Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Culinary Adventure |
110 E. Pennington Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 622 6400 |
Chef/owner Suzana Davila gives locals and visitors a taste of the complex flavors of southern Mexico at this funky and popular cafe inside the historic Clarion Santa Rita Hotel. Just take a look at the many international articles and awards that line the walls and you'll know that you're in for an exciting culinary adventure. Vibrant Mexican colors abound with just about every wall a different bright hue. The menu changes twice, daily, to offer guests to try both classic dishes and new adventurous ones. Lunches are USD16-USD18; dinners, USD19-20. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brandie |
 Photo: kee edwards |
|
Look for statue of El Toro |
6225 East Speedway Boulevard Tucson, AZ 85712 United States +1 520 886 5468 http://www.casamolina.com/ |
When it opened in 1947, this Tucson Mexican food tradition could only serve 16. Today, it has four locations in Tucson and a fifth near the border in Nogales. The main Speedway restaurant has three dining rooms and an outdoor patio, and is decorated in a traditional Mexican style with adobe walls and high-backed chairs. Sonoran specialties star on the menu and include many dishes made from Carne Seca. Full bar service is available in the dining room and in The Cantina. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Secluded and pleasant |
8963 East Tanque Verde Road (Tanque Verde and Catalina Highway) Tucson, AZ 85749 United States +1 520 749 1339 |
It's a pleasant, spacious establishment northeast of the city limits popular with outer residents of the rapidly expanding city. Three large, well-lit dining rooms offer a variety of atmospheres: a subdued, intimate setting, a well-lit open environment, and a combination of both. It is rarely filled to capacity due to its distant location and size. An extensive menu offers typical Mexican fare: beef and chicken tacos, enchiladas, gorditas, tamales and chimichangas, in addition to combination and specialty platters. The portions are immense and, strangely, the fajitas are served with tortillas so large they could be used as parachutes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Dining, old cantina-style |
201 North Court Avenue (One block west of Church) Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 622 0351 |
This is the natural place to pick for lunch after strolling around the downtown arts district. Situated in the shaded courtyard of the Old Town Artisans complex, this grill restaurant offers Sonoran-style dishes in a 19th century cantina setting. Locals like to take out-of-town visitors to this pleasant place in order to show off their city. The ambience is that of an 1890-style cantina, combined with patio dining in a beautiful courtyard setting lush with flowers and ponds. The fare is mostly Mexican. Try the summer sizzling rib special rib-eye steak, or the Fettucine con Pollo. Beer and wine is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Mexican restaurant with a tradition |
2920 North Oracle Road (Oracle and Miracle Mile) Tucson, AZ 85705 United States +1 520 622 3092 |
From humble beginnings as a roadside food stand in the year 1946, when Tucson was a small town of about 40,000, this Mexican eatery has grown into a spacious family restaurant and lounge. Service is fast and efficient and prices are very reasonable. Outside dining is available at a large shaded patio decorated in Mexican style. Several domestic and Mexican beers, as well as margaritas and wines, are offered at the lounge. Tacos, enchiladas and tostadas are served a la carte, or as combination plates. All dishes are $4-$14. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Dos Locos Cantina |
10000 North Oracle Road Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort Tucson, AZ 85704 United States +1 520 544 1705 http://www.hiltonelconquistado... |
Located at the Hilton El Conquistador on Tucson's northwest side, Dos Locos offers its original version of Nuevo Latino cuisine to both resort guests and visitors. Enjoy views of the rugged Santa Catalina Mountains, surrounded by columns, arches and big windows, or sit on the shaded patio and listen to live jazz on weekend evenings. Experience El Conquistador's own southwestern creations: local ingredients are used to make mostly Mexican-style fare such as Fajitas and Chimichangas, or the famous seafood special. Dinner entrees are priced at $8-20 a plate. There is a good selection of domestic and foreign red wines, with a glass of house wine costing $7 per glass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A cut above your average AZ-Mex menu |
7053 East Tanque Verde Road (Northwest corner of Sabino Canyon and Tanque Verde Roads) Tucson, AZ 85715 United States +1 520 885 2842 |
For more than two decades, this attractive and eclectic cafe has pleased Tucson palates with interesting, above-average preparations of Mexican and American fare. Decked out in contemporary and subtly Southwestern colors and accents, it's a friendly, mom-and-pop-type operation. On the menu are items like the house specialty Leo's Special Chicken Burro that comes with a roasted tomatillo or red chili sauce, Huevos Rancheros (eggs, refried beans and salsa on a warm corn tortilla) and a Vegetarian Torta of eggplant peppers, havarti cheese and vegetables. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A Tucson culinary landmark |
311 North Court Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 622 1922 |
This legendary eatery is the foundation on which Tucson's dining scene was built, and it's a must-visit when you come to the Old Pueblo. All areas are decked out in brightly colored furnishings and authentic Mexican accessories. A festive, lively atmosphere pervades, and the huge menu features dishes that have been served here since it opened in 1922. Some specialties have been updated by Chef Carlotta Flores to appeal to modern tastes by lowering the fat content. Full bar service features more than 80 types of tequilas. Try them straight up, or in one of many margarita mixtures. Drinks run USD3 and up. Additional location at 6310 East Broadway Boulevard, at El Mercado Shops and Restaurants. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rick Donaldson |
 Photo: Gina Compitello |
 Photo: Cathy Roberts |
 Photo: tucsonzclub |
 Photo: Tim Perkins |
 Photo: Melia Shumaker |
|
Busy Downtown Mexican Spot |
354 S Main Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 882 4145 http://www.elminutocafe.com |
It will almost always take more than "un minuto" to get a table at this busy downtown Mexican eatery, but people don't seem to mind waiting. The dining room is comfortable, colorful and convenient to all downtown venues. Its consistently good Sonoran-style Mexican food is a favorite with downtown workers and attendees at the Tucson Convention Center. The menu includes Tacos, Enchiladas, Burros, Chimichangas and the local favorite, Topopo salad. Everything is homemade and hearty. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Greg Fellin |
|
Satisfying Sonoran-style Mexican |
1830 South 4th Avenue Tucson, AZ 85713 United States +1 520 792 1585 |
For more than a half-century, this Tucson Mexican marvel, situated inside an impressive territorial-style building with a comfortable and casual Mexican interior, has been operated by generations of a single family. So you know that when you visit, you're going to be welcomed and treated like family. A large and inexpensive menu features all of your favorite south-of-the-border specialties, and the hand-mixed margaritas make a great go-along. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Greg Lopez |
|
The wilder side of Janos |
3770 East Sunrise Drive Tucson, AZ 85718 United States +1 520 615 6100 http://www.janos.com/ |
This hip, upscale bar and Latin-Mediterrean Grill is adjacent to Janos at the Westin La Paloma Resort. Fans of Chef Wilder's wonderful fine dining fare will also want to try this slightly more casual concept. A seasonal summer sampler combines a salad and three entree selections. Drinks features include high-grade tequilas, 20 selections of wine by the glass and an expanded wine list that now includes Janos selections. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Define a Cucurucho |
5252 South Mission Road (Irvington and Mission) Tucson, AZ 85746 United States +1 520 883 0311 |
In the same location since 1949, this family-run restaurant has been under the current ownership since the late 1970s. This comfortable, casual spot focuses on hearty-healthy choices and offers more than 150 menu options. The house specialty, Cucuruchos, are flour tortilla cones filled with your choice of chicken, beans or green or red chile beef with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and guacamole, an ice-cream cone-like entree. Other popular items are their Gorditas (thick corn cakes) and Barbacoa (the Mexican version of barbecue). Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Mariachi mood |
1749 North Oracle Road Tucson, AZ 85705 United States +1 520 623 8659 http://www.lafuenterestaurant.... |
Almost equidistant from downtown and the University of Arizona, this festive Mexican restaurant has been known for both its food and its energetic entertainment for nearly four decades. A Mariachi band plays nightly, adding to the party-like atmosphere. This is a popular place for Old Pueblo visitors to get a feel for south-of-the-border food and fun. A menu of Sonoran-style favorites includes burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and combination plates. Full bar service is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Sophisticated Mexican fare |
2950 North Swan Road Tucson, AZ 85712 United States +1 520 881 1150 http://www.laplacitacafe.com/ |
No to be confused with La Placita Village, which is downtown, this Plaza Palomino Mexican restaurant has been serving sophisticated fare in a stylish setting for over a decade. In contrast to Tucson's many festive family-oriented restaurants, this one offers a more subdued and relaxing atmosphere and a slower service pace. On the menu, fajitas (sizzling meat or shrimp with sautéed vegetables and traditional accompaniments) are one of the favorites. Many enchiladas, burros (the big brother of burritos) and tacos are also offered. The Lomo Adobado Pork is a charming, chile-marinated choice. Most dinner entrees are reasonably priced. Spanish wines from the Rioja region are a good complement to your meal and are available by the glass or by the bottle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Exciting Sonoran recipes |
7040 East Broadway Boulevard Tucson, AZ 85710 United States +1 520 722 8090 http://macayo.com |
This spacious restaurant on Tucson's East Side attracts many visitors from out of town with its authentic Mexican-Sonoran cuisine and beautiful, colorful decor. The recipes are imaginative, but the best things here are the margaritas, considered by some to be the best in town. Sonoran specialties such as tacos, burritos and chimichanga combination plates are all about $10. Domestic and Mexican beers are available at the bar. Reservations are advisable. Other locations are at Macayo Tucson del Norte, 7630 North Oracle Road (+1 520 742 2141). Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A local favorite for decades |
6011 North Oracle Road Tucson, AZ 85704 United States +1 520 297 8341 http://www.lasmargaritasinc.com/ |
Mike and Tillie Valle and daughters, Christina and Teresa, have been welcoming Tucsonans and visitors to their friendly, family-oriented Mexican restaurants since 1980. The Oracle Road location, now run by Teresa, is a great place to stop for a bite when shopping at the Tucson Mall. House specialties include fajitas, Carne Seca, Chiles Rellenos, and Camarones Rancheros (shrimp sautéed with chiles, tomatoes, onions and cilantro). Full bar service includes the restaurant's namesake, margaritas, and a special house-recipe Sangría. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Tucson's supper club |
106 West Drachman Street Tucson, AZ 85705 United States +1 520 791 7793 |
Right here, just a few blocks north of downtown Tucson, is where the world-famous International Mariachi America performs, Wednesday through Sunday, free of charge. It's actually Tucson's only supper club featuring, of course, Mexican dishes to go with the music. This is a large place, seating 300 people, but still crowded all the time. Happy Hour is from 5p-7p; weekends feature dancing in a smoke-free environment. The decor is plain, but the soul of Mariachi is pervasive here. Try the jumbo shrimp sauteed in garlic butter - it's their specialty. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
The real deal |
1009 North Grande Avenue Tucson, AZ 85745 United States +1 520 623 3563 |
Tired of tame tuna and bland bass? Experience authentic Mexican-style seafood at these local-favorite restaurants. House specialties include a chile-charged shrimp cocktail, the Seven Seas Soup with shrimp, octopus, white fish and more, and fish filets prepared in the style of many different Mexican states (Veracruz, Sarandeado, Culichi). Mexican soft drinks and beers add to the authentic experience at these slightly rustic, but comfortable cafes that have won numerous Best Mexican Seafood Awards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Layla Cooper |
|
Big on local charm |
1813 South Fourth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85713 United States +1 520 622 5081 http://www.minidito.net |
For more than four decades, Tucsonans have flocked to this "little nest" for well-prepared and well-priced Sonoran specialties. Housed in an attractive Mexican village-style building, it offers good food, friendly service and an authentically Mexican experience. The interior is colorful and lively with bright red chairs, serape-striped upholstery and Mexican art. Among the many menu options are chile rellenos (stuffed chile peppers), burros, tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas, flautas and huevos rancheros (a popular egg, bean and chile dish). Mexican and domestic beers and wines are served. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Laura George-Johnson |
|
Mariscal family style Mexican |
2908 South Fourth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85713 United States +1 520 623 5307 |
The Mariscal family welcomes you to this comfortable and casual restaurant that's been serving some of Tucson's favorite Sonoran-style cuisine since 1976. The restaurant also runs concessions at the Tucson Convention Center Arena and Exhibition Hall. The budget-priced menu features Fajitas, Burros, Chimichangas and the local-favorite Topopo salads. It also has children's plates. Beer, wine and lime or strawberry margaritas and full bar service are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Mexican ambiance in mid-town |
1138 North Belvedere Street Tucson, AZ 85712 United States +1 520 325 9957 |
Molina's Midway Restaurant—located opposite the Midway Business Park, was voted number one for two consecutive years in an Arizona Daily Star poll and is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike. Lines can be long during lunch hours, but waits aren't quite as long as it might be, because the restaurant is spacious, and turnover is rapid. Tiled floors, whitewashed walls, decorative wall paintings and assorted Mexican icons provide the correct ambiance. One of the favorites is chicken and beef fajitas, prepared with rice, beans, flour tortillas, guacamole and sour cream. The combination entrees are humungous. Mexican beer is served in bottles and there is a limited selection of Rose, Burgundy and Zinfandel wines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Arts, crafts and a beautiful courtyard |
186 North Meyer Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 623 6024 / +1 800 782 8072 http://www.oldtownartisans.com |
This is a place not to be missed when sightseeing in downtown Tucson. The old adobe structure in the historic Presidio district invites visitors to explore its shops, galleries and restaurants, or to just sit and relax in the wonderful courtyard shaded by palm trees. It's a kind of art shopping center catering to tourists eagerly looking for souvenirs from the Southwest; in fact, it offers everything from Navajo rugs to dried prickly pear jam. There is no admission fee. All stores and restaurants accept major credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: J Gregory Barnes |
 Photo: sillowet |
|
Sensational South Tucson taqueria |
2618 South Sixth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85713 United States +1 520 623 8775 |
If you don't like a little local color in your cuisine and if you don't speak or at least understand a little Spanish, maybe this isn't the place for you. But, if you enjoy authentic eats and don't need a cloth napkin to dab the salsa from your lips, you'll find some of South Tucson's most genuine and appetizing Mexican meals here. The fish tastes like it came straight from the Sea of Cortez (the fish platter has five pieces of flaky white fish, plus rice, beans and tortillas); the Carne Birria is slow-cooked, tender and tasty. Daily specials feature more great casa-style cooking. Prices are mostly $6-$8 and the portions are hefty. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cate Czerwinski |
 Photo: Layla Cooper |
 Photo: Brian Boyer  |
|
Sonoran specialties by the Ortega family |
1750 East Fort Lowell Road (Southwest corner of Fort. Lowell and Campbell) Tucson, AZ 85719 United States +1 520 325 0362 |
Can Willie Nelson, ZZ-Top and Johnny Cash be wrong? They've visited this colorful cafe operated by the Ortega family and are noted on the dining room's "plaque of fame." Maybe they come for the Chiles Rellenos (stuffed chile peppers); maybe it's the tamales. But whatever reason, locals and visiting celebs flock to this mom-and-pop Mexican strip mall spot, and they keep coming back. A Mexican village mural and bright, south-of-the-border colors give the dining room a festive atmosphere in which to enjoy the simple, yet satisfying dishes. Try the Carne Seca (reconstituted dried beef with onions and chiles) or any of the combinations named for Ortega family members. Add a margarita or Mexican beer and you'll have a filling and flavorful meal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Where East meets Southwest |
2955 East Speedway Boulevard (Speedway and Country Club) Tucson, AZ 85716 United States +1 520 320 0535 |
There's no other restaurant in Tucson where you can satisfy a craving for sushi and shrimp tostados at the same place and time. Mexican-influenced Japanese cuisine is served with panache by a staff that is both friendly and efficient; the seafood is always fresh. The decor is contemporary Japanese, light and clean. Don buri, chiles, sushi rolls, and the popular greppa (a fish and shrimp dish served with fresh vegetables) are some of the most popular menu selections. The Canaroles a la Diabla, (shrimp with hot sauce), will most likely bring tears to your eyes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Mexican food and margaritas since 1946 |
6910 East Sunrise Drive (Southwest corner of Kolb and Sunrise; at Basha's Center) Tucson, AZ 85750 United States +1 520 615 1818 |
This restaurant/cantina has served Sonoran-style food to locals and visitors for more than 50 years. Chef George Taft specializes in hearty Sonoran fare, with no lard added, with items such as burros, ensaladas, quesadillas, enchiladas and seafood dishes. Full bar service is available. Decorative Mexican tiles on the walls provide the appropriate ambiance for south-of-the-border cooking. Seating is available outside on the shaded non-smoking patio; smoking is permitted at the bar only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
