Phantom Gourmet: Great 8 Mexican Restaurants

Whether it's mild, medium, or fiery hot, Mexican food is always tasty. So rather than running south of the border, Phantom found 8 Great Mexican restaurants right in his own back yard.

Papagayo
Boston, Charlestown, Somerville

Kicking off the Great 8 is Papagayo. With locations in Boston, Charlestown and Somerville, Papagayo is a fun spot for eating and drinking, with festive desserts like tequila snow cones, cheesy appetizers like queso fundido, and chunky guacamole spiked with lobster.

The Painted Burro
Somerville

Another Great 8 winner is The Painted Burro in Somerville. Nestled in Davis Square, this loud and lively place serves thick-cut tortilla chips and salsa, a huge variety of tacos, and a well-made margarita. If you're looking for more of a knife-and-fork kind of meal, you have to go for the real-deal Mexican Street Cart Chicken served over sautéed kale & fried plantains, with creamy poblano rice.

Rosa Mexicano
Boston

Rosa Mexicano is an upscale national chain with a happening spot on the Boston waterfront. This place is known for its colorful atmosphere, an unquenchable bar scene, and eye-catching water walls with cliff-diving figurines that leap right out at you. Whether you feast on a flight of tacos or chow down on some ceviche, you have to start your meal with a big bowl of guacamole prepared tableside.

El Centro
South End, Brookline, Belmont

El Centro is a cool Mexican eatery with locations in the South End, Brookline and Belmont. Dimly lit and donned with colorful knick-knacks, this haven for hipsters offers smooth sangria and authentic south of the border fare. The guacamole is amped up with chorizo and cheese and there's pretty much every type of taco you can think of. The ultimate way to end your meal at El Centro is with the cinnamon dusterd churros and warm melted chocolate.

The Howling Wolf
Salem

The Howling Wolf in Salem, Massachusetts is a California style taqueria featuring cuisine inspired by the Southwest. Howling Wolf's tacos are the featured attraction. These are authentic soft tacos, served on homemade tortillas, and stuffed with whatever you want – fresh fish, grilled shrimp, chicken, steak, you name it.

Mezcal
Leominster, Worcester

Another Great 8 winner is Mezcal in Leominster and Worcester. This bright, colorful spot serves traditional dishes like cheesy Queso Fundido, Roasted Chicken Mole, and real-deal margaritas by the pitcher. But you can't have a meal at Mezcal without ordering one of their many flavors of creative guacamoles prepared tableside. There's the Thai Rooster with sriracha, dried pineapple and coconut; Mediterranean with sundried tomato, Kalamata olives and feta; and Crunchy with almonds, peppitas and jicama.

La Siesta
Winthrop

La Siesta in Winthrop is a high energy eatery serving authentic fare using old family recipes, and fun dishes bursting with flavor. Popular dishes include the sizzling fajitas served with all of the fixings, and Mexican-style crab cake crusted with tortilla chips. For dessert, Phantom recommends the Deep Fried Ice Cream served in a flour tortilla shell and topped with melted hot chocolate.

Temazcal
Lynnfield, Boston

Rounding off the Great 8 is Temazcal. With locations in Lynnfield and one just feet from Boston Harbor, Temazcal is Spanish for "House of Heat." Without a doubt, this is one of the region's hottest spots both in terms of atmosphere and cuisine. From tacos served on house made tortillas, to tortilla soup served with a smorgasboard of toppings, these are classic recipes with a tasty modern twist.

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