Best Mexican Food in Gilmer, TX
Gilmer's Mexican food scene punches well above its weight. We're close enough to the border that authentic flavors make their way up, and Tex-Mex has been part of East Texas culture for generations. Whether you want handmade tacos from a family kitchen, a sizzling fajita plate at a full-service restaurant, or the best salsa in Upshur County, you'll find it here.
Five Mexican restaurants operate in Gilmer proper, each with its own personality. Some lean Tex-Mex, some lean authentic, and one is so popular on Sundays that the parking lot overflows onto 271.
Quick Comparison
| Spot | Must-Try | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Finca | Fajitas, green salsa, bar drinks | Tex-Mex, full bar | Sunday lunch, big groups |
| La Carreta | Red salsa, spice-level dishes | Authentic, fun atmosphere | Dinner, spice lovers |
| Mary's | Taco Tuesday specials | Authentic Mex (not Tex-Mex) | Cheap tacos, Tuesday nights |
| Chayo's | Nachos, shrimp tacos, wet burrito | Family-run, rotating menu | Breakfast/lunch, when open |
| Landin's | Sopes, chimichangas, garlic shrimp | Wide variety | Lunch, something different |
La Finca Mexican Food Restaurant
Must-try: Fajitas, green salsa (ask for it), margaritas from the bar Phone: (903) 843-5355 Website: lafincagilmer.com
La Finca is the big name in Gilmer Mexican food. Drive down Highway 271 on a Sunday and you'll see why—the parking lot is packed with trucks and cars spilling onto the street. It's a staple of Gilmer cuisine for a reason.
The restaurant started humbly and eventually bulldozed the old building to construct a brand-new, spacious dining room that seats a crowd. The menu is standard Tex-Mex with a few surprises, and they have a full bar. While most tables get the red salsa with chips, ask for the green salsa. It's the move.
Insider tip: Sunday after church is peak time. If you want a quieter experience, go for a weekday lunch. The fajitas are consistently excellent and portioned for sharing.
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
Must-try: Red salsa (best in town), spice-level entrees, shrimp dishes Phone: (903) 680-0660 Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00 AM–9:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
La Carreta wants you to have fun. The atmosphere is lively, the dishes are authentically prepared, and you get to choose your spice level: hot, or EXTRA hot. Only the best ingredients are used, and in my opinion, they have the best red salsa for table chips in Gilmer.
The shrimp dishes are a standout—plump, well-seasoned, and generous. If you're the type who judges a Mexican restaurant by its salsa, La Carreta is your spot.
Insider tip: They stay open later than most local Mexican spots (9 PM on Saturdays). If you're craving Mexican food after 8 PM, La Carreta is one of your only options in town.
Mary's Authentic Mexican Restaurant
Must-try: Taco Tuesday specials, authentic tacos Phone: (903) 261-7720 Location: Just off the main drag, near the square
Mary's is the most authentic of Gilmer's Mexican restaurants—more "Mex" than "Tex-Mex." When she says authentic, she means it. The flavors are bolder, the preparations are closer to what you'd find south of the border, and the prices are hard to beat.
The Taco Tuesday deals are some of the best in town. This is where you go when you want real street-style tacos without driving to Dallas.
Insider tip: It's easy to miss since it's just off the main drag near the square. Look for the small storefront—the food inside is worth finding.
Chayo's Restaurant
Must-try: Chayo's nachos, shrimp tacos, wet burrito, avocado fries Phone: (903) 680-5965 Hours: Mon 7:00 AM–2:30 PM, Tue 7:00 AM–8:00 PM, Wed–Fri 7:00 AM–2:30 PM, Sat 7:00 AM–2:00 PM, Closed Sun
Chayo's has some simply amazing dishes. The nachos are loaded, the shrimp tacos are fresh, and the wet burrito is the kind of plate that requires a nap afterward. The avocado fries are a unique touch you won't find at the other spots.
Fair warning: Chayo's keeps unpredictable hours. "It seems like 90% of the time I try to get food here they are closed." But when they are open, it's fantastic. Call ahead or check their posted hours before making a special trip.
Insider tip: Tuesday is their only late night (8 PM). If you want Chayo's for dinner instead of lunch, Tuesday is your day.
Landin's Authentic Mexican Food
Must-try: Sopes, fajita chimichangas, garlic butter shrimp, super burrito Phone: (903) 204-2739 Hours: Mon–Thu 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, Fri–Sat 11:00 AM–9:00 PM, Closed Sun
Landin's offers the widest variety of any Mexican spot in Gilmer. Their menu goes well beyond the standard taco-enchilada-burrito lineup with sopes, Mexican sandwiches, cheeseburgers (yes, really), fajita chimichangas, garlic butter shrimp, beef guisado, and fresh salads.
They use fresh ingredients and prepare everything to order. If you're eating with a group that can't agree on what sounds good, Landin's is the safest bet—there's something for everyone.
Insider tip: The garlic butter shrimp is a sleeper hit. It's not on every Tex-Mex menu, and Landin's does it right.
What to Know Before You Go
Salsa Strategy
Every Mexican restaurant in Gilmer has its own salsa personality:
Timing Matters
| Day | Best Spot | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Mary's | Taco Tuesday deals |
| Tuesday night | Chayo's | Only night they're open past 2:30 PM |
| Sunday lunch | La Finca | The place to be (get there early) |
| Weekday lunch | Landin's | Fresh, fast, wide variety |
| Late dinner | La Carreta | Open until 9 PM Mon–Sat |
Pricing
| Item | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Taco (single) | $2–3 |
| Taco Tuesday specials | $1–2 each |
| Lunch combo plate | $9–13 |
| Dinner entree | $12–18 |
| Fajitas (for two) | $22–28 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the best tacos in Gilmer? Mary's for authentic street-style tacos. La Finca for Tex-Mex tacos with all the fixings. It depends on what you're craving.
Where's the best salsa? La Carreta's red salsa is my pick for the best in town. La Finca's green salsa is a close second if you ask for it.
Is La Finca worth the Sunday crowd? Yes, but get there before noon. The atmosphere is part of the experience—it's where Gilmer goes after church.
What's the cheapest Mexican food in Gilmer? Mary's Taco Tuesday is the best deal in town. For everyday pricing, Landin's lunch combos are generous and affordable.
Do any of these places serve breakfast? Chayo's opens at 7:00 AM and serves breakfast until they close (2:30 PM most days). La Finca and the others open at 11:00 AM and focus on lunch and dinner.
Can I get a drink with my meal? La Finca has a full bar with margaritas and Mexican beer. La Carreta serves beer. The others are BYOB or non-alcoholic.
Last updated: July 2026