Queso is a wonderful blend of warm melty cheeses originating in the northern part of Mexico, but now it is a staple of all Tex-Mex restaurants. Each state uniquely adds their own different twist to their melty cheese creation. Here’s a list of where to find the best queso in all 50 states because what’s an epic road-trip without a few—or more than a few cheesy moments?
Alabama: Tuco’s Tex-Mex Restaurant
Located minutes from the Auburn campus, Tuco’s Tex Mex is a staple for Auburn students. Their Queso Blanco is almost comparable to Texas queso. It is so good that it’s Texan-approved.
Alaska: Mexico in Alaska
Ever since 1972, Mexico in Alaska has been serving up Mexican flavors that are irresistible. Their Queso Fundido and Entrees de Queso are served with fresh tortillas for a full Mexican dining experience in Anchorage.
Arizona: Blancos Tacos and Tequila
With locations all throughout Arizona, Blancos Taco’s and Tequila is the perfect place to fulfill all of your cheesy cravings. Their Warm Queso Blanco is a blend of Oaxaca, Asadero & Monterey Jack cheese because “melted cheese makes everything better.”
Arkansas: Local Lime
Local Lime is the perfect place to just hang out and relax with friends. Specializing in shared appetizers, their Queso Blanco made with tomato, poblano peppers, fresh corn, onion, and fresh jalapeño is perfect to satisfy the needs of you and your friends.
California: Hopdoddy
Out on the West Coast, Californians put a new spin on this classic Tex-Mex dish by choosing to dip their fries in Green Chile Queso or Chili Con Queso. Move aside fries in milkshakes, there’s a new duo in town.
Colorado: Hacienda Colorado
This ‘Mountain Mex’ restaurant combines Mexican ideas with mountain vibes. Come in and get a bowl of Queso Hacienda with your choice of mild queso, spicy queso or queso blanco, and choose a topping like chorizo, shredded chicken or seasoned ground beef with refried beans, guacamole and pico de gallo.
Connecticut: Besito Mexican
Since 2006 Besito’s has been serving up the spirit of Mexico to make it a great dining place for everyone. They bake their queso and use traditional Chihuahua, rajas, chorizo, cilantro, and white onion for a flavor explosion in your mouth.
Delaware: Moe’s Southwest Grill
Although Moe’s is a well-known American franchise, their queso is hard to beat. Add it to a burrito, or get it as a side, you really just can’t go wrong.
Florida: Hablo Taco
Hablo Taco is the place for all of your queso needs. The queso is so good, even some of the servers are guilty of stealing some.
Georgia: Tin Lizzy’s Cantina
A crowd favorite is queso served with salsa and more cheese on top (#yes), aside fruity margs. If the thought of Tin Lizzie’s Queso Con Carne isn’t making your mouth water right now then I don’t know what else would. Or order the Three Amigos with salsa, queso, and guacamole and never eat alone!
Hawaii: Mexico Cantina
Don’t miss out on the Queso Skillet when visiting Mexico Cantina located in Honolulu. Their blend of cheddar and jack cheese served on a hot skilled with zesty salsa fresca will put you into island euphoria.
Idaho: Cafe Ole
Queso so good that even children go crazy for it. PSA: on Monday night, children eat free after 4p.m. here at Cafe Ole in Boise. Hopefully I can pass for being under 12.
Illinois: Big Star
Located in the heart of Chicago, Big Star’s Queso Fundido is a classic mix of melted queso chihuahua, rajas poblano, housemate chorizo, and fresh tortillas. A must stop restaurant whenever visiting Chicago.
Indiana: Bakersfield Taco’s
This authentic Mexican style restaurant with a cool atmosphere is the perfect place to warm up with their Chips and Queso. Add black beans, chorizo, or house pickled jalapenos to spice up the cheesy dish.
Iowa: Fuzzy’s Tacos
Fuzzy’s, an original Texas staple, made it’s way to Des Moines to serve up their famous queso. Served with their fresh tortilla chips seasoned with Fuzzy Dust, add beef or chorizo to enhance any late night snack.
Kansas: On the Boarder Mexican Grill and Cafe
On the Boarder’s signature Queso is a cheesy goodness creation prepared in-house with tomatoes, green chiles, onion, cilantro, poblano, and jalapeños. Join Club Cantina and receive free queso the next time you visit.
Kentucky: Chuy’s Tex-Mex
Started in Austin in 1982, Chuy’s Chili Con Queso and Queso Compuesto blending of cheese and different seasonings can bring any Kentucky native say, ‘Cheese Please.’
Louisiana: Superior Grill
Found in New Orleans at the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line Stop, their Tex-Mex Chili Con Queso is irresistible. Make sure you add ground beef, chorizo or spinach for an extra $2.00 to this spicy Mexican cheese dip for a new twist on an old classic.
Maine: Margaritas
Oh say it ain’t queso!! Margaritas Mexican restaurant classic queso has it’s own distinctive flavor, keeping you reaching for one more cheesy, gooey mouthful.
Maryland: Oyamel Cocina Mexicana
Oyamel Cocina combination of modern and traditional flavors is what makes them so #yas. Their signature Queso Fundido made with bold flavors and served with a side of tortillas will have you asking for more.
Massachusetts: Lone Star Taco Bar
This Boston restaurant combines, California, Texas and Mexican flavors to create a diverse menu to appeal to all taste buds. Their Chili Con Queso, made with ‘chilis and love,’ is served with freshly fried tortilla chips to please the whole crowd.
Michigan: El Asador Steakhouse
El Asador’s signature Queso Fundido almost brings tears to your eyes when you see this hot, cheesy fondue topped with your choice of either shrimp or chorizo. Located in Detroit, this restaurant combines the best three food groups, steak, seafood, and Mexican
Minnesota: Barrio Tequila Bar
With multiple locations in the Twin Cities, Barrio is the perfect place to let loose and relax after a stressful day. Their Queso Fundido is made with melted chihuahua cheese, garnished with roasted poblano peppers, local goat cheese, and served with warm tortillas
Mississippi: Coyote Blues
Newer to the Oxford area, Coyote Blue’s Queso is not one to skip out on. Their Queso Blanco is a hidden gem and is sure to build up a strong reputation.
Missouri: Mission Taco Joint
Mission Taco Joint is on a mission to make sure you never leave their restaurant unsatisfied with their Queso Con Chorizo. Spiked with Mexican Cerveza, chile serrano, and house-made chorizo sausage, you’ll be reaching for just another bite.
Montana: Taco Johns
Ever since 1968, Taco John’s has been serving up classic tacos and Queso cross-country. Tacos dipped in queso are almost better than pizza dipped in ranch.
Nebraska: Roja Grill
Located in Downtown Omaha, Roja Grill’s Chili Con Queso made with a blend of cheese with fire-roasted chiles and tomatoes can be made ‘Delux’ by adding pico de gallo, seasoned ground beef, and queso fresco to take your tastebuds to Mexico.
Nevada: Bonito Michoacán Mexican Restaurant
Bonito Michoacan’s Queso Fundido is the perfect filler when you’re looking for some energy to hit the slots. Made with a monetary jack cheese blend with green chilis on top, there’s no wonder this is a Vegas favorite.
New Hampshire: Mi Jalisco Restaurante Mexicano
Whether you’re in Milford, Keene, or Peterborough, Mi Jalisco’s Chorizo Queso is a must-grab queso for any occasion. Served with bottomless chips, it’s dangerous to not fill up on this before an entree.
New Jersey: Orale Mexican Kitchen
Oracle’s Queso Flamed will burn your tastebuds when in Jersey City. Choose from a variety of toppings to satisfy your taste buds and don’t forget to grab a chip and take a dip.
New Mexico: Zacatecas Tacos
In Albuquerque, Zacatecas Tacos serves up their Queso in a sizzling skillet with your choice of Rajas and Cilantro or House-made Pork Chorizo to enhance this blend of melty Mexican cheeses.
New York: Javelina
Located outside Union Square in NYC, Javelina is known for their authentic Tex-Mex cuisine and atmosphere in the city. They should rename the ‘Big Apple’ the ‘Big Queso’ for this dip.
North Carolina: Qdoba
Although Qdoba is a national chain, their new Queso’s of the month always keep you coming back to try their new recipes. The best part is, there’s no extra cost when you add it on top of a burrito or taco #ballin’.
North Dakota: Vinyl Taco
Found in downtown Fargo, Vinyl Taco gives you the options to stay low-key with some genuine melty cheese, or you could spice it up with green chilis and fire roasted jalapeños.
Ohio: Chile Verde Cafe
If you’re having a rough day, there’s nothing that Chile Verde’s Queso Salsa can’t fix. Made with authentic New Mexican chiles to add some spice, this is sure to heat up anyone’s day.
Oklahoma: Ted’s Cafe Escondido
Whether you’re in Norman, South/North/West OKC, Edmond, or Del City, Ted’s Cafe Escondido’s Queso will make your mouth water. Served hot with chorizo, you’ll keep reaching for just another chip.
Oregon: Casa del Matador
A must stop in Portland is at Casa del Matador. They put a twist on the classic queso fundito with their black bean queso made with black beans, habanero, garlic creme tomatillo salsa green onion. But don’t worry, if you’re more of a cheesy lover, they also offer plain queso fundido.
Pennsylvania: Distrito Philadelphia
Distrito’s Queso Dip made with jalapeño and cheddar fondue, queso chihuahua, and melted onions creates the ultimate cheese pull perfect for any occasion.
Rhode Island: CilantroMex
Right in Providence, CilantroMex is a hot spot for students at Brown University. Every Wednesday is BOGO queso!
South Carolina: Taco Boy
With two locations on Folly Beach and Downtown Charleston, Taco Boy’s Chili Con Queso will make you drool. Made with fresh cheese, onion, red bell pepper and chorizo for an extra $1.25, it’s no wonder they had to open up two locations.
South Dakota: Chevy’s Fresh Mex
Chevy’s Chili Con Queso is a mix of warm, creamy cheese dip with poblano peppers, onions, garlic, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Available with Picadillo Beef, this queso is a staple in Sioux Falls.
Tennessee: San Antonio Taco Co.
Located in Nashville, Tennessee since 1984, the San Antonio Taco Co. is known for their amazing tacos and their award-winning Chili Con Queso. Also, their on-site catering has all-you-can-eat queso…Dreams really do come true.
Texas: Torchy’s Tacos
It’s hard to go wrong finding Queso anywhere in Texas, but Torchy’s is a staple. It’s impossible to resist this delicious Green Chili Queso topped off with guacamole, queso fresco, cilantro and diablo hot sauce served with Diablo Hot Sauce and house-made chips.
Utah: The Sonora Grill
This unique and independent restaurant combines Mexican and vegan products to bring in a large variety of customers. Their Queso Fundito is a combination of cheese, onions, salsa, and chorizo to satisfy all of your salty, cheesy cravings.
Vermont: El Cortijo Taqueria Y Cantina
This Mexican-Style restaurant uses local ingredients in a fun way to create fresh, good tasting food, including their Queso Fundito. If you dig local food with a Mexican twist, then this is the place for you.
Virginia: Brazo’s Taco
Bravo’s Tacos prides themselves that their house-made queso is a Texas staple served with corn chips and roasted tomato salsa rosa. The Best part about this place is that they let you add chorizo. For free.
Washington: Anchor End Pretzel Shoppe
Seattle is known for their different and ‘hip’ food options, which makes Anchor Ends Pretzel Shoppe the perfect place to get queso. Who would’ve guessed pretzels and queso would be a match made in heaven?
West Virginia: Chili’s Grill and Bar
Although Chili’s is a national food chain, you can never go wrong with this mouth-watering appetizer. Choose from different options of White Spinach Queso, Loaded White Queso, and Skilled Queso all served chips and salsa.
Wisconsin: Belair Cantina
This Cali-Mexican inspired restaurant that also specializes in tacos and tequila but when it comes to the Queso Blanco Fundito you can’t go wrong. Choose between plain, or add chorizo or lobster shrimp to send your tastebuds to a whole new world.
Wyoming: Tortilla Factory
Located in the heart of Cheyenne, Tortilla Factory’s Chili Con Queso will explode your tastebuds with the sensational mix of chili, beans, and cheese. Served with tortilla chips, you’ll feel like you’re right in the heart of Mexico.
No matter where your next adventure may take you, there’s always time and place to stop for some cheesy goodness.