Bend is famous for the majestic Deschutes River, but its scenic beauty is just the beginning. This city features flavors—and a lot of them—making it a thrilling escape for vacationers. Among many dining options, Bend is home to some of the best food trucks and Mexican cuisine, which offer a wide selection of mouth-watering Mexican food in Bend, Oregon.
Being in this city means you can find good food anywhere. But, as a visitor, it can be difficult to know where to start. As food enthusiasts, we have tried these restaurants and know they serve some of the best Mexican food in Bend. So, let us look into the top restaurants that provide an exceptional dining experience in Central Oregon.
1. Xalisco Latin Cuisine (Redmond)
Xalisco Latin Cuisine is one of the top-notch destinations for Mexican food in Redmond. It offers lunch and dinners that include not just Mexican but also Latin and Spanish cuisine. Conveniently located near the Redmond Airport, visitors can enjoy Xalisco fresh off the plane or shortly before departing from Central Oregon.
Their food speaks only of authenticity and quality. This family-owned restaurant features a modern and inviting atmosphere and undoubtedly offers one of the best Mexican food near Bend, Oregon.
Famous Dish
Street Tacos: Choices include your choice of meats, but the Tacos de Camaron al Mezcal are the standout tacos in this line-up.
Distinct Feature
Elevated blend of cuisines. Dishes like queso fundido and spicy Arrachera will have you forgetting you’re dining in Central Oregon.
3835 SW 21st St Suite #105, Redmond, OR 97756
2. El Rodeo
El Rodeo is the place to go if you are looking for a generous portion of Mexican cuisine and all sorts of margaritas and beers. It is family-owned and locally operated, serving Oregon since 1999.
Here, you’ll find taqueria-style salsa and combination platters. Head to the cantina, and you’ll have your choice of margaritas in various flavors, such as coconut, watermelon, peach, and blackberry. And, with various sangrias, you can order by the glass or the liter.
Famous Dish
Chimichanga Jarocha: a mixture of shrimp, crab, scallops, and vegetables, wrapped in a crisp tortilla and served with a secret sauce, guacamole, and sour cream.
Distinct Feature
A local favorite for its true taqueria vibe and cozy cantina bar.
785 SE 3rd St, Bend, OR 97702
3. El Caporal
Mexican restaurant El Caporal offers authentic Mexican food in Bend, Oregon, with a rustic desert pueblo atmosphere. El Caporal, Spanish for “the Foreman,” pays homage to the owner’s father, who’s been a rancher his whole life.
Serving traditional Mexican food since 1997, El Caporal has been a local favorite for decades. With a second location in The Village at Sunriver, there’s plenty of opportunity to dine at this authentic Mexican restaurant.
Famous Dish
“El Caporal” Camarones: Prawns cooked in butter, garlic, and white wine with mushrooms, onions, and green peppers, served on a bed of rice and melted cheese with tortillas on the side.
Distinct Feature
Hand-painted murals throughout the restaurant, transferred from the walls of their first restaurant location.
62040 NE 27th St, Bend, OR 97701
4. Los Jalapeños
Los Jalapeños is a petite and unassuming yet wildly popular Mexican restaurant in Bend. Known for its authentic cuisine, Los Jalapeños has been serving locals and visitors for nearly 30 years. They offer a variety of dishes, from tacos and burritos to enchiladas and tamales.
This eatery has a cozy and distinct ambiance that visitors love. And, while this taqueria seats only a handful, you can’t pass up an opportunity to stay for lunch and margaritas.
Famous Dish
José’s Supreme Nachos: The most popular item on their menu comes with your choice of meat, chips, beans, melted cheese, jalapeños, black olives, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.
Distinct Feature
Happy Hour that runs from noon until 6 p.m. on weekdays. Enjoy plates like al pastor tacos, fajita nachos, or carne asada, all of which include your choice of margarita!
601 NE Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR 97701
5. Cinco de Mayo (La Pine)
Are you looking for a casual spot for your friend’s group or maybe a quick date with your other half to enjoy the best Mexican food in Central Oregon? In either case, Cinco de Mayo will serve you some of the finest handmade Mexican food in a warm and inviting ambiance.
For nearly 30 years, Cinco de Mayo has been providing excellent bar service and margaritas to the La Pine community. Serving everything from Steak Ranchero to tostadas and homemade tamales, Cinco de Mayo has the taqueria-style dish you’re craving.
Famous Dish
Burritos Enchiladas Style: A wet burrito covered in enchilada sauce stuffed with your choice of protein and a side of rice and beans.
Distinct Feature
Accessibility is important, and Cinco de Mayo checks all the boxes. Here, they accommodate vegan and vegetarian diets, several dining preferences, and guests with ADA accessibility needs.
51470 US-97, La Pine, OR 97739
6. Carnaval Mexican Grill (Redmond)
Though Carnaval Mexican Grill has just recently opened in 2019, it’s no secret that they have excellent menu items. And the ambiance? We are in absolute awe of their skull-themed decor and floral disguises.
Their selection of Mexican dishes is exceptional. The owners come from Mexico and know exactly what they serve, so you can rest assured about the taste’s authenticity.
When you dine at Carnaval, you taste the experience of 25+ years of Mexican cuisine and liquors. And with that, you get to taste some of the best Mexican food in Bend and Central Oregon.
Famous Dish
Torta Ahogada: A favorite of the Jalisco region, a Bolillo roll is stuffed with refried beans and shredded pork carnitas, smothered in a red sauce, and topped with pickled onions.
Distinct Feature
Their lively and colorful atmosphere complements authentic Mexican dishes’ bright and diverse menu.
343 SW 6th St, Redmond, OR 97756
7. Andale Andale (La Pine)
As one of the newest Mexican restaurants to join the food scene, Andale Andale has quickly risen towards the top.
Situated along Hwy 97 in La Pine, Andale Andale serves plates with a mouthful of flavor, such as their Super Nachos, Choriquezo, and Queso-Melt Dip Jalapeño. Of course, you’ll find all the classic Mexican dishes, including sizzling fajitas, combination platters, and Mexican lagers.
Famous Dish
Molcajete: Choose from steak, chicken, shrimp, or a combination. This generous bowl features strips of meat sautéed in a mildly spicy sauce with mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes. It’s topped with Monterey Jack cheese and served with rice, beans, avocado slices, and tortillas. Perfect for sharing!
Distinct Feature
You won’t leave hungry from Andale Andale. Here, you will find portions large enough to enjoy leftovers or satiate a hearty appetite.
51490 US-97, La Pine, OR 97739
8. Diego’s Spirited Kitchen (Redmond)
Diego’s Spirited Kitchen is a good choice if you have been looking for a contemporary and casual restaurant in downtown Redmond. Here, you can enjoy Mexican, American, and other international dishes. Visit once, and it will become one of your favorite Mexican food spots in Central Oregon.
Famous Dish
Pork Osso Bucco: Slow-cooked pork osso bucco served with a medley of Crimini, Portabella, and Porcini mushrooms over buttermilk mashed potatoes, and finished with black truffle oil.
Distinct Feature
The spirits! Spirited hospitality shines at this restaurant, where they invite you to “Come for the food, stay for the spirit!” Its spirited ambiance and drink menu includes fruity margaritas and specialty martinis.
447 SW 6th St, Redmond, OR 97756
9. Don Gabinos
Don Gabino’s is known for some of the best Mexican food in Bend, Oregon, at their fast-casual location on 3rd Street. Want to take your order to-go? Ready in minutes. Craving a breakfast burrito? It’ll be ready on the fly.
What’s better, their prices are as great as the food. Dining at Don Gabino’s is easy on the wallet and satisfies the appetite.
Famous Dish
Chile rellenos: Two poblano chiles are stuffed with jack cheese, battered in flour and egg, and flash-fried. They come served with sour cream, Espanola sauce, and jack cheese.
Distinct Feature
Breakfast all day? Yes, please! Get any of their breakfast plates at any time of the day or night. Don Gabino’s offers a wide variety of breakfast burritos, chilaquiles, and huevos rancheros.
304 SE 3rd St, Bend, OR 97702
10. Don Goyo’s Kitchen
What started out as a food cart is now one of the restaurants where you can find the best Mexican food in Bend. Don Goyo’s is somewhat of a hidden gem, tucked away on Twin Knolls just south of The Forum Shopping Center on 27th Street.
With their new brick-and-mortar location comes a more expansive menu. Popular items include the Don Goyo’s burrito, asada quesadilla, and tortas.
Famous Dish
Chilaquiles: Get ready for a real treat! Fresh tortilla chips are tossed in your choice of red or green sauce, protein, and two fried eggs.
Distinct Feature
The authenticity at Don Goyo’s is evident in each bite of their Mexican food.
2570 NE Twin Knolls Dr #135, Bend, OR 97701
Best Mexican Food in Bend, Oregon
Bend is home to some top-class Mexican restaurants that provide exceptional culinary experiences. Whether you choose takeout from a fast-casual Mexican restaurant or an evening-long dining experience with Cadillac Margaritas, these spots rank among the best Mexican food in Bend and Central Oregon. Want more Mexican food options? Check out some of these top food trucks in Bend, including some incredible taco trucks and carts!
our supporters
