Milwaukee's best Mexican restaurants with lunch specials
More than 50 Mexican restaurants across the greater Milwaukee area offer dedicated lunch specials, with prices ranging from under $5 at authentic South Side taquerias to around $15 at sit-down establishments—making affordable family lunches easy to find from Cedarburg to Waukesha County. The South Side remains Milwaukee's undisputed hub for authentic Mexican cuisine, but excellent options have spread throughout the North Shore suburbs, West Side, and surrounding counties. This guide organizes the best lunch deals by geographic area to plan convenient outings close to home.
North Shore suburbs
The North Shore may not be Milwaukee's traditional Mexican food destination, but several excellent options serve families from Shorewood to Cedarburg with dedicated lunch specials and kid-friendly atmospheres.
El Tenampa Mexican Grill & Cantina
8660 N 107th St, Milwaukee (Granville Station—serves Brown Deer/River Hills) Phone: (414) 206-0790 | eltenampamexgrill.com
El Tenampa offers the North Shore's most comprehensive lunch special menu, available daily 11am-3pm. All specials include soup of the day, rice, and refried beans:
2 Tacos, Tostadas, Chimichangas, Enchiladas, or Tamales: $13.50
Create Your Own Combo (pick 2 items): $14.50
Torta or Burrito: $13.95
Lunch Fajita: Chicken $15.25 / Steak $16.25 / Shrimp $17.25
Add steak to any item: +$0.99
Family features: Kids meals $9 (includes rice/beans/fries/fruit), high chairs available. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, and Grubhub.
Taco Pros — Mequon
10942 N Port Washington Rd, Mequon Phone: (262) 643-4003 | tacopros.com
This fast-casual spot offers combo meal deals perfect for quick family lunches:
Taco Combo: 3 tacos + rice & beans OR fries and soda
Burrito Combo: 1 burrito + choice of side
Torta Combo: 1 torta + choice of side
Kids Meal: Taco or quesadilla with side
Protein options include picadillo, asada, pollo, barbacoa, and al pastor. Hours: Daily 11am-10pm. Health score: 100/100. Delivery available via DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
Highland House — Mequon
12741 N Port Washington Rd, Mequon Phone: (262) 243-5844 | highlandhouse.com
A California-Caribbean-Mexican fusion spot voted "Milwaukee's Best Margaritas." While not a dedicated lunch special menu, Highland House offers daily specials and happy hour pricing. Menu includes fish tacos, carne asada, birria tacos, fajitas, and quesadillas. Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. Reservations via OpenTable.
Boca Rica — Mequon Public Market
6300 W Mequon Rd (inside Mequon Public Market) Phone: (262) 236-5440 | bocaricamequon.com
This Mexico City-inspired counter-service spot inside Mequon Public Market features homemade tortillas and Boca Bowls with steak, rice, corn, pico de gallo, and avocado. Mai Tai Monday (11am-5:30pm): $8 Mai Tais, $3 beers, $5 rail mixers. Hours: Daily 11am-8pm.
La Cantina Mexican Restaurant — Cedarburg
W63N170 Washington Ave, Cedarburg lacantinacedarburg.com
Full-service Mexican restaurant serving the Ozaukee County area with traditional menu including tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, chimichangas, carne asada, flautas, ceviche, and fish tacos. Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery available.
Additional North Shore options
Poco Loco Cantina (4134 W River Lane, Brown Deer) offers fine Southwestern cooking with rotating daily specials: Fajitas Mon/Tue, Birria Wed/Thu, House Smoked Meats Fri/Sat, Tamales Sunday. Lunch hours Tue-Thu 11:30am-2pm.
Lime Cantina (Cedarburg) features heated patio seating and elevated Mexican fare including street tacos ($15-19 for 3), mole ribs ($24-30), and Mexican street corn.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee's urban core—from Walker's Point to Bay View to the East Side—offers the greatest concentration of Mexican restaurants with lunch specials, from budget-friendly taquerias to trendy cantinas.
Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant — Bay View
2317 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee Phone: (414) 482-2269 | guanajuatomke.com
Guanajuato offers some of Milwaukee's best-value lunch specials, available Mon-Fri 10am-2pm. All items just $5.50-$6.50 and include rice, beans, and tortillas:
2 Tacos, Enchiladas, or Quesadillas: $5.50
1 Tostada, Chimichanga, or Mini Burrito: $5.50
2 Flautas: $6.50
Carne Asada, Al Pastor, Desebrada, or Pollo: $6.50
Choice of chicken, ground beef, steak, or pork. Family features: Children's menu, casual atmosphere. Dine-in, takeout, delivery.
Botanas II Mexican Restaurant — Bay View
1421 E Howard Ave, Milwaukee Phone: (414) 489-0529 | botanas2mexican.com
Lunch specials Tue-Fri 11am-2pm feature an excellent build-your-own combo:
Build Your Own Combo — $8.95: Pick two items (enchilada, chimichanga, small burrito, quesadilla, taco, tostada, flauta, or tamal) with choice of meat. Includes cup of black bean or enchilada soup, rice, beans, and sour cream.
Fajita Plate: $9.95
10" Taco Salad, Large Burrito, Big Chimichanga: $8.95
Torta with rice and beans: $9.95
Premium meats (steak, pastor, chorizo) add $2. Family features: Kids menu, patio seating. Delivery via Uber Eats.
BelAir Cantina — Multiple Locations
Water Street: 1935 N Water St | (414) 226-2245 Downer Ave: 2625 N Downer Ave | (414) 964-1190 belaircantina.com
BelAir's all-day specials make any day a good day for tacos:
Taco Tuesday & Thursday: $3 select tacos, $3 Modelo/Dos Equis drafts, $3 Tecate cans
Margarita Monday: $5 margaritas all day
Neato-Burrito Wednesday: $11.11 any BelAir burrito or bowl
Water Street Late Night (Fri-Sat 9-11pm): $5 margaritas, $5 nachos, $3 walkin' tacos
Rice and beans included free with 3+ tacos; complimentary chips and salsas. Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-10pm, Thu-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm. Family features: Good for kids and groups, high chairs, casual atmosphere.
El Beso Mexican Restaurante & Cantina
909 W Layton Ave, Milwaukee (near Greenfield) Phone: (414) 455-3534 | elbesomke.com
Daily specials available 11am-9pm:
Monday & Wednesday — Burrito Day: Jumbo Clasico Burrito $9 (add rice & beans +$4.50)
Tuesday & Thursday — Taco Day: 3 Tacos Tradicional $9 (add rice & beans +$4.50)
Happy Hour 2:30-6pm daily
Family features: Beautiful outdoor patio with waterfall, private rooms for parties. Delivery via DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Cielito Lindo — Walker's Point
733 S 2nd St, Milwaukee Phone: (414) 649-0401 | cielitolindomilwaukee.com
Lunch specials Mon-Fri 11am-3pm with affordable everyday pricing:
Taco Dinner (3 tacos): $9 (pork, ground beef, chicken, or tongue)
Quesadilla con Carne Dinner: $10.99
Chimichanga: Two small burritos deep fried with rice, beans, salad
Breakfast served until 3:15pm daily. Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-9:45pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11:45pm, Sun 8:30am-10:45pm. Family features: Outdoor seating, casual atmosphere, happy hour specials. Delivery via Uber Eats and Postmates.
Conejito's Place — Walker's Point
539 W Virginia St, Milwaukee Phone: (414) 278-9106 | conejitosmke.com
Voted #1 Cheap Eats by Shepherd Express, Conejito's is a Milwaukee institution where nothing costs over $11:
Mexican Plate Lunch: Meat, potatoes, beans, rice — around $6
4 Beef Chopped Meat Tacos: $4.60
4 Bean Tacos: $3
Pork Spare Ribs with rice/beans/tortillas: $5
Mole: $4.50 (dark meat) / $5 (white meat)
Food served on paper plates in true taqueria style. Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm. Delivery via Grubhub.
Café Corazón — Riverwest & Bay View
Riverwest: 3129 N Bremen St | (414) 810-3941 Bay View: 2394 S Kinnickinnic Ave corazonmilwaukee.com
Known for locally-sourced ingredients and scratch cooking. Happy Hour 3-6pm weekdays with drink specials. Weekend brunch Sat-Sun 10am-3pm. Complimentary chips and salsa for dine-in. Family features: Good for kids/groups, outdoor seating. Reservations accepted; delivery via DoorDash.
Botanas Restaurant (Original) — Walker's Point
816 S 5th St, Milwaukee Phone: (414) 672-3755 | botanasoriginal.com
Voted #1 Mexican Restaurant by multiple publications including Shepherd Express and Milwaukee Magazine. Lunch menu available with combination plates, famous moles, and over 100 tequila varieties. Family features: Patio seating, ample parking, private room for up to 100 guests.
Paloma Taco & Tequila — Bay View & Washington Heights
Bay View: 2156 S Kinnickinnic Ave | (414) 212-8978 North Ave: 5419 W North Ave | (414) 810-0404 palomatacoandtequila.com
Bay View Monday: Happy Hour ALL DAY. Weekdays: Happy Hour 4-6pm. Features 75+ tequilas including mezcal. Hours vary by location. Family features: Dog-friendly patio, bright inviting atmosphere, vegetarian/vegan options.
Jalisco's Cantina
1035 S Cesar E Chavez Dr, Milwaukee jaliscoscantina.com
Family-owned since 1987 with over 100 tequila varieties. Famous for huge burritos and combination plates with homemade tortillas. Delivery via Uber Eats, GrubHub, DoorDash. Catering available.
West Side restaurants span Wauwatosa to Brookfield
Milwaukee's western suburbs offer excellent variety from established Wauwatosa favorites to authentic West Allis taquerias and New Berlin cantinas.
Hector's A Mexican Restaurant — Wauwatosa
7118 W State St, Wauwatosa Phone: (414) 258-5600 | hectors.com
Established in 1989, Hector's offers a dedicated lunch menu (11am-2pm weekdays) with items served with rice and black beans:
2 Barbacoa, Fish, Chipotle, Carne Asada, or Carnitas Tacos: $9.50
2 Tacos Al Pastor: $11.50
2 Enchiladas or Enchiladas Verde/Mexicana: $12
Grilled Chicken Lunch Fajita: $12
Additional specials:
Tuesday (6-9pm): $2.50 ala carte house tacos
Thursday: 3 Mexican Street Tacos + Margarita $14
Happy Hour (Tue-Thu 3-6pm): $6 specials
Hours: Sun/Tue-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9:30pm, closed Monday. Family features: Good for kids, outdoor patio, casual atmosphere.
Jose's Blue Sombrero — Wauwatosa
7615 W State St, Wauwatosa Phone: (414) 453-2300 | josesbluesombrero.com
Same great specials as Fox Point location: $2 Taco Mondays, free happy hour taco bar, Friday fish fry. Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm, closed Sunday. Family features: Kids' menu, tableside guacamole, vegetarian options.
Habanero's Mexican Kitchen — Wauwatosa
869 N Mayfair Rd, Wauwatosa Phone: (414) 607-9025 | habanerosmexicankitchen.shop
Weekday lunch specials with Combinados platters $14.49-$17.49. Fajitas range from Grilled Chicken ($20.95) to Shrimp & Scallops ($32.49). Table-side guacamole and happy hour specials available. Hours: Mon-Tue 11am-9pm, Wed-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm. Family features: Kids' menu, high chairs, reservations accepted.
Las Cazuelas Chilaquiles & Taco Bar — West Allis
6738 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis Phone: (414) 312-7020 | lascazuelasrestobar.com
Specializes in handmade chilaquiles and molcajete tacos with MSG-free tortillas and salsas made fresh daily. Happy Hour (3-6pm): $5 margaritas, bucket of 5 for $20. Breakfast served daily. Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 9am-7pm. Family features: Party hosting, catering, festive atmosphere.
Señor Luna — New Berlin
1901 S Calhoun Rd, New Berlin senorluna.com
Happy Hour Tue-Sat 11am-5pm, Sunday ALL DAY 11am-8pm. Specialty margaritas and authentic Mexican food. Newsletter signup for gift certificates. Hours: Tue-Sun 11am-9pm, closed Monday. Casual cantina atmosphere, good for groups.
Cocina Real — New Berlin
15366 W Beloit Rd, New Berlin Phone: (262) 780-9952 | cocinareal.com
Opens at 11am daily for lunch with table-side guacamole, Enchiladas Poblanos, Quesadilla Ranchera, Pollo Yucatan. Taco Tuesday specials and happy hour. Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun noon-9pm. Family features: Good for kids and groups, free parking.
Mezcalero Restaurant and Bar — Greenfield
6869 W Forest Home Ave, Greenfield Phone: (414) 897-8296 | mezcalerorestaurant.com
Lunch menu with competitive pricing:
Al Pastor Tacos (3) with Mexican rice: $12.95
Ground Beef or Roasted Chicken Tacos (3): $11.95
Combination Platter (mini chimichanga, taco al pastor, chicken enchilada, rice, beans): $14.95
Enchiladas (3) with rice and beans: $11.95
Fajitas: Chicken $15.95 / Steak or Shrimp $18.95 / Combo $19.95
Delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber Eats.
Additional West Side options
Taqueria y Chimichangas Ashley's (Greenfield) offers buffet-style service with excellent value. La Chinampa Mexican Food (5442 W Forest Home Ave, Greenfield) features quick-service Mexican with online ordering. Burrachos (17530 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield) provides fast-casual Mexican open 10:30am-8pm daily.
South Side
Milwaukee's South Side—particularly the Mitchell Street corridor, Lincoln Village, and Clarke Square—is the historic heart of the city's Mexican community. Expect the most authentic food, best prices, and occasionally limited online information.
Tres Hermanos Restaurant — Lincoln Village
1332 W Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee Phone: (414) 672-4061 | treshermanosmke.com
Outstanding value with multiple lunch specials:
Lunch Special with drink: $5
Wednesday: All-you-can-eat tacos $4.99-$5 with rice and beans
Lunch Plate: $12.99
Taco/Enchilada/Tostada Combo: $8.99
3 Chimichangas: $9.99
Rice, beans, and salad included with most entrees. Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 11am-10pm. Family features: Two banquet halls (20-110 guests), beautiful patio, karaoke Fri/Sat. Delivery via Grubhub.
El Rey Foods Taqueria — Clarke Square
916 S Cesar E Chavez Dr, Milwaukee Phone: (414) 383-7786 | elreyfoods.com
Food court inside Mexican grocery store with very affordable a la carte pricing—tacos, tamales, tostadas, quesadillas, chimichangas. Chips and salsa included while waiting. Hours: 7am-8pm daily. Additional location: El Rey Plaza, 3524 W Burnham St, (414) 643-1616. Convenient for families combining shopping with lunch.
Guadalajara Restaurant — Walker's Point
901 S 10th St, Milwaukee Phone: (414) 647-2266 | milwaukeemexicanfood.com
Owner Felipe has served the South Side for 30+ years. Breakfast & Lunch Menu 9am-8pm:
Huevos a La Mexicana with rice and beans: $6.95
Huevos Rancheros: $7.50
Gordita: $4.75
Mole Poblano Dinner: $14.95
Chilaquiles is the most popular dish. Live mariachi music. Hours: Mon 9am-8pm, closed Tue, Wed-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 8am-8pm. Cozy 9-table atmosphere. Delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub.
La Casa de Alberto — Walker's Point
624 W National Ave, Milwaukee Phone: (414) 643-5715
Incredible a la carte value:
Taco with pastor (pork): $1.50
Tostada with pulled pork: $2.50
Enchilada with chicken: $1.50
Dark meat mole: $6.50 / White meat mole: $7.50
Complete lunch typically around $10. Complimentary chips and three salsas. Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 11am-10pm, closed Tue. Casual neighborhood spot with full bar and outdoor seating.
Taqueria Buenavista — West Milwaukee
6000 W Burnham St, Milwaukee Phone: (414) 546-1197
Budget champion where reviewers report leaving "full and happy for less than $5":
Tacos: $2 each
Tostadas: $2.50 each
Nachos: $7.50
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight, Sun 10am-11pm. Kids menu available. Also operates a food truck at 3101-3173 S Chase Ave.
El Tlaxcalteca Restaurant — Inside El Rey Plaza
1300 W Burnham St, Milwaukee Phone: (414) 312-8436
Known for Milwaukee's best birria and the famous "machete"—a 3-foot, 3-pound shareable creation. Lunch combos include:
3 Tacos + 8oz Consommé: $13
Birria Taco Dinner: $16.50
Especial del Jefe: $17
Daily specials including huaraches, tortitas de pollo, pozole, albondigas. Breakfast specials before 11am include Chilaquiles El Tlaxcalteca. Hours: Daily 9am-9pm. Colorful décor with Day of the Dead decorations. Delivery via DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats.
Jalapeño Loco — Near Airport (Bay View area)
5067 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee Phone: (414) 483-8300 | jalapenolocomilwaukee.com
Dedicated lunch menu daily 11am-2pm with Oaxacan specialties:
Entomatadas (2 tortillas with meat, tomato sauce, queso fresco, avocado, rice, beans): $12.95
Chilaquiles con Huevos: $13.75
Enfrijoladas Oaxaqueñas: $12.95
Taquitos Dorados (4) with rice and beans: $13.50
Huevos al Gusto: $13.50
All items include rice and beans. Family features: Gluten-free menu, banquet room, patio dining, mariachi music Wednesdays 6-9pm. Happy hour 3-6pm daily.
El Señorial Mexican Restaurant
1901 S 31st St, Milwaukee Phone: (414) 643-9766
Open 10am for lunch service. Signature Parrillada (beef ribs, steak, chicken, pork, chorizo with rice, beans, guacamole, pico) serves one for $25.75-$26.95. Enchiladas Suizas and Enchiladas con Mole Poblano available. Excellent horchata: Large $3.95, XL $6.95, Pitcher $14.25. Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-1am. Large restaurant with carved wooden furniture and outdoor patio.
Additional South Side options
El Tucanazo (2940 S 13th St) is a small 10-seat diner with authentic preparations and Bistec en Salsa Verde around $12. Azteca Restaurant MKE (South Milwaukee) offers tortas $14.25-$16.50 and taco dinners $13.95-$16.50 with rice, beans, and salad.
Surrounding counties expand the options
Waukesha, Washington, and Ozaukee counties offer excellent Mexican restaurants—many with dedicated lunch menus at competitive prices.
Taqueria Don Chava — Pewaukee
220 A Oakton Ave, Pewaukee Phone: (262) 737-6888 | taqueriadonchava.com
Best documented lunch specials in Waukesha County—$9.99, daily 10am-2pm. All plates include rice and beans with choice of chicken or ground beef (premium meats +$2):
Two Enchiladas
One Burrito
One Chimichanga
One Quesadilla
Two Tacos
Two Quesabirrias
Two Flautas
Two Tostadas
Lunch Combo (pick any two items)
Torta
Huevo con chorizo
Huevo ala mexicana
Premium upgrade for steak, al pastor, carnitas, chorizo, shrimp, or lengua: +$2. Kids menu available. Family-owned atmosphere.
Casa Tequila — Three Locations
Pewaukee: 1405 W Capitol Dr, Suite K | (262) 746-6966 Waukesha: 2423 Kossow Rd | (262) 439.8049 West Bend: 150 S Main St | (262) 334.0200 mycasatequila.com
Dedicated lunch menu with boxed lunches, lunch tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and vegetarian options. Daily dine-in specials:
Tuesday: $2 tacos, $9 sangrias
Wednesday: 2x1 house margaritas (12oz)
Friday: All-you-can-eat cod fish fry $14.99
Sunday: Free kids meal with dinner entree purchase
Hours vary by location; generally 11am-9/10pm. Delivery via DoorDash.
La Estación — Waukesha
319 Williams St, Waukesha Phone: (262) 521-1986 | laestacionrestaurant.com
Lunch specials 11am-3pm daily:
Burrito Chipotle: $9 (chicken with queso blanco, chipotle cream, cilantro)
Burrito Ranchero: $8.25 (choice of meat with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, melted cheese, ranchera sauce)
Pick Two Combo: $9.50 (mix/match two items with rice, beans, sour cream)
Average entrée $12. Unique feature: Dine-in train cars with train station theme. Hispanic-owned, ADA accessible. Sunday brunch buffet and Taco Tuesday specials.
Su Casa Grande Mexican Grill & Sports Bar — Menomonee Falls
N84W15842 Appleton Ave, Menomonee Falls Phone: (262) 251-3192 | sucasagrande.net
Lunch specials Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, $13.99 (add steak +$2). All served with rice and beans:
Two Tacos, Tostadas, or Enchiladas
Three Flautas
Quesadilla, Burrito, or Taco Salad
Two Chimichangas or Tamales
Chile Relleno & Taco combo
Burrito Suizo: $14.99
Two Fish Tacos (Icelandic Cod): $14.99
Lunch Fajitas: Steak/Chicken $16.99 / Shrimp $19.99
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm. Family features: Multi-generational family-owned, kids menu ($8.99), sports bar with TVs, outdoor seating. Delivery via DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Don Ramon Mexican Restaurant — West Bend
501 Wildwood Rd, West Bend Phone: (262) 447-1111 | donramonrestaurants.com/west-bend
Fish taco lunch specials in the $5-$6.50 range with good portions. Happy hour: 32oz drafts $4.99, margaritas $4.99. Specialties include Ribeye Tacos and Molcajete ($17). Taco Tuesday specials. Hours: 11am-8:40pm daily. Family features: Good for kids, outdoor seating. Delivery via DoorDash and Uber Eats.
La Cabaña Family Restaurant — Waukesha
Phone: (262) 875-4592 | waukeshamexicanrestaurant.com
Taco Monday special described as "can't be beat." Lunch specials include FREE drink. Small family business serving breakfast through dinner with family-friendly atmosphere.
Fiesta Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Cantina — Oconomowoc
159 E Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc Phone: (262) 569-9740 | fiestacancunrestaurant.com
Daily lunch and dinner specials with live entertainment and outdoor patio. Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm. Private rooms for parties, large groups welcome.
Additional options in Washington and Ozaukee counties
Sabor A Mezcal (Main St, West Bend) features birria ribeye nachos and quesabirria tacos. Puebla's Kitchen (Hartford) offers authentic lunch catering with affordable pricing (~$20 for two). Garibaldi Mexican Bar and Grill (1225 E Sumner St, Hartford) serves authentic Mexican with carryout available.
Planning your family lunch outing
Best value lunch specials by price
For families watching the budget, these spots deliver the most food for the dollar:
Under $5: Taqueria Buenavista (West Milwaukee), La Casa de Alberto (Walker's Point)
$5-$7: Guanajuato (Bay View), Conejito's Place (Walker's Point), Tres Hermanos Wednesday special
$8-$10: Botanas II (Bay View), La Estación (Waukesha), Taqueria Don Chava (Pewaukee), El Beso daily specials
$10-$15: El Tenampa (Brown Deer), Su Casa Grande (Menomonee Falls), Hector's (Wauwatosa)
Best for families with young children
These restaurants specifically highlight kids' menus, high chairs, and family-friendly atmospheres: El Tenampa, Jose's Blue Sombrero (all locations), Habanero's, Su Casa Grande, Casa Tequila (free kids meal Sundays), Taco Pros, and Tres Hermanos (banquet facilities for larger groups).
Best daily deal days
Monday: Jose's Blue Sombrero $2 tacos; BelAir Cantina $5 margaritas; Paloma all-day happy hour
Tuesday: BelAir Cantina $3 tacos; Casa Tequila $2 tacos; Hector's $2.50 tacos (evening)
Wednesday: Tres Hermanos all-you-can-eat tacos $4.99; BelAir Cantina $11.11 burritos
Thursday: Hector's street tacos + margarita $14; BelAir Cantina $3 tacos
Friday: Casa Tequila all-you-can-eat fish fry $14.99; Jose's Blue Sombrero Mexican fish fry
Sunday: Señor Luna all-day happy hour; Casa Tequila free kids meal
Geographic quick reference
Area Top Lunch Special Pick Price Range Best For North Shore El Tenampa $13.50-$17.25 Complete lunch with soup Bay View Guanajuato $5.50-$6.50 Best value sit-down Walker's Point Conejito's Place $3-$6 Budget taqueria South Side Tres Hermanos $5-$12.99 AYCE tacos Wednesday Wauwatosa Hector's $9.50-$12 Established family dining West Allis Las Cazuelas Varies Authentic chilaquiles Waukesha County Taqueria Don Chava $9.99 Best documented specials Menomonee Falls Su Casa Grande $13.99 Most lunch options
Conclusion
Milwaukee's Mexican restaurant scene offers remarkable depth and value for family lunch outings, with over 50 restaurants providing dedicated lunch specials across the greater metro area. The South Side remains the destination for authentic, budget-friendly taquerias where full meals cost under $10, while North Shore and western suburbs offer more upscale sit-down experiences typically in the $10-$17 range.
The most significant finding: nearly every restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, making flexible family planning easy. Several chains—Jose's Blue Sombrero, BelAir Cantina, Casa Tequila—provide consistent experiences across multiple locations. For the best values, target Guanajuato in Bay View ($5.50 lunch plates), Taqueria Don Chava in Pewaukee ($9.99 lunch combos), or the legendary Conejito's Place where nothing exceeds $11.
Prices and hours change seasonally—always call ahead for current lunch special availability, particularly at smaller South Side taquerias with limited web presence. Many restaurants also offer catering and private dining for larger family gatherings, making these establishments useful for birthday parties and celebrations beyond everyday lunches.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from iconic supper clubs with relish trays and brandy Old Fashioneds to neighborhood taverns, church basement fundraisers, and VFW halls