7 Superb Taco Restaurants in Arizona That You'll Love

When you think of Arizona’s signature cuisine, you might imagine Sonoran hot dogs, but the beloved taco should also come to mind.

The region is gaining traction for some of the best Mexican restaurants in the country. But they’re not all created equal.

Today, we’re setting our sights on the best tacos in Arizona so you’ll know which spots to hit.

Let’s chow!

Shrimp street tacos like you might find at a taco shop in Arizona

Dig In to Find the Best Taco Restaurants in Arizona

With its proximity to the Mexican border and hub as a cultural melting pot, it’s no surprise that Arizona is home to two of the top five Taco Towns in America. According to Yelp, both Phoenix and Tucson offer some of the country’s finest tortilla-based snacks. And we couldn’t agree more!

While Phoenix came in third, behind Austin and Los Angeles, Tucson claimed fifth place, right after Las Vegas. In addition to this list, Yelp dropped their Top 100 US Taco Spots. And you better believe many of these locations are in the Grand Canyon State.

They factored in the number of tacos sold and customer ratings on their site and ranked the locations. But they also highlighted three significant trends. The first is ooey-gooey cheese. The more and meltier, the merrier.

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Secondly, their “Demanding and Delicious” choices featured places that devote extra time to perfect their dishes. More spots roast their pork for over 24 hours, and you can taste the difference.

Finally, seafood is on trend in the taco world. And it isn’t just shrimp piled high on those tortillas. Fresh fish, octopus, and other sea creatures are in high demand.

Don’t Miss These Delicious Arizona Taco Joints

While Yelp is an excellent place to start looking for the ultimate Arizona taco shops, the only way to find your favorite is to taste for yourself. Here are seven top picks you won’t want to miss.

#7 La Bamba Mexican Grill Restaurant

La Bamba Mexican Grill is located in El Mirage, a suburb of Phoenix. This unassuming storefront in a strip mall doesn’t even have a sign. But what it does have is some of the best tacos in Arizona. And Yelp isn’t the only authority that thinks so.

They’ve won a whole slew of awards from local and national publications. MSN even called them the best Mexican restaurant in the state.

Their street tacos are the star of the show. Birria, al pastor, chicken, shrimp, and carne asada grace flour tortillas warmed on the grill. However, we hear their quesadillas and tortas are also hard to beat. You can pair them with freshly made horchata or aqua fresca and finish your meal with an order of sugary sweet sopapillas.

No matter what you pick, you’re sure to go home happy.

Discover the city! 9 Best Things To Do in Phoenix, Arizona

#6 El Fogón Taqueria

Phoenix hits the spot again with El Fogón Taqueria. This cozy neighborhood joint includes all the classics, like barbacoa tacos and fully stacked street burritos. But you’ll also find more eclectic fare, such as shrimp ceviche, sopes, and mango salad.

Check out their Not-So-Secret Menu with Surf and Turf Quesadillas, shrimp al carbon tacos, and Pollo a la Diabla.

Their drink menu includes standard margaritas, as well as hibiscus and tamarind varieties. You can get them with salt or Tajin around the rim.

Don’t expect fancy stemware here. You’ll get your libation in a Mason jar. And if your food comes out on a paper plate, that’s because they’re more focused on what goes into their dishes than the presentation. We assure you, it won’t make any difference.

#5 El Taco Rustico

Chef Juan Almanza spent five years slinging tasty treats from a food stand at Tucson’s Tohono O’odham Swap Meet. But he had his sights set on owning a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

He finally got the chance to make his dreams come true in March 2020. However, he didn’t realize he’d be starting during one of the most turbulent times in recent American history. Almanza endured, and their resilience paid off in the wild success of El Taco Rustico on Oracle Road.

The quesabirria is the highlight of their menu. Crispy corn tortillas filled with cheese and tender stewed beef come with rice, beans, and their signature consomme to dip them in.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can order roasted goat or tripas, part of a cow’s small intestine.

#4 La Chaiteria

La Chaiteria is another one of Tucson’s hottest taco shops. The building features brightly colored murals inside and out. These are the first hints at the fun flavors that await you.

While many folks come for the al pastor, others stop by for various vegan and vegetarian options. Jackfruit features heavily on the menu. In fact, Guy Fieri praised their jackfruit carnitas on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

Their chalkboard menu changes regularly, and you never know what you might find. Occasionally, they offer Frida Kahlo Tostadas with huitlacoche, a fungus that grows on corn, which many consider a delicacy.

Chef Wendy Garcia was recently a James Beard Award semi-finalist. La Chaiteria and Garcia’s other establishment, El Tumerico, offer hand-crafted cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.

Explore more: 9 Best Things To Do in Tucson, Arizona

#3 Taco Culture Taco Shop

You’ll definitely want to hit up Phoenix’s Taco Culture. This authentic taqueria is another spot in a strip mall with understated aesthetic appeal. However, their food leaves nothing to be desired.

Fans rave about their birria tacos, served with a rich, hearty broth. Their carne asada is another popular choice. And veggie lovers will be happy to find various vegan options that don’t skimp on flavor. They even have plenty of keto options if you’re watching your carbs.

If you want to start your day right, stop in for their breakfast burritos. Stacked full of eggs, potatoes, chipotle cream, and your choice of steak, chorizo, or bacon, they’re sure to please almost any palate. Top it off with one of their homemade sauces, and you’re in for a treat.

#2 143 Street Tacos

You’ll find another of Arizona’s best taco shops in Sierra Vista, a small town between Coronado National Forest and the Mexican border.

Three generations have passed down the recipes at 143 Street Tacos. The family was originally from the Cananea region of Mexico, and you can taste the Sonoran influence in every bite.

Sizeable portions and weekday specials make this one of the most popular joints around. Whether you’re looking for street tacos, burritos, or Sonoran hot dogs, it’ll hit the spot. Their Mexican Pizza comes with chicken or carne asada, refried beans, two types of cheese, onions, and cilantro sandwiched between two piping hot tortillas. How could that be bad?

An assortment of tacos like you might find in a Tucson taco shop

#1 Cocina Madrigal

Our final Arizona restaurant didn’t make Yelp’s taco shop list but received an even bigger title. Cocina Madrigal scored the #1 spot on their Top 100 Places to Eat countdown.

That’s right. Regardless of cuisine, this was the company’s most highly suggested restaurant in the country!

Located in Phoenix, this kitchen is renowned for innovative dishes. Start your meal with made-to-order guacamole topped with caramelized pineapple or candied jalapeno. Their Madrigal Burrito comes with your choice of achiote chicken, al pastor, seasonal veggies, or steak infused with a pomegranate marinade.

And, of course, their tacos are celebrated favorites. Oaxaca shrimp, beef tenderloin, and tropical fish are all on the menu. Each order comes with three tacos on lettuce wraps or homemade tortillas and rice and beans.

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Bonus: BOCA by Maria Mazon

We can’t end this article without mentioning BOCA in Tucson.

By all accounts, Chef Maria Mazon is a true artist, and every plate is a masterpiece. Now, she’s gaining international recognition for her craft. The former Top Chef contestant is a two-time James Beard Award Semi-Finalist. BOCA has even been certified as a Tucson City of Gastronomy restaurant for its commitment to sustainability, authentic heritage ingredients, and the local community.

Mazon draws from her roots in Tucson and Sonora, Mexico, to inspire unique taco dishes with unusual components. The thoughtful menu includes meaty fillings like steak-stuffed Anaheim chili, plus vegetarian fare like grilled cauliflower curry with cilantro and orange oil.

You can’t go wrong with BOCA, and you won’t find these flavors anywhere else.

Pro-Tip: We highly recommend reservations at BOCA!

Plan a Taco Tour Through Arizona

Arizona has no shortage of places to indulge in savory, delicious tacos. Each restaurant puts its unique spin on the classic dish. You can find traditional beef and chicken varieties or unusual creations with unexpected ingredients.

One thing is certain. The Grand Canyon State is heaven on Earth for taco lovers. We suggest packing your bags and following the aroma of savory roasted meats until you get here!