Mexican food in Tucson

For Mexican food in Tucson, the directory lists local, family-run restaurants from downtown and Fourth Avenue to South Tucson, Oro Valley and Sahuarita, each with a phone number. Tucson sits close to Sonora, Mexico, so the local style is Sonoran: flour tortillas, grilled meat, beans, cheese and fresh salsa. Call ahead for hours, since many family restaurants keep their own schedule.

How do you find a good Mexican restaurant in Tucson?

There is no single right answer, but a few questions help you pick.

• What are you in the mood for? Tacos, a big plate with rice and beans, a breakfast burrito and a regional dish are different meals.
• Is it family-run? Several of the listings are family owned and operated, and some have been serving Tucson for decades.
• Does it have a patio? In Tucson, a shaded patio is nice in the evening and in the cooler months.
• Do you need delivery or catering? Some list both.
• Do you want something specific? Ask whether they make tortillas or salsas fresh.

Where should you eat?

These are real restaurants from the directory. Phone numbers are on each listing.

The list includes El Charro Café, a family-run restaurant in downtown Tucson with additional locations in Oro Valley and at Ventana. El Torero in South Tucson is family owned and operated and has served Tucson since 1956. BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon on Fourth Avenue makes tacos, salsas and chips fresh and has a dog-friendly patio.

What is Sonoran-style Mexican food?

Sonoran food comes from the Mexican state of Sonora, just south of Arizona, and it shaped the food in Tucson.

• Flour tortillas. Sonoran cooking is known for large, thin flour tortillas, often used for burritos and quesadillas.
• Grilled meat. Carne asada, grilled beef, is a staple.
• Beans and cheese. Beans and melted cheese turn up in many dishes.
• Fresh salsas. Ask which salsas are made in-house and how spicy they are.
• Sonoran hot dog. This is a hot dog wrapped in bacon and served in a soft roll with toppings. It is common in Tucson, and you can ask a restaurant whether it is on the menu.

Menus differ from place to place, so ask what a restaurant is known for.

How do you order when you are new to Tucson?

1. Ask the server what they would order. Servers are happy to answer it.
2. Say how spicy you like it. Salsas can range from mild to hot.
3. Order a few things to share. Chips and salsa, a plate of tacos and a side of beans gives you a good taste.
4. Go early in summer. Tucson heat is real, and an early dinner is more comfortable.
5. Call about reservations for a group. Some restaurants are busy on weekends.

If you are traveling, the list also has restaurants in Oro Valley and Sahuarita, one of them open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with delivery and catering. Check each listing for the full picture.

Questions people ask

How do you pick a Mexican restaurant in Tucson?

There is no single right answer, and it depends on what you like. The directory lists a range of local restaurants. Call a few, ask what they are known for, and try the ones that sound good to you.

Are there family-owned Mexican restaurants in Tucson?

Yes. Several listings, including El Torero and El Charro Café, describe themselves as family owned or family run. Others say they serve scratch-made food.

Do Tucson Mexican restaurants cater?

Some do. Two of the listings, one in Sahuarita and one on South Fourth Avenue, mention catering. Call and ask how far ahead to order.

See every Mexican restaurant in Tucson