Choosing a favorite burrito in Tucson is like choosing a favorite child — if you had 300 children.
After racking up several hundred dollars in burrito tabs, here’s the list of nine of the best burritos and burros in Tucson.
Anita Street Market
849 N. Anita Ave. Ste. 300
Anita‘s fluffy flour tortillas are the star of their burros. You could eat the tortillas simply with butter or even on their own.
The red chile beef, however, is also one of the best in town with its smoky, fruity, and slightly spicy depth. If you need more piquancy, then generously apply the side of fresh red salsa.
Bonus tip — their breakfast burros are among the best in Tucson.
Keep up with Anita Street Market on Facebook.
Aqui Con El Nene
4415 N. Flowing Wells Rd.
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 where both blue-collar folks and James Beard award-winning chefs happily dine.
For more information, visit elnenetacos.com.
Barista Del Barrio
1002 N. Grande Ave.
Instead of a single massive burro, Barista Del Barrio gives two smaller breakfast burritos in each order. They also include beans and a side of potent, oregano-fragrant spicy salsa.
Keep up with Barista Del Barrio on Facebook.
B Line
621 N. Fourth Ave.
The combination of burritos and wine isn’t exactly orthodox but do yourself a flavor favor and get a glass of Albariño with the Blackened Mahi Mahi Burrito at B Line.
The mahi mahi takes the spice well with the Creole sauce, light slaw, and achiote rice.
For more information, visit thebline.xyz.
La Botana Tacos + Patios + Amigos
3200 N. First Ave. • 5526 E. Grant Rd.
The Percheron burrito is overflowing with steak and queso blanco but the avocado and pico de gallo keep it fresh. La Botana grills the exterior of the burrito just right to where it keeps its shape without drying out too much.
For more information, visit labotanatacos.com.
Percheron Mexican Grill
4860 S. 12th Ave. • The Boxyard, 238 N. Fourth Ave.
If you think wrapping a burro in bacon is too much, then it is. If you think that’s a fantastic idea, it is. The Bacon-Wrapped Percheron Burro is what you make out of it.
While you won’t want to tell your cardiologist you ate this, the bacon is expertly prepared in a manner that keeps it delicate and crisp with each bite rather than one chewy piece that makes the whole thing fall apart. If you’re still on the fence, just get one and share it.
Keep up with Percheron Mexican Grill on Facebook.
Seis Kitchen
130 S. Avenida del Convento Ste. 100 • 1765 E. River Rd. Ste. 131
Seis burritos feature a flour tortilla stuffed with smashed or black beans, rice, guacamole, cheese, chopped cabbage, and calabacitas or meat. If you’re taking the meat route, go for the adobo steak or house-made chorizo.
For more information, visit seiskitchen.com.
Tanias 33
614 N. Grande Ave.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsXFDICluXt/
When you order at Tanias, you can see the ladies in the kitchen stretching out tortillas the size of their arm. They use them to make burritos (really burros at this point) the size of your head.
Tanias also offers a wide range of fillings, especially when it comes to vegan options.
For more information, visit tanias33.com.
Taqueria El Pueblito
1800 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Taqueria El Pueblito features bacon alongside guacamole and carne asada in their Zacatecas Burrito. They also have a stellar Chicharron en Salsa Roja burrito, but beware: it’s hot.
For more information, visit taqueriaelpueblito.com.
Have a favorite? Let us know in the comments.
[This article was originally written on October 29, 2018, and was updated on October 1, 2019.]
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
