Best Mexican Food - Tucson

[big_load]

OK, Cindyl says I can do better than El Charro. Mrs. big_load has a thing for their salsa verde, so I'll have an uphill battle on my hands. Where should I really blow my post-hike calories in Tucson?

[Sun_Ray]

Where's the Guadalajara Grill? I see a few people like it, must be good.

Guadalajara Grill
1730 East Prince Rd.
Tucson
520-323-1022

[Jeffshadows]

I think they opened another one on Kolb or somewhere, too...

[azbackpackr]

Tuscon?

[big_load]

Tuscon?

I should check there, too. I've heard more people are familiar with that town.

[azbackpackr]

There's a town called "Tuscon?" Where is it? In Tuscany? They might have pizza there, not sure about carne asada...

[Jeffshadows]

There is a Tuscon; I think it's on Indian land up north, somewhere. Search the GNIS and you'll find it on a topo up there.

[azbackpackr]

Oh. Well, then. Fry bread and mutton stew...

[te_wa]

iirc, Liz loves and endorses Taco Bell. Or maybe that was Joel. mmmm, taco bell.

[big_load]

mmmm, taco bell.

At least it's a good source for single-serving salsa packets. I have to visit Taco Bell once before every trip.

[azbackpackr]

No, no, I own that statement! It had to do with The Best Mexican Restaurant in Globe. I stop in Globe for only two reasons: gasoline and fast food. Therefore, my experience eating Mexican food in Globe is limited to Taco Bell.

There used to be a latte bar in the historic district, but the building burned down. That was my only other stop in Globe, back when...

[te_wa]

ok, i was right. and so is big_load. fire sauce is unbelievably good. i would even pay for it!

[whereveriroam]

During my last trip to the Tucson we stopped and ate at Cafe Poca Cosa 110 E. Pennington St.. We stopped the day before we hiked so we didn't have the anything but trail food mindset. This place is unbelievable, a pure culinary delight! I don't think I'll eat at any other Mexican restaurant in Tucson again and it's even better then Jalisco in Silver City. The food they cook is fresh and they say they do not buy more than 2 days of food in advance. They change the menu twice a day (lunch and dinner) since they have 150 dishes to choose from to cook. The menu is limited to 8-12 choices and is never the same and they do offer veggie dishes. If your looking for just a burro or taco you won't find it here, this place serves dishes that you'd find in the high end resorts of the southwest. This place DOES NOT skimp on their portions, I eat like an army and almost didn't finish. The waiter said I was only the 3rd person he served that ate everthing (OINK!OINK!). We didn't order any alcohol and rolled out of the restaurant for $42 including tip, well worth it! 5 stars+

[big_load]

Jalisco in Silver City

I'm quoting this just to remind myself. I hope to get up that way again eventually.

[PaleoRob]

El Guero Canelo.

[Azbackcountry]

El Guero Canelo.

I have to respectfully disagree. Although the food there is good, my opinion is that it is nothing special. Now if you are going there for their sonoran dogs....when you come to Tucson skip El Guero, and go to a dog stand called Ruiz's in a little dirt lot on the N.W. corner of 22nd and S. 6th Ave. I have sampled many a sonoran dogs all over Tucson and this place has THE BEST sonoran dogs by far!!! With every dog you get a pablano pepper...MmMmMmMm, they roast them on the grill in butter and lime juice. Now I'm salivating just thinking of them....

[PLC92084]

pablano pepper... roast them on the grill in butter and lime juice

:worthy:

[writelots]

Ruiz's in a little dirt lot on the N.W. corner of 22nd and S. 6th Ave.

I don't even remember the name of it, but the cart in the parking lot of the Food City on 22nd and Country Club is stellar as well. In fact, nearly every cart south of 22nd is great. I think the most popular ones are those right on 22nd because they aren't as scary to non-brown people.

I have always felt that Cafe Poca Cosa was some of the best food in Tucson period (no matter what the 'category'). There's also Little Poca Cosa (and they're very aware of the double name)...They serve the same quality food for lunch only on a cash-only basis downtown. Smaller portions and a simpler atmosphere, but if you close your eyes and eat your tamale pie you'd swear that Saint Peter'd let you in early!

[Azbackcountry]

If you like New Mexican style food head to the east side to a little place called Poco & Moms near Kolb & 22nd. Just north of 22nd on the west side of Kolb. They have some of the best chile rellenos I have sampled...& their green chile sauce is absolutely scrumptious!!!

[big_load]

OK, I was going from year-old memory and ended up at Mi Nidito. It was OK, but I agree with those who said it wasn't worth the wait. I vaguely recall the mention of the place across the street and wish I had tried that one instead. Maybe next time.

[azbackpackr]

OK, I was going from year-old memory and ended up at Mi Nidito. It was OK, but I agree with those who said it wasn't worth the wait. I vaguely recall the mention of the place across the street and wish I had tried that one instead. Maybe next time.

President Clinton ate at Mi Nidito, during his presidency. The one time we tried to eat there it was more than an hour's wait, so we went somewhere else. For some reason, I don't like El Charro. Oh, someone in my family got sick there from eating something pretty ordinary, like a burrito. And, it's expensive and very touristy. But this guy likes it, and he likes several others: http://southernarizonaguide.com/in-sear ... in-tucson/

I prefer taco stands. Usually they are more elaborate than just a "stand" because normally although you order the food at the counter, they bring it to you at the table after you order it and sit down. Places that are inexpensive, and cater mostly to actual Mexicans. (I can't wait can't wait to eat at Tacos Los Altos in Flagstaff again! I even posted on their FB page!!) I can't remember the name of the place on the south side of Tucson that was so good, but if you research best taco stand Tucson, you'll come up with several.