Mexican food in Phoenix: local, family-run spots

AZ Business Directory lists locally owned Mexican restaurants across the Phoenix area, from Ahwatukee to Glendale to Buckeye. Each listing has a phone number, so you can call ahead about hours, takeout and large groups. Look for places that grill their own meat, make salsas in house and tell you what is good that day.

How do you pick a good Mexican restaurant?

Menus look alike, so ask a few simple things.

• What do you grill? Carne asada, chicken and pork cooked on a flame taste different from the flat-top.
• Are the tortillas made in house? Sonoran-style food leans on flour tortillas, and fresh ones are worth asking about.
• What are the specials? Many family places have a daily or weekend dish that is not on the main menu.
• Is there a salsa bar? It is a quick clue about how much care goes into the small things.
• Can you handle a big table? Call before you bring family. Weekend lunch gets full.
• Do you do takeout by the pound or tray? Handy for parties.

What should you order?

Tacos are the easy starting point. Street tacos are small, so order two or three. Carne asada is grilled beef, usually served with tortillas, beans and rice, or in a burrito.

Some listings give you a hint. Barbon Asadero in downtown Buckeye grills carne asada, ribeye and tomahawk over open flame and also serves quesabirria tacos and aguachiles. Ajo Al's Mexican Cafe at Arrowhead is a family-owned Sonoran-style restaurant known for smoked street tacos and Mexican pizzas. El Mesón Mexican Food is on East Chandler Boulevard in Ahwatukee.

What is menudo, and when do restaurants serve it?

Menudo is a traditional Mexican soup made with beef tripe in a red chile broth. Many families make it for weekends and special gatherings, and some restaurants serve it only on certain days. The directory does not track which places have it, so call and ask: "Do you have menudo this weekend, and what time do you run out?"

If you are new to it, ask for the toppings on the side, usually onion, cilantro, lime and dried oregano, so you can season it yourself.

Arizona notes: heat, patios and busy hours

In summer, ask whether a patio has misters or shade, and plan outdoor meals for evening. From November through March the same patios are pleasant places to sit.

Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo and holiday weekends fill up fast. Call a day or two ahead and ask if they take reservations or put your name on a list.

Want a night out built around dinner? The trip planner can help you put a plan together.

Not sure who to call? Ask the directory helper or browse every listing in Phoenix.

Questions people ask

Where can I find Mexican food near me in the Valley?

Browse the directory by city or call the restaurants listed above. Listings include the city and phone number, so you can pick the closest one and confirm hours.

Is there a difference between Sonoran-style and other Mexican food?

Sonoran-style food comes from the state of Sonora, just south of Arizona, and is known for flour tortillas and grilled beef. Other regions use more corn and different sauces. Restaurants describe their own style, so ask what they are known for.

Do these restaurants take reservations?

It varies. Some family-run places take reservations for large groups only, and others do not take them at all. Call the number on the listing and ask.

See every Mexican restaurant in Phoenix