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Guide to Chips & Salsa in Tucson

Guide to Chips & Salsa in Tucson

by Tucson FoodieMay 5, 20266 min read
Red, green, roasted, fresh… the salsa possibilities really are endless. In a city like Tucson, there is no shortage of spots to find chips and salsa. Favorites are a fierce debate, but there’s a delectable time to be had in dipping your way through some of the best options around town. From complimentary options to superb salsa bars, here are some of the top restaurants for chips and salsa in Tucson. 
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16 spots

Chef Jose Contreras (middle) (Photo courtesy of Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen)

Amelia's Mexican Kitchen

5851 North Oracle RoadNorthwest

Not just salsa … but award-winning salsa! Lauded restaurant Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen has nabbed best salsa awards from the SAACA’s Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge multiple years in a row. Try not to fill up on the complimentary chips served with red and green salsa as you wait for your meal - save room for the also award-winning quesabirria. 

BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs (Photo by Jackie Tran)

BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs

5118 South 12th AvenueSouth Side

Have it your way at BK Tacos with a salsa bar that not only has all the fixings for your tacos or Sonoran dog, but pico de gallo, red and green salsas. Bonus - there’s also guacamole and a variety of other sauces to spice up your chips. 

BOCA chips (Photo by Jackie Tran)

BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon

533 North 4th AvenueDowntown

It’s a salsa surprise at BOCA. The chips and salsa appetizer yields fresh-fried chips and a rotating variety of house-made salsas. Salsas span spicy to mild and more traditional options to those with some unexpected ingredients that borrow inspiration from other cuisines. 

Salsa Bar at Calle Tepa (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Calle Tepa

6151 East Broadway BoulevardMidtown

You can’t miss Calle Tepa’s salsa bar. Just look for the blue Chevy truck tailgate turned refrigerator where you’ll find five varieties of fresh salsa made in-house daily - and it’s a steal at just $3. The thin, crispy chips are served warm. 

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Casa Asada (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Casa Asada Taquería

2502 North Campbell AvenueMidtown

Chips are a loose term at Casa Asada, which favors whole, fried corn tortilla tostadas. But you’ll want to order extra to dive into the taqueria’s extensive salsa bar. The eatery offers some more unique options in the salsa realm, including a salty salsa negra with a deep flavor and a kick of what seems to be soy, to a bright, fresh vegetal green with some roasted options and spicy picks in between. 

(Photo courtesy of Charro Steak & del Rey)

Charro Steak & Del Rey

188 East Broadway BoulevardDowntown

The Si Charro family of restaurants all have varying types of salsa; the smoky red salsa at Charro Steak is a staff favorite. Get a jar to gift from their restaurants or keep an eye out for it in gift stores such as Plunkett's.

Salsa bar at El Guero Canelo (Photo by Jackie Tran)

El Güero Canelo Restaurant

2480 North Oracle RoadMidtown

Guero Canelo has an extensive salsa bar to top its carne asada specialties with fixings from roasted jalapeños and onions, to limes, cucumbers, and radishes. There’s a fresh pico de gallo, red and green salsas, plus a smooth avocado crema. The not-too-spicy red is a perfect pairing for the restaurant’s bagged chips which are thick, crunchy and salty. 

Guadalajara Original Grill (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Guadalajara Original Grill

1220 East Prince RoadMidtown

Salsa and a show! Guadalajara Grill is known for its table-side salsa presentation - worth a trip to the restaurant alone according to the internet masses. It’s also a bonus for those who’d like a little control over their salsa spice level. Double down on the experience and opt for the guacamole, which is also made table-side. 

Margaritas at La Botana (Photo by Jackie Tran)

La Botana Tacos

565 East Wetmore RoadNorthwest

With its flavor of the month, there’s always something new to try at La Botana’s salsa bar. More than a half-dozen options offer standbys such as pico de gallo and a  smashable roasted red and green, but don’t sleep on more unique options including the zucchini jalapeño and pineapple habanero. The first round of chips is on the house, then it’s just $1.99 to keep sampling those house-made salsas. 

(Photo courtesy of Penca)

Penca

50 East Broadway BoulevardDowntown

Chips and salsa - but upscale! This downtown restaurant fries up thick chips for its coveted salsas that include a spicy, smokey red. Need more salsa options? Kick your meal or happy hour off with the Guacamole con Salsas Caseras which arrives with house-made roja, verde and chipotle options. While the red kicked off the salsa love affair at Penca, there’s lots of online love for the verde, too. 

Dining room at Poco & Mom’s Cantina (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Poco & Mom's

7000 East Tanque Verde RoadEastside

If it’s a chips and salsa on the patio kind of day, Poco & Mom’s is the ideal destination with one of the top patios in Tucson. Order an appetizer and chips and salsa are complimentary, or shell out $1 for solo chips and salsa or $1.99 for parties of two or more. An order yields thin, crispy chips and a fresh red salsa. Specializing in New Mexican cuisine, expect a menu populated with dishes featuring red and green hatch chillies. 

(Photo courtesy of Reforma Modern Mexican)

Reforma Modern Mexican

4340 North Campbell AvenueFoothills

Chips and house salsa are a deal at $4, but there’s even more to explore at Reforma Modern Mexican. Make it a flight and pick three of the seven house-made salsas for just $7.50. In addition to a house red, find verde, heirloom habanero, arbol and chingona options, plus a Mexicana with big chunks of tomato and onion or a fruit-forward mango studded with red onion and cilantro. 

(Photo courtesy of Rosa’s Mexican Food)

Rosa’s Mexican Food

1750 East Fort Lowell RoadMidtown

The internet has love for Rosa’s. Search for the best salsa in Tucson and Rosa’s is a frequent find on the forums. Well-blended, the tomatoey salsa has a strong flavor of garlic and oregano with a spicy kick. The chips are thin, crispy and corn forward and not overly salty. 

Salsa Verde (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Salsa Verde

210 North Pantano RoadEastside

The restaurant does indeed have its namesake as part of a salsa bar that features at least five salsa options, plus pico de gallo, pickled onions and carrots, cucumbers and more to jazz up your chips or your meal. For the spice fans, there’s a habanero, and then an avocado crema to soothe the burn, along with a mild red and green. 

Ceviche at Seis Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Seis Kitchen

6530 East Tanque Verde RoadEastside

House-made chips served with fire-roasted red and green salsas are the complimentary kick off to a meal at Seis Kitchen. The four-location restaurant is a frequent flier on best-of and must-eat lists in Tucson with its menu of breakfast, tacos, burritos and more inspired by six culinary regions of Mexico.

Carne asada and al pastor tacos from Street Taco & Beer Co. in front of a Joe Pagac mural (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Street Taco & Beer Co.

10785 North Oracle RoadOro Valley

With five locations, a chips and salsa fix from Street Taco is never far away. The salsa bar has a little bit of everything - spicy to creamy and fresh to roasted. Dip warmed chips in a hot red with a spicy kick and vinegary finish, or a bright, fresh medium green with a touch of heat. The chips are airy with a crisp, shattery shell. Spend $5 and the chips and salsa are free. 

Frequently asked questions

Tucson offers top chips and salsa at Mexican restaurants, taquerías, and local eateries. Many spots feature house-made salsas and freshly fried chips with bold, regional flavors.

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

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