Cincinnati is a long plane ride (or a very long drive) away from Mexico, meaning you may not expect to find authentic Mexican flavor on the menus of our city's many restaurants. But people go crazy for tacos (hello, Taco Tuesday!), chips and salsa, and guacamole, and today, more and more hungry diners are eager for the real deal. If you're still in search of authentic Mexican creations here in Cincinnati, then you have yet to try Mazunte. This popular eatery in Madisonville is often packed - and for good reason - because it will make all your taco dreams come true.

Mazunte Taqueria is located on the corner of Madison and Red Bank, in a somewhat unassuming spot, but there is absolutely nothing forgettable about this authentic Mexican restaurant.

We can thank the delicious creations and flavorful menu at Mazunte to the fact that the owner once had the realization that Mexican food was anything but authentically Mexican!

After too many stale chips and cold tacos, he set off on an adventure to the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, where he lived, worked, ate, and learned for almost a year. The community embraced him, many of whom taught him their culinary ways and passed along family recipes, which then made their way back to Cincinnati. Because of his willingness to take a risk, we are now lucky enough to experience true Mexican flavor.

Mazunte sticks to what they know with a flavorful and focused menu, and these items are what keep people coming back and packing this little restaurant.

The tacos are, of course, a favorite, and you can try a variety of chicken, chorizo, dorados, fish, pork, steak or veggies. There are also quesadillas, tamales, enchiladas, tostadas, and more.

Whatever you choose, be sure to try the grilled corn; it's simply amazing.

The vibe at Mazunte is colorful, laid back, and fun, which is a perfect match for their food.

One of the fun features can be found on the menu, and it's simply called Chips and Salsa Bar.

This is no ordinary chips and salsa that are placed on your table before dinner. The tortillas are prepared fresh, right in front of you and are salty, crispy bites of perfection.

There are a variety of salsas to choose from, so go ahead and try some of each.

If you order guacamole (which you should), you'll be able to include it in your chips and salsa bar experience.

Given the popularity of Mazunte, it's no wonder they are expanding. Thank goodness, because it just gives our hungry bellies more opportunity to satisfy those cravings!

The Taqueria grew in size a bit, with the addition of this heated porch and more seating. There is often still a wait, but don't let that deter you!

They've also opened up the nearby Mercado, which is essentially a Mexican market.

They offer a variety of fresh produce, but also have meats, salsas, and other dried goods so you can put together your own Mazunte favorites at home! They've also recently opened up within the Hyde Park Kroger and can be found at different events in the city throughout the year.

Mazunte is the authentic Mexican eatery we all longed for. It's a delicious favorite that our community has embraced, just as the small Mexican community did for the restaurant's owner.

On the next Taco Tuesday - or any day of the week, really - take your appetite to Mazunte for plenty of chips and salsa and many other tasty Mexican flavors.

Mazunte has been an award-winning favorite Mexican restaurant in Cincinnati for a few years now, so if you have yet to try it, now is the time! Is Mazunte one of your favorite restaurants in the Queen City? Share your love for this dreamy taco mecca in the comments!

Mazunte's Taqueria is located at 5207 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45227. For more information on its other locations and a full menu, visit its website here.

And for more of the best tacos in Cincinnati, check out our previous article here.