Best Mexican Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn (11201)
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine
Mole-driven Oaxacan menu paired with serious mezcal and tequila.
Notable Picks
8.8
Ruta Oaxaca brings Oaxacan cooking, mezcal and cocktails to a busy stretch of Smith Street, with mole-focused plates and a deep agave list. The Brooklyn outpost of this small group functions as a go-to for date nights and celebratory dinners in Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill. Expect rich moles, shareable plates and a livelier bar vibe than most neighborhood Mexican spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas mole negro, Cochinita pibil tacos, Tlayuda mixta
What makes it special: Mole-driven Oaxacan menu paired with serious mezcal and tequila.
8.5
El Gallo Taqueria’s DUMBO location brings the Torres family’s taco-focused menu to the foot of the Manhattan Bridge, with long hours and a delivery-friendly setup. The kitchen leans into bowls, burritos, tacos and late-night orders that mix Mexican street food with New York sensibilities. High order volume from nearby offices, hotels and residents keeps the operation humming into the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
3 taco special with mixed fillings, Carne asada burrito, El Gallo fries
What makes it special: Family-run taqueria with citywide locations and serious late hours.
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Taqueria Al Pastor is a counter-service spot on Court Street known for its spit-roasted pork tacos, homemade tortillas and fast-moving line. Downtown Brooklyn workers and Brooklyn Heights residents use it as a reliable stop for quick lunch plates, late-afternoon taco runs and casual dinners. The focus stays on well-seasoned meats, salsas and value rather than elaborate decor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos with pineapple, Carne asada quesadilla, Nachos with pastor
What makes it special: Counter-service tacos al pastor carved fresh onto warm tortillas.
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Fatty Daddy Taco is a small Smith Street shop turning out hefty burritos, tacos and tortas that skew more comforting than purist. Portions are large, the menu is broad and takeout and delivery are as central as the handful of counter seats. It’s the neighborhood move when you want an overstuffed burrito or taco combo that still comes in under a typical sit-down dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled chicken asada burrito, Fish tacos, Steak torta
What makes it special: Big, crowd-pleasing burritos and tacos built for delivery.
Worthy Picks
#5
Jefe Tacos
7.8
Jefe Tacos anchors a busy corner of DeKalb Market Hall with street-style tacos, quesadillas and burritos assembled to order. The stall plus connected bar makes it an easy choice for a quick taco-and-margarita break between shopping or commuting through Downtown Brooklyn. Food hall energy means things can be hectic, but the al pastor and shrimp tacos keep regulars coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Shrimp tacos, Quesadilla with Oaxaca cheese
What makes it special: Food-hall taco counter with a connected bar inside DeKalb Market.