MONTCO'S BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANTS

424 S. Bethlehem Pk
Fort Washington

Cantina Feliz in Fort Washington has a vast Mexican menu - and plenty of helpful servers well-versed in guiding you through it. The culinary wizards at work here can take even the simple fish taco and turn it into a dish you will find yourself ordering again and again. Also, be sure to check out its sister restaurant, Taqueria Feliz, in Horsham.

690 W. DeKalb Pk
King of Prussia

Executive Chef Brian Harmon excels at what he calls "modern Mexican," an approach that takes the traditional flavor profiles of South of the Border cuisine and spins them like a sombrero. That means ordinary proteins like fish, chicken and steak are unexpectedly topped with sauces like Jalapeno beurre blanc and Chile de Arbol.

1380 W. Skippack Pk
Blue Bell

The dining room in Blue Bell's El Sarape restaurant is admittedly small, which only means that you might do well to make a reservation. But by whatever means you gain a table (reserving or waiting), it is well worth the effort. For an interesting flavor combination, try the sliced tenderloin that has been liberally marinated with a coffee-based chipotle sauce.

153 S. Gulph Rd
King of Prussia

The extensive menu at Plaza Azteca reflects finely tuned skill in the full spectrum of zesty-spicycuisine. The margaritas are solid, with plenty of interesting flavor variations (cactus pear and cucumber-jalapeño, for example). The tableside creation of guacamole gets things off to a rich and creamy start, and, when followed by the Chori Pollo, makes for a great combination.

351 Plymouth Rd
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

Of Plaza Azteca's five Pennsylvania locations, two of them are in Montgomery County. In Plymouth Meeting, you'll find the same homemade flavors. The enchiladas rancheras (cheese enchiladas with shredded pork, onions and bell peppers) are some of the best enchiladas you'll find.

El Limon has four locations across our region, but it's the Conshohocken restaurant that was recognized by Yahoo! Food on its list of The Best Mexican Restaurants Across America. El Limon also has locations in Ambler, Ardmore and Malvern, Chester County.

235 E. High St
Pottstown

The combination of seafood and spices is a go-to foundation of much of the cuisine of Mexico, and Juan Carlos Fine Mexican Cuisine in Pottstown raises this blend to an art form. In the name of multiculturalism, Juan Carlos also offers a falafel enchilada that just can't be experienced anywhere else. 

2862 W. Moreland Rd
Willow Grove

Mad Mex in Willow Grove is a great happy-hour spot, where the zippy wings and the frosty beer are half price. Also notable is the service, which has made an art out of being attentive without being intrusive. 

305 2nd Ave
Collegeville 

Make sure to arrive at Collegeville's Tortugas Mexican Eatery with an empty stomach. The portions here are very generous. Meat-lovers will appreciate the carne asada, which is an actual serving of real steak and not some previously frozen pre-chopped cut of unknown origin. 

301 E. Main St
Norristown

Slide into a seat at Taqueria La Michoacana in Norristown and immediately dig into the presented trio of salsas with chips: fresh tomato, a verde and a roasted variety. The food here, including the mole enchiladas, is painstakingly authentic. The dining room is BYOB, but for a truly unique (nonalcoholic) refresher, ask for a glass of melon water. 

128 N. Main St
Souderton

Souderton's Xinantecatl makes everything fresh to order. The décor is extremely casual but comfortable. Attached to the restaurant is a retail operation that sells Mexican foodstuffs, including a rare stock of South American sodas.