12 Mexican Restaurants In Arizona That Don’t Get Enough Credit
Arizona is packed with Mexican restaurants that deserve more attention than they get.
From sizzling street tacos and fresh tamales to bold, inventive dishes, these hidden gems deliver flavors that rival the state’s most famous spots.
Locals know where to go for authentic tastes and vibrant meals, but many outsiders overlook them.
Exploring these underrated restaurants reveals a side of Arizona’s food scene full of passion, creativity, and unforgettable flavors waiting to be discovered.
1. Carolina’s Mexican Food: Tortilla Paradise
Flour tortillas so thin you can practically see through them – that’s Carolina’s claim to fame.
Since 1968, this Phoenix institution has been hand-making these heavenly discs daily, creating the foundation for their legendary machaca burritos.
Grandma Carolina’s recipes remain unchanged in this no-frills establishment. The red enchilada sauce deserves its own fan club, and regulars know to order extra tortillas to take home.
Don’t let the industrial location fool you – culinary magic happens here daily.
2. La Santisima Gourmet Taco Shop: Salsa Bar Extraordinaire
Forget everything you thought you knew about salsa bars. La Santisima boasts a legendary spread with over 10 homemade options, from strawberry to spicy peanut varieties that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Their Sonoran-style street tacos showcase fillings you won’t find elsewhere – nopalitos (cactus), huitlacoche (corn fungus), and even South American-inspired options.
The colorful interior matches the vibrant flavors, with Mexican folk art covering every wall. Weekend specials often feature regional dishes rarely seen in Arizona.
3. Rito’s Mexican Food: The Hidden Phoenix Treasure
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, Rito’s green chile burrito might just change your life.
Family-owned since 1977, this cash-only spot has locals lining up for their famous chimichurgas and overstuffed tacos.
What makes Rito’s special isn’t fancy decor (there’s barely any seating). It’s the no-nonsense, authentic flavors that have remained consistent for decades.
Their red chile beef is slow-cooked to perfection, making even native Mexicans nod in approval.
4. Tacos Chiwas: Chihuahua-Style Perfection
Chihuahua isn’t just a tiny dog – it’s a Mexican state with distinctive cuisine that Tacos Chiwas brings to Phoenix.
Their signature dish, montado, layers beans, cheese and meat on a crispy base that’s neither tostada nor taco, but something magnificently in-between.
Founded by Chihuahua natives, authenticity reigns supreme here. The gorditas come stuffed with rajas (roasted poblano strips) and asadero cheese that stretches for days.
Pro tip: their homemade agua frescas change daily and sell out fast.
5. Elmer’s Tacos: Chandler’s Crispy Taco King
Crispy tacos reach their highest form at Elmer’s, where the shells are fried fresh to order – never from a box.
Since 1974, this Chandler staple has been stuffing these golden vessels with perfectly seasoned beef and a mountain of cheese.
The true showstopper? Their legendary hot sauce, available by the bottle for devoted fans.
Regulars swear by the green corn tamales, made the traditional way – steamed in corn husks with a sweet, creamy filling that contrasts beautifully with their savory dishes.
6. Casa Reynoso: Mesa’s Family Recipe Vault
Four generations of Reynosos have been guarding their enchilada sauce recipe, and one taste explains why.
This Mesa institution serves Sonoran-style Mexican food with a depth of flavor that only decades of perfection can achieve.
Their cheese crisp – a distinctly Arizona creation – comes the size of a pizza, with edges perfectly bubbled and crispy.
Family photos line the walls alongside vintage Mexican movie posters. Order the #1 Combination Plate to sample a bit of everything that’s made them legendary since 1984.
7. Los Reyes de la Torta: Sandwich Monarchy
Mexican sandwiches rule at this Phoenix kingdom where tortas reach epic proportions.
The signature “King Carlos V” stands five inches tall, packed with five meats, cheese, avocado, and enough fixings to challenge the most ambitious eater.
Beyond size, it’s the quality that impresses – telera bread baked fresh daily, premium meats grilled to order, and house-made salsas.
Don’t skip their agua frescas, especially the horchata topped with chopped pecans and cinnamon. The walls covered in Mexican wrestling masks create a festive atmosphere.
8. La Piñata: Old School Tex-Mex Champion
Sometimes you crave that classic Tex-Mex comfort food, and La Piñata delivers with zero apologies.
Their chimichanga – allegedly invented in Arizona – comes perfectly fried, smothered in both red and green sauce (Christmas-style) with melted cheese cascading down the sides.
Serving Phoenix since 1974, their massive portions and strong margaritas have created generations of loyal fans.
The complimentary chips arrive with not one but three different salsas. Weekend mornings bring menudo and hangover-curing bowls of pozole that locals swear by.
9. Rosita’s Place: East Phoenix’s Best-Kept Secret
Grandma-level cooking awaits at Rosita’s, where the chile rellenos are so authentic you’ll think you’ve teleported to central Mexico.
Each one is hand-stuffed, battered with whipped egg whites, and fried to golden perfection. This cash-only spot has been family-operated since 1963, with recipes passed down through generations.
The homemade flour tortillas arrive steaming hot, perfect for scooping up their legendary refried beans. Regulars know to save room for the sopapillas – pillowy fried dough drizzled with honey.
10. Comedor Guadalajara: South Phoenix Institution
Mariachi music fills the air on weekend evenings at Comedor Guadalajara, where families have gathered for special occasions since 1968.
Their signature dish – Molcajete Guadalajara – arrives sizzling in a volcanic stone bowl with grilled meats, nopales, and melted cheese.
The salsa here packs serious heat, balanced perfectly with their creamy guacamole. Three generations of the same family still work the kitchen and dining room.
Their horchata comes in a fishbowl-sized glass that somehow empties too quickly.
11. Gallo Blanco: Modern Mexican Masterpiece
Farm-to-table meets traditional Mexican at Gallo Blanco, where chef Doug Robson creates magic with locally-sourced ingredients.
Their Naco Torta – a heavenly combination of eggs, beans, avocado and cheese – proves breakfast can be the most important meal any time of day.
The house-made agua frescas change seasonally, featuring unexpected combinations like cucumber-lime-basil.
Their guacamole arrives chunky and fresh, with just the right amount of lime and salt. Weekend brunch brings chilaquiles that could cure any ailment known to humanity.
12. Mi Patio Mexican Food: Margarita Mecca
Legendary doesn’t begin to describe Mi Patio’s Golden Margarita – a potent concoction served in a goblet so large it requires two hands.
This Central Phoenix institution has been serving these beauties alongside massive combo plates since 1984.
Cheese enthusiasts rejoice over their enchiladas smothered in the perfect ratio of red sauce to melted cheese.
The complimentary bean dip that arrives with chips has a cult following of its own. Their chile relleno casserole transforms the traditional dish into a comfort food masterpiece.