Reno's growing Hispanic population and the sophisticated tastes of both locals and casino visitors makes the city a great place for Mexican dining. Together with the usual suspects of chains (On the Border, Chevy's, etc), Reno has a number of truly authentic Mexican restaurants. While no one would ever tell you that Reno is the top choice for Mexican dining, there are some good choices if you take the time to go off the beaten path.

Murieta's is a very large Mexican restaurant located convenient to both the Peppermill hotel-casino and Atlantis resort-casino. The restaurant is located in a densely populated Hispanic neighborhood in a mini-mall at the intersection of Neil and Peckham. This is truly a vibrant neighborhood, and expect to see the signs of this around you in the stores and residents.

Murrieta's has large wooden beams covering its massive open space. There is a separate room for private parties and a separate bar. For my meal, I tried a combination plate of a chicken tamale and a chicken enchilada with rice and beans -- capped off with a Negro Modelo dark beer. My companion tried a 3 taco combination. Murrieta's authenticity can be seen in the variety of meats that they offer. You might not like them all, but its good to know they are there: Chicharrones (spicy crispy pork); adobada (spicy pork); carne asada; carnitas, chorizo, lengua (beef tongue) and tripas (marrow guts). Yes - some of them can be a little scary -- they have beef and chicken too! Our food was great and the atmosphere was relaxed with prompt and friendly service. If you're tired of the standard fare and want to see a different part of Reno -- Murrieta's Mexican Restaurant is a great choice. We rate Murieta's 7 out of 10.

4385 Neil Road @ Peckham 775-827-3585

Chevy's Restaurant - Reno Hilton & South Reno (MeadowWood Mall Area)

Chevy's restaurants are a popular West Coast chain that offers good quality, consistent Mexican food. The atmosphere in Reno however - is not the best. The South Reno location is frequently 60%+ empty and is not the most "fun" place to visit. We like the food and prices - but Chevy's needs to focus more on an enjoyable dining ambience for customers. Recommended as the most "family friendly" Mexican restaurants. We rate Chevy's 6 out of 10.

4955 South Virginia near MeadowWood Mall 829-8008 and Reno Hilton 786-2269

Mi Casa & Mi Casa Too

These two dark and mysterious restaurants give you a true Mexican ambience. The food is good - but not spectacular, and like most Mexican restaurants you get a lot of "fill" for your money. Margarita's here can be particularly strong. We like the "underground" vibe of the West 4th Street location, however the Virginia Street location is very convenient to the Atlantis Hotel-Casino and Peppermill Hotel-Casino. We recommend these restaurants for a convenient, quality Mexican food choice and rate them 7 out of 10.

2205 West Fourth Street (West Reno) 323-6466 and 3255 South Virginia near the Peppermill Hotel-Casino. 825-3005

Cantina Los Tres Hombres

The two Cantina restaurants give a very Americanified view of mexican food. Food at both is ok - not quite as good as Mi Casa. Both of these restaurants thrive on more of a club atmosphere as they feature live bands and dancing after dinner. You can see a number of great local Reno bands - and the Sparks Cantina is particularly cool. The Sparks Cantina is a renovated classic building with brick architecture. Recommended for music and convenient food before the show. We rate Cantina 5 out of 10 for dining.

7111 South Virginia (MeadowWood Mall Area) 775-852-0202

926 Victorian Avenue near John Asguaga's Nugget Hotel in Sparks. 775-356-6262

El Adobe Cafe

El Adobe is the most authentic restaurant of the Reno bunch. Run by a family from Mexico - El Adobe offers very authentic Mexican food and ambience. Expect more unusual items here and spicy tastes. We recommend El Adobe for the more adventurous Reno Mexican food diner. 775-327-4422 We rate El Adobe 7 out of 10.

55 West Arroyo Street - just south of Downtown Reno off Virginia Street

Bertha Miranda's

For very authentic Mexican food - but just a taste of comfort for the visitor - Bertha Miranda's is Reno locals favorite. Extremely authentic Mexican atmosphere with both unusual and typical dishes plus a variety of specialties. Bertha Miranda's is always busy and even offers breakfast! Parking can be challenging (for Reno) and do not plan to park in the very small parking lot (lock your car!) We rate Bertha's 9 out of 10.

336 Mill Street 775-786-9797

Buenos Grill

Great "neighborhood", independent Mexican with a flair for the party. Buenos Grill has a fun outdoor section that faces beautiful views. This restaurant gives a Reno flavor to the quick-serve chains that seem to be replicating across America. Convenient to a variety of local boutiques in a residential mall. We rate Buejnos Grill 7 out of 10.

3892 Mayberry @ McCarran (West Reno) 775-787-8226