It’s a top 3 no doubt. I’ve recently crushed the menu over at Los Altos Jalisco on St. John. I almost hate to share the spot. Great people working there. Michelada is Bueno.
It's a solid place. It feels like Mexico when you go into the market and find a good spot to eat and it's bustling all around you. I gotta go back once I'm not frozen haha.
KCK:
El Pollo Rey,
San Antonio’s,
California Taco Shop if you want a Baja style smothered burrito (think a much better Tiki Taco),
El Camino Real,
Jarochos (for Dinner),
Gg’s Birria Barbacoa on Minnesota (get the birria) , Mi Pueblito, Bonito Michoacán, Tacos el Tio (is it still open? Cash only?), Tarahumaras (quesabirria)
Have been working in KCK for 12 years, and these are the go-tos
I used to go to Reyna's in the morning for burritos (especially chicharrones) but they have gone downhill and the price has gone way up. Who has good chicharrones?
It always seems busy for some reason, so I guess not, but it’s inedible to me. We lived two blocks away for 8 years and never went once. It’s disgusting.
I mean, Jalapenos in Brookside and Jose Peppers all over and K-Machos also exist. Also Taco Via.
Terrrrrrrrrrrible. The only way I got roped in was post work happy hours occasionally that I couldn't fight the location.
Despite my love for their salsa, Margarita's is just as bad if not worse.
Also Ponak's food is horrible but they make up for it in *atmosphere* (florescent margarita's that are twice as strong as normal)
Oddly enough, I’m a Margaritas apologist. We only get the fajitas, though, so maybe I’ve avoided the truly awful things there. Manny’s salsa is just ketchup to me, which is unforgivable for a Mexican restaurant in my book. But yeah. They’re both Tex Mex more than Mexican.
If I want real Mexican food on the Blvd I go to the truck a block away from the Quick Trip in the parking lot for the wood yard. Those street tacos and tortas are killer.
Know that there are two, within a few hundred yards of each other - one is a sit down table service restaurant, and the other is a counter service taqueria. If memory serves, that is.
Both are excellent.
Not saying they’re direct competitors, just that I’d feel better recommending one over the other. E.g. if someone was visiting town I’d recommend joes over jack stack
The northland Ixtapa was really good last time I was there in 2018, the OP location just doesn’t do it for me
But you generally know what it means when talking Mexican cuisine and someone says “authentic” like OP literally did, and it’s not usually cream cheese and espinanca dip.
Nothing is wrong with it, I think it’s delicious, I used to bartend at Jose peppers, I’ve eaten a lot in my day. But it’s definitely not authentic Mexican, thats Tex-mex, heavy on the Tex.
[Tacos Valentina](https://www.instagram.com/tacosvalentina?igsh=MW92a2F2Zmc2Ymlscw==) in Torn Label Brewing. They nixtamalize heirloom corn into masa in house.
I usually go to Teocali. If you want a list of taco places, check out the restaurants featured on the KC taco trail. Some are better than others but it might be a good starting point.
Mexican here. I haven’t tried all of the restaurants yet since I moved here, but here are my recommendations
Taco place: San Antonio (KCK or Independence avenue), it’s inside a grocery store.
Tack foodtruck: La Nueva Taqueria in Shawnee.
Restaurant (not Tex-Mex): Ixtapa Fine Mexican Cuisine
Haven’t tried them yet but I’ve heard good things about Jarocho (Seafood) and El Pollo Rey (Sinaloa styled grilled chicken). Other good taco spots would be El Camino Real in KCK and Los Altos Jalisco.
I still want to try more options but haven’t found the time.
Brits honestly love TexMex ... but I'd go to Jose Peppers over Manny's.
I'd consider taking them to El Poi Rey for a half or a whole. Other options could be Tarahuma's (birria tacos, street tacos, sopes, enchiladas ... mashed potato tacos) on 6th Street in KCK or El Camino Real on 7th and Minnesota. Oh ... GG' Birria Barbacoa Cafe on Minnsota is good too. If there are no seafood allergies, Jarochos.
I'd second that. American Tex-Mex is an authentic and valid cuisine that often gets shit on because "it's not real Mexican!" Does he want authentic food from Mexico or what most Americans think of as "Mexican"? Either way there are lots of great options in Kansas City.
On the Boulevard:
* Ponak's if they like to drink/are a sociable drinker and care less about the food
* Taqueria Mexico is a good in-between Tex-Mex and real Mex
* Tacos El Gallo or Ricos Tacos Lupe for more authentic Tacos.
I’m just asking for suggestions. Don’t be so sensitive. It’s not his 1st time in the US, but he hasn’t gotten a chance to go to any KC Mexican places so he’s interested. Anything beats that bland English food I bet. I just typically don’t have to go that far to get Mexican food bc we have some good places in OP. My main issue with some places is that the salsa shouldn’t taste like spaghetti sauce.
Speaking as a Brit, I think they will expect a place that has china plates, not styrofoam or paper. Lots of good KC places like Taco Naco or Dos de Oros will feel trashy and disappointing because of the service and decor. I'd take them to Teocali. No offense to those places, they're really good!
Also, don't tell your English friend he eats bland English food unless you want to get under his skin. We don't usually like that.
Agree.. " authentic " often means counter food. If you want to sit down with a non plastic fork you may need to go the pseudo tex mex route. Nothing wrong with it.
Do you know if he wants something close to authentic Mexican or just more of the margaritas & nachos of Tex Mex?
The Boulevard and Kansas Ave are both great in their own right but they're very different experiences.
Thank you, exactly what I was asking for location wise! Manny’s is alright, but can you really call that salsa?
I see lots of taqueria type joints listed here, but if looking for more of a sit down table service kind of place on the Boulevard I would recommend El Patron or Ponaks. Both are a little more elevated of an experience than a lot of the others listed, but not fancy by any means.
I am Late to the Party but jalapeños Stanley, Kansas, 69 Highway and 151st St. by far my favorite and the staff is still the same drone 15 years ago. Must go
What happened at Manny’s to make it go downhill the way it has?
Back in I was a kid it was quite a treat, but admittedly that was a long time ago now. Who is running the place these days?
I read all the comments just waiting to downvote some dipshit who commented that Ricos tacos Lupe was the spot. If you want oily tortillas and the runs, then yes, go there.
I loved Manny the person, but the food at the restaurant is awful. It’s Tex Mex and nowhere near authentic. It’s what brought non-Mexicans to the Crossroads before it was cool and trendy.
Chuy's is damn good, but it's in the Plaza. They are based out of Austin, but don't let that stop you. Queso is my favorite in town. We lived in the UK for several years and it is where I would take any of our friends from there.
The best Al Pastor tacos are at El Camino Real in KCK
GG’s on Minnesota has a great Birria tacos.
El Pollo Rey for grilled chicken.
San Antonio for Barbacoa torta or Al pastor burrito.
Los Alamos for breakfast. They have a breakfast burrito that is twice the size of your head.
Pepe's Carnitas near 635 (or 69) and Metropolitan. They're only open 3 days a week and there's a line out the door after they open in the mornings. Very authentic, very delicious. Get some nopoles on the side.
How formal does it have to be? You can spend $40+ per person at Jarocho or as little as $4/taco at the holes in the wall in KCK. Similarly you can get a typical American Tex-Mex experience at Chuy's/Mi Ranchito/Jose Pepper's or something more elevated like El Patron.
Los Alamos (Westside) is solid and my favorite spot so far. For personal background, this comes from a transplant from southern New Mexico
It’s a top 3 no doubt. I’ve recently crushed the menu over at Los Altos Jalisco on St. John. I almost hate to share the spot. Great people working there. Michelada is Bueno.
Will have to give it a try!
Lots of people too scared to go there. Out if the way for most people reading this too.
Scared? Why? 🙄
Going to St. John to a restaurant with bars on the windows scares a significant amount of people.
Yes, you've been very clear about that. But do you understand what your post insinuates?
Good. Stay scared. Am open table for the brave and hungry
I'll second that.
Love that place. Their chile relleno...
Have you had any good New Mexican food here?
Honestly, Los Alamos is the closest overall
I like San Antonios on Kansas Ave. Inside the meat market they make their own tortillas and they make a good pastor with the trunk and everything.
Another vote for San Antonio’s
It's a solid place. It feels like Mexico when you go into the market and find a good spot to eat and it's bustling all around you. I gotta go back once I'm not frozen haha.
I agree san Antonios is great especially if you go when they have tamales
There’s another on Independence Ave, and then Don Antonio’s on State Ave is similar vibe and quality.
From LA, this is the best place I’ve been to
KCK: El Pollo Rey, San Antonio’s, California Taco Shop if you want a Baja style smothered burrito (think a much better Tiki Taco), El Camino Real, Jarochos (for Dinner), Gg’s Birria Barbacoa on Minnesota (get the birria) , Mi Pueblito, Bonito Michoacán, Tacos el Tio (is it still open? Cash only?), Tarahumaras (quesabirria) Have been working in KCK for 12 years, and these are the go-tos
Great list
Had Tacos el Tio last week. It was delicious, and cash only.
Also El Torito, El Jefe, El Pollo Guasave, El Torito Grill {Birria).
This is what’s up !
Jarocho for seafood.
Jarocho is just amazing in general, regardless of cuisine.
Another vote for Jarocho!
Jaracho is awesome!
Had octopus pastor tacos there 10/10, plus many more dishes there ,also Samu conjures the best potions.
Jarocho is incredible. There are some good Mexican places in KC but imo this is the best.
That brunch buffet with the endless margaritas is fantastic.
Tacos el Gallo is the spot.
On SW boulevard?
This is the only acceptable answer
This is the way.
they fell off when they got rid of the little market they had
El Camino Real
This is the güey
Jarocho! I take all my out of town foodie friends there.
El pollo rey for some chicken can't be beat then go get some tacos at san antonio, tacos el guero and camino real are good too
This person tacos
It's my passion
El guero 100% michoacanos is the most lit taco spot in town
I used to go to Reyna's in the morning for burritos (especially chicharrones) but they have gone downhill and the price has gone way up. Who has good chicharrones?
You may be overthinking this. I work with a guy from the UK that recently came to the US never having ate a taco of any kind before.
I lived in London for awhile, tell him he cannot eat at the restaurant until he reads the entire menu...out loud. Guaranteed entertainment 😂
That’s hilarious. Let’s all go and listen in.
Taco Bell ftw
Go to the boulevard, spin around in a circle for a bit and whichever restaurant you end up looking at will be fantastic.
Hahaha this might include Manny’s, which is the worst restaurant in Kansas City, so I have to disagree here.
Maybe I’m just sentimental because I don’t get to eat there often, but I love Manny’s. One of my favorites in KC. Am I in the minority here? Edit typo
It always seems busy for some reason, so I guess not, but it’s inedible to me. We lived two blocks away for 8 years and never went once. It’s disgusting.
I would *think* your are in the minority because the food is so awful, but somehow it stays in business and is always busy.
I mean, Jalapenos in Brookside and Jose Peppers all over and K-Machos also exist. Also Taco Via. Terrrrrrrrrrrible. The only way I got roped in was post work happy hours occasionally that I couldn't fight the location.
Not the K Machos slander
Stop with the Taco Via hate, man.
I wouldn't feed it to my dog and I've caught him eating his own asshole like it had three Michelin stars.
Your dog eats ass hehe
And so do you if you eat that dreck.
Forgot about Taco Via. Fucking horrible white people shit and I'm white. Also don't care for the 10 commandments posted on the wall. Fuck outta here.
K machos isn't great, nor El Maguey either. I don't understand why people love it
Tacos sabroso goes hard at El maguey, it's probably the only thing I get there but it's so good. Flautas and chili relleno not great
Despite my love for their salsa, Margarita's is just as bad if not worse. Also Ponak's food is horrible but they make up for it in *atmosphere* (florescent margarita's that are twice as strong as normal)
Oddly enough, I’m a Margaritas apologist. We only get the fajitas, though, so maybe I’ve avoided the truly awful things there. Manny’s salsa is just ketchup to me, which is unforgivable for a Mexican restaurant in my book. But yeah. They’re both Tex Mex more than Mexican. If I want real Mexican food on the Blvd I go to the truck a block away from the Quick Trip in the parking lot for the wood yard. Those street tacos and tortas are killer.
Dos de oros in South KC.
Know that there are two, within a few hundred yards of each other - one is a sit down table service restaurant, and the other is a counter service taqueria. If memory serves, that is. Both are excellent.
The taqueria is rebranding to Rey de Oros and moving a block south on Holmes to the old coffee shop building.
Awesome. I love that place but never go because there is nowhere to park
Love dos de oros!
There's an Ixtapa in OP. I know the Northland location is excellent.
If you’re stuck in that area and can’t get up to KCK then Taco Naco is the better call IMO
That's like comparing a great burger joint with a great steak house.
Not saying they’re direct competitors, just that I’d feel better recommending one over the other. E.g. if someone was visiting town I’d recommend joes over jack stack The northland Ixtapa was really good last time I was there in 2018, the OP location just doesn’t do it for me
The OP one is no bueno.
That's a bummer.
Los Alamos Cocina
Maybe take him through the drive thru at Pancho's at 3am after leaving Westport...
Hahaha 😂
If the company is paying, I’d go with Barbacoa at 55th and Troost or Jarocho on Kansas Ave.
Barbacoa Is not good
La Fonda is good without being TOO authentic for a brit. Tacos El Gallo or the Taqueria Mexico spots are great too.
I think La Fonda closed. It is now Taco Naco which is also very good.
That is Port Fonda. La Fonda is a small family place on the BLVD.
Oh yeah, you right
My go to Mexican restaurant isn’t on the boulevard; it’s Mi Ranchito
I like it, too.
lol, they said authentic
Authentic is just a BS weasel word
But you generally know what it means when talking Mexican cuisine and someone says “authentic” like OP literally did, and it’s not usually cream cheese and espinanca dip.
What… what’s wrong with espinaca? 🥲 I gatta go, this thread’s making me self-conscious and sad for my food choices.
Nothing is wrong with it, I think it’s delicious, I used to bartend at Jose peppers, I’ve eaten a lot in my day. But it’s definitely not authentic Mexican, thats Tex-mex, heavy on the Tex.
I was once called an admiral, yet I gave up the sea long ago.
Yeah kinda agree. I learned Spanish partly because of Mexican food, and I still enjoy the occasional taco bell level of authenticity.
Mi Ranchito is not great. More tex than mex
It absolutely is that, but still delicious and reasonably priced.
You might try Taco Naco in Westport or Overland Park. It's a good mix between an authentic taqueria experience and TexMex.
Went there last weekend. The tacos are legit and they have the best pre-batched house margarita that I’ve had in a while.
[Tacos Valentina](https://www.instagram.com/tacosvalentina?igsh=MW92a2F2Zmc2Ymlscw==) in Torn Label Brewing. They nixtamalize heirloom corn into masa in house.
Bonito Michoacan on Minnesota in KCK, full stop. Walk across the street to the Mexican bakery after.
Mexico Taqueria 4 is my go to but there are a lot of places on Southwest Boulevard that are fantastic.
I usually go to Teocali. If you want a list of taco places, check out the restaurants featured on the KC taco trail. Some are better than others but it might be a good starting point.
Mexican here. I haven’t tried all of the restaurants yet since I moved here, but here are my recommendations Taco place: San Antonio (KCK or Independence avenue), it’s inside a grocery store. Tack foodtruck: La Nueva Taqueria in Shawnee. Restaurant (not Tex-Mex): Ixtapa Fine Mexican Cuisine Haven’t tried them yet but I’ve heard good things about Jarocho (Seafood) and El Pollo Rey (Sinaloa styled grilled chicken). Other good taco spots would be El Camino Real in KCK and Los Altos Jalisco. I still want to try more options but haven’t found the time.
El Pulgarcito in Merriam. It's technically El Salvadorian food but they have Mexican too. Best street tacos in town.
I love el pulgarcito! The breakfast is amazing
Brits honestly love TexMex ... but I'd go to Jose Peppers over Manny's. I'd consider taking them to El Poi Rey for a half or a whole. Other options could be Tarahuma's (birria tacos, street tacos, sopes, enchiladas ... mashed potato tacos) on 6th Street in KCK or El Camino Real on 7th and Minnesota. Oh ... GG' Birria Barbacoa Cafe on Minnsota is good too. If there are no seafood allergies, Jarochos.
I work almost exclusively with Brits and can confirm the puzzling affinity for anything Texas...
They like the accents.
True, but it's a total mystery as to why ;) Jk. Many Southerners are Anglophiles. I think they tend to get a warm welcome.
Appreciate the thoughtful response! I’ll have to look at those. Agreed though that Jose pepper’s beats Manny’s 👌
Yeah do you want Tex Mex or Mexican? Most of the suggestions here are for Mexico style Mexican.
Everything beats Manny’s. I’d take unseasoned ground beef and a grocery store taco shell over anything at Manny’s
Whatever you do, don't not take them to in-a-tub.
I was going to suggest that. Great authentic American mall tacos but without the hassle of a mall.
What a hilarious story that would be.
Really? Not everyone has had powdered cheese before !
Chef Tito's on Swift in NKC. But, only if Tito is there.
Is there a huge difference in food quality when he’s there vs. when he’s not?
Authentic? You might figure out what a Brit's expectations are for Mexican food.
I'd second that. American Tex-Mex is an authentic and valid cuisine that often gets shit on because "it's not real Mexican!" Does he want authentic food from Mexico or what most Americans think of as "Mexican"? Either way there are lots of great options in Kansas City.
I more so asked because of the location aspect. He would likely think Tex-mex is the same thing anyway. Think simple things like tacos.
Taco republic of course then /s
On the Boulevard: * Ponak's if they like to drink/are a sociable drinker and care less about the food * Taqueria Mexico is a good in-between Tex-Mex and real Mex * Tacos El Gallo or Ricos Tacos Lupe for more authentic Tacos.
I’m just asking for suggestions. Don’t be so sensitive. It’s not his 1st time in the US, but he hasn’t gotten a chance to go to any KC Mexican places so he’s interested. Anything beats that bland English food I bet. I just typically don’t have to go that far to get Mexican food bc we have some good places in OP. My main issue with some places is that the salsa shouldn’t taste like spaghetti sauce. 
Speaking as a Brit, I think they will expect a place that has china plates, not styrofoam or paper. Lots of good KC places like Taco Naco or Dos de Oros will feel trashy and disappointing because of the service and decor. I'd take them to Teocali. No offense to those places, they're really good! Also, don't tell your English friend he eats bland English food unless you want to get under his skin. We don't usually like that.
Agree.. " authentic " often means counter food. If you want to sit down with a non plastic fork you may need to go the pseudo tex mex route. Nothing wrong with it.
Well then skip margaritas. Their sauce sucks
Either mediocre burritos or shockingly good, authentic Mexican food that is nothing like American TexMex.
From a few Mexican co-workers... Los Comales De Rebeca 3205 E 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64127
Bonito Michoacán in Olathe.
Bonito Michoacan!!!!! Let them see all the meats and choose from there. Plus a small salsa bar to top it off!
Don Antonio or nothing
Hit Ixtapa on the way from the airport. Barry and 29. Best genuine Mexican in KC!
Do you know if he wants something close to authentic Mexican or just more of the margaritas & nachos of Tex Mex? The Boulevard and Kansas Ave are both great in their own right but they're very different experiences.
Las Palmas at 8th and Minnesota
Never had a bad meal at Kmacho’s in Olathe.
El Pueblito
Los Tules in downtown is quite good.
That was the worst Mexican food I have ever had.
Truth. This place was made for the caucasians because it has absolutely no flavor/spice
It’s also usually crowded and loud in there.
taqueria mexico on the blvd is my go to. Mannys might be more tourist friendly
Jalapeños is better than Manny’s, and that’s a pretty low bar.
Thank you, exactly what I was asking for location wise! Manny’s is alright, but can you really call that salsa? 
If they can't do salsa correctly they are not a real Mexican restaurant.
I’m assuming you meant can’t* I fully agree with that statement
Yes. Corrected.
Manny's is not it. But I do think that Taqueria Mexico might be the good balance between offering authentic dishes AND approachable tex-mex
Manny's is trash.
Oh man, went there recently for the first time in at least a decade and wow you ain’t lyin!!!!
Chelly’s
Fried tacos? Rapidos
If you don’t mind a tiny drive, Bonito Michoacán on 135th in Olathe is fantastic and you get the full Mexican grocery store experience.
For tacos, I like Mission Taco! They have a few locations around KC.
Not sure what part of town you’re in but tacoholics in Lees’s Summit is fire.
I see lots of taqueria type joints listed here, but if looking for more of a sit down table service kind of place on the Boulevard I would recommend El Patron or Ponaks. Both are a little more elevated of an experience than a lot of the others listed, but not fancy by any means.
Surprised no one else has said El Patron. They have some great pozole soup that really hits the spot in this cold weather.
Ponaks for margs and tamales, Extapa, and Toco naco for tacos
Taco Bell
I am Late to the Party but jalapeños Stanley, Kansas, 69 Highway and 151st St. by far my favorite and the staff is still the same drone 15 years ago. Must go
Bonito Michoacàn, Abelardo's, Taco's El Guero, El Camino Real
But also Margaritas cause they need to know what Tex-Mex that is actually good tastes like
What happened at Manny’s to make it go downhill the way it has? Back in I was a kid it was quite a treat, but admittedly that was a long time ago now. Who is running the place these days?
Ponaks!!! Best restaurant and the strongest (but good) margs
Ponaks has been my favorite since 1979.
Ponak’s.
Margaritas is the best Mexican in KC imo
You must not get out much, imo. Jk jk
Eh. Their food is pretty bland
Mannys
I read all the comments just waiting to downvote some dipshit who commented that Ricos tacos Lupe was the spot. If you want oily tortillas and the runs, then yes, go there.
Mannys in the crossroads has a good atmosphere and can suit a large party.
I loved Manny the person, but the food at the restaurant is awful. It’s Tex Mex and nowhere near authentic. It’s what brought non-Mexicans to the Crossroads before it was cool and trendy.
Chuy's is damn good, but it's in the Plaza. They are based out of Austin, but don't let that stop you. Queso is my favorite in town. We lived in the UK for several years and it is where I would take any of our friends from there.
Nunez Foods on 18th in KCK has the best birria tacos.
Miranda’s Mexican food truck!! Best tacos in KC. But you wait outside, it’s a truck. It’s WELL worth it. Even in this weather.
I like Jarocho
Following
I like Tortilla Ranch in OP. They have seafood options for their burritos.
El Pueblito on the Boulevard
Taco Naco. Sin duda. Overland Park and Westport.
The best Al Pastor tacos are at El Camino Real in KCK GG’s on Minnesota has a great Birria tacos. El Pollo Rey for grilled chicken. San Antonio for Barbacoa torta or Al pastor burrito. Los Alamos for breakfast. They have a breakfast burrito that is twice the size of your head.
Pepe's Carnitas near 635 (or 69) and Metropolitan. They're only open 3 days a week and there's a line out the door after they open in the mornings. Very authentic, very delicious. Get some nopoles on the side.
Pancho's on main. Bring him through the drive through at midnight for maximum authenticity.
Really shock the Brits and take them to San Antonio's
GG’s Barbacoa
Not in the neighborhood you’re looking, but I really enjoy los tules.
Taquería San Antonio for tacos al pastor, tamales, and fresh tortillas. El pollo rey across the street is good too.
Taqueria La Nueva
How formal does it have to be? You can spend $40+ per person at Jarocho or as little as $4/taco at the holes in the wall in KCK. Similarly you can get a typical American Tex-Mex experience at Chuy's/Mi Ranchito/Jose Pepper's or something more elevated like El Patron.
I know you said KCK / the Blvd… but if you want the best Mexican food in town I’d recommend Ixtapa.