Guide to Carne Asada in Tucson

Where most moles run dark, rich, and sweet, the mole on Amelia's veggie enchiladas is bright and tangy, a lighter and more vibrant take that still delivers big flavor.

“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

A dependable late evening option midtown, food truck Karamelo King now offers indoor seating in the former piñata store.

For a small upcharge, get your Sonoran hot dog bun toasted with melted cheese inside. But save room for the carne asada tacos or namesake Karamelo, a quesadilla with chopped carne asada.

This family-owned taquería grills Sonoran carne asada over open mesquite charcoal. Casual outdoor picnic tables create a relaxed backyard cookout atmosphere for diners. The inside features a loaded salsa bar, complete with guacamole.

Beef lovers will thrive here; order the aguachile de rib-eye in a savory, limey salsa.

Walk into Rancheros Carnicería at 3301 E. Grant Rd. and they immediately greet you like a regular. The cashier offers samples of their house-made chicharrones, carnitas, and shrimp ceviche. From the entrance, you can see the entire layout: an open kitchen, Mexican pantry staples and snacks, produce and salsas, a meat freezer, a meat dry-aging case, a hot bar stocked with tamales, and seating for dining in.

The menu features burros, breakfast burritos, tacos, birria, and soups. They will also cook any meat you choose from the butcher counter upon request, such as carne asada.

Tacos Apson welcomes guests with a straightforward outdoor dining space filled with bright red booths and simple tables. The covered patio, shielded by bold signage and plastic walls, offers plenty of shade and a casual environment. Inside, the classic counter seating with red barstools faces the open kitchen, allowing diners to watch beef on the hand-cranked grill.

Their mesquite-grilled beef and costillas have a magnetic hold on even fancy pants chefs like Janos Wilder and world-class foodie Ruth Reichl. Sleeper hit: the taco chino, stuffed beans in a lightly fried flour tortilla.