12 Mexican Restaurants In Arizona You Have To Try At Least Once
Arizona wins hearts with its sunsets, but it really seals the deal with its salsas. Let’s be real-finding amazing Mexican food here isn’t a challenge; it’s a delicious way of life.
From hole-in-the-wall taquerias that smell like heaven at 10 a.m. to bustling cantinas with the best margaritas this side of the border, our state is a non-stop fiesta for the taste buds.
I’ve lost count of the hours I’ve spent (happily!) searching for that perfect bite, and I’m thrilled to share my shortlist of absolute must-tries. Trust me, your future self, clutching a full and happy belly, will thank you for this flavorful adventure.
1. Bacanora
Located at 1301 NW Grand Ave Unit 1 in Phoenix, Bacanora brings the flavors of Sonora directly to your plate with dishes that honor tradition while embracing innovation. Chef Rene Andrade creates magic using locally sourced ingredients combined with authentic Mexican cooking techniques.
The restaurant’s name comes from a traditional Sonoran spirit, setting the tone for an experience rooted in regional pride.
Walking through the doors feels like entering a friend’s home where food is prepared with love and attention to detail. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring that every visit offers something fresh and exciting to try.
Dishes like duck carnitas and heirloom corn tamales showcase the chef’s commitment to quality and creativity.
Reservations are highly recommended because this place fills up fast, especially on weekends. The intimate dining room creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for date nights or special celebrations.
Service is attentive without being intrusive, allowing diners to focus on the incredible food in front of them.
2. Barrio Cafe
Barrio Cafe at 2814 N 16th St has been a Phoenix institution since 2002, serving elevated Mexican cuisine that respects traditional recipes while adding contemporary flair.
Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza earned the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest, proving that her culinary vision resonates with both critics and everyday diners.
The restaurant’s bold colors and artistic touches create an inviting environment that celebrates Mexican culture.
I remember my first visit here years ago when I ordered the chiles en nogada. The combination of poblano peppers stuffed with picadillo, topped with walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds, completely changed my understanding of what Mexican food could be.
It was elegant, complex, and absolutely delicious.
The mole negro takes days to prepare, using over thirty ingredients to create layers of flavor that unfold with each bite. Portions are generous, so come hungry or plan to take leftovers home.
The staff knows the menu inside and out, offering helpful suggestions for first-time visitors or adventurous eaters looking to try something new.
3. The Original Carolina’s Mexican Food
Since 1968, The Original Carolina’s Mexican Food has been feeding Phoenix families at 1202 E Mohave St with no-frills, authentic Mexican comfort food. This isn’t the place for fancy presentations or trendy fusion dishes.
Instead, you’ll find honest, delicious food made the way it’s been done for decades.
The tortillas are handmade fresh daily, providing the perfect vehicle for their famous carne asada and perfectly seasoned beans. Breakfast burritos here are legendary, stuffed with eggs, potatoes, and your choice of meat, all wrapped in a flour tortilla that’s somehow both sturdy and tender.
Prices remain incredibly reasonable, making it easy to feed a whole family without breaking the bank.
Don’t expect fancy decor or white tablecloth service because that’s not what Carolina’s is about. The focus stays squarely on the food, which speaks for itself through consistent quality and generous portions.
Lines can get long during peak hours, but they move quickly thanks to an efficient staff. Cash is king here, so hit the ATM before you arrive.
4. Cocina Madrigal Tacos
Cocina Madrigal at 4044 S 16th St brings a fresh perspective to Phoenix’s Mexican food scene with creative tacos and a lively atmosphere. The restaurant balances authenticity with innovation, offering familiar favorites alongside more adventurous options.
Bright murals and modern design elements create an Instagram-worthy backdrop for your meal.
Tacos arrive on handmade corn tortillas with toppings that range from traditional carne asada to more unexpected combinations like Korean-style short rib. Each bite delivers bold flavors that work together harmoniously rather than competing for attention.
The salsa bar offers multiple heat levels and flavor profiles, letting diners customize their experience.
Happy hour deals make this spot particularly attractive for groups looking to sample multiple dishes without overspending. The outdoor patio provides a pleasant setting during cooler months, complete with string lights and comfortable seating.
Service tends to be quick and friendly, with servers who genuinely seem to enjoy their jobs. Weekend brunch adds another dimension to the menu, featuring chilaquiles and Mexican-style eggs Benedict that are worth setting an alarm for.
5. Los Dos Molinos Uptown
Los Dos Molinos Uptown at 1044 E Camelback Rd has built a reputation for serving some of the spiciest New Mexican cuisine in Phoenix. The family-owned restaurant doesn’t mess around when it comes to heat, so be prepared for serious chile flavor in nearly every dish.
Red and green chile sauces are made from scratch using time-tested recipes that pack a punch.
My friend once challenged me to finish their famous green chile enchiladas without reaching for water. I lasted exactly three bites before admitting defeat, but those three bites were absolutely worth the temporary discomfort.
The flavors underneath all that heat are complex and satisfying, proving that the kitchen doesn’t rely solely on spice to make an impression.
Portions could easily feed two people, so consider sharing if you’re not extremely hungry. The casual, no-frills atmosphere puts the focus squarely on the food rather than fancy decorations.
Staff members warn first-time visitors about the heat level, but many regulars order their dishes even spicier. Come with an adventurous spirit and an appreciation for authentic New Mexican flavors done right.
6. Tacos Chiwas
Tacos Chiwas at 1028 E Indian School Rd specializes in Chihuahua-style Mexican food, bringing flavors from northern Mexico to Phoenix in a casual counter-service setting. The menu stays focused on what they do best rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
Flour tortillas made fresh throughout the day provide the foundation for their excellent tacos and burritos.
The discada, a mixed meat dish cooked on a plow disc, delivers smoky, savory flavors that pair perfectly with fresh tortillas and house-made salsas. Vampiro tacos feature crispy, cheese-topped tortillas that add textural contrast to tender meat fillings.
Everything tastes like it came straight from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen, which is the highest compliment you can give Mexican food.
Prices remain incredibly affordable, making it easy to try multiple items without worrying about the bill. The small dining area fills quickly during lunch and dinner rushes, but takeout is always an option.
Don’t skip the horchata, which strikes the perfect balance between sweet and refreshing. This spot proves that great food doesn’t require fancy surroundings or complicated presentations.
7. El Charro Café
El Charro Café at 311 N Court Ave in Tucson holds the title of America’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family since 1922. Walking through the doors means stepping into living history where recipes have been perfected over nearly a century.
The restaurant invented carne seca, a sun-dried beef that has become a Tucson staple.
Sitting on the patio under the shade of old trees, you can watch the carne seca drying in metal cages on the roof just as it has for generations. The topopo salad, piled high with fresh ingredients and served in a crispy tortilla bowl, makes a satisfying meal on its own.
Cheese crisps, essentially Tucson’s answer to nachos, arrive at the table bubbling hot and perfect for sharing.
The building itself tells stories through old photographs and memorabilia covering the walls. Service maintains a warm, welcoming tone that makes first-time visitors feel like regulars.
Reservations are smart for dinner service, especially during tourist season. This restaurant represents more than just a meal because it’s a connection to Tucson’s culinary heritage.
8. Mi Nidito Restaurant
Mi Nidito Restaurant at 1813 S 4th Ave gained national fame when President Bill Clinton stopped by in 1999, but locals knew about this Tucson gem long before that. The restaurant serves generous portions of traditional Mexican food in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Walls covered in colorful murals and decorations create a festive environment that puts everyone in a good mood.
The Presidential Plate, created after Clinton’s visit, combines some of the restaurant’s best offerings into one massive meal. Bean tostadas arrive piled impossibly high with fresh toppings that somehow stay balanced until you dig in.
Chimichangas come out golden and crispy, filled with your choice of seasoned meat and topped with guacamole and sour cream.
Lines form early on weekends, but the wait gives you time to work up an appetite for the feast ahead. Cash-only policy means you’ll need to plan accordingly or use the ATM inside.
Service moves quickly despite the crowds, with servers who balance efficiency with friendliness. Takeout is available if you’d rather enjoy your meal at home without the wait.
9. El Güero Canelo
El Güero Canelo at 2480 N Oracle Rd serves the Sonoran hot dog that put Tucson on the culinary map. This isn’t your typical ballpark frank because it’s wrapped in bacon, grilled until crispy, then loaded with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, mayo, mustard, and jalapeño sauce.
The combination sounds chaotic but tastes like pure genius.
I still remember my first Sonoran hot dog here, skeptically eyeing the mountain of toppings and wondering how I’d even take a bite. One taste instantly converted me into a believer, and I’ve been chasing that perfect balance of flavors ever since.
The mesquite-grilled carne asada and perfectly seasoned al pastor also deserve recognition, but the hot dog steals the show every time.
James Beard Foundation recognized El Güero Canelo with an America’s Classics Award, validating what Tucsonans have known for years. Multiple locations now exist around Tucson, but the Oracle Road spot maintains the original’s casual, welcoming vibe.
Prices stay low enough that you can easily order multiple items to share. Come hungry, leave happy, and understand why people travel specifically to try these famous hot dogs.
10. Seis Kitchen
Seis Kitchen at 130 S Avenida del Convento #100 in Tucson brings a modern, upscale approach to Mexican cuisine without losing sight of traditional flavors. The restaurant sits in the Mercado San Agustin, a vibrant marketplace that celebrates local food and culture.
Clean lines and contemporary design create an atmosphere that feels special without being stuffy.
The menu changes regularly based on seasonal ingredients and chef inspiration, ensuring that repeat visits always offer something new. Tacos feature creative combinations like duck confit or grilled octopus alongside more familiar options.
Small plates encourage sharing and sampling, making it perfect for groups who want to experience multiple flavors.
Brunch service adds another dimension with dishes like huevos rancheros elevated through careful technique and quality ingredients. The bar program deserves special mention for creative drinks that complement the food beautifully.
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings when the place buzzes with energy. Prices reflect the upscale approach, but portions and quality justify the cost.
This restaurant proves that Mexican food can be both refined and soulful at the same time.
11. Elote Cafe
Elote Cafe at 350 Jordan Rd in Sedona combines stunning red rock views with outstanding Mexican cuisine that draws food lovers from across the state. Chef Jeff Smedstad trained under some of Mexico’s finest chefs before opening this intimate restaurant.
The namesake elote, grilled corn slathered in mayo, lime, and cotija cheese, sets the standard for everything that follows.
Reservations are absolutely essential because the small dining room fills up weeks in advance during peak season. Lamb adobo slow-cooked until fork-tender showcases the kitchen’s patience and skill.
Fresh ingredients sourced locally whenever possible ensure that every dish tastes vibrant and alive rather than tired or formulaic.
The cozy space means tables sit close together, creating a communal dining experience where conversations with neighbors happen naturally. Service strikes the right balance between knowledgeable and approachable, helping diners navigate the menu without being pretentious.
Portions are designed for sharing, encouraging groups to order multiple dishes and pass them around family-style. This restaurant proves that exceptional Mexican food can thrive even in a tourist-heavy town like Sedona when quality and authenticity remain the priorities.
12. MartAnne’s Burrito Palace
MartAnne’s Burrito Palace at 112 E Route 66 in Flagstaff has been wrapping up massive burritos since 1992, earning a loyal following among locals and travelers passing through. The casual, counter-service setup keeps things simple and affordable.
Portions are enormous, easily providing two meals for most people or one very satisfying feast for the truly hungry.
Breakfast burritos stuffed with eggs, potatoes, cheese, and your choice of additions provide the perfect fuel before hitting the trails around Flagstaff. The green chile has just enough kick to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the other flavors.
Vegetarian options go beyond just removing the meat, offering thoughtful combinations that stand on their own merits.
The location right on historic Route 66 adds nostalgic charm to the experience. Prices remain remarkably low considering the portion sizes and quality ingredients.
Outdoor seating lets you enjoy Flagstaff’s mountain air while demolishing your burrito. Don’t expect fancy ambiance or complicated presentations because MartAnne’s succeeds by doing simple things exceptionally well.
This spot represents everything great about local restaurants that focus on feeding people good food without unnecessary frills.