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BEST RATED TUCSON, AZ MEXICAN RESTAURANTS

3 Best Mexican Restaurants in Tucson, AZ

Expert-recommended Top 3 Mexican Restaurants in Tucson, Arizona. All of our mexican restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

EL CHARRO CAFÉ - Tucson, AZ Mexican Restaurants
EL CHARRO CAFÉ - Tucson, AZ Mexican Restaurants
EL CHARRO CAFÉ - Tucson, AZ Mexican Restaurants
Best Mexican Restaurants in Tucson AZ - EL CHARRO CAFÉ video
9+ YEARS IN TBR
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EL CHARRO CAFÉ

(4.9 Score)
311 North Court Avenue,
Tucson, AZ 85701 Directions

Since 1922

Specialty:

✓ Chile Rellenos ✓ Original Anaheim Recipe ✓ Carne Seca Relleno ✓ Chile Relleno Del Rey ✓ Tamale Temptation Trio ✓ Tamale Platters ✓ Fresh Corn ✓ Carnitas ✓ Chicken Tomatillo ✓ Red Chile Beef ✓ Mojo De Ajo Shrimp Tamale ✓ Hola Hemp® Plant-based Tamales ✓ All-natural Chicken Fajitas ✓ Skirt Steak Asada Fajitas ✓ Grilled Shrimp Fajitas ✓ Plant-based Portobello Fajitas ✓ Original Recipe Burros ✓ Buenos Días Breakfast Burro ✓ Vegan Burrito ✓ Grilled Chicken Pastor Burro ✓ Pollo Arizona Burro ✓ Carnitas Ranchero Burro ✓ Charro Birria Verde Burro ✓ Tucson's Enchiladas Sonorenses ✓ Tortillas ✓ Charro Street Taco Platter ✓ Tableside Guacamole ✓ The Carne Seca Platter

"El Charro Café is a family-owned Mexican eatery serving Sonoran-style food inside a charming, century-old home. The founder of the restaurant is Tia Monica Flin. The restaurant is the oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. Enjoy their burros and chimichangas, which are served with fresh pico de gallo and your choice of frijoles accompanied by arroz sonora or calabacitas. El Charro Café offers happy hour and vegan menus. The restaurant provides catering services from a small corporate luncheon to a large gala. Each of their restaurants is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. They provide gift cards.

2026 Update: El Charro Café menu includes traditional Mexican meals along with vegetarian-friendly and lighter dining options. It offers outdoor seating areas where visitors can enjoy meals in a relaxed setting. Fresh margaritas, cocktails, and specialty drinks are available alongside the restaurant’s food menu. The restaurant combines historic Southwestern character with casual dining spaces that attract both locals and tourists. El Charro also provides online ordering and nationwide food shipping for selected menu items."

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Price:

APERITIVOS:
Tableside Guacamole $12.95
Cheesescrips Or Quesadillas Plain $11.95
Cheesescrips Or Quesadillas Green Chile $12.95
Cheesescrips Or Quesadillas Chicken Elegante $15.95
Cheesescrips Or Quesadillas Green Chile Beef $16.95
Cheesescrips Or Quesadillas El Charro Carne Seca $17.95
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp (4) $14.95
Shrimp Ceviche $16.95
Fajita Lettuce Cups Chicken $15.95
Fajita Lettuce Cups Steak Or Shrimp $17.95
Queso Fundido Plain $11.95
Queso Fundido With Chorizo $14.95
Queso Fundido With Chipotle Shrimp $16.95
Mini Chimis - Assorted $16.95
Add Enchilada Style $2.95
Quesabirria Mini Chimis (4) $11.95
Charro Vida Chimis (4) $13.95
FAJITA PLATTERS:
Chicken $19.95
Skirt Steak Asada $26.95
Grilled Shrimp $22.95
Ancho Salmon $26.95
Grilled Vegetable Mixta $18.95
Add Chickpea Chorizo $5

Contact:

(520) 622-1922

Mon-Sun: 11am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

EL GÜERO CANELO RESTAURANT - Tucson, AZ Mexican Restaurants
EL GÜERO CANELO RESTAURANT - Tucson, AZ Mexican Restaurants
EL GÜERO CANELO RESTAURANT - Tucson, AZ Mexican Restaurants
Best Mexican Restaurants in Tucson AZ - EL GÜERO CANELO RESTAURANT video
5+ YEARS IN TBR
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EL GÜERO CANELO RESTAURANT

(4.8 Score)
2480 North Oracle Road,
Tucson, AZ 85705 Directions

Since 1993

Specialty:

✓ Jr. Burro ✓ Mediano Burro ✓ Very Mucho Burro ✓ Bean Burro ✓ El Tocinado ✓ Torta ✓ Carne Asada Fries ✓ Salchipapas ✓ Nachos Del Guero ✓ Nacho Dog ✓ Guacamole Y Chips ✓ Torigueros ✓ Torimachos ✓ Carne Asada Taco ✓ Pollo Taco ✓ Taco Macho ✓ Lorenza ✓ Sonoran Style Hot Dog ✓ Sammy Dog ✓ Chucho Dog ✓ 1/2 Lb Meat ✓ 1 Lb Carne ✓ 5 Lbs Meat Tray ✓ Whole Steak ✓ Plato Canelo ✓ Taco Carne ✓ Carne Asada Caramelo ✓ Mangoyada ✓ Very Mucho Carne Asada Burro

"El Güero Canelo Restaurant is a family-run business that focuses on authentic recipes from the Sonoran region. The restaurant has been a proud part of Tucson’s community for over three decades. El Guero Canelo Restaurant offers a wide range of classics like Sonoran hot dogs, carne asada tacos, burros, and tortas. The restaurant has gained numerous awards and accolades, including recognition from the prestigious James Beard Foundation. They provide unique gift cards.

2026 Update: El Güero Canelo Restaurant, including carne asada and chicken, is featured in many of the restaurant’s tacos, burros, and tortas. Guests can customize meals using a self-serve salsa and condiment area filled with different toppings and sauces. The restaurant creates a casual taqueria-style dining experience that attracts both residents and visitors. Fresh bread and tortillas are prepared using traditional methods connected to Sonoran culinary traditions. Popular menu choices include Sonoran dogs, caramelos, quesadillas, tacos, and carne asada burros. Many visitors appreciate the quick service, relaxed atmosphere, and flavorful grilled dishes."

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Price:

APPETIZERS:
Carne Asada Fries $9.79
Salchipapas $8.39
Nachos Del Guero $8.79
Nacho Dog $6.09
Guacamole Y Chips $11.99
Torimachos $5.49
TACOS:
Carne Asada $4.59
Pollo $4.59
Taco Macho $5.15
Lorenza $5.19
Taco De Frijol $2.99
BURROS:
Mediano $12.99
Very Mucho $17.99
Bean Burro $4.99
El Tocinado $15.99
QUESADILLAS Y CARAMELOS:
Quesadilla - Chico $4.99
Quesadilla - Mediano $5.99
Quesadilla - Grande $8.99
Caramelo - Chico $9.99
Caramelo - Grande $14.29
SIDES:
French Fries $4.99
Tortilla Chips $3.99
Beans $4.99
Refried Beans $5.99
Guacamole $4.99
EXTRAS:
Salsa $5.99
½ Aguacate $2.00
Toriguero $1.50
Torimacho $1.50
Hot Dog Bread $0.99
Extra Jamonham $0.99
Extra Queso $1.49
Only Weenie $0.99
Sour Cream $1.00
Tortillas $1.99

Discount:

Get 20% Off on your first order with code: LOCAL

Contact:

(520) 882-8977 (520) 312-5151

Mon-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 10:30pm
Sun: 11am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

GUADALAJARA ORIGINAL GRILL - Tucson, AZ Mexican Restaurants
GUADALAJARA ORIGINAL GRILL - Tucson, AZ Mexican Restaurants
GUADALAJARA ORIGINAL GRILL - Tucson, AZ Mexican Restaurants
Best Mexican Restaurants in Tucson AZ - GUADALAJARA ORIGINAL GRILL video
11+ YEARS IN TBR
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GUADALAJARA ORIGINAL GRILL

(4.8 Score)
1220 East Prince Road,
Tucson, AZ 85719 Directions

Since 2002

Specialty:

✓ Grilled Chicken ✓ Grilled Steak ✓ Pork Carnitas ✓ Fajita Combos ✓ Alaska Skillet ✓ Shrimp-Fest Fajitas ✓ Captain's Skillet ✓ Burro Carne Asada ✓ Chicken ✓ Beef or Carnitas ✓ Chile Colorado or Chile Verde ✓ Burro Panzon ✓ Chipotle Shrimp ✓ Molcajete Ultimo ✓ Grilled Chicken Molcajete ✓ Steak Molcajete ✓ Carnitas Molcajete ✓ Molcajete Camarones ✓ Molcajete Mariscos ✓ Pollo en Mole ✓ Chile Verde ✓ Machaca Beef ✓ Chile Nogada ✓ Carne Asada Angelina ✓ Cilantro Chicken ✓ Chipotle Chicken Breast ✓ Carnitas Tapatias ✓ Chile Colorado

"Guadalajara Original Grill is a colorful Mexican restaurant designed with table-side salsa at dinner, nightly Mariachi music, and a full bar. The founder of the restaurant is Emma Yolanda Vera. She was inspired to open and operate the original Guadalajara Grill in Tucson, Arizona. The restaurant has been offering a wide range of Mexican food using fresh, sourced ingredients. Guadalajara Original Grill provides high-quality beef and fresh seafood, along with handmade corn and flour tortillas. Live catering service is available at Guadalajara Original Grill. The restaurant also offers gift cards.

2026 Update: Guadalajara Original Grill can enjoy colorful décor, live mariachi music, and a lively dining atmosphere inspired by Mexican culture. The menu includes a mix of traditional favorites and creative house specialties made with fresh ingredients. Fresh guacamole, enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, soups, salads, and seafood platters are among the well-known menu selections. Vegetarian-friendly and gluten-conscious dishes are available for guests with different dietary preferences. Happy hour specials and a large tequila selection add to the restaurant’s social dining experience. Catering trays and group meal options are available for parties, celebrations, and special events."

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Price:

APPERITIVOS:
Fresh Guacamole $11.95
Tableside Guacamole $12.95
Cheese Crisp $14.95
Add Chopped Fajitas $2
Carne Asada Add-On $4
Carne Asada Fries $17.95
Manchegos $12.95
Add Shredded Beef, Chicken, Or Carnitas $2
Carne Asada Add-On $4
Tostaditas $14.95
Add Chopped Fajitas, Shredded Chicken $2
Carne Asada Add-On $4
Fiesta Platter $19.95
Queso Dip $14.95
Cocktail De Camarones $15.95
Ultimo Cocktail Add-On $5
Ceviche De Cameron $15.95
Camarones Villa! $17.95
Quesabirria Tacos $16.95
Queso Fundido Con Chorizo $15.95
Mexican Street Corn $11.95
Mini Chimis $14.95
Fajita Mini-Chimis $16.95
Quesadillas Cheese $13.95
Quesadillas With Shredded Beef $14.95
VEGETARIAN:
Portobello Fiesta $16.95
Guaco-Tacos $15.95
Burrito Chilango $16.95
Taquitos Con Papas $16.95
Molcajete $21.95

Contact:

(520) 323-1022

Sun-Thu: 11am - 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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EL CHARRO CAFÉ REVIEWS

The Shrimp Ceviche was excellently flavored and beautifully presented. My companions enjoyed #3 and Chicken Enchilada. Aubrey is a delightful server and we enjoyed our lunch so much we hope to return again. If you're a visitor, be sure to add this 100+ year old restaurant to your Tucson tour.

Truly one of the best meals of our lives!! Everything was phenomenal! They have the nicest staff (huge shoutout to Kim) the best food, and the cutest restaurant atmosphere. We can’t recommend this place enough! If you go you have to try the mole enchiladas, carne seca, and the churro sopapilla desert. They were all incredible.

This is a must if you are in Tuscan. You should definitely make a reservation. The downtown is the original location. The food was excellent. Everyone who worked there was happy and welcoming. Decor and atmosphere were lovely. It was decorated for the holiday season.

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EL GÜERO CANELO RESTAURANT REVIEWS

We visited El Guero Canelo and ordered the Sonoran Hot Dog meal, which included a side of fries and a fountain drink. The Sonoran dog was wrapped in bacon and served in a soft, fresh bun, topped with flavorful ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and a variety of sauces. It was delicious! The service was quick, and the restaurant was clean. While we enjoyed trying this iconic hot dog, we feel it’s more of a one-time experience for us. That said, we’re excited to return and try something else—their burritos look large and delicious.

Had to try a Sonoran dog while in Tucson - it was super good!! We also had the torimachos which were yummy jalapeños stuffed with mozzarella, wrapped in bacon, grilled, and served with soy sauce.

Great place to eat Sonoran style hot dogs. A single weiner is $4.29 and the double is $5.00. They have great specials. It's well worth the stop traveling from New Mexico. We Love our El Guerro Canelo trips. They also have a mean Mangoneada.

GUADALAJARA ORIGINAL GRILL REVIEWS

Oh so good! We are traveling to see family and stopped by for a meal. We loved our lunch. We had taco salads, enchiladas, tacos, and chicken mole. The mole was flavorful with just the right heat. The flavors are amazing. We sat in the bar area for lunch and it was a good atmosphere. Our server was very laid back, but very attentive to what we needed; refills were appropriately timed and food served hot.

My husband and I got the quesabirria tacos and carna asada burrito and they were both delicious. The salsa in medium is the perfect heat mix with the fresh ingredients used as they make it next to your table. The spicy margarita was also delicious. Will be coming again!.

Food was good. Salsa was great. Service was friendly and attentive. We would eat here again.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

EL CHARRO CAFÉ Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Legitimate Ratings: 9
Reviews Accuracy of 15.9K: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Page Maintenance: 10
Pricing: 10
Special Features: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

EL GÜERO CANELO RESTAURANT Total Inspection Points: 116/120
Legitimate Ratings: 8
Acknowledgments: 9
Reviews Accuracy of 10.9K: 9
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Experience: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Page Maintenance: 10
Pricing: 10
Variety of Menu: 10
Special Features: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

GUADALAJARA ORIGINAL GRILL Total Inspection Points: 114/120
Acknowledgments: 8
Legitimate Ratings: 8
Reviews Accuracy of 8.8K: 8
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Page Maintenance: 10
Pricing: 10
Variety of Menu: 10
Video: 10