Here in Phoenix, we take our Mexican food seriously, and the choices for restaurants are authentic and numerous. Here’s a list of our favorite Mexican food restaurants in Phoenix, although we can assure you this list could have been much, much longer.
You can’t even have a conversation about the best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix without including Barrio Café. Creator, owner and chef Silvana Salcido Esparza has been serving up modern, top-notch preparations of traditional Mexican dishes since 2002.
Tip: Order the guacamole.
2814 N. 16th St., Phoenix
602-636-0240
Don’t let the location or the austere interior deter you from eating at Carolina’s, as you’ll be rewarded at first bite.
Tip: Get the Oaxaca (pronounced wa-hock-ah) burrito and order a dozen tortillas to take home.
1202 E. Mohave St., Phoenix
602-252-1503
Atoyac Estilo Oaxaca
Beyond the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it location and spartan interior like Carolina’s, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with fantastic tacos at Restaurant Atoyac. Here you can afford to be adventurous: Everything on the menu is affordable, with the most expensive item only $8.50.
Tip: Get the fish tacos.
1830 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix
602-246-1111
La Santisima probably has the most diverse salsa bar you will ever see — from traditional variations to adventurous strawberry, peanut and pecan flavors. Bonus: There's endless vegan and vegetarian options, too.
Tip: Order the Horchata.
4117 N. 16th St., Phoenix
602-254-6330
5932 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
623-939-3292
A long time favorite of Phoenix locals, Los Dos Molinos is known for its spicy food and margaritas. Warning: The food at Los Dos is as good as it is hot. You’ll know what we mean when you’ve ordered your second pitcher of margaritas.
Tip: Don’t go to Los Dos starving as there is usually a wait.
8646 S. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-243-9113
1044 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-528-3535
4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix
480-706-1066
260 S. Alma School Road, Mesa
480-969-7475
Located at the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale, La Hacienda does upscale Mexican food right. La Hacienda is also a great choice for tequila lovers, with over 200 varieties available.
Tip: Try the flaming coffee.
7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale
480-585-4848
This tiny taco shop offers about a dozen three-bite taco choices with big flavor.
Tip: Try the fish taco or go off menu with a Sonoran hot dog.
5341 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix
602-277-8226
Seafood? In the desert? That’s right. Get your fill of shrimp, oysters, octopus prepared Sinaloan-style at Mariscos Playa Hermosa.
Tip: Order the Campechana Cocktail.
1605 E. Garfield St., Phoenix
602-462-1563
The menu at Los Reyes de la Torta is Mexico City-style with huaraches, sopes and huge tortas. The tortas are so large that they were featured on the Food Network’s “Man vs. Food.” Bring a friend.
Tip: Get your vitamin C with the “bomba” juice concoction from the juice bar.
9230 N. Seventh St., Phoenix
602-870-2967
4333 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix
602-269-3212
1528 E. Southern Ave., Tempe
480-491-1314
