What is the first thing you think about when you hear Arizona? No, not the Grand Canyon, cactus or 115-degree temperatures. The first thought should be Mexican food because Arizona has some of the best Mexican food in the country! So whether you are looking for some unique, traditional Mexican entrees or the best tacos in the Phoenix area, Taste It Tours has got you covered.
Barrio Queen
You know what you’ll find at Barrio Queen, (some might say the best tacos in Scottsdale & Gilbert,) and a selection of over 100 tequilas. The question is where do you start? Might I suggest a couple of my favorites which just happen to be some of Barrio Queen’s most iconic menu items?
For starters, you have to try the tableside guacamole, it’s to die for — especially if pomegranates are in season. Barrio Queen adds a little sprinkle of pomegranate arils, which add a sweet and tangy crunch. I know it sounds weird, but trust me and JUST DO IT!
Next, if you are in the mood for tacos, Barrio Queen boasts some of the best tacos in the Valley. My go-to is the signature taco, the Cochinita Pabil. This taco has slow-roasted pork marinated in sour orange and achiote paste, topped with pickled onion and house-made salsa. Combine that with another one of my other favored tacos- the Pollo con Chorizo – and you have a winning combination. The thought of spiced rubbed chicken mixed with a slightly spicy chorizo is a bit out of the box for a taco traditionalist, but trust me on this one, it will be your new favorite, too.
Los Taquitos
You might notice this popular Mexican joint for their DDD (Diner, Drive-Ins & Dives) fame, but this family-owned restaurant has been around since 1981 and started as a small food cart and is now a Valley staple.
Taco Tuesday’s at the ever-popular Los Taquitos are delicious, but you better get there early to avoid the crowd clamoring over their $1.30 street tacos. The El Pastor tacos are the real star, but if you are going for Taco Tuesday, you might as well try all of them, (El Pastor, Carnitas and chicken) they can’t be missed!
In addition to the tacos, there is so much more to their menu that will require you to make multiple trips. The ceviche is the best I’ve had since visiting Mexico. The carne asada nachos are a meal for two and if you are looking for one of their hidden menu items, ask for the “Bombero Burrito” with chicken, but BEWARE, it is very spicy, but oh so good!
And oh, by the way, during happy hour, the house margaritas are only $4 and arguably the best margaritas in the Valley. Be careful, though, they sneak up on you!
Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila
Named a Top 10 Best Restaurant by USA Today, Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila holds a special place in the hearts of Taste It Tours Founders Jessica & Jay Veniard.
It was on their first date over ten years ago that they realized Cien Agaves was serving up some seriously delicious Mexican food and killer margaritas. You know you are in the right place when they offer chips and salsa with two unique homemade salsas. They even celebrate Margarita Mondays and Taco Tuesdays, with specials on both days in addition to an amazing happy hour, offered daily.
While you can’t go wrong with any of Cien Agaves menu items, I think their Tinga Taco is a must-try! Just make sure you wash it down with one of their house-made margaritas. Or, if you are looking for something a little bit different, try the carnitas quesadilla, you’ll thank me later.