Best Mexican restaurants in Springfield

This is the place to go if you want really, truly, authentic Mexican cuisine -- just know you're going to be getting it minus any and all frills. All-beef tamales, mild or spicy, are the features of the house, alongside Mexican soft tacos and other standards. You also can grab your favorite Mexican food products from nearby shelves.

A novelty restaurant in Springfield, Cielito Lindo has a great selection of authentic Mexican food. The staff is helpful and friendly, the premises are clean, and the cheese dip is delicious. They give you a lot of food for the price and you will never leave hungry. The scenery provides a great experience while you enjoy legitimate Mexican food. The restaurant serves good margaritas and have beer and wine. They are also happy to accommodate vegetarians.

Maria's Mexican restaurant in downtown Springfield is the place to go for Mexican food and lots of action. Televisions and music help keep the atmosphere upbeat and lively. In addition, Maria's has a full bar to accommodate thirsty guests. Maria's is syre to please, as the recipes are straight from the owner's grandmother. Try the fried tacos or the Sergio. Finish the meal with sopapillas or fried ice cream.

Ok, this place isn't Mexican at all. It's a steak joint. But they do serve tamales, and those tamales are pretty tasty. If you're a spice-phobe, this might be as south-of-the-border as you're willing to get.

Located in the Branson Landing, Cantina Laredo has captured the true taste of authentic Mexican cooking by preparing everything fresh. By preparing only the freshest fish, grilling only certified Angus beef™ steaks and hand rolling every enchilada, you can taste the difference.

Acambaro Restaurant is a favorite among locals. It offers authentic Mexican dishes (along with some to appeal to northern palates) and serves complimentary chips and salsa with meal. Happy hours are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Buy one beer, or margarita, get the second for half off.

La Fiesta serves authentic and affordable Mexican fare in a festive environment. Start off with some complimentary chips and salsa, or try the steaks Fajita Nachos for an appetizer. Daily specials are available.

Authentic Mexican cooking with recipes originating from Central Mexico. The restaurant has been at this location for 15 years.

El Maguey offers an extensive menu of traditional Mexican and Mexican-American dishes; you can't miss the building, painted with a full palette of colors. You also can sip on a margarita while there.

This is a controversial and hotly contested addition to the list. Mexican Villa, with all its satellite locations, is the black licorice of Mexican food. You either love it or you hate it. Actually, it really can't be called Mexican food and it doesn't seem like they're trying too hard to convince you otherwise. The haters are vocal but the lovers are quick to defend it -- "just accept it for what it is!" they plead. Ehh, we reserve the right to maintain our stance. But hey, vivo and let vivo.