Five Great Mexican Restaurants in the Sacramento Area

There are a lot of Mexican restaurants in the Sacramento area. Here are a few of my favorites.

Ernesto's Mexican Food
1901 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 441-5850
www.ernestosmexicanfood.com
One of my all-time favorite Mexican food restaurants is Ernesto's. Maybe it is because it was one of the first places my husband and I went when we started dating, but I suspect it has something to do with the excellent food at good prices. Start off with a margarita and some of their delicious, fresh-made guacamole fresco and chips, then try one of their many traditional entrees. My personal favorite is the chimichanga, but their carnitas and flautas are definitely worth a try.

Lolitas Authentic Mexican Cuisine
9580 Oak Avenue Pkwy Ste 12D
Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 987-7300
Any Mexican restaurant that serves flour tortilla chips has taken a big step toward winning me over, and Lolita's makes great ones-and great food to boot. They serve delicious fajitas, tamales and taco salads. Located just on the border between Orangevale and Folsom in a very nice area, the service is friendly and the restaurant is clean and nicely decorated.

Salsa Fresca
2931 Sunrise Blvd Ste 120
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
(916) 638-0513
This place is rarely empty at lunch time, and it becomes obvious as to why when you see the great selection of food at very reasonable prices. My personal favorite is the chimichangas, but my husband likes the enchiladas and tamales. They also have good carnitas and tostadas. The restaurant is generally clean, although loud-and there is usually a soccer game on the big television set.

Zocalo
1801 Capitol Ave. (18th & Capitol Ave.)
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 441-0303
www.myspace.com/zocalosacramento
For an upscale Mexican food dining experience, you should try Zocalo at least once! The atmosphere and staff are elegant and the service excellent. You will start with chips, salsa and bean dip, and then move on to an expertly prepared entrée like Arrachera Los Altos (made with Harris Ranch steak) or Salmon Cozumel. Pair it with one of their specialty margaritas-yum!

Hacienda Del Rio
702 Sutter St.
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 351-1800
www.hacdelrio.com
Hacienda Del Rio is a very popular Mexican restaurant and one of the hottest spots in Folsom. During special events in the area, you will have quite a wait to get in! If you can get a seat by the window, you will have a spectacular view of the American River and the Folsom Bridge. Try a melon margarita or a giant 20 ounce house margarita in a keepsake glass, and be sure to try the fajitas.

There are so many Mexican food restaurants in the Sacramento, it is difficult to get to them all!