Welcome to perhaps the most important Foodie Guide we’ve made — the guide to the best tacos in Tucson.
This may come as a surprise to you, but there are a lot of options for all things Mexican food in this city. Tucson is quite the hotspot for taco trucks, shops, and stops. So we included a whole bunch of the best crunchy, soft, deconstructed, deep-fried, reimagined, fresh, and, frankly, fantastic tacos this side of the border.
This Guide is part of a series that honors Tucson as the home of America’s Best Mexican Food.
This is where you go when you want a taco that’s a bit different. The signature Taco Yaqui has enough flavor to knock your socks off. It’s got everything – roasted green chile, mesquite-grilled carne asada, mushrooms, stringy white cheese, and even bacon crumbles, all sandwiched between two tortillas.
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. Don’t forget about the Carne Asada Tacos, either – they’re a crowd favorite. Plus, there is a fleet of other tacos and burros on the menu, and the bunuelos are unbeatable.
This spot is all about cooking carne asada over mesquite, giving it a rich and charred flavor. The tortillas are super fresh, and the carne asada is not just for tacos – you’ll find it in burros and even in a cheesy caramelo. Don’t neglect the salsa bar, it’s packed with fresh goodies!
BOCA’s tacos break the mold; no basic cheese, beef, or lettuce here. Instead, the tacos have everything from grilled octopus to fire-roasted corn, all served up on homemade tortillas. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the exotic meat night every Wednesday. To top it all off (literally), the salsas have their own flair and unique flavors like mango-habanero and ginger-wasabi.
If you love options, Calle Tepa is for you. The Tepa-style Shrimp Tacos are a hit, but that’s just the beginning. Choose from street tacos with onions and cilantro, or Tepa tacos loaded with lettuce, pico, and queso fresco. Seafood lovers can enjoy the Mahi Tacos, and the Veggie Tacos are top-notch, too!
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. From Birria to Carnitas and Buche, the options cater to the masses. Incorporate the homemade salsas to give everything a little extra kick.
“It’s like a traditional taqueria out of Hermosillo,” said Daniel Thomas of Blueprint Restaurant Concepts. “We’re not going to be doing lengua or anything like that — we’re keeping it very simplistic. We’re using prime beef for our carne asada tacos and the al pastor is straight off the trompo.”
The restaurant is one of the newest local spots to open on Campbell Avenue — 2502 N. Campbell Ave. — and every Tuesday they’re serving any two tacos of your choice paired with any caguama for $18.
This is a brand-new concept by the Mieja family. Luis Mejia Sr., Isela Mejia, Luis Mejia Jr., and Leonardo Mejia also operate El Sur Restaurant on 22nd Street and the Ocean View Hotel and Restaurant, which opened about a year ago in Roatan, Honduras.
The dinner menu includes the likes of Mole Poblano, carnitas, molcajete, flautas, Camarones Culichi, Ceviche Tostada, Mexican Street Corn on a Stick, and Tacos de Calabaza — (vegan) three roasted butternut squash tacos.
Alex Bohon and his father Otto Ramon Bohon — the family/duo behind the beloved south side restaurant, Taqueria La Esquina — debuted the brand-new concept on Broadway Boulevard near Craycroft Road in June of 2024. For those familiar with the dining room, the entire space is at least twice the size of Taqueria La Esquina (4876 S. Sixth Ave.). Copal inherits the large dining area, which will serve some of the staples found at La Esquina like tacos, Sonoran hot dogs, and inventive margaritas.
This new kid on the block is bringing the unique flavors of Puebla, Mexico right to Tucson. Run by the dynamic duo Analy and Leobardo Guzman, they’re dishing out some seriously delicious and unique eats from the towering Cemita Sandwich to the special Chalupas Poblanas. If you like your food with a kick, the salsas are not to be missed.
This spot is all about authentic Mexican food passed down through generations. Their Crispy Tacos come with a variety of tasty fillings like ground beef, shredded beef, chicken, or potato. However, the true standout is the Soft Tacos, which range from Al Pastor to a Hot Cheetos version. Also, make sure you save room for the Quesabirria. It’s a crispy quesadilla packed with flavor.
A unique mobile restaurant that offers both a taco truck and a hot dog trailer. They serve not only tacos, but burros, caramelos, tortas, and quesadillas. The hot dogs are recognized as some of the city’s best — wrapped in bacon, nestled in a fresh bun, and dressed with a constellation of condiments.
It’s hard not to appreciate Chef Juan Almanza’s journey from his early cooking days in Mexico to making waves in Tucson. His slow-cooked beef ribs and the quesabirria tacos are out-of-this-world good. It’s no wonder they’re cranking out over 100,000 of them a year. Plus, the menu hosts a variety of vegetarian and keto options and fantastic crispy flour tortillas, to boot.
This place started as a hot dog stand and now it’s the king of late-night tacos in The Old Pueblo. Rafael, the owner, keeps it simple with his carne asada, but trust that it’s among the best in town. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the caramelos with juicy birria on a corn tortilla. Don’t forget to check out the Hielitos (Mexican ice pops) in the freezer — they’re a sweet way to end your meal.
La Botana Tacos is a chill, family-owned spot with over a dozen taco flavors — everything from Carne Asada to Shrimp Tacos, your choice of tortilla, and mix-and-match deals that include tasty sides like Cilantro Rice and Mexican Slaw. There are gluten-free tacos, vegetarian tacos, and 2-for-1 margaritas, as well!
If you’re the adventurous type who loves to try different taco variations, La Indita is the place to be. They’re serving up unique dishes like a combo of a Chile Relleno, Chicken Enchilada, and Chicken Taco, not to mention their Tarascan Tacos and Indian Taco Special. Traditional Mexican meets creative cuisine – a true feast for any taco lover.
For 17 years, La Olla Mexican Cafe — a Marana staple — has been creating memories with its made-from-scratch dishes, welcoming hospitality, and admirable resilience. The intention behind the restaurant — from the beginning — was to bring that formal dining experience that both of the Gallardos have captured over the years, but then to add their own “Sonoran-style twist” to it.
The food truck “Carnitas El Michoacano” officially completed its transition into its first brick-and-mortar location — rebranding to Las Originales Carnitas El Michoacano. With tacos and an array of salsas, the familiar and beloved menu is all there with the addition of an air-conditioned dining room. The menu has remained simple: Tacos de Carnitas, Tacos de Chicharron, Tacos de Birria, and Tacos de Cabeza. Give them a warm welcome in their new home!
Imagine getting a mighty whiff of delicious quesabirria while cruising around the Avenue, or perhaps being greeted by the heavenly aromatics of Sonoran tacos while attempting to parallel park your vehicle. That is what’s happening on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Sixth Street.
Just across from the Pavilions Shopping Center, you’ll find a spot called Nana’s Kitchen. There are lots of options for tacos here. From classic Shredded Beef and Chicken, to something a little different like Barbacoa, or even the special Nana’s Tacos stuffed with ground beef and potatoes. Come hungry because the portions are big!
The dynamic duo of Patricia and Ron Schwabe brought this concept to life in 2013, serving up traditional Mexican cuisine with a dash of Spanish and French influences. The tacos are incredible — make sure to try the Rajas Con Hongos (veggie taco stuffed with grilled poblano chile, caramelized onion, roasted mushroom, and cashew crema) or the Guajolote (turkey, red cabbage, avocado, and chipotle crema).
Fun fact: this food truck is run by a family that claims their great-uncles cooked for none other than Pancho Villa. They’re all about keeping it simple and tasty. There is everything from Pollo Mole to Al Pastor, Asada, Pescado, and vegetarian options, too. Throw in the Lengua if you’re feeling extra hungry!
Polo’s is one cool taco stand that started its journey at the Tohono O’odham Swap Meet before moving into a brick-and-mortar spot. You’ve got to try the Al Pastor Tacos. Imagine a rotating cone of al pastor, slowly cooked by an open flame until it caramelizes, then shaved right onto your taco. It’s the perfect combo of a charred outside and juicy inside.
This joint has been cooking up tasty tacos since 2015, and their Carne Asada is something else — think mesquite-grilled meat, fresh handmade tortillas, and quality ingredients. There are numerous other tacos to try like the Ribeye, Taco Jaas, Asadero, and Jalapeno Steak. They’ve even got a Keto Taco with a toasted cheese “tortilla.”
Rollies is the spot for Rolled Tacos, Birria Ramen, and outstanding Birria Tacos. Mateo Otero has put his own spin on Tucson’s classic Mexican flavors. Their birria is slow-cooked for 14 hours until it’s so tender that it falls apart. We can’t get enough of their Quesabirria Tacos and Birria Ramen. In fact, on the day they first sold their Birria Ramen, they had 50 orders before they even opened the doors!
Over at Seis Kitchen, they’re serving up some tremendous tacos that are inspired by six different regions of Mexico — that’s what the “Seis” stands for. There are tasty street street taco options like Cochinita Pibil and Al Pastor, and they even have a few Taco Grande Platters. Try the Poc Chuc (grilled chicken marinated in achiote) and the super tasty Crispy Avocado Platter (the avocado is beer-battered & fried)!
A taco stand with some of the best tacos in Tucson, these guys have turned Sonoran Cooking into an art. The classics like Asada and Pastor Tacos are always a hit, but if you’re looking to branch out, the Lengua and Cabeza Tacos are definitely worth a try. Plus, they cater, so you can bring the epic taco menu to your next party.
Run out of a food truck, this place is dishing out some of the best Cabeza (head) and Lengua (tongue) tacos you’ll find. Get ready to chow down – some folks have been known to put away 14 tacos in one go! Plus, you can soak up some sun with their outdoor seating
These Tripe and Cabeza Tacos are no joke, and the fresh salsas and drink selection add just the right finishing touches. Also, the Carnitas and Adobada are mouth-watering, and their lightly caramelized onions are a must-try. Last, if you’re into Tripas, they’ve got you covered with crispy, fresh offerings.
This is a no-frills, order-at-the-counter kind of place that’s a big hit with the lunch crowd. From local workers to gem show fanatics, everyone’s digging it. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, and they don’t skimp on serving tasty, home-cooked style meals in a timely fashion. The Carnitas and Al Pastor Tacos are the talk of the town; they’re downright delicious and easy on the wallet.
A staple in South Tucson for over three decades thanks to its freshness and authenticity, the Baja-style fish tacos, Camaron (fried shrimp), and Cabeza tacos are crowd favorites. The real stars of the show, though, are the hand-pressed, yellow corn tortillas which are thick, sturdy, and leave you with a delightful corn aroma. Alongside the tortillas, the horchata, made fresh daily, and their eponymous spiced fruit salad, Pico de Gallo, ought to be enjoyed, as well.
This spot is hailed as an original, offering a taste of Mexico right in Tucson. The Tacos de Cabeza are a standout item, and the Chicharrón also receives high praise from our team. In addition, they serve an excellent version of Tacos Al Vapor — a steamed taco that’s a staple in Mexican cuisine.
This is your spot if you’re into food trucks and scrumptious roadside bites. The shredded beef tacos are delightful, and don’t even get us started on the Sonoran hot dog with a bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed grilled pepper – it’s on our “Best Sonoran Dogs in Tucson” list. The freshly squeezed veggie and fruit juices hit the spot, as well.
Back in October of 2022, the restaurant temporarily closed for renovations after a fire broke out in the attic space.
Therefore, everything has been cleaned up, refurbished, and put back into tip-top shape at 2456 N. Silver Mosaic Dr. It’s always inspiring to find out that a restaurant — one that’s been open for about 40 years now — stays in business and rides the wave when the unexpected happens.
