Tony’s Mexican Food in San Bernardino stands as a beloved culinary destination for locals and visitors craving authentic Mexican flavors served with a modern twist. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and warm hospitality, Tony’s offers a diverse menu that captures the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine while embracing fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Whether you’re seeking hearty street-style tacos, sizzling enchiladas, or refreshing aguas frescas, Tony’s ensures every dish bursts with bold, memorable flavors. The menu’s thoughtful balance between classic favorites and innovative specials invites diners to explore a rich tapestry of tastes that celebrate Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.
Each plate at Tony’s Mexican Food reflects a commitment to authenticity and creativity, prepared by chefs passionate about delivering an exceptional dining experience. From the first bite to the last, guests can expect vibrant spices, perfectly cooked proteins, and a harmonious blend of textures.
The menu is designed to accommodate a wide range of preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-sensitive options, making it a welcoming spot for all food lovers. With generous portions and competitive pricing, Tony’s remains a standout choice for those seeking genuine Mexican cuisine in the heart of San Bernardino.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizer selection at Tony’s Mexican Food offers a flavorful introduction to the meal, showcasing classic Mexican snacks and some inventive creations. These starters are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo as a light bite before the main course.
Rich in spices and fresh ingredients, the appetizers set the stage for the vibrant dishes that follow.
One of the most popular choices is the Guacamole Fresco, made fresh daily with ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of lime. Served with house-made tortilla chips, it’s a crowd favorite that highlights the quality of Tony’s ingredients.
Another standout is the Queso Fundido, a creamy blend of melted cheeses topped with chorizo or mushrooms, served piping hot with warm tortillas.
- Nachos Supreme: Layered with seasoned beef, beans, jalapeños, and melted cheese, garnished with sour cream and guacamole.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime.
- Ceviche de Camarón: Fresh shrimp marinated in lime juice with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, offering a refreshing citrus kick.
Flavor Profiles and Pairings
Each appetizer balances bold spices with fresh ingredients to create delightful contrasts. The creamy guacamole pairs wonderfully with the crunch of tortilla chips, while the warm queso fundido offers a rich and indulgent start.
Spicy elements like jalapeños and chili powder add heat, balanced by cooling sides such as sour cream and lime wedges.
“The appetizers at Tony’s are not just starters; they’re an essential part of the Mexican culinary experience, combining tradition with vibrant flavors that awaken the palate.”
Signature Tacos
Tacos at Tony’s Mexican Food are the cornerstone of the menu, celebrated for their authentic taste and generous fillings. The tacos are crafted using fresh corn or flour tortillas, each filled with carefully prepared meats, seafood, or vegetables, and topped with traditional garnishes.
The menu features a variety of taco options, from the classic Carne Asada to the flavorful Al Pastor. Each taco is seasoned to perfection and grilled or cooked to retain maximum juiciness and flavor.
Salsas ranging from mild to fiery hot accompany these tacos, allowing guests to customize their heat level.
- Carne Asada Taco: Grilled steak sliced thin, topped with onions, cilantro, and a splash of lime.
- Al Pastor Taco: Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, served with pineapple and fresh cilantro.
- Fish Taco: Lightly battered and fried white fish, topped with shredded cabbage and creamy chipotle sauce.
- Veggie Taco: Grilled seasonal vegetables with black beans, avocado slices, and salsa verde.
Comparison of Taco Types
| Taco Type | Main Ingredients | Flavor Notes | Recommended Salsa |
| Carne Asada | Grilled steak, onions, cilantro | Smoky, savory, slightly charred | Salsa Verde |
| Al Pastor | Marinated pork, pineapple, cilantro | Sweet, tangy, spicy | Red Salsa |
| Fish Taco | Battered fish, cabbage, chipotle sauce | Crisp, creamy, mildly spicy | Chipotle Salsa |
| Veggie Taco | Grilled vegetables, black beans, avocado | Earthy, fresh, slightly tangy | Salsa Verde |
Entrées and Main Dishes
The entrée selection provides hearty options that embody the richness of Mexican cuisine. Tony’s Mexican Food offers an array of main dishes designed to satisfy different tastes, from meat lovers to those who prefer lighter or vegetarian fare.
Each entrée is crafted with attention to detail and authentic preparation methods.
Popular dishes include Enchiladas Verdes, featuring corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken and topped with tangy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese. The Chile Relleno is another standout, consisting of a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with cheese or meat, battered and fried to golden perfection.
For those who enjoy seafood, the Camarones a la Diabla offers spicy shrimp sautéed in a rich, fiery sauce.
- Pollo con Mole: Tender chicken smothered in a complex and slightly sweet mole sauce.
- Carne en su Jugo: A flavorful beef stew with bacon, beans, and fresh herbs.
- Vegetarian Fajitas: Sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini served sizzling hot.
Entrée Highlights
Each entrée showcases the diversity of Mexican cooking techniques, from slow simmering to grilling and frying. The mole sauce, a signature element, combines cocoa, chilies, nuts, and spices for a unique depth of flavor.
Meanwhile, the Chile Relleno’s crisp exterior contrasts deliciously with its soft, savory filling.
“Tony’s entrées bring the heart of Mexico to San Bernardino’s dining scene, balancing tradition with fresh, bold flavors that keep guests coming back.”
Sides and Accompaniments
Sides at Tony’s Mexican Food are thoughtfully curated to complement the main dishes and enhance the overall dining experience. These accompaniments range from classic staples to house specials, providing texture and flavor contrasts that round out each meal.
Common sides include Refried Beans, creamy and seasoned just right, and Mexican Rice cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Another favorite is the Pico de Gallo, a fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro, delivering a burst of freshness to the palate.
- Elote Salad: A deconstructed take on Mexican street corn served as a chilled side dish.
- Chiles Toreados: Spicy grilled jalapeños with onions, offering a smoky kick.
- Frijoles Charros: Hearty cowboy beans cooked with bacon and spices.
Side Dish Pairing Suggestions
| Side Dish | Best Paired With | Flavor Complement |
| Refried Beans | Enchiladas, Tacos | Creamy, savory balance |
| Mexican Rice | Fajitas, Pollo con Mole | Savory, slightly tangy |
| Pico de Gallo | Grilled meats, Fish Tacos | Fresh, zesty contrast |
| Elote Salad | Chile Relleno, Carnitas | Sweet, smoky, creamy |
Beverages and Refreshments
Tony’s Mexican Food boasts a vibrant beverage menu designed to refresh and complement the meal. The selection includes traditional Mexican drinks alongside popular modern beverages, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Among the most popular options are the classic Horchata, a sweet rice milk drink flavored with cinnamon, and Agua de Jamaica, a tart hibiscus flower iced tea. Both offer a cooling balance to the spicy dishes on the menu.
For those looking for something alcoholic, Tony’s serves a curated list of Mexican beers and handcrafted margaritas made with fresh lime juice and premium tequila.
- Jarritos: A range of fruit-flavored Mexican sodas available in flavors like tamarind, mandarin, and lime.
- Micheladas: A spicy beer cocktail with tomato juice, lime, and hot sauce.
- Margarita Variations: Classic, strawberry, mango, and jalapeño-infused options.
Beverage Pairing Recommendations
Choosing the right beverage can elevate the dining experience significantly. For example, the sweetness of horchata mellows the heat of spicy tacos, while a crisp Mexican beer pairs well with grilled meats.
Margaritas offer a refreshing citrus bite that cuts through rich and creamy dishes.
“The beverage menu at Tony’s is thoughtfully crafted to enhance every bite, ensuring guests enjoy a perfectly balanced meal from start to finish.”
Desserts and Sweet Endings
The dessert menu at Tony’s Mexican Food offers a delightful conclusion to the meal with a selection of traditional and contemporary Mexican sweets. These treats are made fresh daily, featuring rich flavors and comforting textures that satisfy any sweet tooth.
Popular desserts include Churros, dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a side of chocolate dipping sauce. The Flan is another favorite, offering a silky caramel custard that melts in the mouth.
For something lighter, the Paletas (Mexican popsicles) come in a variety of natural fruit flavors, perfect for cooling down on warm days.
- Tres Leches Cake: A moist sponge cake soaked in three types of milk with a whipped cream topping.
- Arroz con Leche: Creamy rice pudding infused with cinnamon and vanilla.
- Cajeta Ice Cream: Goat milk caramel ice cream with a deep, sweet flavor.
Dessert Flavor Profiles
Desserts at Tony’s balance sweetness with subtle spice and creamy textures. The churros’ crisp exterior contrasts with their soft interior, while flan’s smoothness offers a gentle sweetness.
Paletas provide a refreshing, fruity alternative to heavier desserts, often featuring flavors like mango, lime, or strawberry.
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Texture | Flavor Notes |
| Churros | Flour, sugar, cinnamon, oil | Crisp outside, soft inside | Sweet, cinnamon-spiced |
| Flan | Eggs, milk, caramel | Smooth, creamy | Caramel, rich, mild vanilla |
| Tres Leches Cake | Milk, eggs, flour, sugar | Moist, fluffy | Sweet, milky |
| Paletas | Fresh fruit, sugar | Frozen, icy | Fruity, refreshing |
Special Dietary Options
Tony’s Mexican Food caters thoughtfully to guests with special dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine without compromise. The restaurant offers a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, clearly marked on the menu for easy selection.
Gluten-free diners can enjoy corn tortilla tacos and many entrees prepared without wheat-based ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan options include dishes like grilled vegetable fajitas, black bean tacos, and vegan-friendly sides such as rice and beans prepared without animal fats.
The kitchen staff is also accommodating to specific allergy requests, prioritizing cross-contamination prevention and fresh ingredient substitutions.
- Gluten-Free Options: Corn tortilla tacos, chile relleno (without batter), and many sides.
- Vegetarian Choices: Cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, and guacamole starters.
- Vegan Selections: Black bean tacos, rice and beans without lard, and fresh salsas.
Tips for Ordering Special Diet Meals
Communicating dietary restrictions clearly to the staff helps ensure a safe and satisfying dining experience. Tony’s encourages guests to ask questions about menu ingredients and preparation methods.
With the restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity, diners with allergies or preferences can enjoy flavorful meals tailored to their needs.
“Tony’s dedication to accommodating special diets reflects their core value of hospitality, making authentic Mexican food accessible to all.”
Conclusion
Tony’s Mexican Food in San Bernardino offers an exceptional culinary journey through the heart of Mexico’s rich and diverse cuisine. The menu’s thoughtful composition balances tradition with innovation, ensuring each dish delivers bold, authentic flavors complemented by fresh ingredients and expert preparation.
From the vibrant appetizers to the hearty entrées and indulgent desserts, every item is crafted to delight the senses and create memorable dining experiences.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Mexican food or exploring these flavors for the first time, Tony’s provides a welcoming environment and versatile menu that caters to all tastes and dietary needs. The restaurant’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction shines through in every aspect, from their flavorful tacos to their refreshing beverages and accommodating special diet options.
Dining at Tony’s Mexican Food is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor the spirit and soul of Mexican culinary tradition in the heart of San Bernardino.
