Off The Rails Mexican Cantina:
Rustic Mexican on Buford's Historic Main Street
Chef Leticia Ozuna brings authentic Mexican flavors and Old West charm to a beautifully restored storefront on Buford's Historic Main Street. From Quesabirria to house-made tamales, this is Mexican cooking with heart.
Lisa Harris
CLHMS, 19 Years in the Community · August 17, 2026
Hidden in plain sight on Buford's Historic Main Street, Off The Rails Mexican Cantina is the kind of discovery that makes you wonder how you missed it. A converted storefront with Old West character, colorful décor, and a tractor suspended over the bar, it is as memorable for its atmosphere as it is for its food. Chef Leticia Ozuna leads the kitchen, drawing on traditional Mexican recipes passed down through her family, with each dish made from scratch. Just 15 minutes from Apalachee Farms, it has quickly become a local favorite for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine with character.
At a Glance
Cuisine
Authentic Mexican · Cantina
Price Range
$ (Affordable, $10–$20)
Atmosphere
Rustic Western, festive, colorful
Drive from Apalachee Farms
~15 minutes
Location & Contact
107 E Main St NE, Buford, GA 30518
Historic Downtown Buford · On Main Street
Hours
The Atmosphere
Walk through the door and you are transported to another world. Off The Rails occupies a beautifully renovated historic storefront on Buford's Main Street, and the design team leaned fully into the Old West theme without making it feel kitschy. The rustic wood floors, exposed brick walls, and stained glass windows evoke a classic Western saloon. Brightly colored Mexican papel picado banners hang overhead, and the most talked-about feature is the vintage tractor suspended above the bar. Lively Latin music fills the space, and the open kitchen sends out the irresistible aroma of simmering sauces and sizzling meats. The dining room is warm, festive, and welcoming, with cozy booths, communal tables, and a long bar where regulars gather for margaritas. It is the kind of place where families, couples, and groups of friends all feel equally at home.
Quesabirria tacos with consommé, street corn, and a margarita. The Quesabirria is one of the most popular dishes on the menu.
Signature Dishes
Quesabirria Tacos
The star of the show. Slow-braised beef birria stuffed into crispy, cheese-crusted tortillas, served with a side of rich consommé for dipping. The tortillas are crisp on the outside, the beef is tender and deeply flavorful, and the consommé takes it over the top. Order them as a starter or make them your meal.
Cowboy Queso
Not your average queso. A creamy blend of melted cheeses loaded with seasoned ground beef, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and a drizzle of crema. Served warm with house-made tortilla chips, this appetizer alone is worth the drive. Rich, hearty, and impossible to stop eating.
Chef Leticia's House-Made Tamales
Made from scratch using Chef Leticia's family recipe, these tamales are a labor of love. The masa is light and tender, the filling is generous, and each tamale is wrapped and steamed to perfection. Available with pork or chicken, and served with salsa roja and crema. A true taste of tradition.
Filet Steak Fajitas
Sizzling cast-iron platters arrive at your table with perfectly seasoned filet steak strips, caramelized onions, and bell peppers. Served with warm flour tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and refried beans. The sizzle alone builds anticipation, and the meat delivers on every front.
Chicken Mole Enchiladas
A traditional mole sauce made with dried chiles, chocolate, and spices, ladled over tender shredded chicken enchiladas. The mole is complex, rich, and deeply satisfying: slightly sweet, mildly spicy, and layered with flavor. Topped with crema, queso fresco, and sesame seeds.
Street Corn (Elote)
A perfect side or starter. Grilled corn on the cob slathered in crema, cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh lime. The char from the grill adds a smoky depth, and the combination of creamy, salty, and spicy flavors is pure comfort.
The Margarita Selection
The bar at Off The Rails takes its margaritas seriously. The classic house margarita is perfectly balanced, but the real fun is in the specialty lineup: the spicy jalapeño margarita brings heat, the cucumber margarita is refreshingly cool, and the blood orange margarita adds a bright citrus twist. All are made with fresh juices and premium tequilas. Try the signature margarita flight to sample several at once.
What Makes It Special
What sets Off The Rails apart is the heart behind the food. Chef Leticia Ozuna runs the kitchen with an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Every dish is made from scratch using traditional Mexican recipes that have been in her family for generations. The tamales are hand-wrapped. The mole is built from dried chiles ground in-house. The tortilla chips are fried fresh daily. This is not fast-casual Mexican: it is real, honest cooking that honors tradition while making every guest feel welcome.
The setting is just as memorable. The vintage tractor mounted over the bar is a conversation starter, but the attention to detail goes far beyond that one feature. Stained glass windows cast colorful light across the dining room, and the mix of Western artifacts, hand-painted décor, and warm wood creates an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Live music on select evenings adds to the festive energy.
Just 15 minutes from Apalachee Farms, Off The Rails is an easy drive for an exceptional meal. Pair it with a stroll down Buford's Historic Main Street, where antique shops, boutiques, and other dining spots like Aqua Terra Bistro and Bare Bones Steakhouse make for a perfect evening out. For Mexican cooking done right, in a setting you will not soon forget, Off The Rails delivers.
Explore More Dining Options
From Bare Bones Steakhouse to Kitchen121 at Hamilton Mill, discover all the restaurants Lisa recommends near Apalachee Farms.
View Full Dining Guide