few Mexican Restaurants in Foley, Alabama we have not made it to.
- El Mezquite Mexican Grill Co.
- Mi Pueblito Cocina Mexicana Taqueria
- La Casita Fresh Mex Grill
- Macho Taco Bar & Grill
- La Fondita de Doña Amanda
- Centro Taqueria
- Mi Tierra Tacos Y Platillos
- El Mariachi Hondureño
- La Esquinita Catracha
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):
Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties for an exclusive discount!
🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties
🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club
🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place
🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides
🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House
⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline
🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge
🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites
🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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