Top 5 Tucson Mexican Restaurants For Every and Any Occasion!

Last Updated: April 28, 2023

As a Mexican, having grown up in Mexico, I can be VERY picky when it comes to Mexican Restaurants. I’ve been recommended Mexican restaurants only to be disappointed. After living in Tucson for over ten years, I’ve tried almost every Mexican restaurant in Tucson (not counting the many taco stands). So, whether you’re looking to try something new for date night, are craving Mexican food, or celebrating Cinco de Mayo (NOT Mexican independence day), here are my top 5 Tucson Mexican Restaurants in no specific order.

GM Kitchen 86

A recent discovery and a place I cannot wait to get back to! GM Kitchen 86 is located inside the American Eat Co., and trust me when I say you CANNOT go wrong with this spot! Now, there are several local restaurants inside, but I highly recommend you walk straight to GM Kitchen 86 and order pretty much anything! When my husband and I went, we got the Stuffed Chile Verde Torta Ahogada, The Cubano with sweet potato fries, and the 86 Burger (to go).

El Chinito Gordo

Their Tortas ahogadas are the bomb! I love it so much that I celebrated my 32nd bday there. El Chinito Gordo is “inspired by recipes passed down through generations,” and I’m here for it! Their tacos are also delicious; seriously, you can’t go wrong with anything.

Tacos del Rancho

Another recent discovery! This might not seem like a date-worthy location, but if you’re in the mood for legit Mexican tacos, quesadillas, and your typical Mexican cart food… Tacos del Rancho is THE place! The one taco you MUST try is the Taco del Rancho, which has a cheese-stuffed chile verde, and I need say no more.

Home-Cooked Style

There are two Mexican restaurants that I love for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whenever I miss my grandmother’s home-cooked meals (or feel hungover), my two go-to’s are Mosaic Cafe Dos and Charro Cafe.

Honorable mention

Whether or not Seis Kitchen belongs on a Mexican Restaurant list can be debated, but I think it does! Is it the most authentic Mexican place in town? No, but is it delicious? Absolutely! Their Mexico City style quesadilla, the taquitos (which are more like flautas), their tinga tacos, their avocado taco… you get the point!

So many Tucson Mexican Restaurants deserve to be on this list, but these are my tried and true ones! Let me know over on Instagram what YOUR favorite Tucson Mexican restaurants are and what cuisine you would like to see next.

If you enjoyed this post, check out my Date Night Ideas post!

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