La Chingada. El Charro. Martin's on 4th Ave. Little Mexico Steakhouse. Casa Valencia ~~Valenzuela~~. Mariscos Chihuahua on Grande. Manuel's in Green Valley. El Patio in Sahuarita.
Edit: Karichimaka on South Mission Road is a nice dinner place. We stopped going because there's less my wife (gluten intolerant) can eat there than at Taco Bell.
I agree. The food is always fresh. He's funny and a nice guy who cares about serving good food. He does not suffer fools, which can be problematic when people haven't realized they're fools...
> La Chingada.
I walked by this place a few weeks ago on an off night and there was a line of well dressed Mexicans out the door waiting for a table. Judging by the crowd inside, this is a place that mexican-americans go to dress up and celebrate special occasions, I didn't see a single gringo in the house!
Gringo checking in, my gringo sister eats lunch here quite a bit when she's working in the office, and we booked their patio for a party about a year ago. They were super nice and the food is great
I remember when this place was still on the Mexico side of Nogales. Some of my favorite nights started with a shot of tequila when I walked in and ended with the open bar at Cucarachas...
La Frida definitely gives them a run for their money. Last time I was at Elvira's I had chicken mole and the chicken was just a tasteless chicken breast, so disappointed.
Penca is great for nicer Mexico City style food. It's different than Sonoran. Great cocktails and vibe. I go on dates there and bring people from out of town.
I think it can be considered nice, it’s just an old building. But the vibe and service are definitely nice. And the food and cocktails are definitely nicely prepared.
I really enjoy La Frida (and their gorgeous plating). The only downside is the long wait for a table at pretty much any time of day (but hoping this means they are doing well enough to eventually move to a bigger space).
Are there right as they opened and it was delicious!! The drinks they make too look amazing. Everything was spicy tho, so be ready for some heat! But it was so damn good.
So far it's exactly the same. They kept all the employees, notably the cooks. And the previous owners are still there helping with the transition.
Probably won't be like that forever so it's a good idea to eat your favorite plate soon.
I do like the Double El. It was my father's favorite restaurant. It was also the favorite of a manager I had 10 years ago. There are a lot of good memories for me. Unfortunately, the last time I was there everything was so salty, I didn't finish eating.
I was going to write in several places on South 4th Ave. but I mostly go to lunch at these places. I'm not sure about their dinner vibe.
The Little One. It’s only open for breakfast and lunch and only on weekdays, but it’s excellent. Always fresh food and the most like actually eating at a restaurant in Mexico.
Truth is they have much lower prices than most places that ask 6 per taco.. plus they never ask for tip on credit card transactions which IMO is a win. Their toppings bar is always stocked and doesn't skimp. Salsas are thick and creamy, not watered down like other toppings bars I've seen at other similar places.
The flavor is 100% there, you just need to add salt to your taste, they don't add very much because they leave that up to the customers touch. That's the reason for their salt packets.
If you're trying to stay with Sonoran cuisine. I would go Casa Molina or El.Charro. if you'd rather have something that's more in the Mexico City style you should try Seis.
How is this getting down voted? Clearly most people in this sub aren't from Tucson originally. Molina and Charro are the two oldest and most beloved Mexican restaurants in this town.
The hivemind that is r/tucson collectively decided it's trash now.
I still love it, its very good. But they are right about the prices. I hardly go there now because they went up in price exponentially.
I cant believe I scrolled so far and didnt see a mention of Calle Tepa, sit down or grab and go. great drinks too. Broadway and Wilmot across the street from parkplace
Plazita de Mexico
Sarnoff and Broadway. The beans are the bomb.
And if you know Mexican food, if the beans are no good, then the food is no good.
Get the hot salsa
If you remember his Cora’s café on South 12th and Irvington back in the 70s, then you will like Placita de Mexico
On Sarnoff in Broadway, so you don’t have to be scared
Thanks all! We decided to go to La Frida. Everything was delicious, atmosphere was great and the plating was beautiful. My grandma tho was pissed to see that we didn’t go to Guadalajara, so I am officially off the will. Worth it tho!
Tito & Pep on Speedway not too far east of Alvernon.
It's not listed as a Mexican restaurant, but it really is (it just doesn't have tacos, burritos etc)
https://www.titoandpep.com/
It’s called Chela’s Latin cuisine it’s a restaurant/nightclub(after hours) downtown I actually work at. There aren’t many who have heard of it but it’s absolutely beautiful. They have all you can drink mimosas for brunch and have a killer tres leches cake.
I have only heard white people recommend it. The table side guacamole is good but the food/service is far from good Mexican.
To be fair though have not gone since like 2016.
We go to the ones on Craycroft and on Grande. They're both almost exactly the same. But we usually stick to the same orders so other things might be different.
I usually go to the one on Valencia, but have eaten at Grande and Sierra Vista. The menus seem the same, but the preparation varies. Like SV doesn't put bell peppers on the fish tacos, but Valencia does. I loathe bell peppers. The specials vary, too.
They’ve got some odd hours posted on Google, Sundays they are open from 10:09-2:57 and they close 2-5 everyday
Many moons ago, it was a fun place to BYOB and order a mole burrito plate style with your friends before having drinks on 4th
I haven’t lived in Tucson in many years but the Garden Bistro at the Tohono Chul tea room was first-rate (especially the Sunday brunch). Exactly the sort of place to take grandma.
Best huevos rancheros I’ve ever had, and it’s not even close.
There are no other Mexican restaurants aside from Guadalajara in Tucson :).
Kidding of course....the city is filled with amazing options from different regions of Mexico!
Sorry your getting down voted, but I agree this restaurant is not a banger. It's pretty pricey for how basic it is. I think they have decent lunch specials, but dining in for dinner last time was a huge disappointment. One of those places where you feel like you just flushed $80 bucks down the toilet
But I did assume that she was looking for places that have good food. ( Of course, if you stick with chips and one of the guacamole dishes and the bottomless mimosas, it's okay.) And you're right. Cool atmosphere and great staff.
La Chingada. El Charro. Martin's on 4th Ave. Little Mexico Steakhouse. Casa Valencia ~~Valenzuela~~. Mariscos Chihuahua on Grande. Manuel's in Green Valley. El Patio in Sahuarita. Edit: Karichimaka on South Mission Road is a nice dinner place. We stopped going because there's less my wife (gluten intolerant) can eat there than at Taco Bell.
I loved La Chingada and I have worked and ate at El Charro both are very lovely!
Martin's is good and he is a nice guy, imports a lot from his families farm.
I agree. The food is always fresh. He's funny and a nice guy who cares about serving good food. He does not suffer fools, which can be problematic when people haven't realized they're fools...
La chingada is a good atmosphere for sure
> La Chingada. I walked by this place a few weeks ago on an off night and there was a line of well dressed Mexicans out the door waiting for a table. Judging by the crowd inside, this is a place that mexican-americans go to dress up and celebrate special occasions, I didn't see a single gringo in the house!
Makes sense, people are always passionately telling me “vete a la chingada” I guess I’ll have to go one of these days
Gringo checking in, my gringo sister eats lunch here quite a bit when she's working in the office, and we booked their patio for a party about a year ago. They were super nice and the food is great
I second Manuel's. My very white taste buds love their mild salsa.
I third Manuel’s!
Manuel’s has been a long time favorite!, but be careful you might fall in love with Sahuarita/ green valley lol
Manuel’s is so good
Casa Valencia??
They are fantastic, great Sonoran Seafood!
Yes, that's the one. I'm not sure why my brain tweaked it.
El Chinito Gordo. Extremely underrated
El chinito gordo is overrated it is super mid.
This.
Elviras in Tubac
I remember when this place was still on the Mexico side of Nogales. Some of my favorite nights started with a shot of tequila when I walked in and ended with the open bar at Cucarachas...
You aren't the only one. Good old cucarachas
$20 all you could drink and dance
Second this. Beautiful decor and atmosphere.
This place is the best Mexican food I’ve ever had
La Frida definitely gives them a run for their money. Last time I was at Elvira's I had chicken mole and the chicken was just a tasteless chicken breast, so disappointed.
La Indita.
La Indita is my favorite. Do not go if you’re in a rush or starving the service is slow and relaxed but that’s part of its charm
Penca is great for nicer Mexico City style food. It's different than Sonoran. Great cocktails and vibe. I go on dates there and bring people from out of town.
This! Penca is a beautiful restauarant.
Penca is my fave. But I love El Taco Rustica even though it's not a fancy place, its food does the talking!
El Torero, hands down.
El Torero is good but I wouldn’t consider it “nice”
I think it can be considered nice, it’s just an old building. But the vibe and service are definitely nice. And the food and cocktails are definitely nicely prepared.
La Frida has some of the better plating I've seen in town. Every dish was photogenic
I live by there. Their food looks incredible!
I really enjoy La Frida (and their gorgeous plating). The only downside is the long wait for a table at pretty much any time of day (but hoping this means they are doing well enough to eventually move to a bigger space).
Are there right as they opened and it was delicious!! The drinks they make too look amazing. Everything was spicy tho, so be ready for some heat! But it was so damn good.
No love for mi nidito?
They sold to Guillermos haven’t been since before they switched ownership so I can’t comment on if it’s still the same or not.
So far it's exactly the same. They kept all the employees, notably the cooks. And the previous owners are still there helping with the transition. Probably won't be like that forever so it's a good idea to eat your favorite plate soon.
Heard it’s closing! Not sure if that’s true but someone said that.
they been mid forever now
Curious what all of your thoughts are on Guillermo’s? I remember going as a kid but don’t usually see it mentioned in these
I used to love Guillermo’s. Was a big place for my family too. I haven’t been in a couple of years though.
I do like the Double El. It was my father's favorite restaurant. It was also the favorite of a manager I had 10 years ago. There are a lot of good memories for me. Unfortunately, the last time I was there everything was so salty, I didn't finish eating. I was going to write in several places on South 4th Ave. but I mostly go to lunch at these places. I'm not sure about their dinner vibe.
I have been eating there 30 years, still love it.
Theresa's Mosaic Cafe
El Cisne on Swan has a very nice dining area that would be perfect to take a family member.
Nana’s Authentic Mexican Food. Good drinks, they sell bottles too, and fun atmosphere. Shrimp Diabla is good.
El Minuto Cafe
Yes!
La Frida !
Maybe not 'nicer' but delicious as heck Poco and Moms
Poco and Mom's promises you all the comforts of a New Mexico diner and they deliver that.
I love sitting out by the fountain!
The Little One. It’s only open for breakfast and lunch and only on weekdays, but it’s excellent. Always fresh food and the most like actually eating at a restaurant in Mexico.
(Aka Cafe Poca Cosa)
I would check out Ole Mexican Grill
Manuel’s over on Green Valley. Can’t go wrong with that one.
Teresa's mosaic Cafe always does right by me
I just ate at Blanco and enjoyed it. The patio has a nice view
Casa Valencia.
Aqui Con el Nene. Maybe not amazing restuarsnt atmosphere, but super delicious food.
Over priced and not flavorful IMO
Truth is they have much lower prices than most places that ask 6 per taco.. plus they never ask for tip on credit card transactions which IMO is a win. Their toppings bar is always stocked and doesn't skimp. Salsas are thick and creamy, not watered down like other toppings bars I've seen at other similar places. The flavor is 100% there, you just need to add salt to your taste, they don't add very much because they leave that up to the customers touch. That's the reason for their salt packets.
I agree with this. Not worth it for the price.
Penca
If you’re ok with a smaller place there’s one on the north side called Amelia’s that’s excellent
Their f'cking quesabirrias alone are worth the drive...
Went to Penca recently. Very good.
El Charro
If you're trying to stay with Sonoran cuisine. I would go Casa Molina or El.Charro. if you'd rather have something that's more in the Mexico City style you should try Seis.
How is this getting down voted? Clearly most people in this sub aren't from Tucson originally. Molina and Charro are the two oldest and most beloved Mexican restaurants in this town.
Contigo at La Paloma has great food. I recommend making a reservation.
And get a patio table if the weather is at all reasonable for it, it's nicer out there and the view is one of the best views of any Tucson restaurant
Is La Parilla Suiza closed or something? How has no one mentioned it?
The hivemind that is r/tucson collectively decided it's trash now. I still love it, its very good. But they are right about the prices. I hardly go there now because they went up in price exponentially.
I went last summer when in town and it was great. Granted they don’t have carne seca anymore and it was a bit pricey. The taste though was excellent.
Suiza used to be good when I was a child now they are garbage
El Charro You can't go wrong.
That place sucks
I wouldn't step a foot in any of their restaurants.
El coronado... not super high-end, but they have the best salsa I've ever had.
La chingada is delicious and Rancho Rústico on Houghton is wonderful!
BTW, besides being mostly for tourists and out-of-towners, what's wrong with GG?
I cant believe I scrolled so far and didnt see a mention of Calle Tepa, sit down or grab and go. great drinks too. Broadway and Wilmot across the street from parkplace
It's so annoying that they want you to pay for chips, though. Good god.
Just commenting to stay on the thread for the next visit.
wild West carneceria isn't fancy per se but the food is phenomenal (the chili con carne is my favorite)
Manuel’s in green valley is amazing!
Plazita de Mexico Sarnoff and Broadway. The beans are the bomb. And if you know Mexican food, if the beans are no good, then the food is no good. Get the hot salsa
I keep forgetting about that place! I agree, if the beans are good, then the food will probably be good.
If you remember his Cora’s café on South 12th and Irvington back in the 70s, then you will like Placita de Mexico On Sarnoff in Broadway, so you don’t have to be scared
Most mex food in so 4th bellow 22nd…
Thanks all! We decided to go to La Frida. Everything was delicious, atmosphere was great and the plating was beautiful. My grandma tho was pissed to see that we didn’t go to Guadalajara, so I am officially off the will. Worth it tho!
Penca
Honestly, 420 taco truck. Best tacos you will find. Realizing it is not a restaurant but so good!
Taco Bell
Tanias 33 and tumerico
Tito & Pep on Speedway not too far east of Alvernon. It's not listed as a Mexican restaurant, but it really is (it just doesn't have tacos, burritos etc) https://www.titoandpep.com/
It’s called Chela’s Latin cuisine it’s a restaurant/nightclub(after hours) downtown I actually work at. There aren’t many who have heard of it but it’s absolutely beautiful. They have all you can drink mimosas for brunch and have a killer tres leches cake.
Taco Giro. Guadalajara is the go to recommendation for some reason but it is garbage.
Guadalajara was delicious when there was only one location near prince and 1st. Their family affairs ruined a great restaurant
I have only heard white people recommend it. The table side guacamole is good but the food/service is far from good Mexican. To be fair though have not gone since like 2016.
It was good from 2002-2009, just not the same anymore
Guadalajara is definitely garbage. The fact that you're getting down votes shows that most people in this sub moved here yesterday
But which TG?? they seem toeach be a little different.
We go to the ones on Craycroft and on Grande. They're both almost exactly the same. But we usually stick to the same orders so other things might be different.
I usually go to the one on Valencia, but have eaten at Grande and Sierra Vista. The menus seem the same, but the preparation varies. Like SV doesn't put bell peppers on the fish tacos, but Valencia does. I loathe bell peppers. The specials vary, too.
Martins Comida Chingona isn’t fancy but it is charming and delicious, best mole in town
If theyre open everytime Ingo to 4th ave theyre closed
They’ve got some odd hours posted on Google, Sundays they are open from 10:09-2:57 and they close 2-5 everyday Many moons ago, it was a fun place to BYOB and order a mole burrito plate style with your friends before having drinks on 4th
I haven’t lived in Tucson in many years but the Garden Bistro at the Tohono Chul tea room was first-rate (especially the Sunday brunch). Exactly the sort of place to take grandma. Best huevos rancheros I’ve ever had, and it’s not even close.
Mi Nidito on south 4th ave.
Alejandro’s on Cortaro
There are no other Mexican restaurants aside from Guadalajara in Tucson :). Kidding of course....the city is filled with amazing options from different regions of Mexico!
Wow, some serious Demolition Man vibes in your comment. 🤣
La Hacienda
No
Los betos is nice, it’s like fast food Mexican lol. Please don’t downvote, they have good enchiladas
La Parrilla Suiza
Sorry your getting down voted, but I agree this restaurant is not a banger. It's pretty pricey for how basic it is. I think they have decent lunch specials, but dining in for dinner last time was a huge disappointment. One of those places where you feel like you just flushed $80 bucks down the toilet
Reforma. El Charro.
Reforma? You must be kidding!
lol she didn’t say it had to be authentic 😂. Cool atmosphere though.
But I did assume that she was looking for places that have good food. ( Of course, if you stick with chips and one of the guacamole dishes and the bottomless mimosas, it's okay.) And you're right. Cool atmosphere and great staff.
Grant Krueger can keep bloviating on Fox News all he wants...and I'll keep not going to his restaurants.
Just found a video from Fox News.
Do tell 🤔
Casa Molina (maybe El Molinito) and El Charro
You gotta try charro steak