While Montana hasn’t always been known as a state with great Mexican food, it has certainly come a long way in recent years. However, if you call the Missoula area home, you’ve probably been feasting on the tasty cuisine at El Cazador for a quarter of a century. This family-owned eatery is operated by the lovely Hernandez crew, and both the food and service are fantastic.

El Cazador (which means “The Hunter”) is located on Missoula’s Higgins Avenue.

Chris / Google The Hernandez family is working on opening a second location on 2221 South Ave., but this is their tried-and-true spot.

You may have seen the El Cazador taco truck at local events and private parties.

El Cazador Taco Truck / Facebook The family also has a catering company, which is quite popular.

El Cazador is owned and operated by Alfredo Hernandez and his family.

Anna Cousins / Google Alfredo was a top chef in Seattle before moving his family to Missoula in 1995 to open his own restaurant.

Since these doors first opened, this place has been extremely popular - and for good reason.

TSGallant / TripAdvisor The food is delicious, the portions are hearty, and the service is always friendly.

You’ll find all of your favorite Mexican classics on the menu, from tacos and enchiladas to tamales and burritos.

Wes E / FourSquare The carne asada is out of this world, and the mole is as fresh as it gets. If you can’t make up your mind, just order a combination plate.

Make sure to wash your meal down with a massive margarita, if you imbibe.

Shawna Pratt / Google And if you don’t, you can request a delicious virgin drink.

El Cazador is open daily from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. except for Friday and Saturday, when you can enjoy your meal until 10 p.m.

Packrat2147 / TripAdvisor Come see why this place is so popular with locals and tourists alike.

Doesn’t this food look delicious? Check out the full menu here.

Chris / Google

The Hernandez family is working on opening a second location on 2221 South Ave., but this is their tried-and-true spot.

El Cazador Taco Truck / Facebook

The family also has a catering company, which is quite popular.

Anna Cousins / Google

Alfredo was a top chef in Seattle before moving his family to Missoula in 1995 to open his own restaurant.

TSGallant / TripAdvisor

The food is delicious, the portions are hearty, and the service is always friendly.

Wes E / FourSquare

The carne asada is out of this world, and the mole is as fresh as it gets. If you can’t make up your mind, just order a combination plate.

Shawna Pratt / Google

And if you don’t, you can request a delicious virgin drink.

Packrat2147 / TripAdvisor

Come see why this place is so popular with locals and tourists alike.

The Hernandez family is an important part of the Missoula community, and tragically, they recently lost 38-year-old Lala, who was an instrumental part of the restaurant’s success. We send them our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.

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Address: 101 S Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802, USA