Tex-Mex cuisine holds a special place in the hearts and taste buds of Americans. The blend of Mexican and Texan flavors has captivated food lovers across the country, leading to the proliferation of Tex-Mex chain restaurants. Here are America’s top 15 Tex-Mex chain restaurants that have captured the hearts of diners from coast to coast.
1. Chili’s
Chili’s, known for its sizzling fajitas, premium burgers, and baby back ribs, traces its roots back to a chili cook-off. Founder Larry Lavine attended a cook-off in Terlingua, Texas, which inspired him to open the first Chili’s restaurant in Dallas in 1975. Since then, Chili’s has expanded to over 1,200 locations in 24 countries, offering a diverse menu that includes American favorites like the Philly cheesesteak sandwich and Chicken Crispers alongside Tex-Mex staples.
2. Baja Fresh
As the name suggests, Baja Fresh takes pride in its commitment to fresh ingredients. With over 200 locations, this California-based chain serves up handmade, unprocessed Tex-Mex fare. From their signature Baja Bowl to their premium burritos, Baja Fresh delivers on flavor without compromising on quality.
3. Qdoba
Qdoba, formerly known as Zuma and Z-TECA Mexican Grill, has gained a loyal following since its inception in Denver in 1995. The highlight of Qdoba’s menu is its Mission-style burritos, allowing diners to customize their Tex-Mex creations. With options like roasted chile corn, shredded beef, fajita vegetables, ancho-chile barbecue sauce, and a delectable three-cheese queso, Qdoba has mastered the art of satisfying diverse taste buds.
4. On the Border
On the Border embodies the true spirit of Tex-Mex culture. With origins in Dallas in 1986, this chain draws inspiration from the tastes of Mexico and Southern Texas. From sizzling fajitas to homemade guacamole and hand-pressed tortillas, On the Border takes diners on a flavorful journey through authentic Tex-Mex cuisine.
5. Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s Southwest Grill has gained popularity with its catchy menu names and commitment to high-quality ingredients. The chain prides itself on offering cage-free chicken, steroid-free and grain-fed pork, grass-fed steak, and organic tofu. With no microwaves, trans fats, or MSG in sight, Moe’s delivers flavor-packed favorites like the Homewrecker Burrito and Funk Meister Tacos.
6. Taco Bell
No list of Tex-Mex chains would be complete without Taco Bell. Glen Bell, a former Marine, revolutionized the Tex-Mex scene when he opened the first Taco Bell in California. Today, with over 4,600 franchises worldwide, Taco Bell continues to innovate with its wide array of menu items. The Doritos Locos Taco, a ground beef, lettuce, and cheese-filled creation in a Doritos-seasoned crispy taco shell, has become a global phenomenon.
7. Wahoo’s Fish Tacos
Founded by three brothers in 1988, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos draws inspiration from diverse cultures around the world. The combination of Mexican, Brazilian, Hawaiian, and Asian influences creates a unique and exciting menu. The founders’ love for surfing is also evident in the restaurant’s ambiance. Wahoo’s Fish Tacos has over 50 locations today, and their Citrus Slaw Tacos with fish are a customer favorite.
8. El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco may not fit the typical Tex-Mex restaurant mold, but it has carved its own niche in the industry. Originating as a roadside chicken stand in Guasave, Mexico, in 1975, El Pollo Loco expanded to the United States in 1980, opening its first restaurant in Los Angeles. True to its name, El Pollo Loco specializes in marinated chicken, infused with herbs, citrus juices, and spices, then fire-grilled to perfection. You can enjoy their flavorful chicken in a variety of dishes, including burritos, salads, and as standalone entrées. The delectable taste of El Pollo Loco’s chicken keeps customers coming back for more.
9. Chevys Fresh Mex
As the second-largest Tex-Mex franchise in California, Chevys Fresh Mex takes pride in preparing all their food from scratch. Established in 1986 in Alameda, California, dining at Chevys is designed to replicate the experience of a cantina or border town café in Mexico. Their sizzling fajitas, featuring a choice of chicken, steak, shrimp, portobello mushrooms, or pork carnitas, are a standout dish. But the real star of the show at Chevys is their in-house tortilla maker called El Machino. Watching your tortilla being made adds a level of freshness and fun to the dining experience.
10. Chuy’s
Chuy’s came to life in 1982 when Mike Young and John Zapp transformed an abandoned building into a restaurant in Austin, Texas. Despite its humble beginnings, Chuy’s has stayed true to its South Texas, New Mexico, and regional Mexican cuisine. Their menu features flavorful dishes such as chile rellenos, stuffed fire-roasted Anaheim peppers with a variety of fillings, and the famous Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken, breaded with Lay’s potato chips and served with a green chile sauce and Cheddar cheese.
11. Del Taco
Del Taco opened its doors in 1964 in Yermo, California, offering affordable and delicious food. Today, Del Taco continues to satisfy Tex-Mex cravings with a variety of menu options. You can choose from American-style tacos like the beer-battered fish taco or traditional choices like tacos al carbon with carne asada or chicken, cilantro, and onions in a corn tortilla. They even offer breakfast burritos for early morning Tex-Mex enthusiasts.
12. Chipotle
Chipotle’s Founder Steve Ells’ vision of affordable, fresh ingredients has revolutionized the industry. Chipotle’s commitment to sourcing naturally raised meats and using high-quality produce has made it a favorite among health-conscious diners. From their famous burritos and burrito bowls to their mouthwatering guacamole, Chipotle offers a delicious and responsible Tex-Mex experience.
13. El Torito
Established in 1954, El Torito brings the flavors of Mexico to California with a contemporary twist. The Street Taco Trio, featuring adobo chicken breast, adobo steak, or grilled halibut, served with beans and rice, is a crowd-pleaser. For those seeking a spicier experience, the fire-roasted pasilla chile relleno will ignite your taste buds with its fiery pasilla chile pepper.
14. Taco Cabana
Taco Cabana, founded in 1978 in Alamo City, Texas, began as a casual hangout spot and has since grown to over 160 locations. Tex-Mex cuisine takes center stage here, and their patio seating is perfect for catching up with friends. The Cabana Sampler, which includes cheese enchiladas, crispy tacos, chicken flautas, and guacamole served with rice, beans, and flour tortillas, is a must-try. The lively atmosphere and great food ensure that conversations with friends will never end.
15. Pappasito’s Cantina
As the Tex-Mex outpost of the Pappas Restaurants, Pappasito’s Cantina lives up to its reputation. With over 3.5 million pounds of tortilla chips served annually, they are truly a Tex-Mex institution. Their guacamole is prepared tableside with fresh avocado, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and lime juice, showcasing their commitment to quality and freshness. Pappasito’s started as a family-owned business in 1976 and has expanded to include other cuisines like Greek, steak, and seafood, but their Tex-Mex offerings remain true to their roots, with the majority of their locations in Texas.