Grill Restaurants in Mexico

Grilling in Mexico is serious business, not just your run-of-the-mill BBQ. It’s a way of life that brings the family and friends together, usually with smoke rising from a charcoal brazier somewhere nearby. You’ll find plenty of places serving up carne asada, but if you want to eat like a local, try finding a spot that uses mesquite or even avocado wood for that unique, smoky aroma.

In Mexico City’s Roma or Condesa neighborhoods, many grill joints mix classic flavors with some quirky twists,think grilled nopales or chorizo bursting with spice. Down south in Oaxaca, grilled meats often come with handmade tortillas and local salsas that really take the experience up a notch. And if you’re on the coast, say in Puerto Vallarta, seafood also gets the grill treatment,you’ve got to try pescado zarandeado, a flame-grilled fish marinated in chilies and citrus.

Here’s a local tip: ask for the achiote marinade if you see it on the menu. It’s brilliant for grilling chicken or pork and has a subtle tang that few tourists know about. Also, many of the best grills here are no-frills, sometimes tucked away in markets or by the roadside, so don’t be shy about asking your local friends for recs or just wandering into places that smell incredible.