Best Mexican Food in the Valley

[Cheesebeef]

Other people in LA might think I'm crazy (Angelenos do when I say this) but I always miss Arizona Mexican food because over here it's all just a bunch of taco shops and not much else.

Not this Angeleno. Phoenix’s Mexican food towers over LA’s.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Not this Angeleno. Phoenix’s Mexican food towers over LA’s.

Meh, you were from Phoenix first. You don't count. LAs food scene is overrated overall. I've had better Mexican, Indian, Pizza, AND Chinese in Phoenix than I have in Los Angeles, and I'm the type who scours Yelp for good restaurants.

 

[MigratingOsprey]

You've had good Chinese in Phoenix?

Chinese and Italian are the 2 major groups that fall off a cliff compared to the NE

 

[Yuma]

No it doesn't. But if I eat somewhere that has a tasty salsa that lacks heat, I lament the missing spice and would probably mention it in a forum such as this. If I eat somewhere that doesn't have a tasty salsa, I just don't eat there again.

We drown our food in salsa. We go through jugs in my house. One time we ate a place and the salsa tasted like it was made with V-8. We didn't eat there again.

 

[Yuma]

I am biased, but Yuma Mexican food is way better than Phoenix. Again, I am admitting I am biased. I have met people who have lived in Yuma here in Phoenix, and they miss the Yuma Mexican food, too.

 

[overseascardfan]

If you're in far west valley (Avondale / Litchfield Park), Raul & Theresa's is good. The Theresa Special will put some hair on your chest.

Central Phoenix my go to is Comedor Guadalajara (Central and just north of 1-17). Gets busy for dinner on weekends (usually 45 to 1 and a half wait), best bet is lunch if you are in a hurry.

Raul and Theresa Mexican - Goodyear, AZ

raulandtheresas.com

Comedor Guadalajara

Closed 7/4-7/18 for Staff Vacation

www.comedorguadalajara.com

 

[MadCardDisease]

Not in the Valley but if you happen to be in Tucson this place is Amazing!

Guadalajara Original Grill - Tuscon, AZ

guadalajaraoriginalgrill.com

The one off Prince Road just north of UofA.


Stopped by for lunch while my daughter unpacked her stuff as she moved into her sorority house. OH MY! The Cadillac Margaritas were amazing! The Chicken Mole Enchiladas were to die for! They make fresh salsa at the table when you are seated. Amazing!

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Not in the Valley but if you happen to be in Tucson this place is Amazing!

Guadalajara Original Grill - Tuscon, AZ

guadalajaraoriginalgrill.com

The one off Prince Road just north of UofA.


Stopped by for lunch while my daughter unpacked her stuff as she moved into her sorority house. OH MY! The Cadillac Margaritas were amazing! The Chicken Mole Enchiladas were to die for! They make fresh salsa at the table when you are seated. Amazing!

Yessir, Tucson favorite for sure. The curaco margaritas?

 

[Finito]

So that's a great question. What in reality is the difference between New Mexican and Mexican food?

Huge difference.

New Mexican style Mexican food is heavily Native American influenced. It’s kind of a mix and because of the hatch Chile there’s a ton of that in the food

Texas Mexican food is heavily influenced by white folks. Finding Mexican in Texas that’s not somewhat Tex-Mex is kinda rare and the Mexican food in Texas is much more bland.

Arizona and California are much more traditional

 

[Finito]

Recently ate at a Los Favoritos (east valley small chain)

Los Favoritos Taco Shop | Delicious mexican food at affordable prices.

www.losfavs.com

Had the Green Chili Burrito - it was awesome

I don’t know where you were at in the East Valley but if you want a Burrito you can’t beat The Burrito Shack

Hey! I was on Yelp and found a business you should see.

Check out Burrito Shack

https://yelp.to/KEl6rMFhoo

 

[Finito]

If you want more of an upscale but still authentic place The Mexicano is Scottsdale is legit. This is by far my mine and my wife’s favorite place.

The Mexicano

www.themexicano.com

Hey! I was on Yelp and found a business you should see.

Check out The Mexicano

https://yelp.to/EJSQYxrcLz

 

[Cardsmasochist]

If you’re ever in downtown Phoenix check out Bacanora. They have some walk-in availability 5-10 PM

Bacanora (@bacanoraphx) • Instagram photos and videos

46K Followers, 164 Following, 117 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Bacanora (@bacanoraphx)

instagram.com

 

[Yuma]

If you want more of an upscale but still authentic place The Mexicano is Scottsdale is legit. This is by far my mine and my wife’s favorite place.

The Mexicano

www.themexicano.com

Hey! I was on Yelp and found a business you should see.

Check out The Mexicano

https://yelp.to/EJSQYxrcLz

One of the reviews had this tidbit: "their salsa was the star, sad to say." WTF? I love salsa. If a place has great salsa, I go there!

 

[Yuma]

If you’re ever in downtown Phoenix check out Bacanora. They have some walk-in availability 5-10 PM

Bacanora (@bacanoraphx) • Instagram photos and videos

46K Followers, 164 Following, 117 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Bacanora (@bacanoraphx)

instagram.com

The original Chef retired, and this is the only restaurant in the chain I think she kept. I believe this was her restaurant that was on Food Network.

 

[AzStevenCal]

One of the reviews had this tidbit: "their salsa was the star, sad to say." WTF? I love salsa. If a place has great salsa, I go there!

I've been eating at Mexican restaurants since I was a liitle kid in the the late 50's. And while I also like eating at Italian, American, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Lebanese places and elsewhere, I'm sure that I've eaten in Mexican restaurants more than all other types of food combined. Not once have I eaten at a Mexican restaurant and failed to find something I enjoyed by the second visit at most, as long as the salsa/hot sauce is good. If the salsa isn't good, I never make a second visit. So, to me, the salsa being the star isn't a bad thing.

 

[Cardsmasochist]

The original Chef retired, and this is the only restaurant in the chain I think she kept. I believe this was her restaurant that was on Food Network.

Are we talking about the same restaurant? Bacanora is owned by Chef Rene Andrade. I don’t think it’s a chain.


Why this Phoenix restaurant was on HBO's 'Hard Knocks in Season' — and what didn't air

Why this Phoenix restaurant was on HBO's 'Hard Knocks in Season' — and what didn't air

This buzzy Mexican restaurant is a Phoenix fave. Here's why it's on "Hard Knocks In Season: Arizona Cardinals" with DeAndre Hopkins, Isiah Simmons.

www.azcentral.com

If the above article is paywalled:

Bacanora Wins a Lot of Awards. ‘Toughest Reservation to Get in the City’ Might Be One of Them

Long waits and monthly reservation drops are par for the course when battling for a table at Bacanora.

www.phoenixnewtimes.com

 

[Yuma]

Are we talking about the same restaurant? Bacanora is owned by Chef Rene Andrade. I don’t think it’s a chain.


Why this Phoenix restaurant was on HBO's 'Hard Knocks in Season' — and what didn't air

Why this Phoenix restaurant was on HBO's 'Hard Knocks in Season' — and what didn't air

This buzzy Mexican restaurant is a Phoenix fave. Here's why it's on "Hard Knocks In Season: Arizona Cardinals" with DeAndre Hopkins, Isiah Simmons.

www.azcentral.com

If the above article is paywalled:

Bacanora Wins a Lot of Awards. ‘Toughest Reservation to Get in the City’ Might Be One of Them

Long waits and monthly reservation drops are par for the course when battling for a table at Bacanora.

www.phoenixnewtimes.com

You are 100% right! I got the wrong restaurant!

 

[Yuma]

I've been eating at Mexican restaurants since I was a liitle kid in the the late 50's. And while I also like eating at Italian, American, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Lebanese places and elsewhere, I'm sure that I've eaten in Mexican restaurants more than all other types of food combined. Not once have I eaten at a Mexican restaurant and failed to find something I enjoyed by the second visit at most, as long as the salsa/hot sauce is good. If the salsa isn't good, I never make a second visit. So, to me, the salsa being the star isn't a bad thing.

I was thinking of Barrio Cafe!

 

[Yuma]

Bacanora is my favorite tequila region. Which is what I have been having today for pain management. Which is why my food game is off!

 

[Yuma]

@Cardsmasochist I have looked at their menu! I am looking forward to trying that place out!

 

[Shane]

It’s not Phoenix but had to share:

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Yuma]

It’s not Phoenix but had to share:

You must be registered for see images attach

Chino Valley? They have a 3 pound burrito there.

 

[Shane]

Chino Valley? They have a 3 pound burrito there.

Just a random Roberto’s like Mexican place I walked into here in Las Vegas

 

[AZ Native]

Chino Valley? They have a 3 pound burrito there.

Bigger is not always better. At least that’s what my better half tells me.

 

[MadCardDisease]

Are we talking about the same restaurant? Bacanora is owned by Chef Rene Andrade. I don’t think it’s a chain.


Why this Phoenix restaurant was on HBO's 'Hard Knocks in Season' — and what didn't air

Why this Phoenix restaurant was on HBO's 'Hard Knocks in Season' — and what didn't air

This buzzy Mexican restaurant is a Phoenix fave. Here's why it's on "Hard Knocks In Season: Arizona Cardinals" with DeAndre Hopkins, Isiah Simmons.

www.azcentral.com

If the above article is paywalled:

Bacanora Wins a Lot of Awards. ‘Toughest Reservation to Get in the City’ Might Be One of Them

Long waits and monthly reservation drops are par for the course when battling for a table at Bacanora.

www.phoenixnewtimes.com

My friend is renting out Bacanora for his wife's 50th BDay party. I finally get to try it this Saturday night!