Welcome back, Polk County.
Mike here.
We haven't revisited the Mexican food in Polk County since our article about the best Mexican restaurants in Lakeland — so I figured we'd bring it back by discussing the best Mexican restaurants in Winter Haven this time.
I have been on multiple 30+ day Chipotle eating streaks, so I am definitely a fan of Mexican food, but Katie and I don't really go out to "sit down" Mexican restaurants all that often.
That said, there are a couple options on this list that we HAVE been two, one of which is one of our favorite stops in town, and another that is definitely another at the top of our list for Mexican.
But alright, without further ado:
The Best Mexican restaurants in Winter Haven.
And, as always, this isn’t just a list I’ve put together based on my own preferences…
This list was built from HUNDREDS of votes, from locals just like you.
Let’s go 
Special Author’s Note:
Make your Chipotle jokes all you want! 😂 Thankfully these lists are based on local votes and recommendations so you don't have to worry about our lack of sit-down restaurant vibes vs. quick awesome tacos and burritos (my personal style).
First Place: Azteca
The Best Mexican Restaurants In Winter Haven, Florida
Azteca — 5860 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
Taking the top spot is Azteca.
I'll admit, I went back and forth on this one.
Normally, when the votes are close, I like to give the edge to locally owned restaurants over chains.
But after digging through hundreds of recommendations Azteca simply came up too many times to ignore.
It wasn't just the most recommended Mexican restaurant in Winter Haven ... it won by a wide margin.
Voters said things like:
- "Azteca hands down."
- "Azteca is the best in my opinion."
- "Great food, great service. Been our favorite for many years."
From longtime locals to first-time visitors, people consistently praised the food, the service, and, of course, the margaritas.
Second Place: Chile Verde
The Second Best Mexican Restaurant In Winter Haven, Florida
Chile Verde — 1925 8th St NW, Winter Haven
Coming in second for our best Mexican in Winter haven is Chile Verde.
If there was one restaurant that kept challenging Azteca throughout all the recommendation threads, it was Chile Verde.
People repeatedly described it as authentic, affordable, and one of Winter Haven's best-kept secrets.
In fact, several locals even said not to let the outside of the building fool you because the food more than makes up for it.
Voters said things like:
- "Chile Verde is 10/10."
- "Don't let the outside appearance turn you off. Food and service are amazing."
- "Great food, fairly priced, and served by friendly staff."
This is definitely one of those restaurants that locals seem to love introducing people to.
Third Place: San Diego's Mexican Grill & Sports Bar
The Third Best Mexican Restaurants In Winter Haven, Florida
San Diego's Mexican Grill & Sports Bar — 1300 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Coming in third is San Diego's Mexican Grill.
If you're looking for generous portions, friendly service, and great value, San Diego's came up over and over again.
While it finished just behind Chile Verde in the voting, the two were incredibly close, with plenty of locals saying San Diego's is their go-to spot whenever they're craving Mexican food.
Voters said things like:
- "San Diego's gets my vote!"
- "Some of the best nachos I've had."
- "Great food and super nice owners and staff."
It may not get quite as much attention as the top two, but it's clearly earned a loyal following around Winter Haven.
Fourth Place: The Lake House Kitchen
The Fourth Best Mexican Restaurants In Winter Haven, Florida
The Lake House Kitchen — 308 4th St SW, Winter Haven
Landing in fourth is The Lake House Kitchen.
It isn't the first restaurant people usually think of when you say "Mexican," but it showed up WAY too many times to ignore.
Katie and I gave it a full review for our Polk Food Quest and thoroughly enjoyed everything and felt it lived up to the hype.
Voters said things like:
- "The Lake House Kitchen is the best!"
- "Their birria ramen is delish."
- "The Lake House Kitchen hands down."
From birria ramen to carne asada, plenty of locals made it clear this has become one of their favorite spots for Mexican-inspired food.
Fifth Place: El Olivo
The Fifth Best Mexican Restaurant In Winter Haven, Florida
El Olivo — 301 3rd St NW Unit 363, Winter Haven
Rounding out our Top 5 is El Olivo.
El Olivo didn't receive quite as many votes as some of the restaurants above it, but if I had to explain how it made the top five I'd say: quietly consistent.
This is one that has been around for a LONG time and seems to have a die-hard fan base. Katie and I are excited to make our way there and see if it's a hidden gem.
Voters said things like:
- "El Olivo, downtown."
- "My favorite for 30 years."
- "El Olivo for Mexican."
Several longtime locals mentioned it has been one of their favorite places for years, and it's clearly built a loyal customer base in downtown Winter Haven.
Special Shoutout: Savage Tacos
Special Recommendation from Mike & Katie at Polk Squeeze
Savage Tacos — 1508 42nd St NW, Winter Haven
We're giving Savage Tacos another Polk Squeeze special shoutout nod.
We did the same in our breakdown of the best tacos in Polk County as well.
Savage Tacos recently opened up their first brick-and-mortar location in Winter Haven, and everything we've ever had is amazing.
And I'm almost always getting the weekly special that Dan whips up (highly recommend).
Voters said things like:
- “Savage Tacos 100%”
- “Savage Tacos”
- “Savage, easy!”
This is also mine and Katie's favorite Mexican/taco spot in Polk right now, so we felt strongly about adding in the bonus shoutout here.
Other Great Mexican Restaurants In Winter Haven, Florida
If you’re anything like me, you want to try all the best Mexican restaurants in Winter Haven, Florida so you can be the judge for yourself.
So here are the rest of the top ten Mexican restaurants in Winter Haven, Florida (in order 6-10):
- #6 — Las Comadres (Lake Alfred)
- #7 — Azul Tequila (Lake Wales)
- #8 — Tacos My Friend (Auburndale Food Truck)
- #9 — Taco Riendo Food Collective (Winter Haven)
- #10 — Angel's Kitchen (Winter Haven)
Which gives us the full top 10 Mexican restaurants in Polk.
And brings us to the moment you’ve all been waiting for…
My personal opinion (that no one asked for 
).
Here are my top Mexican restaurants [in Winter Haven]:
- Savage Tacos
- The Lake House Kitchen
- Saving This Spot
As always, I'm reserving that third spot until I have tried every spot on the list, especially being that I'm lacking a few of the top picks.
That said, I'm pretty happy with my two top choices and frequent Savage Tacos more than I'd like to admit!
THANKS!
Thanks for reading this edition of The Polk Squeeze today.
Share this with a friend who's been looking for the best Mexican restaurants in Winter Haven.
- Mike Romaine
Never Miss An Event Or Story
Hi Mike and Katie, I’m originally from upstate NY and moved to Florida in 1993. I currently live in Winter Haven. I love getting the Polk Squeeze in my email! There’re places to eat that I’ve never knew existed in Winter Haven. One place I noticed in your 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in Winter Haven, is El Olivo. They are closed down now.
Keep up the good work!
Donna
Hi Donna, thanks so much! Very glad you’re enjoying the emails.
As of July 21st El Olivo looks active and posted on their Facebook page “We’re BACK from family vacation and ready to serve everyone!”.
I believe they went through a phase from end of December/early January to end of May that had them closed while finding a new location.