“Taco Tuesday in Tucson” is a column where we explore the unique tacos stands throughout Tucson… on Tuesdays.
When it comes to late-night tacos, Karamelo King earns the self-given royalty in its name.
The taco stand at 3752 E. Grant Rd. earned its late-night following with its exceptional tacos, Sonoran hot dogs, and of course, quesadillas and caramelos.
Karamelo King cooks their carne asada with salt on a mesquite grill. The beef shines in its simple preparation with the beef and smoke flavor at the forefront. They also spoon on a brothy tomato sauce—for extra juiciness—just before serving. Make sure to eat the taco swiftly so it doesn’t get soggy.
If you can handle the heat, try the creamy-looking red salsa; it’s the hottest one there, loaded with fiery chile de arbol.
For daytime tacos, visit their brick-and-mortar location at 5224 E. Pima St.
Karamelo King is located at 5224 E. Pima St. from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Saturday and at 3752 E. Grant Rd. from 4 p.m. – midnight Monday – Thursday, 4 p.m. – 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Keep up with Karamelo King on Instagram.
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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.
