🎟️ Desert Magic | Aug 29 — Get Tickets & View Featured Chefs →Get Tickets →
Company NameCelebrando la comida, la bebida y la comunidad local.
Foodie 15: Best Birria in Tucson

Guide

Foodie 15: Best Birria in Tucson

by Sam JumpFeb 27, 2024Updated Aug 4, 20264 min read
In Tucson, birria has become a beloved local favorite with its tender, flavorful meat, and rich, aromatic consommé, offering a mouthwatering twist on traditional taco fare. This Guide is part of a series that honors Tucson as the home of America’s Best Mexican Food. 
Learn how we create our guides →
15 spots

520 Taco Stop

10290 East Speedway BoulevardEastside

“Quesabirrias are popular at the moment, so I thought why not add them to our menu,” said Joselyn Gamez, owner of Taco Stop. “Our menu is 50% vegan so I thought to myself I need to come up with a vegan version. September 2021, our quesabirria made its debut. Good cheese is the most important part so it wasn’t easy to find ingredients that work and are 100% vegan-friendly. We played around a bit, and figured it out.”
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inBest Burritos in TucsonYour Guide to Vegan Tucson Restaurant Week (MENUS)The Best Vegan Food in Tucson

Amelia's Mexican Kitchen

5851 North Oracle RoadNorthwest

BeerMexican
When it comes to tacos, Amelia’s has a few to choose from; however, the Quesabirria Tacos — equipped with onions and cilantro in a white corn tortilla — hold a special place in our bellies. You just can’t go wrong with their dip. Be sure to get it with the caldo.
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Where to Eat Tacos in TucsonYour Guide to Sonoran Restaurant Week 2023

Carnitas La Yoca

3530 South 6th AvenueSouth Side

This place is all about the vibes and the tacos. They keep the menu streamlined and simple, though the flavors are anything but. As far as tacos go, they have them all, and that definitely includes birria. Don’t forget to sample the homemade salsas if you like your birria served with a kick.
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Where to Eat Tacos in TucsonGuide to Tucson Mexican Restaurants with House-Made Tortillas

Advertisement

El Chivo de Oro

457 West Irvington RoadSouth Side

While birria, the Jalisco specialty, is traditionally made with goat or mutton, most Tucson restaurants use beef instead. At El Chivo de Oro, which translates to the Goat of Gold, they stick to tradition and use goat in addition to beef — braised tender, featuring a hint of gaminess, and balanced by the mild chiles and spices.
Website ↗
Also featured inWhere to Eat Tacos in TucsonGuide to Tucson Mexican Restaurants with House-Made TortillasFood Truck Friday: El Chivo de Oro

Ensenada Street Food

1602 South Park AvenueDowntown

Ensenada has a menu for its vegan friends featuring Al Pastor tacos, burritos, birria ramen, crispy fish tacos, and other mouthwatering items. The colorful tables and string lights add to the overall charm of the outdoor space.
“Their vegan hibiscus birria has the perfect texture and such a rich flavor!”
— Hannah Hernandez’s favorite
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere to Eat Tacos in TucsonGuide to Tucson Mexican Restaurants with House-Made TortillasThe Best Vegan Food in Tucson

Birria tacos (Photo courtesy of La Chingada)

La Chingada Cocina Mexicana

110 East Pennington StreetDowntown

The refined recipes are celebrated in bold flavors, satisfying textures, vibrant colors, and crave-inducing smells at La Chingada.
“La Chingada is the best birria I have had. It’s insanely good.”
— Daniel Clarke’s favorite
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Guide to Chilaquiles in TucsonWhere to Eat & Drink in Downtown Tucson

La Yaquesita Mexican Cuisine

500 North 4th AvenueDowntown

Plan ahead and order the Yaqueburro — birria, cheese, cabbage, cilantro, and onions are all wrapped in a flour tortilla and served with birria juice. It may not get any better than that.
"If you're having trouble deciding whether to get the birria tacos or the birria ramen, don't stress! The birria ramen comes with a birria taco, too. Double whammy!"
— Matt Sterner’s favorite
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere to Eat Tacos in TucsonBest Burritos in TucsonWhere to Eat Along the Sun Link Streetcar Route

Plato de Birria at Los Chipilones (Photo by Juan M. on Yelp)

Los Chipilones

1122 South 6th AvenueDowntown

The name Chipilon refers to the style of hot dog that the Maciel brothers popularized here in Tucson, but this taco stand is known for serving up birria that’s a true taste of tradition. If you’re looking for something to warm your belly, order the Plato de Birria.
Website ↗

Taco Rico (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Taco Rico

4499 West Ina RoadMarana

A local favorite taco truck located off the beaten path in Southern Marana, with excellent authentic creations made from family recipes! Enjoy tacos, burritos, and quesadillas; and on the weekend, Birria tacos, Quesabirrias, and Birria Bowls! Taco Rico is unique among other places in Marana for serving Birria.
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere to Eat Tacos in TucsonYelp's Top 25 Places to Eat in Tucson (2023)Taco Rico – Dreams Soar in Marana for a Michoacán-inspired Taco Truck
Follow @TucsonFoodie133.7K followers
SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 • 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! 🎟️ LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsSONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 • 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! 🎟️ LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill. Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com. More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill. Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com. More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson
NEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣 Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station. 3655 E Speedway Blvd. Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. #tucsonazNEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣 Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station. 3655 E Speedway Blvd. Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. #tucsonaz
Sonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. ‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more. You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. ‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more. You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona