Best Mexican Food in Phoenix: 11 Best Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix

Carne asada, al pastor, chile verde sprinkled with cotija cheese…is your mouth watering yet? With its southern border right up against Mexico, you can bet Arizona has some of the most amazing Mexican food you’ve ever tasted. Mexican restaurants in Phoenix serve up the best of the best. Where can you find the best Mexican food in Phoenix? We’ve compiled a list of the 11 best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix for your family to try.

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Most Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix

1. Los Reyes De La Torta

9230 N 7th St., Phoenix

If you have a big appetite, eat here. The tortas at Los Reyes de la Torta are not only large enough to feed a family of four, they’re loaded with flavor.

The most popular menu item, the Del Rey torta, boasts 5 types of meat, cheese, an omelet, beans, and veggies. In addition to big food, Los Reyes offers authentic homestyle cuisine, making some of the best Mexican food Phoenix has to offer.

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2. The Original Carolina’s Mexican Food

1202 E Mohave St., Phoenix

Locals line up for the popular homemade flour tortillas at Carolina’s. Since 1968 this South Phoenix hole-in-the-wall joint has been serving up tasty and authentic Mexican food.

You won’t find any frills here. Just delicious burritos, tacos, tamales, and more at a great price. Order a dozen tortillas to take home to recreate the deliciousness later. And while you’re at it, grab a bag of the warm, crunchy homemade tortilla chips. They taste great with the house red salsa.

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Best Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix for Seafood

3. Mariscos Playa Hermosa

1605 E Garfield St., Phoenix

Mariscos Playa Hermosa (MPH) will have you dreaming of shrimp cooked in a tomatillo cheese sauce. The Sinaloan-style Mexican Seafood isn’t like Mexican dishes you’ve ordered at any other restaurant.

Warm homemade tortillas and green guacamole-style salsa is served alongside specialty dishes such as tasty ceviche and crab enchiladas. The festive decor and superb service puts MPH over the top.

4. Comedor Guadalajara

1830 S Central Avenue, Phoenix

Comedor Guadalajara serves authentic Sonoran-style food in a friendly atmosphere that feels like home. This family run restaurant has been a Phoenix staple for over 50 years. Everyone who works here may not actually be related anymore, but it’s obvious they treat each other like family.

The great atmosphere is dwarfed only by the great food. Regulars enjoy the signature Parrillada Grande “Mariscada” full of seafood favorites like shrimp, lobster, calamari, mussels, and freshwater fish. And their carne asada and chile rellenos are some of the best Mexican food in Phoenix.

Best Mexican Food in Phoenix: Birria

5. Hola Cabrito

4835 S 16th St., Phoenix

Locals come here for one item alone: birria de chivo-known to us gringos as spicy goat meat. I’ll admit, I was hesitant to try it, but this tender, mouthwatering meat does not disappoint.

The birria comes with salsa, cilantro, onion, lime, and freshly made corn tortillas. Place an order to go, or stay for a while in the dining room and enjoy friendly service surrounded by festive murals.

Best Mexican Food in Phoenix: Gorditas

6. Tacos Chiwas

1923 E McDowell Rd., Phoenix

The Chihuahua-style family recipes at Taco Chiwas fast became a Phoenecian favorite. Although their carne asada tacos and homemade tortillas are delicious, it’s the award-winning Rajas Gordita that really makes this one of the best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix.

Beans, a creamy blend of smoked chiles, and queso asadero fill a fluffy, fresh baked flour gordita. This gordita leaves you licking your lips for more.

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Best Mexican Food in Phoenix: Burritos

7. Maskadores

1810 W Northern Ave., Phoenix

Imagine Chipotle. Now imagine it a million times better, and that’s Maskadores. Combine flavorful stewed-meats with toppings like grilled corn, fresh guacamole, and pickled onions to create your ideal Mexican fare.

With so many options of tender meats prepared in-house (like carne asada, barbacoa, carnitas, etc) deciding on one can be difficult. Don’t be shy about asking for a sample taste-although you are sure to love them all.

8. PHX Burrito House

4140 7th Ave., Phoenix

As you can tell by the name, this is the place to get awesome, overstuffed, gourmet burritos. Each homemade tortilla is filled with tender, flavorful meats, cheeses, rice, and beans.

If you are wondering about which meat to order, locals rave about the pork in green chile sauce. Try it wrapped in a burrito or inside a soft corn tortilla on a taco. Or start your day with the popular Machaca breakfast burrito, loaded with eggs, grilled onions, potatoes, and jalapenos. You can’t go wrong with a PHX Burrito House burrito any time of day.

Best Mexican Food in Phoenix: Tacos

9. Kiss Pollos Estilo Sinaloa

306 W Yavapai St, Phoenix

You wouldn’t guess it, but some of the best tacos you’ve ever tried are hidden on a quiet residential street in south-central Phoenix. The signature pollo asado of Kiss Pollos melts in your mouth.

Try the Kiss Taco, Vampiro, and Flip Taco to experience the delicious combination of this meat sprinkled with Monterey Jack cheese and pork. Don’t forget to stop by the salsa bar for toppings to dress up your entrees however you like them.

Top Ranked Reviews for “Mexican Food Phoenix”

10. Cocina Madrigal

4044 S 16th St., Phoenix

This upscale Mexican restaurant holds the number one rank for Best Mexican Food in Phoenix on both Yelp and Tripadvisor for good reason. Chef Leo Madrigal creates modern Mexican dishes by blending authentic Mexico City dishes with American influences.

Diners rave over his al pastor tacos, which include jalapeno bacon. And the chipotle pomegranate marinated beef tenderloin wrapped in fresh-made corn tortillas make to-die-for tacos.

Most Acclaimed Mexican Restaurant in Phoenix:

11. Barrio Café

2814 N 16th St., Phoenix

Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza’s creations at Barrio Café are legendary. She opened her restaurant in 2002 to rave reviews and has been recognized both regionally and nationally.

What makes her Mexican fare so special? In addition to traditional central-southern Mexican cuisine, she adds touches from her French culinary training. Top specialties include the Cochinita Pibil and Chiles en Nogada. I sometimes come here just for the tableside guacamole made with pomegranate seeds and homemade tortilla chips.

Featured image by: Flickr/Ari Helminin