13 Best Mexican Restaurants In Arizona To Check Out This March
Arizona is home to some of the most incredible Mexican food you will ever taste, from sizzling street tacos to rich, slow-cooked mole sauces. I’ve always believed that the best way to explore a new place is through its food, and there’s no better cuisine to guide me across Arizona than Mexican.
This March, with the desert heat turning just a touch milder, I set out with one simple goal: find the 13 Mexican restaurants that deserve a star on my personal culinary map.
From hidden taco trucks tucked behind cacti to upscale eateries with rooftop views of the saguaro‑lined skyline, each spot offers something uniquely delicious.
So, join me as I recount my flavorful journey-complete with cheesy quesadillas, fiery salsas, and enough guacamole to make a avocado blush. Ready? Let’s taco ‘bout the top Mexican spots you simply can’t miss this month!
1. El Charro Cafe (Downtown) – Tucson
America’s oldest family-run Mexican restaurant is right here in Tucson, and El Charro Cafe has been serving legendary food since 1922.
Located at 311 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, this Downtown icon is famous for its carne seca, a unique air-dried beef dish that is prepared on the rooftop using the Arizona sun.
The menu is packed with classic Sonoran Mexican dishes made from recipes passed down through generations of the Flores family. The green corn tamales are a seasonal favorite that regulars look forward to every single visit.
The historic adobe building adds a beautiful backdrop to every meal, making it a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and the service feels warm and genuinely welcoming.
If you only visit one Mexican restaurant in Tucson this March, make it El Charro Cafe. You will leave with a very full plate of memories.
2. Mi Nidito Restaurant – Tucson
Mi Nidito, which translates to “my little nest,” has been a beloved Tucson tradition since 1952, and walking through the door feels like coming home.
Found at 1813 S 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713, this South Side staple earned nationwide fame when President Bill Clinton stopped by for a meal back in 1999.
The Presidential Plate, named in his honor, remains one of the most ordered items on the menu to this day.
Expect bold, hearty Sonoran-style dishes like enchiladas smothered in red sauce, tamales with perfect masa texture, and beans cooked low and slow for maximum flavor.
The restaurant is small and cozy, so arriving early or being prepared to wait is part of the experience. The wait is absolutely worth it, and locals will tell you that without hesitation.
Mi Nidito is more than just a meal spot, it is a genuine piece of Tucson’s living history.
3. Tumerico – Tucson
Not every great Mexican restaurant relies on meat, and Tumerico at 2526 E 6th St, Tucson, AZ 85716 is living proof of that bold statement.
This plant-based Mexican gem has built a devoted following by turning vegetables, legumes, and fresh herbs into dishes so satisfying that even dedicated meat-lovers come back week after week.
The rotating seasonal menu keeps things exciting, with creative combinations that celebrate the natural flavors of Sonoran-inspired cuisine without shortcuts.
A friend of mine dragged me here skeptically on a rainy Tuesday, and I left completely converted after one bite of the black bean tostada topped with roasted squash and tangy salsa verde.
The small, cheerful space fills up fast, especially on weekend mornings when brunch draws a lively crowd.
Tumerico is proof that plant-forward cooking and bold Mexican flavors are not just compatible but absolutely electric together. Skip the hesitation and order the daily special. You will not regret it for a single second.
4. Taqueria Juanito’s – Tucson
Sometimes the best tacos come from the most no-fuss places, and Taqueria Juanito’s at 708 W Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85745 is the ultimate proof of that theory.
This neighborhood taqueria serves up authentic Mexican street-style tacos that are simple, fresh, and absolutely bursting with flavor in every single bite.
The birria tacos have developed a near-cult following in Tucson, with their slow-braised beef, rich consomme for dipping, and perfectly crisped tortillas that hold everything together beautifully.
Prices here are genuinely budget-friendly, making it easy to order three or four tacos without any guilt whatsoever.
The menu also includes hearty burritos, quesadillas, and tortas that hit the spot for a quick and satisfying lunch.
The staff moves fast and the food comes out hot, which is exactly what you want from a taqueria experience.
Juanito’s is a Tucson treasure that deserves far more recognition than it currently gets from the wider food world.
5. El Guero Canelo – Tucson
El Guero Canelo is not your average Mexican restaurant, and the Sonoran hot dog it made famous is not your average hot dog either.
Situated at 5201 S 12th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713, this James Beard Award-winning institution has been serving its iconic bacon-wrapped hot dogs since 1993.
The Sonoran hot dog is tucked into a fluffy bolillo-style bun and topped with pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, mayonnaise, mustard, and a drizzle of crema that ties everything together magnificently.
Beyond the hot dog, the menu features tacos, burritos, and other Sonoran staples prepared with the same quality and care that earned the restaurant national recognition. The outdoor seating area has a lively, festive energy that makes dining here feel like a mini celebration.
El Guero Canelo has multiple locations in Tucson, but the South 12th Avenue spot is the original and always worth the visit. Come hungry, leave happy, and bring everyone you know.
6. Los Olivos Mexican Patio – Scottsdale
Los Olivos Mexican Patio in Scottsdale has been charming guests since 1945, making it one of the oldest and most beloved Mexican restaurants in the entire state of Arizona.
The address is 7328 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, and the setting alone is worth the trip, with a stunning courtyard patio draped in greenery and warm lighting.
The menu leans into traditional Mexican-American dishes done with great consistency and real attention to detail.
The cheese crisp, a signature Arizona-style appetizer, is a must-order that regulars never skip no matter how many times they have visited before.
Enchiladas, chimichangas, and combination plates are executed with reliability and generous portions that keep families coming back across generations.
The weekend brunch menu adds another layer of appeal for those who want Mexican flavors with a morning twist. Los Olivos has that rare quality of feeling both timeless and fresh, which is why it has stayed relevant for nearly eight decades running.
7. La Fonda Mexican Restaurant – Flagstaff
Flagstaff sits at over 7,000 feet of elevation, and after a brisk March walk through Ponderosa pine country, nothing sounds better than a steaming plate of authentic Mexican food.
La Fonda Mexican Restaurant at 1900 N 2nd St, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 delivers exactly that with a menu full of comforting, flavorful dishes made from scratch. The red chile enchiladas are a standout, made with a deeply spiced sauce that has serious depth and warmth in every forkful.
La Fonda has been a Flagstaff staple for decades, and the loyal customer base speaks volumes about the consistency of the kitchen.
The interior is cozy and unpretentious, with colorful folk art and warm lighting that make it feel like a neighborhood gathering place rather than a tourist stop.
Portions are hearty, which is a very welcome thing when the mountain air has worked up a serious appetite. La Fonda proves that great Mexican food is not just a Tucson or Phoenix thing.
8. Cocina Madrigal Tacos – Phoenix
Cocina Madrigal Tacos at 4044 S 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85040 is one of those places where the food is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Chef Richard Madrigal brings a modern, creative approach to Mexican cuisine that honors traditional flavors while pushing them in exciting new directions.
The tacos here are works of art, featuring thoughtfully sourced ingredients layered with salsas, pickled vegetables, and house-made tortillas that elevate every single bite.
The restaurant has a festive, energetic atmosphere with bold murals and vibrant decor that make the whole dining experience feel like a celebration.
The al pastor taco is a particular highlight, with perfectly caramelized pork and a touch of pineapple that balances the savory notes brilliantly.
Service is attentive and knowledgeable, with staff who are genuinely excited to talk about the menu. Cocina Madrigal is the kind of spot that makes you want to clear your entire evening just to linger a little longer.
9. Carolina’s Mexican Food (Original) – Phoenix
Carolina’s Mexican Food is the kind of place that food legends are built around, and the original location at 1202 E Mohave St, Phoenix, AZ 85034 has been the foundation of that legend since 1968.
The handmade flour tortillas here are the stuff of pure magic, thin, soft, and slightly charred in all the right places, made fresh throughout the day.
The menu is straightforward and refreshingly simple, featuring burritos, tacos, tamales, and enchiladas made with honest, quality ingredients. Carolina’s operates on a cash-only basis, so come prepared with bills in your pocket before you arrive.
The line can stretch out the door during peak hours, but the wait moves quickly and the payoff is absolutely tremendous.
Prices are remarkably low, which makes Carolina’s one of the best value meals in all of Phoenix without any competition. This is Phoenix’s soul food in the truest sense, and skipping it would be a genuine missed opportunity for any food lover.
10. Los Dos Molinos (South Mountain) – Phoenix
Los Dos Molinos is not for the faint of heart, and that is meant as the highest possible compliment from any serious fan of spicy food.
The South Mountain location at 8684 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042 is set inside a historic hacienda that was once owned by actor Tom Mix, adding a fascinating layer of character to the whole experience.
The New Mexico-style Mexican food here is fiery, bold, and unapologetically intense, with red and green chile sauces that bring serious heat to every dish.
I visited on a dare from a coworker who swore the enchiladas would make me cry, and he was not entirely wrong, but they were also the most flavorful thing I had eaten in months.
The drinks are famously strong, but since we are sticking to food talk, just know the chips and salsa alone set the tone perfectly. Los Dos Molinos is an experience, not just a meal. Go bold or go home.
11. La Santisima Gourmet Taco Shop – Phoenix
La Santisima Gourmet Taco Shop at 4117 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016 takes the humble taco and gives it a serious, well-deserved upgrade without losing any of its soul.
The menu features a rotating selection of creative tacos that blend traditional Mexican ingredients with unexpected flavor combinations that keep regulars guessing and coming back for more.
The shrimp tacos are a fan favorite, loaded with perfectly seasoned Gulf shrimp, crunchy cabbage slaw, and a chipotle crema that ties the whole thing together with a smoky kick.
The space itself is bright, modern, and casual, making it equally suited for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends. Every tortilla is made in-house, which makes an immediately noticeable difference in the overall quality of each taco from the very first bite.
La Santisima proves that gourmet and accessible can coexist beautifully in the same taco shop. This Phoenix spot deserves a permanent spot on your monthly dining rotation.
12. El Bravo Mexican Food – Phoenix
El Bravo Mexican Food at 8338 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020 has been a North Phoenix neighborhood staple for decades, and the loyal regulars who fill its tables are the best advertisement it has ever had.
The menu reads like a greatest hits collection of traditional Mexican comfort food, with enchiladas, tamales, chile rellenos, and combination plates that satisfy every craving without overcomplicating anything.
The chile relleno here is particularly noteworthy, stuffed generously with cheese, lightly battered, and served with a bright tomato sauce that complements the mild heat of the pepper beautifully.
El Bravo has a warm, unpretentious atmosphere that makes every guest feel like a regular even on their very first visit.
The prices are fair and the portions are generous, which is a combination that never goes out of style in any neighborhood.
Parking is easy and the service is fast, making it a reliable weeknight dinner option for busy families across North Phoenix.
13. El Mesquite Cocina Mexicana – Phoenix
El Mesquite Cocina Mexicana at 26 E Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042 rounds out this list with a dining experience that feels refined without ever losing its authentic Mexican roots.
The kitchen specializes in dishes that draw from deep regional Mexican traditions, bringing flavors and techniques that go well beyond the standard menu you might find at a chain restaurant.
The mole negro is the crown jewel of the menu, a rich, complex sauce made with dried chiles, spices, and a touch of dark chocolate that creates a flavor profile unlike anything else in Phoenix.
The handmade tortillas served alongside every dish are soft, pillowy, and absolutely essential for scooping up every last drop of sauce on the plate.
The dining room has a warm, intimate feel that makes it perfect for a special dinner or a celebratory March outing with family.
El Mesquite is the kind of restaurant that reminds you why Mexican cuisine is celebrated all over the world. Save room for dessert because the churros are worth every bite.