
Highest-rated Tex-Mex restaurants in Hackensack by diners
Highest-rated Tex-Mex restaurants in Hackensack by diners
When you're looking for heat, Tex-Mex food delivers. Tex-Mex, as the cuisine is affectionately coined in the Southwest, is the by-product of what happens when cultures—and their kitchens—combine.
Tex-Mex food draws from American, Mexican, and Native American flavors. It developed in the 1800s, when these three distinct cultures all settled in what we now call Texas. Popular ingredients featured beef, flour tortillas, tomatoes, and yellow cheddar cheese, spiced up with chili peppers that provide a smoky flavor. It found its way into the hearts of the Southwest, eventually spreading around the rest of America. We can thank Tex-Mex cuisine for introducing us to chili con carne, fajitas, nachos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
Tex-Mex's bold flavors make it perfect for those seeking some heat, particularly younger, adventurous diners who prefer more spice with their meal. Gen Z diners, in particular, look for spicy variety, with up to 50% eating at least one spicy meal every week. This craving for bold tastes has ousted Italian food from its #1 position as Americans' favorite cuisine.
With that kind of reach, where do you begin when it comes to finding that perfect Tex-Mex dish to make your palate dance? Who has managed to create that just-right blend of smoky spice and cheesy goodness that you've come to know and love in Tex-Mex food?
Stacker did a little of the heavy lifting for you and combed through data on Yelp as of Aug. 5, 2025, to put together a comprehensive list of the highest-rated Tex-Mex restaurants in Hackensack. We looked at how many reviews and their average ratings to make sure your guide to Hackensack cuisine is ready. Take a look to see where your new favorite restaurant will be! Note, some of these may have recently closed, so make sure to double-check.
#13. The Cathedral Restaurant
- Rating: 3.0/5 (25 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 378 Main St. Paterson, New Jersey
- Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Chevys Fresh Mex
- Rating: 3.1/5 (385 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 365 NJ-3 Clifton, New Jersey
- Categories: Mexican, Bars, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
#11. El Mexicano Gastro Cantina
- Rating: 3.2/5 (311 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1293 Main Ave. Clifton, New Jersey
- Categories: Mexican, Hookah Bars, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Jalapeños Mexican Grill - Passaic
- Rating: 3.3/5 (23 reviews)
- Address: 196 Monroe St. Passaic, New Jersey
- Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Blue Akai Mexican & Japanese Cuisine
- Rating: 3.4/5 (34 reviews)
- Address: 23 East Palisade Ave. Englewood, New Jersey
- Categories: Japanese, Tex-Mex, Mexican
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Tito's Burritos & Wings - Ridgewood
- Rating: 3.4/5 (335 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 166 East Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, New Jersey
- Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Tio Taco Tequila Bar
- Rating: 3.4/5 (156 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 850 NJ-3 Clifton, New Jersey
- Categories: Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Bubbakoo's Burritos
- Rating: 3.4/5 (72 reviews)
- Address: 110 Market St. Ste 100 Saddlebrook, New Jersey
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Mexican
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Flaming Burritos
- Rating: 3.6/5 (248 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4625 Park Ave. Union City, New Jersey
- Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Charro Mexicano Restaurant & Bakery
- Rating: 3.9/5 (22 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7212 Bergenline Ave. North Bergen, New Jersey
- Categories: Mexican, Bakeries, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Los Jarros Mexican Grill
- Rating: 3.9/5 (24 reviews)
- Address: 85 Union Ave. Nutley, New Jersey
- Categories: Mexican, Barbecue, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Ay Chihuahua!
- Rating: 4.3/5 (25 reviews)
- Address: 83 Broadway Passaic, New Jersey
- Categories: Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Habanero
- Rating: 4.6/5 (67 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 729 Van Houten Ave. Clifton, New Jersey
- Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 88 metros.