Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen on Oracle Road features warm ambient lighting, exposed brick walls, and decorative tile accents along the bar. Tables line the narrow dining room under a mix of pendant lights and skylights that brighten the space.

Chef Jose Contreras, a James Beard semifinalist, leads this Sonoran-inspired kitchen. Regulars rave about quesabirria tacos and margaritas. For an extravagant bowl, the Molcajete Amelia’s towers with steak, shrimp, lobster, cactus, cheese, and onions, served sizzling with tortillas, rice, beans, and guacamole.

This is the family’s second Tucson location; the original is on Grant Road near Craycroft Road. 

Aqui Con El Nene knows how to work their mesquite grill for some mighty fine carne asada. Add in the massive salsa bar and friendly service, and you’ve got the recipe for a local favorite fit for the masses.

Your go-to spot for a taste of Sonora right in Tucson. Famous for its Sonoran-style Hot Dogs and Carne Asada Tacos, this place has been a local favorite since ’94.

Casa Valencia brings a splash of seafood to Mexican and Latin flavors. The Carne Asada Tacos are a hit, and dishes like Camaron Culichi are on point. Vegetarians, fret not — they’ve got options for you, too!

If you’re in the mood for some house-butchered, grass-fed carne asada, Charro Steak is serving it up. Sided with house-made salsa and tortillas plus guacamole made tableside, a quality experience is waiting to be had.

The menu selection here is just as extensive as you’d find at any local taqueria in town, and the carne asada tacos and burros are tried and true crowd favorites.

From quesadillas and burros to their chimichangas, you can bank on getting your carne asada fix at Guillermo’s. We dig exploring their massive list of combos, but the carne asada nachos never disappoint.

Early bird or not, Jalisco Restaurante has got your Mexican breakfast and brunch cravings covered. Their carne asada burros are a crowd favorite, and we suggest you grab some fresh cookies or tortillas on the way out.

“Everything is glued together with the cheese. Everything is hot and fresh. It’s one of the most beautiful things ever. These caramelos are a work of art!” -Mark Wiens, Travel for Food

The taco stand at 3752 E. Grant Rd. earned its late-night following with its exceptional tacos, Sonoran hot dogs, and of course, quesadillas and caramelos.

Sometimes, the variation of menu items at the many Mexican restaurants in and around Tucson is so subtle, it can be easy to forget which burrito or enchilada you had where. This is not the case at Karichimaka, one of the oldest, and according to fans the most underrated, Sonoran dining establishments in Tucson. Their carne asada anything is a must-try.

Grilled to perfection and bursting bold with flavor, Martin’s carne asada promises a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine that you can count on. The caramelos and tortas take the cake.

The namesake quesadillas are noteworthy, but it’s the juicy and tender carne asada with its seared edges and mesquite flavor that keep us raving about The Quesadillas.

“Authentic Mexican flavors come to life in every bite of our tacos at Rancho Rústico.” We agree, especially when it comes to their carne asada. They take it to the next level with their breakfast menu, available Friday through Sunday.

The carne asada at Sonoran Delights is grilled and finished with a warm spicy tomato sauce, which helps keep it nice and juicy. Each tender slice of carne asada bursts with smoky flavor, making it a true delight for your taste buds.

Everything comes from the grill and is especially focused on the carne asada. They’re also famous for their tortillas so, regardless of how you order your carne asada — they have a large menu that includes tacos, burritos, caramelos, and much more — you can’t go wrong.