Carne asada, al pastor, chile verde sprinkled with cotija cheese…is your mouth watering yet? With its southern border right up against Mexico, you can bet Arizona has some of the most amazing Mexican food you’ve ever tasted. Mexican restaurants in Phoenix serve up the best of the best. Where can you find the best Mexican food in Phoenix? We’ve compiled a list of the 11 best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix for your family to try.
Don’t let your Phoenix adventure end with dining! Explore our Top 10 Fun Things To Do in Phoenix, AZ with Kids.
Most Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix
1. Los Reyes De La Torta
9230 N 7th St., Phoenix
If you have a big appetite, eat here. The tortas at Los Reyes de la Torta are not only large enough to feed a family of four, they’re loaded with flavor.
The most popular menu item, the Del Rey torta, boasts 5 types of meat, cheese, an omelet, beans, and veggies. In addition to big food, Los Reyes offers authentic homestyle cuisine, making some of the best Mexican food Phoenix has to offer.
Ready for a getaway? Here are 11 of our favorite weekend getaways from Phoenix.
2. The Original Carolina’s Mexican Food
1202 E Mohave St., Phoenix
Bean Burrito outside Carolina’s Mexican Food | Photo by Tiffany Vaughn
Locals line up for the popular homemade flour tortillas at Carolina’s. Since 1968 this South Phoenix hole-in-the-wall joint has been serving up tasty and authentic Mexican food.
You won’t find any frills here. Just delicious burritos, tacos, tamales, and more at a great price. Order a dozen tortillas to take home to recreate the deliciousness later. And while you’re at it, grab a bag of the warm, crunchy homemade tortilla chips. They taste great with the house red salsa.
Looking to save money? Check out these 21 Free Things To Do in Phoenix.
Best Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix for Seafood
Ceviche de Camaron | Image by Bellezza87 from Pixabay
3. Mariscos Playa Hermosa
1605 E Garfield St., Phoenix
Mariscos Playa Hermosa (MPH) will have you dreaming of shrimp cooked in a tomatillo cheese sauce. The Sinaloan-style Mexican Seafood isn’t like Mexican dishes you’ve ordered at any other restaurant.
Warm homemade tortillas and green guacamole-style salsa is served alongside specialty dishes such as tasty ceviche and crab enchiladas. The festive decor and superb service puts MPH over the top.
4. Comedor Guadalajara
1830 S Central Avenue, Phoenix
Comedor Guadalajara serves authentic Sonoran-style food in a friendly atmosphere that feels like home. This family run restaurant has been a Phoenix staple for over 50 years. Everyone who works here may not actually be related anymore, but it’s obvious they treat each other like family.
The great atmosphere is dwarfed only by the great food. Regulars enjoy the signature Parrillada Grande “Mariscada” full of seafood favorites like shrimp, lobster, calamari, mussels, and freshwater fish. And their carne asada and chile rellenos are some of the best Mexican food in Phoenix.
Best Mexican Food in Phoenix: Birria
5. Hola Cabrito
4835 S 16th St., Phoenix
Birria at Hola Cabrito | Photo by Tiffany Vaughn
Locals come here for one item alone: birria de chivo-known to us gringos as spicy goat meat. I’ll admit, I was hesitant to try it, but this tender, mouthwatering meat does not disappoint.
The birria comes with salsa, cilantro, onion, lime, and freshly made corn tortillas. Place an order to go, or stay for a while in the dining room and enjoy friendly service surrounded by festive murals.
Best Mexican Food in Phoenix: Gorditas
6. Tacos Chiwas
1923 E McDowell Rd., Phoenix
The Chihuahua-style family recipes at Taco Chiwas fast became a Phoenecian favorite. Although their carne asada tacos and homemade tortillas are delicious, it’s the award-winning Rajas Gordita that really makes this one of the best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix.
Beans, a creamy blend of smoked chiles, and queso asadero fill a fluffy, fresh baked flour gordita. This gordita leaves you licking your lips for more.
Explore more of the state. Here are the 10 best things to do in Arizona with kids.
Best Mexican Food in Phoenix: Burritos
7. Maskadores
1810 W Northern Ave., Phoenix
Imagine Chipotle. Now imagine it a million times better, and that’s Maskadores. Combine flavorful stewed-meats with toppings like grilled corn, fresh guacamole, and pickled onions to create your ideal Mexican fare.
With so many options of tender meats prepared in-house (like carne asada, barbacoa, carnitas, etc) deciding on one can be difficult. Don’t be shy about asking for a sample taste-although you are sure to love them all.
8. PHX Burrito House
4140 7th Ave., Phoenix
As you can tell by the name, this is the place to get awesome, overstuffed, gourmet burritos. Each homemade tortilla is filled with tender, flavorful meats, cheeses, rice, and beans.
If you are wondering about which meat to order, locals rave about the pork in green chile sauce. Try it wrapped in a burrito or inside a soft corn tortilla on a taco. Or start your day with the popular Machaca breakfast burrito, loaded with eggs, grilled onions, potatoes, and jalapenos. You can’t go wrong with a PHX Burrito House burrito any time of day.
Best Mexican Food in Phoenix: Tacos
9. Kiss Pollos Estilo Sinaloa
306 W Yavapai St, Phoenix
Kiss Pollo Taco at Kiss Pollos | Photo by Tiffany Vaughn
You wouldn’t guess it, but some of the best tacos you’ve ever tried are hidden on a quiet residential street in south-central Phoenix. The signature pollo asado of Kiss Pollos melts in your mouth.
Try the Kiss Taco, Vampiro, and Flip Taco to experience the delicious combination of this meat sprinkled with Monterey Jack cheese and pork. Don’t forget to stop by the salsa bar for toppings to dress up your entrees however you like them.
Top Ranked Reviews for “Mexican Food Phoenix”
10. Cocina Madrigal
4044 S 16th St., Phoenix
This upscale Mexican restaurant holds the number one rank for Best Mexican Food in Phoenix on both Yelp and Tripadvisor for good reason. Chef Leo Madrigal creates modern Mexican dishes by blending authentic Mexico City dishes with American influences.
Diners rave over his al pastor tacos, which include jalapeno bacon. And the chipotle pomegranate marinated beef tenderloin wrapped in fresh-made corn tortillas make to-die-for tacos.
Most Acclaimed Mexican Restaurant in Phoenix:
11. Barrio Café
2814 N 16th St., Phoenix
Dining at the Barrio Café | Photo credit: Jill Richards
Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza’s creations at Barrio Café are legendary. She opened her restaurant in 2002 to rave reviews and has been recognized both regionally and nationally.
What makes her Mexican fare so special? In addition to traditional central-southern Mexican cuisine, she adds touches from her French culinary training. Top specialties include the Cochinita Pibil and Chiles en Nogada. I sometimes come here just for the tableside guacamole made with pomegranate seeds and homemade tortilla chips.
Featured image by: Flickr/Ari Helminin
- Over 25 of the Best Things to do in Scottsdale with Kids - April 22, 2024
- 23 of the Best Things to Do in Phoenix with Toddlers - April 19, 2024
- 14 Awesome Resorts with Water Parks in Arizona - February 14, 2024