The best of burritos, menudo, tamales
and more can be
found in Tucson
By Rebecca Larsen,
Associate Editor
More than anywhere else in Arizona, Tucson is definitely the place to visit to dine on authentic Mexican cuisine. A number of family owned restaurants are still in operation here that were founded 50 or more years ago. You’ll find dishes served in these eateries that you will see only rarely elsewhere in the United States. You’ll want to make a special trip to visit Fourth Street in South Tucson, a Mexican American town, surrounded by Tucson proper. Here are just a few of the fine Mexican dining spots in the city. After all, tourism experts claim that there are about 150 in all.
Cafe Poca Cosa
Address: 88 E. Broadway Blvd.
Tucson, Ariz. 85701
Phone: (520) 622-6400
The menu changes daily at this restaurant and includes recipes inspired by different regions of Mexico. Pollo a mole (chicken in a spicy chocolate sauce) or pork pibil (Yucatan barbecue seasoning) are among the creations. Broadway location serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, Another location at 20 S. Scott Ave. serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays.
El Charro Mexican Café
Address: 311 N. Court Ave.
Tucson, Ariz. 85701
Phone: (520) 622-1922
Web site: elcharrocafe.com
This café, opened in 1922, claims to be oldest family-operated Mexican restaurant in the United States. USA Today has called El Charro one of the country’s five best Mexican restaurants. There’s a cantina with patio and a coffeehouse. The original El Charro is located in the historic El Presidio district in the heart of downtown Tucson. The East El Charro is located in the El Mercado Plaza at the southeast corner of Broadway and Wilmot.
El Minuto Cafe
Address: 354 S. Main Ave.
Tucson, Ariz. 85701
Phone: (520) 882-4145
This colorful busy restaurant in the Barrio Historico neighborhood is popular with locals. The menu features Sonora-style cuisine and includes great guacamole, huge burritos, spicy menudo and corn tamales. The restaurant has been here for about 50 years.
Guillermo's Double L Restaurant
Address: 1830 S. Fourth Ave.
South Tucson, Ariz. 85713
Phone: (520) 792-1585
Fine Sonoran-style Mexican food has been served here under the same ownership since 1948. Guillermo’s is located in the South Fourth Avenue area in South Tucson, a separate, incorporated town surrounded by the city of Tucson. You’ll find hand-mixed margaritas, great food and mariachi bands on weekends.
La Fuente Restaurant & Mariachi House
Address: 1749 N. Oracle Road
Tucson, Ariz. 85705
Phone: (520) 623-8659
Web site: lafuenterestaurant.com
La Fuente has maintained a family tradition of serving fine Mexican cuisine in Tucson for more than 40 years. There is an extravagant garden-like setting indoors that is filled with colorful artifacts from all over Mexico. This combined with the nightly live mariachi music helps give an authentic Mexican feeling to this restaurant. The owners claim to have served such celebrities as Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, J.F.K., President George W. Bush and many more. Service is always prompt and courteous. The food is prepared fresh from traditional family recipes of all regions of Mexico.
Mi Nidito
Address: 1813 S. Fourth Ave.
South Tucson, Ariz
Phone: (520) 622-5081
Get reservations here as fans of this eatery have waited for hours to dine in this adobe with authentic Sonora cuisine. Past visitors include Bill Clinton in 1999. Try the Burro Deluxe, a giant tortilla with beans, green chiles, avocado, cheese and tomato or the chile rellenos.
Casa Molina
4240 E. Grand Road
Tucson, Ariz. 85712
Phone: (520) 326-6663
Look for the big black bull and matador statue at the entrance to the dining rooms and patio of this restaurant founded in 1947. Try the cheese crisps – fried tortillas with cheddar and chile topping. Other great dishes are the carne seca and chile rellenos. Handmade margaritas make a perfect accompaniment to the food.
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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