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Birria Tacos at Birrieria Guadalajara (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Foodie 15: Best Birria in Tucson

Updated March 15, 2024

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 here.

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Vegan Jackfruit Birria at 520 Taco Stop (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

520 Taco Stop

“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.”

Amelia's
(Photo courtesy of Amelia's Mexican Kitchen)

Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen – Grant Road

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.

Birria Tacos at Birrieria Guadalajara (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Birrieria Guadalajara

Think Costa Rican roadside luncheonette but in Tucson. The Birria Tacos are so tasty that you’ll want to take an extra batch home with you. The bunuelos are unbeatable, too.

Birria Tacos at Carnitas La Yoca (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Carnitas La Yoca

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.

Birria at El Chivo de Oro (Photo by Jackie Tran)

El Chivo de Oro

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 instead — braised tender, featuring a hint of gaminess, and balanced by the mild chiles and spices.

El Taco Rustico (Photo by Jackie Tran)

El Taco Rustico

It’s hard not to appreciate Chef Juan Almanza’s journey from his early cooking days in Mexico to making waves in Tucson. His quesabirria tacos are out-of-this-world good. It’s no wonder they’re cranking out over 100,000 of them a year.

Ensenada Street Food vegan birria ramen
Vegan Birria Ramen from Ensenada Stree Food (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Ensenada Street Food

Foodie Favorite:
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Hannah Hernandez

“Their vegan hibiscus birria has the perfect texture and such a rich flavor!”

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.

a plastic container filled with meat and vegetables on a plate
Birria tacos (Photo courtesy of La Chingada)

La Chingada Cocina

Foodie Favorite:
a man wearing glasses and smiling at the camera

“La Chingada is the best birria I have had. It’s insanely good.”

The refined recipes are celebrated in bold flavors, satisfying textures, vibrant colors, and crave-inducing smells at La Chingada.

a plate of food on a table
(Photo courtesy of La Yaquesita Mexican Cuisine)

La Yaquesita Mexican Cuisine

Foodie Favorite:
a man wearing a hat

“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!”

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.

a bowl of food on a plate on a table
Plato de Birria at Los Chipilones (Photo by Juan M. on Yelp)

Los Chipilones

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.

a plate of food
Birria tacos at The Quesadillas (Photo by Cass M. on Yelp)

The Quesadillas

Follow the trail of intoxicating mesquite smoke to find The Quesadillas, 2418 N. Craycroft Rd., hidden north of the Circle K at Craycroft Road and Grant Road. It’s easy to dismiss it as just another Mexican fast-food joint but don’t make that mistake.

Birria Ramen at Rollies Mexican Patio (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Rollies Mexican Patio

Rollies is the spot for both Birria Ramen and Birria Tacos. Their birria is slow-cooked for 14 hours until it’s fall-apart tender. We can’t get enough of their Quesabirria Tacos, specifically.

a plate of food
Taco Rico (Photo courtesy of Discover Marana)

Taco Rico

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.

Taqueria El Rapido (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Taqueria el Rapido

The menu offers a range of tacos, burritos, tortas, and quesadillas, but the birria has been our favorite since their food truck days.

Tacos from Taqueria Pico de Gallo (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Taqueria Pico de Gallo

The slow-cooked meat paired with the made-fresh-daily tortillas keep us going back for more. Our team could not have been more pumped when they announced their re-open in 2023.

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