Guide · 17 spots
Best Mexican Restaurants in Southern Tucson
If you're looking for the best Mexican food in Tucson, south of the I-10 is a great place to start.
On the south side Tucson Mexican restaurants feature everything from authentic enchiladas, chile relleno, tamales, and tacos, to traditional aguas frescas , such as Jamaica — a beverage made from red hibiscus f
Max Wingert·Oct 11, 2023
Guide · 15 spots
Guide to Tucson Mexican Restaurants with House-Made Tortillas
As with any regional food, locals, and natives are blindly wed to their preferred go-to taqueria. They shake their fists in the air and shout to the maize goddesses which taco joint is “best,” which is not, and then intersperse a personal rationale as to why.
“They’re not authentic," a devotee will insist at a fiest
Angela Orlando·Apr 25, 2025
News
Your Visual Guide to Traditional Mexican Pastries at La Estrella Bakery
Living in Tucson means we’re lucky to be in close proximity to several authentic pan dulce options and panaderías. La Estrella Bakery is one of those, and possibly the most well-known Tucson panadería, which is Spanish for […]
Gloria Knott·Apr 28, 2026
Spot
La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood
7230 East 22nd Street · Eastside
La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood emphasizes creative Mexican fare with a coastal twist. Its décor blends textured walls and artwork portraits, a nod to its namesake, in an intimate dining footprint. Patrons mention vibrant murals and ambient lighting as part of the lively yet cozy feel.
They don't have a menu on their
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Moncho's Mexican Food
East 22nd Street · Eastside
Moncho’s Mexican Food it’s a food truck that started in 2021, serving a variety of Mexican Food with delicious Birria, Carne Azada, and Hot dogs.
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Rosa’s Mexican Food
1750 East Fort Lowell Road · Midtown
Rosa’s Mexican Food has served old school Mexican comfort dishes in a casual, no frills setting since 1970.
Classics include the carne asada, chimichangas, burritos, and house salsa.
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Delicias Mexican Grill
4581 South 12th Avenue · South Side
Delicias Mexican Grill serves up simply delicious traditional Mexican cuisine. From sizzling fajitas to mouthwatering enchiladas, their incredible family recipes make it a popular south side destination for locals and visitors alike.
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Paco's Mexican Food
East Grant Road · Midtown
Paco’s Mexican Food has served affordable, no-frills Mexican staples on East Grant Road since 1995. The dining room features simple tile floors, rustic décor with dried chiles and plants, and a drive-through window that many locals use for quick take-out.
They remain of of the local champs for a quality, affordable bre
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Benny's Mexican Restaurant
East Grant Road · University
Benny’s Mexican Restaurant offers a cozy setting with a colorful interior. The atmosphere is clean and casual, featuring simple decor that complements its homestyle Mexican cuisine. Known for its traditional dishes from San Luis Potosí, Benny's provides a warm, family-friendly environment where guests can enjoy authent
Guide · 56 spots
Where to Eat Tacos in Tucson
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 c
Oct 7, 2025
Guide · 15 spots
Foodie 15: Best Birria in Tucson
In Tucson, birria has become a beloved local favorite with its tender, flavorful meat, and rich, aromatic consommé, offering a mouthwatering twist on traditional taco fare.
This Guide is part of a series that honors Tucson as the home of America’s Best Mexican Food .
Learn how we create our guides
Sam Jump·Feb 27, 2024
Guide · 15 spots
Foodie 15: Where to Eat Near the Tucson Rodeo Grounds
Tucson’s 100th annual rodeo, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros , is returning Saturday, February 15 - Sunday, February 23, featuring all your favorite events from bull riding and barrel racing to roping, steer wrestling, and more! If you’re planning to make an evening out of the rodeo festivities and are wondering where yo
Analeise Fisher·Feb 14, 2024
Guide · 15 spots
Foodie 15: Our Favorite Tamales in Tucson
From green corn to red chile beef, Tucson’s tamale scene is packed with year-round favorites and holiday staples. Here are 15 Tucson-area spots worth unwrapping, from longtime local institutions to vegan kitchens turning out fresh, feel-good bundles of masa and filling.
This Guide is part of a series that honors Tu
Nov 21, 2023
News
Ghini’s French Caffe launches French-Mexican menu (plus March specials)
[Editor’s note: Ghini’s French Caffe hosted the Tucson Foodie team to try a few of these dishes. The Sonoran Spiced Dulce de Leche Banana French Toast my favorite; I was […]
Jackie Tran·Mar 6, 2026
News
Mexican Restaurants Participating in Sonoran Restaurant Week 2025
This year, 18 Mexican restaurants are participating in Sonoran Restaurant Week from September 5-14. Also, National Hispanic rustiHeritage Month begins immediately afterwards on Sunday, September 15. Thankfully, you don’t have […]
Sep 2, 2025
News
Canto de Vino y Sabor Brings Mexican Wine to Tohono Chul
The Garden Bistro at Tohono Chul will host Canto de Vino y Sabor on Thursday, October 23, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The evening features a five-course dinner paired with […]
Oct 8, 2025
News
Tucson chef José Contreras to cook at James Beard Foundation Platform dinner Aug. 11
Tucson’s José Contreras heads to the James Beard House for a masa and seafood dinner in New York José Contreras, chef and owner of Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen, will to New […]
Jackie Tran·Jul 13, 2026
Event·Aug 8, 2026·Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
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What if you could travel across Mexico in a single evening?
On Saturday, August 8, more than 30 of the Southwest’s most celebrated chefs, culinary artisans, and cultural partners will transform The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa into an i
News
Sabores de Tucson: A Celebration of Mexican Food, Art & Culture
Sabores de Tucson — America’s Best Mexican Food Festival — is happening on Friday, May 2, at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa.
Matt Sterner·Apr 17, 2025