If your concept of good Mexican food is the Taco Bell drive-thru home window at midnight, it’s time to take a trip to Tucson to see exactly how real Mexican food is done. Sonoran-style Mexican food preparations are a point of pride in this community, so it comes as no a surprise that a few of the nation’s ideal Mexican food dining establishments can be discovered in Tucson. The hardest part is selecting a location to eat first!
Cafe Poca Cosa, one of the most highly-regarded Mexican food restaurants in the city, boosts the combination plate to new elevations with Chef Susana’s fresh and also innovative take on Mexican standards.
If you remain in the state of mind for hot, yummy Sonoran-style Mexican home cooking, head to South Tucson, where El Guero Canelo pushes out tasty tacos, burritos and also the famous Sonoran Pet dog at a breakneck speed.
Calle Tepa in midtown is a relatively new arrival, but this fast-casual restaurant is promptly going far for itself, thanks to a hearty option of newly made tortas, tacos and also quesadillas featuring fresh lamb’s milk cheese.
Finally, for a mariachi-blasting great time, head to Guadalajara Grill, where the salsa and also guacamole are always made fresh table-side, and also typical Mexican food dishes such as mole poblano and also chile rellenos are prepared with fresh active ingredients and also trademark panache.
9
EL GUERO CANELO
El Guero CaneloPhoto thanks to El Guero Canelo
The Contreras family members of Tucson opened a small hot dog stand back in 1993 that dished out warm and delicious carne asada and also the now-famous Sonora dog. Today, that little hotdog stand has actually evolved in a mini-empire, with three Tucson places of El Guero Canelo offering residents and also site visitors an authentic preference of Tucson and Sonora food society. The Sonora Hot Dog has been included on Food Network and also numerous magazines, a hot dog wrapped in mesquite-smoked bacon as well as covered with massive amounts of grilled onions, beans, mayo and also– if you attempt– jalapenos. If that seems a bit much for you, attempt the dining establishment’s winning option of burritos, quesadillas and also tacos.
Advised for Mexican because: El Guero Canelo is a must-visit Mexican food stand famous for its famous Tucson Mexican specialized, the Sonoran Pet.
Patricia’s specialist tip: Do not leave without attempting the world-famous Sonoran Pet dog.
8
PENCA RESTAURANTE
Penca RestaurantePhoto thanks to Penca
Found in an adoringly restored 1920s-era structure in downtown Tucson, Penca Restaurante has actually ended up being a destination for connoisseurs looking for high end riffs on the food preparation of central Mexico. The seasonally-inspired menu features great renditions of standard meals like chile en nogada (baked chile poblano stuffed with typical pork, fruits as well as nuts, finished with a sherry walnut sauce) and mole de guajolote (braised turkey in a conventional mole poblano). You’ll also locate little plates, and naturally, numerous taco options. This is not merely a posh Mexican dining establishment, though, yet likewise a prize-winning bar. The “worldwide bar” features greater than 30 mezcals, a great a glass of wine listing, and also costs, hard-to-find tequilas.
Suggested for Mexican due to the fact that: Penca Restaurante is a solid choice for upscale Mexican fare, plus a wonderful option of agave-based drinks.
Patricia’s professional idea: Do not miss the agave-based mixed drinks.
7
TUCSON TAMALE BUSINESS
CATALINAS
Tucson Tamale CompanyPhoto thanks to Tucson Tamale Firm
Tucson Tamale Business’s motto is “unwrap happiness.” Well stated. With greater than 30 different sorts of tamales, from meaty as well as spicy to hearty vegan treats, Tucson Tamale Firm is your resource for genuine as well as imaginative tamales in the Old Pueblo. The food selection is diverse and also fun. Attempt the eco-friendly corn tamales, a residence preferred, or the Arizona, which is stuffed with chipotle beef. The Tucson Tamale Business has something to please every palate, consisting of a huge choice of vegetarian as well as vegan tamales. There are also tasty morning meal as well as dessert tamales so you can begin your morning– and also finish your dish– perfect.
Suggested for Mexican since: Tucson Tamale Firm provides loads of flavorful tamale ranges made from the ground up with gourmet implementation.
Patricia’s specialist suggestion: Take a loads– or two lots– tamales house with you. The Tucson Tamale Company concentrates on special orders too.
6
CALLE TEPA
Calle TepaPhoto thanks to Calle Tepa
Inspired by the vivid streets of Tepatitlan, Jalisco in Mexico, Calle Tepa is Tucson’s newest as well as biggest Mexican cafe. In a city filled with excellent Mexican food, Calle Tepa manages to stick out from the pack for its fantastic take on Jalisco street food, fresh active ingredients, as well as attention to information. Right here is whatever you would certainly want from a fast-casual Mexican food cafe: homemade dishes, made-from-scratch salsas, and also pillowy tortillas cooked in front of you. There is also an al priest juicing on a turning spit. Given you by the people behind Tucson’s Guadalajara Grill, Calle Tepa supplies a homemade take on terrific Mexican food.
Advised for Mexican since: Calle Tepa is a stylish fast-casual Mexican restaurant with genuine food done Jalisco-style.
Patricia’s expert idea: Try the cold margarita, pure perfection.
TAQUERIA EL PUEBLITO
Taqueria El PueblitoPhoto thanks to Taqueria El Pueblito
This unassuming restaurant is residence to a few of Tucson’s a lot of cherished tacos as well as burritos. Come below for the carne asada, barbacoa, al priest and also other traditional Mexican food staples that. All the meats are grilled to order and tacos come typically stacked with the experienced, tasty meat of your choice, plus your selection of toppings. The salsa bar is equipped with homeade salsa verde, and also mild, red and hot ranges. The burritos are generously proportioned and also packed with your selection of meats, or take pleasure in the creamy simplicity of a timeless bean and also cheese. Exceptional worth as well as compelling flavors make this a must-try area restaurant.
Suggested for Mexican due to the fact that: Taqueria El Pueblito provides excellent tacos featuring barbequed to get meats and also fresh garnishes.
Patricia’s specialist pointer: Come here for the outstanding carne asada.
GUADALAJARA ORIGINAL GRILL
NORTH TUCSON
Guadalajara Original GrillPhoto thanks to Guadalajara Original Grill
Salsas made fresh at your table, live mariachis 7 evenings a week, as well as several of the best margaritas around make Guadalajara Grill among the liveliest Mexican food places in town. The Guadalajara Grill makes their tortillas fresh daily, as well as their very own nacho chips. The ambiance is friendly yet casually upscale, making this a perfect spot for a romantic day, unique occasion or simply a leisurely company lunch. Hand-made fresh corn and flour tortillas and devotion to authentic ingredients and flavors make this restaurant attract attention from the pack. For a cheery ambience and also straightforward take on typical Guadalajaran cuisine, Guadalajara Grill is a winner.
Recommended for Mexican because: Guadalajara Grill in Tucson takes Mexican food seriously, using quality components to serve conventional plates in a vibrant, joyful setup.
the margaritas.
TACOS APSON
Tacos ApsonPhoto courtesy of Tacos Apson
One of South Tucson’s the majority of cherished taquerias, Tacos Apson on 12th Method concentrates on ambrosial mesquite-grilled carne asada tacos. The name of the dining establishment commemorates one of Sonora’s most well-known ’60s- age Mexican rock bands, Los Apson (proprietor Javier Durazo’s papa, Francisco Javier Durazo, was the band’s drummer). The ’60s rock memorabilia is trendy, yet the marquee tourist attraction are the sumptuous, scrumptious tacos. Apart from carne asada, you’ll likewise find barbacoa, al priest, and also fish tacos on the menu, which are available in different configurations. If you’re wanting to discover past carne asada and al pastor, take a look at the bull testicle tacos.
Advised for Mexican since: Seeking some of the most effective carne asada tacos in Tucson? Come to Tacos Apson.
EL CHARRO COFFEE SHOP
DOWNTOWN
El Charro CafePhoto thanks to El Charro Cafe
The initial El Charro, founded in 1922, is the earliest Mexican restaurant in Tucson; the original proprietor, Monica Flin, is claimed to have designed the chimichanga. The dining establishment also declares the outstanding title of earliest Mexican food restaurant in the nation consistently operated by the exact same household. That heritage continues to be solid today with a dedication to fresh, authentic Sonoran food and also Tucson-style Mexican food. Stop by the nearby cantina, with its positive outside seats, and delight in one of the finest margaritas in town. After that, have traditional meals such as carne asada or carne seca beef marinated in lime and garlic. A little present store inside markets an assortment of Southwestern presents. Appointments recommended on weekends.
Advised for Mexican due to the fact that: El Charro Coffee shop is a must-visit food lover destination when in Tucson, the ideal place for commemorating Tucson’s abundant Mexican food legacy.
Patricia’s specialist tip: Visit next door at La Tiendita, the dining establishment’s present store, for an assortment of uniquely Southwestern gifts.
COFFEE SHOP POCA COSA
MIDTOWN
Cafe Poca CosaPhoto thanks to Coffee shop Poca Cosa
Chef/owner Susana Davila produces her own distinct spin on Mexican food, including techniques as well as components obtained from a number of areas. Poca Cosa started a few blocks away from this area, and also the small original is still open for breakfast and also lunch on weekdays. At this area, the food selection changes daily, however the specialties include fantastic poultry with spicy-rich mole sauce. The menu is printed on a portable chalkboard in both English and also Spanish, which servers draw from table to table. If you can not determine, purchase the Plato Poca Cosa as well as the cook will certainly choose one beef, one chicken and also one vegan meal for you to sample, every one more delicious than the following.
Best Mexican food in Tucson
If your concept of good Mexican food is the Taco Bell drive-thru home window at midnight, it’s time to take a trip to Tucson to see exactly how real Mexican food is done. Sonoran-style Mexican food preparations is a point of pride in this community, so it comes as not a surprise that a few of the nation’s ideal Mexican food dining establishments can be discovered in Tucson. The hardest part is selecting a location to eat first!
Cafe Poca Cosa, one of the most highly-regarded Mexican food restaurants in the city, boosts the combination plate to new elevations with Chef Susana’s fresh and also innovative take on Mexican standards.
If you remain in the state of mind for hot, yummy Sonoran-style Mexican home cooking, head to South Tucson, where El Guero Canelo pushes out tasty tacos, burritos and also the famous Sonoran Pet dog at a breakneck speed.
Calle Tepa in midtown is a relatively new arrival, but this fast-casual restaurant is promptly going far for itself, thanks to a hearty option of newly made tortas, tacos and also quesadillas featuring fresh lamb’s milk cheese.
Finally, for a mariachi-blasting great time, head to Guadalajara Grill, where the salsa and also guacamole are always made fresh table-side, and also typical Mexican food dishes such as mole poblano and also chile rellenos are prepared with fresh active ingredients and also trademark panache.
9
EL GUERO CANELO
El Guero CaneloPhoto thanks to El Guero Canelo
The Contreras family members of Tucson opened a small hot dog stand back in 1993 that dished out warm and delicious carne asada and also the now-famous Sonora dog. Today, that little hotdog stand has actually evolved in a mini-empire, with three Tucson places of El Guero Canelo offering residents and also site visitors an authentic preference of Tucson and Sonora food society. The Sonora Hot Dog has been included on Food Network and also numerous magazines, a hot dog wrapped in mesquite-smoked bacon as well as covered with massive amounts of grilled onions, beans, mayo and also– if you attempt– jalapenos. If that seems a bit much for you, attempt the dining establishment’s winning option of burritos, quesadillas and also tacos.
Advised for Mexican because: El Guero Canelo is a must-visit Mexican food stand famous for its famous Tucson Mexican specialized, the Sonoran Pet.
Patricia’s specialist tip: Do not leave without attempting the world-famous Sonoran Pet dog.
8
PENCA RESTAURANTE
Penca RestaurantePhoto thanks to Penca
Found in an adoringly restored 1920s-era structure in downtown Tucson, Penca Restaurante has actually ended up being a destination for connoisseurs looking for high end riffs on the food preparation of central Mexico. The seasonally-inspired menu features great renditions of standard meals like chile en nogada (baked chile poblano stuffed with typical pork, fruits as well as nuts, finished with a sherry walnut sauce) and mole de guajolote (braised turkey in a conventional mole poblano). You’ll also locate little plates, and naturally, numerous taco options. This is not merely a posh Mexican dining establishment, though, yet likewise a prize-winning bar. The “worldwide bar” features greater than 30 mezcals, a great a glass of wine listing, and also costs, hard-to-find tequilas.
Suggested for Mexican due to the fact that: Penca Restaurante is a solid choice for upscale Mexican fare, plus a wonderful option of agave-based drinks.
Patricia’s professional idea: Do not miss the agave-based mixed drinks.
7
TUCSON TAMALE BUSINESS
CATALINAS
Tucson Tamale CompanyPhoto thanks to Tucson Tamale Firm
Tucson Tamale Business’s motto is “unwrap happiness.” Well stated. With greater than 30 different sorts of tamales, from meaty as well as spicy to hearty vegan treats, Tucson Tamale Firm is your resource for genuine as well as imaginative tamales in the Old Pueblo. The food selection is diverse and also fun. Attempt the eco-friendly corn tamales, a residence preferred, or the Arizona, which is stuffed with chipotle beef. The Tucson Tamale Business has something to please every palate, consisting of a huge choice of vegetarian as well as vegan tamales. There are also tasty morning meal as well as dessert tamales so you can begin your morning– and also finish your dish– perfect.
Suggested for Mexican since: Tucson Tamale Firm provides loads of flavorful tamale ranges made from the ground up with gourmet implementation.
Patricia’s specialist suggestion: Take a loads– or two lots– tamales house with you. The Tucson Tamale Company concentrates on special orders too.
6
CALLE TEPA
Calle TepaPhoto thanks to Calle Tepa
Inspired by the vivid streets of Tepatitlan, Jalisco in Mexico, Calle Tepa is Tucson’s newest as well as biggest Mexican cafe. In a city filled with excellent Mexican food, Calle Tepa manages to stick out from the pack for its fantastic take on Jalisco street food, fresh active ingredients, as well as attention to information. Right here is whatever you would certainly want from a fast-casual Mexican food cafe: homemade dishes, made-from-scratch salsas, and also pillowy tortillas cooked in front of you. There is also an al priest juicing on a turning spit. Given you by the people behind Tucson’s Guadalajara Grill, Calle Tepa supplies a homemade take on terrific Mexican food.
Advised for Mexican since: Calle Tepa is a stylish fast-casual Mexican restaurant with genuine food done Jalisco-style.
Patricia’s expert idea: Try the cold margarita, pure perfection.
TAQUERIA EL PUEBLITO
Taqueria El PueblitoPhoto thanks to Taqueria El Pueblito
This unassuming restaurant is residence to a few of Tucson’s a lot of cherished tacos as well as burritos. Come below for the carne asada, barbacoa, al priest and also other traditional Mexican food staples that. All the meats are grilled to order and tacos come typically stacked with the experienced, tasty meat of your choice, plus your selection of toppings. The salsa bar is equipped with homeade salsa verde, and also mild, red and hot ranges. The burritos are generously proportioned and also packed with your selection of meats, or take pleasure in the creamy simplicity of a timeless bean and also cheese. Exceptional worth as well as compelling flavors make this a must-try area restaurant.
Suggested for Mexican due to the fact that: Taqueria El Pueblito provides excellent tacos featuring barbequed to get meats and also fresh garnishes.
Patricia’s specialist pointer: Come here for the outstanding carne asada.
GUADALAJARA ORIGINAL GRILL
NORTH TUCSON
Guadalajara Original GrillPhoto thanks to Guadalajara Original Grill
Salsas made fresh at your table, live mariachis 7 evenings a week, as well as several of the best margaritas around make Guadalajara Grill among the liveliest Mexican food places in town. The Guadalajara Grill makes their tortillas fresh daily, as well as their very own nacho chips. The ambiance is friendly yet casually upscale, making this a perfect spot for a romantic day, unique occasion or simply a leisurely company lunch. Hand-made fresh corn and flour tortillas and devotion to authentic ingredients and flavors make this restaurant attract attention from the pack. For a cheery ambience and also straightforward take on typical Guadalajaran cuisine, Guadalajara Grill is a winner.
Recommended for Mexican because: Guadalajara Grill in Tucson takes Mexican food seriously, using quality components to serve conventional plates in a vibrant, joyful setup.
the margaritas.
TACOS APSON
Tacos ApsonPhoto courtesy of Tacos Apson
One of South Tucson’s the majority of cherished taquerias, Tacos Apson on 12th Method concentrates on ambrosial mesquite-grilled carne asada tacos. The name of the dining establishment commemorates one of Sonora’s most well-known ’60s- age Mexican rock bands, Los Apson (proprietor Javier Durazo’s papa, Francisco Javier Durazo, was the band’s drummer). The ’60s rock memorabilia is trendy, yet the marquee tourist attraction are the sumptuous, scrumptious tacos. Apart from carne asada, you’ll likewise find barbacoa, al priest, and also fish tacos on the menu, which are available in different configurations. If you’re wanting to discover past carne asada and al pastor, take a look at the bull testicle tacos.
Advised for Mexican since: Seeking some of the most effective carne asada tacos in Tucson? Come to Tacos Apson.
EL CHARRO COFFEE SHOP
DOWNTOWN
El Charro CafePhoto thanks to El Charro Cafe
The initial El Charro, founded in 1922, is the earliest Mexican restaurant in Tucson; the original proprietor, Monica Flin, is claimed to have designed the chimichanga. The dining establishment also declares the outstanding title of earliest Mexican food restaurant in the nation consistently operated by the exact same household. That heritage continues to be solid today with a dedication to fresh, authentic Sonoran food and also Tucson-style Mexican food. Stop by the nearby cantina, with its positive outside seats, and delight in one of the finest margaritas in town. After that, have traditional meals such as carne asada or carne seca beef marinated in lime and garlic. A little present store inside markets an assortment of Southwestern presents. Appointments recommended on weekends.
Advised for Mexican due to the fact that: El Charro Coffee shop is a must-visit food lover destination when in Tucson, the ideal place for commemorating Tucson’s abundant Mexican food legacy.
Patricia’s specialist tip: Visit next door at La Tiendita, the dining establishment’s present store, for an assortment of uniquely Southwestern gifts.
COFFEE SHOP POCA COSA
MIDTOWN
Cafe Poca CosaPhoto thanks to Coffee shop Poca Cosa
Chef/owner Susana Davila produces her own distinct spin on Mexican food, including techniques as well as components obtained from a number of areas. Poca Cosa started a few blocks away from this area, and also the small original is still open for breakfast and also lunch on weekdays. At this area, the food selection changes daily, however the specialties include fantastic poultry with spicy-rich mole sauce. The menu is printed on a portable chalkboard in both English and also Spanish, which servers draw from table to table. If you can not determine, purchase the Plato Poca Cosa as well as the cook will certainly choose one beef, one chicken and also one vegan meal for you to sample, every one more delicious than the following.