Tucson's BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs made the New York Times' list of 41 standout Mexican restaurants across the country. The list, published Aug. 13, 2026, features restaurants chosen by a team of reporters, editors and photographers who spent more than a year traveling the country. Rather than ranking the restaurants, the Times describes the collection as a broad look at Mexican cooking throughout the United States.
BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs was the sole Tucson restaurant to make the list. Writer Bill Esparza highlighted the restaurant for bringing Sonora carne asada and Sonoran hot dogs together under one roof, a combination he noted is distinct to Arizona.
Benjamin and Karel Galaz, who came from Nacozari, Sonora, opened the restaurant in 1994. Esparza described the pub-style spot for its wood furnishings and festive atmosphere.
For Tucson diners, the mention adds national attention to a restaurant that has served Sonoran-style food in the city for more than three decades. Readers can find the full list, including all 41 restaurants, on the New York Times' website.
