With its own distinctive Sonoran cuisine, renowned chefs, dozens of food festivals, rich history, and diverse culinary influences – not to mention its famous '23 miles' of independent Mexican restaurants – Tucson, Arizona is rightly famed for its exceptional Mexican cuisine. From the best burritos to terrific tacos, fantastic indigenous ingredients, and dishes steeped in history, Tucson can claim bragging rights as the best place for Mexican food in the US. Click or scroll through for the reasons why.
Tucson’s Mexican-descended population has a deeply ingrained history that spans centuries. Vibrant neighborhoods, such as Barrio Viejo, South Tucson, and El Presidio, are resplendent with colorful adobe homes, ornate murals, and bustling street markets, and serve as cultural hubs that directly contribute to the preservation of the city’s Mexican identity. It’s within these buzzing enclaves that the Mexican food scene flourishes, offering an unparalleled culinary experience rooted in the rich heritage of its inhabitants.
The chiltepin pepper, hailed as the 'mother of all chilis', holds a special place in Tucson's culinary identity. This tiny, fiery pepper is native to the Sonoran Desert and is considered to be the oldest form of chili, significantly pre-dating domesticated varieties such as sweet bell peppers, jalapeños, and cayenne peppers. Small and round, with a striking red color, the chiltepin delivers a short but intense kick of heat, and is known for its complex flavor profile, adding citrus notes and a punchy smokiness to many of Tucson's best-known Mexican dishes.
When Tucson was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015 (the first such designation in the whole of the USA), there was no doubting that the city’s Mexican food scene played a role in this. So, too, did the abundance of indigenous ingredients (mesquite, prickly pear, and chiltepin peppers included) that add unique depth and complexity to the cuisine. Another key factor was the city's overriding commitment to championing locality, giving back to the community, and maintaining good business practices.
Tucson's Mission Garden plays a vital role in preserving the culinary heritage of the region through its dedicated work with native plants. Among the treasured crops are chiltepin peppers, ancho chilies, and tepary beans, each boasting unique flavors and historical significance. These heirloom varieties form the building blocks of many traditional Tucson dishes, such as mole sauces and posole stews. The garden also serves as a living museum, providing a glimpse into the agricultural practices and culinary traditions of the past.
The Sonoran hot dog is an iconic (and delicious) culinary delight with a fascinating history. Originating in the Sonoran state of Mexico, and crossing the border to Arizona, this delectable creation has become a Tucson favorite. It’s not hard to see why. Serving as a tasty testament to the city’s cross-cultural culinary identity, a bacon-wrapped hot dog is crammed into a toasted bolillo roll, before being topped with pinto beans, fresh onions, tomatoes, avocado, and a variety of salsas and sauces.
In its most simple form, this invented-in-Tucson appetizer sees a flour tortilla topped with mounds of cheese and grilled in a butter-brushed pan until the cheese is oozing and the base crisp. El Minuto Cafe in Tucson is widely credited with serving up the first cheese crisp back in 1936. At this local institution you can keep things classic or pile on toppings like green chile, chorizo, ground beef, chicken, and guacamole. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Carne seca is a staple of Tucson's culinary past, born out of necessity and yet still hugely popular today. Historically, the region’s arid climate meant infrequent harvests, so the process of air drying was important because it allowed meat to be stored without refrigeration. This traditional dish is prepared by first marinating thin strips of beef in a blend of herbs and spices, before leaving it to dry out in the fresh Arizona air – preserving the meat while intensifying its flavor.
El Charro Mexican Restaurant is the USA’s oldest continuously operating Mexican restaurant run by the same family. With a legacy dating back to 1922, this iconic establishment has delighted generations of diners with its authentic Mexican cuisine, and just so happens to be famous for its carne seca. Testament to El Charro's commitment to preserving not just meat but traditional techniques, the beef is marinated in a proprietary seasoning blend before being left to air-dry on the roof, just like it has been for decades.
El Charro can make claim to more than just top-notch carne seca, though. The restaurant holds that it was owner Monica Flin who invented the chimichanga, when she accidently dropped a bean burrito into a pan of hot oil. Instead of swearing in front of her young nieces and nephews, she shouted out 'chimichanga!' instead. While the chimi wars continue to rage (several other establishments profess to dreaming up the delight), there’s no denying that El Charro serves a legendary chimichanga.
Named in homage to El Charro's Monica Flin, The Monica – a relatively recent newcomer to the Tucson culinary scene – manages to honor the city's connection to authentic, traditional tastes, while peppering its menu with contemporary (dare we say it?), Cali-Mex elements. A commitment to using locally sourced ingredients earns The Monica extra points, as does the relaxed mood and spacious urban garden. Customers rave about the fusion favorite that is the carne seca pizza.
From the giant piñata mural that adorns the outside wall, to the hot pink interiors and of course, the food, there’s nothing run of the mill about Rollies Mexican Patio. This funky spot is famed for its flautas, which are affectionally known as rollies and are much raved about; chef Mateo Otero has built himself a reputation for interesting flavor pairings and fresh fillings. For fans of the old-school cheese crisp, Rollies’ birria cheese crisp burger is well worth a try.
It's not all about street food spots; Tucson has fantastic Mexican fine dining, too. Penca occupies a charming historic building in downtown Tucson with rustic-chic vibes; think exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and large windows. The menu, meanwhile, shines a light on traditional Mexican (rather than US-Mexican) cuisine, and dishes are executed with a distinctly modern, sophisticated slant. Don’t miss out on the customer favorite that is the guacamole con salsas casera (guac with pomegranate seeds and rotating house salsas). This place is also home to the first agave bar in Tucson.
Committed to sustainability and provenance, 5 Points Market & Restaurant combines delicious food with a cool atmosphere. The menu features a range of inventive, comforting dishes – breakfast sandwiches are made with freshly baked sourdough focaccia and chiltepin sausage, and the huevos rancheros is finished with cilantro pistou. The grocery store setting – shelves are lined with wines, jellies, and homemade bakes – and inclusive atmosphere add to the appeal.
This city takes breakfast seriously, and one of the best places to enjoy the first meal of the day is at Seis Kitchen. A true Tucson gem, this family-owned spot located near the Tucson Loop boasts a breakfast menu filled with dishes that capture the very essence of Sonoran cuisine. The vibrant cafe attracts a bustling crowd of carb-loading cyclists each morning, with the tangle of bikes in the courtyard only adding to its unique atmosphere. The coffee is good, too.
Café Tumerico combines traditional Mexican flavors with a focus on organic, plant-based ingredients and plenty of creativity. The result is a dining experience that's not only delicious, but also caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, thanks to the likes of its signature vegan jackfruit tacos and chia fresca drinks. The café's warm and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, make it a very welcome addition to Tucson’s thriving culinary scene.
Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant is a laidback diner that has garnered praise for its mammoth portions of plant-based comfort food. From mountains of battered mushrooms and hearty breakfast burritos stuffed with tofu scramble and tempeh bacon, to huge bowls of vegan fried chicken Alfredo, and decadent dairy-free desserts, Lovin' Spoonfuls proves that Mexican food can still be great without sour cream and jack cheese. This place embodies Tucson's inclusive gastronomic landscape, where the city's renowned Mexican flavors are there for all to enjoy.
Boca Tacos Y Tequila is a must-visit destination for its ever-evolving roster of salsa flights, which offer a tantalizing journey through a variety of vibrant house condiments. From smoky chipotle to tangy tomatillo and super-hot habanero, Boca Tacos Y Tequila's salsa flights always offer five different dips, showcasing the diverse range of tastes and heat levels found in Mexican cuisine. Each surprising salsa is carefully crafted using fresh ingredients, ensuring an explosion of flavors on every chip.
Zio Peppe delightfully intertwines both the culinary traditions of Italy and the Sonoran Desert, creating a unique dining experience. Chef Devon Sanner incorporates Sonoran ingredients into classic Italian dishes, showcasing local produce and its impact on Mediterranean cuisine at the same time. From green chili bolognese sauce to wood-fired pizzas topped with mesquite-smoked meats, Zio Peppe's innovative fusion offers a refreshing twist on familiar favorites.
Tucson's culinary festivals are a testament to the city's eclectic gastronomic culture. Tucson Meet Yourself celebrates the vibrant diversity of Tucson's Mexican food scene and showcases the fascinating heritage of local communities through traditional culinary offerings. The Arizona Taco Festival, meanwhile, brings taco enthusiasts together for an array of creative variations and live entertainment. Then, the Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge invites participants to sample and judge a wide selection of sauces and spirits, highlighting the zesty, lively side of Tucson's Mexican cuisine.
Tucson also has a booming artisanal mezcal and tequila scene. During the annual, four-day Agave Heritage Festival, which started in 2008, the city celebrates the cultural, sustainable, and commercial significance of the agave plant and Tucson’s borderland culture. Events include seminars, agave pit roasting, agave spirit tastings, and world-class culinary events conducted by chefs and spirits professionals. To try it yourself, head down to the historic Hotel Congress or Owls Club, which has a carefully curated selection of mezcals and tequilas.