8 Best Mexican Restaurants In Destin, Florida
Are you looking for the best Mexican restaurants in Destin, FL? Then you’ve come to the right place as we’ve listed 8 of our favorites!
Mexican food is loved all over the world for its bold and intense spices that produce satisfying and addictive dishes.
And while Destin might be renowned for its seafood, it is also home to several Mexican restaurants that offer a wide range of dishes that will curb your Mexican food cravings.
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From savory tacos to sizzling fajitas, and creamy enchiladas, these Mexican restaurants in Destin use fresh ingredients, creative spices, and diverse flavors to bring joy to your taste buds.
So when you are in Destin and want to enjoy the crispiness of tortilla chips or the tenderness of slow-cooked meats, these are some of our favorite spots that serve the best Mexican food in Destin Fl to check out.
How to get around: The best way to get around Destin and see everything in the city and the nearby places is by driving a car. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can rent one via Discover Cars. You can alternatively use Uber, bikes, and public transport to get around though these can be quite limiting.
Must-do tours and experiences: Some of the must-do tours and activities while in Destin include; This Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise (4.5/5) to admire the local marine life on a unique jet, this Banana Boat Experience (5/5) the entire family can enjoy, this tiki sunset cruise (5/5) to sail to the famous BYOB tiki bar, and a day trip to the stunning Crab Island by joining this tour (5/5).
Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Destin (8.4/10) is the best hotel if you want to be close to everything with a mid-range budget. It is right in downtown, the beach is 3 minutes away and there is also a small theme park across the street. Those who are after unmatched luxury will love Henderson Beach Resort (9.2/10). It has private beach access to Henderson Beach State Park and the rooms are luxurious with all the amenities you can think of. If you’re a budget traveler, you can’t go wrong with SummerPlace Inn (8.3/10)
What to pack: Don’t leave sunscreen (take this one that is eco-friendly with SPF50), this beach cooler with rollers, this sand-proof beach mat, this wide-brim beach hat, a swimsuit, a beach coverup, and more.
Best Mexican Restaurants In Destin, Florida
Read on to discover the best Mexican restaurants in Destin Florida!
1. Pepitos Mexican Restaurant
You can’t talk about Mexican restaurants in Destin without mentioning Pepitos Mexican Restaurant.
Chef Gutierrez brings Mexico’s rich and diverse flavors to Destin by focusing on made-from-scratch Mexican food that celebrates traditional ingredients.
You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu which features tasty regional specialties like fajitas, enchiladas, and handmade tamales wrapped in corn husks.
However, if you’re not sure what to choose, then we recommend trying their delicious Big S Burrito which is heavily stuffed with grilled chicken or steak.
In addition to the superb meals, Pepitos also serves an impressive variety of upscale margaritas and provides a vibrant setting to spend time with loved ones.
Location: 36112 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-269-7788
Related Post: Best Seafood restaurants in Destin
2. Burrito del Sol- Destin
What started as a food truck serving homemade meals on the Destin Harbor has now expanded to a full-fledged cozy Florida-Mex restaurant where some of the best Mexican foods in Destin, FL, are made.
What makes Burrito del Sol- Destin standout is its fully customizable menu prepared in one of its four signature styles — Baja, Chipotle, Bbq, and Southwest.
First, you choose your tortilla and signature style, and then your protein fillings with top options like chicken and steak (both slow-cooked for seven hours), grilled shrimp, and tempeh for non-meat fans.
Lastly, you can enjoy this flavorful goodness with a side of chips and a glass of tasty margarita.
This Destin gem also has other popular menu options like Chipotle-style steak nachos and Southwest-style chicken burritos boasting the rich flavors that make Mexican food so beloved.
Plus, you don’t want to miss their Happy Hour every weekday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Location: 517 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-424-6269
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3. El Jalisco Destin
After a day of shopping, there’s no better place to refresh than at El Jalisco Destin, nestled in the heart of Destin Commons Shopping Center.
The service is friendly, the food is full of bold flavors, the drinks are expertly mixed, and the welcoming vibe is turned up with regular live music on Saturdays, so what’s not to love about this family-owned Mexican restaurant in Destin, Florida?
Their inventive menu features fan favorites like fish tacos, Nachos El Jalisco, and Chimichanga Platter. And if you can’t choose one item, they have an option of creating your own plate by selecting up to 3 Mexican dishes.
Also, their newly renovated bar has a variety of beers and wines which you can get at discounted prices during their two-for-one Happy Hour specials every day from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Location: 4304 Legendary Dr C110, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-460-8355
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4. La Paz
Since opening in 1993, La Paz has been a go-to Mexican restaurant in Destin, FL, for flavor-rich traditional Tex-Mex cuisine and fresh gulf seafood.
This Destin jewel uses locally-sourced ingredients and freshly caught seafood to make tantalizing entrees like bacon-wrapped shrimp and fish tacos.
Other menu highlights include the shrimp fajitas and “1993” — a combination of chicken enchilada, pork tamale, crispy beef taco, refried beans, and seasoned rice.
But it’s not just the food that gets fans! The drinks menu is equally impressive with a variety of margaritas, cocktails, and beer options.
And if you visit on Tuesday, the atmosphere goes from low-key to lively with live music from local musicians accompanied by the Taco Tuesday theme.
Location: 950 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-837-2247
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5. Que Pasa Mex – Destin
You will most likely be greeted with a smile from the friendly staff at Que Pasa Mex – Destin before you experience some of the best Mexican foods in Destin, FL, with flavors that come together and shine through in the most mouthwatering way.
Regulars love Chips and Salsa, Tortilla Soup, and Mexican rice with refried beans, which are sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied. You can even accompany these with one of their Insta-perfect cocktails.
Meanwhile, this authentic Mexican staple features a colorful interior with comfy booths creating the perfect backdrop for a fun meal with loved ones.
And on warmer days, you can enjoy their delicious dishes on the lovely outdoor patio.
Location: 985 US-98, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-279-4256
Related Post: Best Pizza Places in Destin
6. Pedros Tacos & Tequila Bar (Destin)
Pedros Tacos & Tequila Bar (Destin) is one of the best Destin Mexican restaurants for three reasons: an inviting atmosphere, a vibrant setting, and some of the best tacos in Destin.
While Pedros is the perfect place to get your taco fix, they also have an impressive list of other authentic Mexican delights like seafood enchiladas, quesadillas, and burritos that will knock your socks off.
Also, their tequila and margarita selection brings an excellent balance to the meal, and the regular entertainment from guitarists adds to the memorable dining experience.
Location: 36178 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-353-2588
Related Post: Best Breakfast Places in Destin
7. Mi Gente Mexican Restaurant & Cantina + Supermarket
It’s no surprise that Mi Gente Mexican Restaurant & Cantina + Supermarket’s specialty is street tacos, with many varieties to choose from.
However, everything else is so well prepared that there’s no wrong decision whether you order quesadillas or grilled chicken.
The menu is expansive featuring unique traditional Mexican dishes like Molcajete, Antojitos, Sonora plates, and more to satisfy any palate.
On the drinks side, you can get handcrafted signature Mojitos, premium tequilas, and margaritas from their beautiful bar.
And after a fun dining experience, you can explore their supermarket which is fully stocked with internationally-sourced groceries.
Location: 733 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-842-2992
Related Post: Best Things to Do in Destin
8. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle Mexican Grill offers something for every diner, whether you are on a Keto diet, Vegan, or Whole30 diet.
This counter-style Mex-American fast-food chain serves generous portions of tacos and different lifestyle salad bowls to accommodate your dietary concerns.
But, the real star here is the design-your-own burrito which can also be served as a bowl.
You can fill your burrito with your choice of freshly grilled meat, beans, and vegetables and top it with their guacamole, which is also freshly made daily.
As for drinks, Chipotle offers a decent menu of non-alcoholic options like organic lemonade and pressed apple juice that will pair well with your meal.
Final Thoughts on the Best Mexican Restaurants In Destin, Florida
These Mexican restaurants in Destin provide a taste of Mexico’s vibrant food culture, transporting you from the shores of the Emerald Coast to the streets of Mexico.
So when you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican food, with this list, you should have no trouble finding a great spot in Destin where you can enjoy delicious meals, sip on creative cocktails, and have a memorable dining experience.
But before you go, consider sharing these Destin Mexican restaurants if you found the article helpful!
