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South-of-the-border foods are booming in the United States, and their popularity goes well beyond Mexican tacos. You can easily find everything from Peruvian ceviche to Cuban pork sandwiches in an increasing number of U.S. cities.
"There are so many culinary and historical layers in Latin American food, but you can generally divide it into four different regions: Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean,” says chef Aáron Sánchez, a Food Network host and author whose books include La Comida del Barrio: Latin-America Cooking in the U.S.A. “Each uses Mesoamerican ingredients like corn or tomatoes to some extent but adds its own mix of other influences ranging from Spanish or Portuguese to African and even Asian."
These 10 cities are especially rich in mouthwatering options.
Cochinita Pibil
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Los Angeles
It's a U.S. capital for a diverse range of Latin American cuisines, but this city practically begs for a deep dive into regional Mexican food. Try Yucatán specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted, marinated pork) at Chichen Itza or complex Oaxacan mole sauces with grilled chicken at Guelaguetza. The pan-Mexican menu at La Casita Mexicana, just south of the city, includes braised Jalisco-style beef shank with red beans and chiles en nogada, a green pepper stuffed with a meat-fruit mixture, bathed in a nut-infused cream and sprinkled with glistening pomegranate seeds.
Chichen Itza: 3655 S. Grand Avenue C6; 213-741-1075
Guelaguetza: 3014 W. Olympic Boulevard; 213-427-0608
La Casita Mexicana: 4030 E. Gage Avenue (Bell, California); 323-773-1898
Ceviche
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San Francisco
Reflecting the strong presence of Central American cultures here, especially in the Mission District, the Salvadoran fare at simple-but-cozy La Santaneca De La Mission showcases hot-off-the-griddle pupusas, cornmeal pancakes stuffed with cheese or meat and served with a pleasantly puckery slaw called curtido. Guatemalan dishes like paches, tamales of mashed potatoes rather than corn-based dough, reign at Cafe Guatemalteco. Among the city's surprising number of Peruvian spots, waterfront favorite La Mar features impeccably fresh seafood, including a big selection of ceviche (Peru's national dish) such as local halibut in a citrusy, spicy marinade called leche de tigre (tiger's milk).
La Santaneca De La Mission: 2815 Mission Street; 415-285-2131
Cafe Guatemalteco: 4794 Mission Street; 415-508-9735
La Mar: Pier 11/2, The Embarcadero; 415-397-8880
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Tucson, Arizona
In this first of two cities in the United States to receive a UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation, Mexican culinary heritage leans toward the nearby state of Sonora. For nearly 100 years, El Charro Café has satisfied locals’ cravings for Sonoran dishes like carne seca, shredded, sun-dried beef grilled with green chiles, tomato and onions. A funky-fun vibe and inventive riffs on tacos and enchiladas have earned a following for Rollies Mexican Patio. And don't leave town without trying a Sonoran hot dog, a bacon-wrapped wiener nestled in a fluffy bun and topped with beans, mustard, mayo, onions, tomatoes and green salsa. In the eyes of many here, Ruiz Hot Dogs is top dog.
El Charro Café: 311 N. Court Avenue (plus two other locations); 520-622-1922
Rollies Mexican Patio: 4573 S. 12th Avenue; 520-300-6289
Ruiz Hot Dogs: 1140 S. 6th Avenue; 520-406-1649
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Denver
Colorado's historic and ongoing connections with Mexico are reflected in this city's dynamic Mexican dining scene. The menu of Los Carboncitos includes a selection of huaraches, oblong cornmeal flatbreads with toppings popular in Mexico City, while the ahi tuna tostadas, grilled oysters and other Baja-style seafood dishes shine at Lola Coastal Mexican. Handmade tortillas and offerings like tinga de pollo (shredded chicken breast simmered in sauce) frequently appear on the rotating menu at Comal Heritage Food Incubator, where immigrant women entrepreneur-cooks gain experience in the restaurant business.
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