Location: Tucson
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Arizona, United States Food Guide: 10 Mexican food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Tucson
Reviews on Mexican food in Tucson, Arizona, United States. Although Tucson's fantastic weather, national parks and forests and desert provide the perfect environment for tons of outdoor recreational activities, this city of half a million people also has its share of history and culture. With a history that goes back much further than many of its southwestern neighbors, Tucson boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, historic neighborhoods, museums and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a still-functioning 18th-century mission considered one of the most beautiful in the U.S. Mexican and Native American influences are pervasive, and the city has a distinctly Western flavor. There's also a college-town atmosphere, thanks to the University of Arizona, which has its own share of museums and a science center. Whether golfing at a world-class golf resort, horseback riding, hiking in the wilderness, discovering desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or exploring pre-Columbian and other art at the Tucson Art Museum, you'll have a mind-boggling array of things to do.
Things to do in Tucson
10. Cafe Poca Cosa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1806 reviews
Reviewed By Ballywizard
I've been here three times, and I had the three-dish combination each time, so I've tried a fairly broad swath of the menu.. Outside is a challenging neighborhood, but the inside is cozy, welcoming and sophisticated. Its one of the few Tucson restaurants where you may actually need a reservation.They don't have a printed menu, and won't accommodate much deviation from what's written on the day's blackboard. For example, they serve chips and salsa, but refuse to make pico de gallo. In my experience, the menu includes one type of chicken, beef and fish, each with three sauces, for a total of nine or so entrees. The chicken is a boneless skinless breast, the beef is an economy cut like skirt, and the fish is something common like cod, all priced at $25. Usually the protein is baked or stewed, and there are a variety of sauces, including a couple moles. For an additional $4, you get three dishes selected by the chef from the menu. The portions are huge, with lots of rice and beans topped off with a salad. Overall, I've been a little disappointed. Nothing has been bad, but the protein selection and presentation is bland, and the sauces are routine. Topping the hot main dish with a cold salad detracts from both items. The only desert I've had is the flan, which is cut from a sheet and has a pasty texture.
9. The Little One
Overall Ratings
4 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By An0nyMs
If you only want the standard Mexican breakfast (eggs, beans, rice, maybe tortillas and fruit), go somewhere else. Here, breakfast is amazing. My friend ordered huevos estilo Mexicano (scrambled eggs Mexican-style) and also got a big portion of crispy salad, some sliced dragonfruit (!) as well as melon, and more that I didn't spot on the big, crowded plate. I had already eaten a boring breakfast elsewhere (my mistake!), so I had two fabulous juices: mango peach, then beet orange keylime (which left me with a red mustache from the froth).
8. Poco & Mom's Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 290 reviews
Reviewed By dapinca
Didn't go seeking this site out, but wow. Authentic as it gets-- good margaritas and the food is genuine & great. Loved the kicked up flavors, featuring hatch chiles. While not a huge place, it forces closeness. Pork stew was fantastic. Hot salsa. Has been added to my list of local favorites.
7. Gentle Ben's Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 230 reviews
Perfectly located on University Boulevard, in the heart of the University of Arizona, Gentle Ben's has been serving up local beer, refreshing cocktails, and award winning food since 1971. Offering two stories of spacious patios and cozy inside seating, we
Reviewed By TravelinMJ
Gentle Benâs is an excellent brewhouse/pub/grill in the University area of Tucson. It is quite popular in a busy area. There is lots of indoor and outdoor dining space. Prices are reasonable and service is good and pleasant. Food is quite good. Reasonably priced parking is nearby.
6. La Cocina
Overall Ratings
4 based on 360 reviews
Reviewed By Maggie_NHam
Pleasant setting in gardens with trees and covered with sail-like tarpaulins. There's 2 main areas, a patio as you come in where you can just have drinks and nibbles. The central area with the pond and live music is reserved for meals and drinks. There's a range of local draught beer, wines by the glass and cocktails. The menu is fairly typical Mexican fayre. The La Cocina specialty Meatloaf was not on the menu. So I had the Chile Rolleno, sort of stuffed large pepper with other sauces and roasted courgettes, I asked for it slightly spicier, and it was fine. Looking at neighbour's dishes, the fried Artichoke bits looked very tasty too. There was a musician on, without wishing to be unkind, as a singer he was a good guitarist ... Service was pleasant and friendly. The place seems very family friendly, at late lunchtime.
5. Poco & Mom's Cantina
Overall Ratings
4 based on 285 reviews
Reviewed By Smothergoose
Love love The Huevos Rancheros soooo good. Loved the chili relleno best we have ever had. And the green sauce you must try it.
4. Tucson Tamale Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 882 reviews
Reviewed By osimajorusaf
We drive through Tucson a couple of times per year and always eat at Tucson Tamale Company. This was our first stop at the location on Tanque Verde Road and we were not disappointed. The tamales were great, the service timely and friendly, the price was very reasonable.
3. Eclectic Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 308 reviews
Reviewed By lisargold
This was my s cons visit to Eclectic Cafe. One of the things I really like about it is their menu which will allow anyone to find something g that theyâd like. The food always seems to be ver you good the the service is very good. The servers seem to be happy to be there and are very pleasant.
2. Mariscos Chihuahua
Overall Ratings
4 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By Cha B
My hubby and daughter visited last summer and insisted we go this summer when back in town. No wonder... absolutely delicious. Camarones Culchi, Pulpo Mojo, Filete Salseado... All delicious. We will definitely return.
1. Gentle Ben's Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 230 reviews
Perfectly located on University Boulevard, in the heart of the University of Arizona, Gentle Ben's has been serving up local beer, refreshing cocktails, and award winning food since 1971. Offering two stories of spacious patios and cozy inside seating, we
Reviewed By TravelinMJ
Gentle Benâs is an excellent brewhouse/pub/grill in the University area of Tucson. It is quite popular in a busy area. There is lots of indoor and outdoor dining space. Prices are reasonable and service is good and pleasant. Food is quite good. Reasonably priced parking is nearby.
