How to Tell if a Mexican Restaurant is Authentic

Not everything labelled "Mexican" is genuinely Mexican. Learn to spot authentic restaurants with these signs that tell you if you're getting the real thing.

Signs of authenticity in a Mexican restaurant

Positive signs (look for these)

Corn tortillas: If they offer corn tortillas (not just flour), that's a good sign. If they make them by hand or nixtamalize, excellent.
Specific chiles named: Mention of ancho, guajillo, pasilla, habanero indicates real knowledge.
Regional dishes: Cochinita pibil, birria, pozole, mole, chilaquiles, tlayudas go beyond the basic.
Homemade salsas: Authentic restaurants make salsas from scratch.
Quality mezcal and tequila: A good list of artisan mezcals and 100% agave tequilas shows seriousness.
Correct garnishes: Cilantro, onion, lime, radish rather than lettuce, sour cream and cheddar.

Warning signs (probably Tex-Mex)

Hard shell tacos, melted cheddar everywhere, abundant sour cream, prominent fajitas, nachos as main course, chili con carne, generic sombrero and cactus decor.

The ultimate test

Order any taco. If it comes in a soft corn tortilla with onion, cilantro and salsa, it's probably authentic. If it comes in a hard shell with lettuce, tomato, cheddar and sour cream, it's Tex-Mex. Both can be delicious, but now you know the difference.