Mexican Connection Information

Mexican Connection at 41 Nelson Ave in Saratoga Springs is a long-running Mexican and Southwestern restaurant with roots dating to 1979. The official history traces the business to Marilyn Farrell, who began selling tacos from a small downtown Saratoga shop before the restaurant moved to Nelson Avenue. Today, the menu remains focused on made-to-order Mexican dishes, while the bar emphasizes tequila, mezcal and margaritas. First visit? Start with the Chimichanga, which the restaurant identifies as its bestselling item.

Quick Facts

Address: 41 Nelson Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, United States
Cuisine: Mexican and Southwestern.
Reservations: Available through the restaurant’s official website.
Order online: Available through the official website.

What Is Mexican Connection Known For?

History gives Mexican Connection more character than a standard neighborhood taco stop. The restaurant says it has served the Capital Region since 1979 and describes itself as the area’s longest-operating Mexican restaurant. Food is made to order on site, while the full bar carries more than 160 premium sipping tequilas and mezcals alongside Mexican beer and hand-shaken margaritas.

What to Order at Mexican Connection

Chimichanga - $18.95. A crisp flour tortilla comes stuffed with your choice of meat, beans and melted cheese, then topped with seasoned sour cream and guacamole. Order this first if you want the restaurant’s signature comfort-food experience.

Fish Tacos - $20.95. Battered fried rockfish meets quick-pickled red cabbage, caper-jalapeño tartar sauce and cilantro on pan-seared corn tortillas, with black beans and yellow rice. Choose these when seafood sounds better than beef or chicken.

Tamale - $9.95. Corn masa surrounds seasoned meat and sauce before steaming in a corn husk; red chile sauce and cheese finish the dish. It is a smart smaller order if you want a traditional masa-based option.

Chile Relleno - $14.95. A char-grilled poblano is batter-dipped, filled with cheese and cooked until golden. Pick this meat-free option when you want something richer than tacos without ordering a large platter.

Cuisine, Service & Atmosphere Review

Customer feedback is mixed but useful. Positive reviews mention friendly, attentive staff, enjoyable fish tacos and a pleasant casual atmosphere. Other diners report slower service during busy periods, food arriving cold or lacking seasoning, and a dining room that can become noisy.

Come with time to spare on busy evenings, and make the Chimichanga or Fish Tacos your first test of the kitchen.

Is Mexican Connection Worth Visiting?

Yes,particularly if you value restaurant history, made-to-order Mexican food and a serious tequila selection. It is less compelling if your priority is consistently quiet dining or a seafood-heavy menu.

FAQ

Does Mexican Connection take reservations?
Yes. The official website currently offers a reservation form.

Does Mexican Connection have seafood?
Yes. The current menu includes Fish Tacos with battered rockfish and other dishes that can include shrimp.

Is parking available?
A restaurant listing for this exact Nelson Avenue location identifies a private parking lot.

Business Info

What People's Say About Place

Before I jump into my experience I will share that we have been to two other popular Mexican restaurants in Saratoga Springs in the last month and what jumps out is how far above the Mexican Connection is over these others. Now for the eval! The best share is that the FOOD quality and value is tops at the Mexican Connection. Outstanding quality Mexican dishes where the kitchen appears to truly care about how the dish looks as well as how it tastes. We have had other experiences where all the food looks similar, all plate presentations are the same, and the food itself far overpriced. Not the Mexican Connection. IF you are hungry you will not be disappointed. Service also was excellent. Look for Makayla (not sure I spelled her name correct but she has been there 10+ years!) Outstanding customer service, friendly, helpful, and made our evening out even better with good conversation. Not disappointing also is the fact that we spent LESS at Mexican Connection than the other two Toga competitors. This is a locals hangout so don't be surprised if there is a little wait on the typical busy evenings. Highly recommend! Check out the "BIG TACO" and the "CHIMICHANGA" in the photos!!!!

We had dinner here last week with another couple to celebrate one of their birthdays. I love Mexican food and have been to many of the restaurants in the area, but had not been here in several years. It was a freezing cold winter night, but the restaurant itself was quite warm and pleasant. The host seated us promptly and did not ask us for our whole party to be present first. Our server was very friendly and kind as our friends were running a bit late. He kept us in chips and salsa and waters while we waited. During the meal, our friends noticed the soda they had ordered wasn't quite right and he quickly went to change it over and brought them fresh glasses. The restaurant itself was warm and cozy. It is a smaller space and the tables are a bit closer together, but it was comfortable enough. The noise level is as you would expect. We could hear each other and were able to carry on a conversation. Finally, the food. The salsa that was brought with the chips was really good; one on the milder side that I preferred and a 2nd spicier version that my husband and one of our friends enjoyed. I ordered the Fiesta Combo Platter with shredded beef and red sauce for the enchilada, shredded beef for 1 taco, and upcharged 1 taco to fajita steak. All of the food came out at a good temp with the cheese melted nicely on the enchiladas. The red sauce was also quite good. My single note is the lack of seasoning on the meat itself. Any bite of shredded beef that did not have red sauce with it lacked flavor. It was cooked perfectly, just without flavor of its own in my opinion. Altogether, we had a nice time out with friends and and an enjoyable dinner experience. Not my first choice for Mexican food in the area, but a solid one nonetheless.

We lived in Colorado for 4 years and there were many very good Mexican restaurants where we lived. The Mexican Connection is a gem. My son and I met there for dinner and both of our meals were outstanding. I had the fish tacos and he had the tamales. The young man who was our server did a great job and once we ordered our food, it was out in 15 minutes. And because it isn’t in downtown Saratoga we didn’t have to search for a place to park. I would highly recommend going there.

I ordered online for a specific time and showed a bit early. The kitchen was able to jump on it. I grabbed a pint while I waited and staff was friendly and attentive. The place was packed but I saw a lot of people smiling. Kudos to the staff and atmosphere. Food did not disappoint. We will definitely revisit.

We just had dinner at this place and food was phenomenal!!! Everything was so good and the margarita is the best!!! Also our waitress Kate is excellent at her job. It almost felt like a fine dining experience. Highly recommend this place!!!

Katie is one of our fav bartenders in Saratoga. She makes the best margarita in town and always serves it with a smile.

We are local and eat here often. Heather (aka Michelle) is our favorite waitresses. She always makes sure I have a fresh margarita and they are the best in town! She always warns us that our plates are hot. Food is good. One time, I ended up with both sauces on my enchilada... And it was awesome, I now order my enchilada that way every time! Thanks Heather for my extra saucy enchilada.

Our favorite place to go for Mexican in the Saratoga area. Their food is delicious and the service is quick and friendly, Mikayla is one if the best. Worth the trip

Mexican Connection