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Interesting Mexican food

Made for those who seek out unconventional flavor combinations that push the boundaries of traditional Mexican cuisine.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Taste It Tours Scottsdale Food Tours image 1
Taste It Tours Scottsdale Food Tours image 2
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Food tours combine local history with diverse cuisine like pizza, tacos, and macarons. Groups enjoy a happy atmosphere with live music and photo opportunities. Guides share insightful stories about older places, enriching the experience.

Taco tours highlight tacos and margaritas at local spots. Guides lead to places that are hard to find alone, with stops featuring tequila and a variety of Mexican flavors.

Tours mix great food with interesting history about Downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale. Guides share lots of detailed facts during the walk.

People are saying

"The food stops on this tour were tasty."

"I learned so many interesting facts about the history here."

"The Mexican food tour with James was entertaining and informative."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for food tours, especially during weekends.

2

Taco Tuesday events offer a fun atmosphere with special deals on tacos.

3

Tours typically last around 2-3 hours, so plan accordingly.

02
Sonora Moonshine Company image 1

Cocktail bar with a large outdoor patio and live music creates a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Bartenders craft intricate, agave-based cocktails with rare ingredients. A basement speakeasy adds a unique, intimate element to the experience.

Carne asada tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. Unique dishes like salsa macha and pork belly chicharon pair well with soft corn tortillas. Drinks include a smoky margarita and creative cocktails like the Elote Espresso Martini.

A basement speakeasy sets a unique scene. Drinks feature interesting flavors like pretzel and mole combinations.

People are saying

"Bobby's cocktails are creative and perfectly balanced."

"The drinks here are interesting, with innovative flavors and pretty presentations."

"You have to try the carne asada tacos; they're the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the speakeasy located downstairs.

2

Expect longer wait times for food and drinks during busy hours.

3

Brunch is available on weekends with a unique menu.

03
Espiritu Mesa image 1
Seafood restaurant

Narrow, long space with hauntingly beautiful decor and unique candle details creates a cozy, intimate vibe. Handcrafted cocktails stand out for their creativity and flavor, complementing seasoned seafood and tacos. Atmosphere feels lively yet welcoming, with music and occasional sports on a large screen.

Potato tacos stand out as a favorite with crispy tortillas considered the best around. The menu also features birria dumplings, grilled oysters, and a fried whole snapper served with jicama slaw and salsa verde.

Menu choices show originality and involvement. Cocktail selection offers a fun and interesting variety.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are exceptional and delicious."

"The Mexican food here has unforgettable, vibrant flavors."

"The menu choices here are really interesting and original."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required with a $10 fee per person.

2

Expect a high price point; a meal for two can cost around $100.

3

The menu changes frequently, offering limited options.

04
Dahlia Tapas Tequila & Wine image 1

Small, cozy restaurant set in an older house with beautiful patio seating and candlelit ambiance. Atmosphere feels laid back yet sophisticated, perfect for intimate dinners or date nights. Cocktails and tapas stand out as creative and delicious, complementing the inviting, stylish environment.

Tostadas come in a Tostada Trio with vegetarian and chicken options like Chipotle Chicken Tinga and a creative Harissa glazed carrot. Tacos and octopus croquetas also stand out with bold flavors.

Tostadas stand out with unique flavors and creative combinations. The menu offers a variety of interesting dishes that invite trying everything.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and beautifully prepared."

"The food here is interesting, especially the lamb chops and croquettes."

"The Mexican food here is a wonderful escape, cozy and romantic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5pm with discounted drinks and tapas.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

3

Parking is limited with only 7-10 spaces available in the back.

05
Hotel McCoy Tucson - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine image 1

Retro motel showcases vibrant murals and local art in every room, creating a unique and immersive atmosphere. The space feels quiet and quaint, with a heated saltwater pool and a bar serving local beers and wines. Guests enjoy a community vibe with amenities like live music, board games, and outdoor chill areas.

Homemade tamales stand out, available in the lobby and from a food truck. The spot also offers a beer bar and a clubhouse vibe with snacks like frozen tamales from Tucson Tamale Company.

Visually art-filled locale creates a fun and interesting atmosphere. A food truck offers a small but interesting selection for dinner.

People are saying

"The hotel staff is so friendly and welcoming."

"The art and retro vibe here are so interesting and fun."

"The Mexican food here is great, with lots of fun games."

Good to know

1

The hotel has a happy hour from Monday to Thursday.

2

They hold movie nights on Fridays at the pool.

3

Every Tuesday night features an Irish folk ensemble with about fifteen musicians.

06
Carlsbad Tavern image 1
Southwestern restaurant (US)

Outdoor patio features an adobe fireplace, waterfall, and heaters for comfort. Atmosphere feels chill and unique, blending indoor and outdoor spaces with lively bar seating and sports on TV. Crowd enjoys relaxed dining with distinctive Southwestern vibes.

Veggie enchiladas and blue corn enchiladas stand out with rich flavors. The queso is creamy and well-made. Chicken fajitas, lobster enchiladas, green chili burrito, chimichanga, and chicken tacos offer solid variety with tender meats and good seasoning.

Bat cavern theme decor creates a unique vibe. The bar features interesting seating options and meals come with a twist on typical dishes. Various intriguing details invite wandering and discovery.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really great."

"The Mexican food here is excellent and the service is friendly."

"The decor here is really interesting, with a quirky, vintage vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2-6pm with discounted drinks and food.

2

The late night menu starts at 10pm every night.

3

Reservations are recommended due to the tavern's popularity.

07
Case Study Coffee Lounge image 1

Space combines hand-built walnut furniture with spacious work areas and comfy sofas for lounging. Atmosphere stays chill and creative, with good music including occasional DJ sets. Crowd includes people working on laptops and those relaxing, drawn by the unique design and in-house syrups.

Breakfast burritos stand out with generous portions and in-house preparation. They offer great flavor but quality can vary depending on the chef.

Coffee options include a vanilla and rosemary iced coffee that stands out. The menu offers several interesting flavor combinations worth trying.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

"Their coffee menu is quite interesting, with seasonal specialties."

"I loved their tasty, large breakfast burritos."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

The lounge has only a few chairs, making seating sometimes difficult.

3

They serve in-house made breakfast burritos, a unique offering.

08
Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens, Galleries, and Bistro image 1

Botanical gardens showcase natural desert vegetation alongside unique architectural features and sculptures. The atmosphere stays relaxing and intimate, with live jazz music enhancing the experience on weekends. Families find multiple children's spaces to explore while enjoying ample shade and seating throughout the grounds.

Shrimp tacos and calabasita quesadillas stand out with fresh flavors. Beans and salsa come with an extra spicy kick. Eggs arrive perfectly cooked on fry bread with salsa, caramelized onions, and crispy smashed home potatoes.

Botanical gardens and artwork offer a lot to explore. Presentations on owls and raptors add an educational touch. Food served on a lovely patio is fresh and wholesome.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful lunch spot with delicious food."

"I found the gardens and artwork very interesting."

"I loved the perfectly cooked eggs and potatoes in this Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least one hour in advance for dining.

2

The entrance fee is $20 per person for the gardens.

3

The gardens and bistro are wheelchair accessible.

09
BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon image 1
Latin American restaurant

Outdoor patio with shaded seating and garden herbs creates a relaxed, welcoming vibe. The atmosphere stays comfortable and festive, with friendly banter and a lively bar scene. Unique tequila and cocktail selections complement some of the best tacos and eclectic salsas available.

Tacos stand out with fresh, spicy salsas made daily and a variety including Tacos al Pastor and vegetarian options. The tamale plate and elote also offer authentic Mexican flavors without processed tastes.

Varied salsas change every visit, offering unique flavors. The chip flight stands out as an interesting way to sample these. Tacos come in satisfying portions at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"The chips and salsa here are a must-try."

"I thought the tacos and salsa here were the best."

"The salsas here are interesting and always have unique variations."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited indoor seating.

2

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

3

The Taco5k event occurs the first weekend in April.

10
Tempe Eats Food Hall & Bar image 1

Food hall with a self-serve beer wall offering 40 taps including margaritas and espresso martinis creates a unique drinking experience. Atmosphere stays fun and relaxing with a mix of R&B, Latin music, and line dancing, suitable for groups or casual nights out. Layout features a full bar in the center and an unconventional design that stands out from typical spots.

Tacos stand out with options like chicken, beef, shrimp, and avocado shrimp. Elotes and portabello mushroom empanadas add variety and flavor to the Mexican offerings.

Wide variety of food options creates an interesting concept. The beer wall adds a novel touch, and the Fishpop stall offers unique choices.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the fish and chips."

"You have to try the birria tacos, especially the consommรฉ."

"I found the concept of so many food options from different menus really interesting."

Good to know

1

Tempe Eats hosts various events like karaoke and salsa nights throughout the week.

2

DJ Corgi's Brunch happens every Sunday, featuring live music and a fun atmosphere.

3

The food hall is suitable for gatherings, accommodating groups of up to 35 people.

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