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Guide to Tempe

Authentic salsa spots

A place where the salsa is made with real intent rather than just serving as a generic condiment.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Restaurant Huauchinango image 1
Restaurant Huauchinango image 2
Restaurant Huauchinango image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with cozy, casual atmosphere and quirky decor featuring creepy mannequin parts on the ceiling. Space is small and unassuming with visible kitchen and a coffee bar. Live music adds to the relaxed, authentic vibe.

Offers authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on central Mexico flavors. Food stays true to traditional recipes without Americanized changes.

Homemade salsas come out fresh and flavorful with punchy heat from habanero and red chile varieties. Chips pair well with all salsas, especially the tomatillo and the spicy option known as "the good salsa."

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and authentic Mexican."

"The homemade salsas here are amazing and quite punchy."

"The carne asada plate was my favorite, so juicy and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in front of the restaurant and along Farmer Ave.

2

Cash is preferred for payment, but check for any updates on card acceptance.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Mexican dishes, including beef, chicken, and carne asada.

02
Tradiciones Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious and clean interior features comfortable seating and La Loterรญa table numbers. Prepackaged salsa bar offers a variety of heat levels alongside pickled vegetables. Background Mexican music creates an authentic and inviting atmosphere.

Mexican dishes here have authentic flavors that stay true to traditional recipes. The food tastes delicious and flavorful, capturing genuine Mexican cuisine.

Salsa here is fresh and hits a medium hot spice level that can make your nose drip. A free salsa bar offers individually wrapped options, including hot carrots and other tasty items.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and the portions were large."

"The quesabirria tacos were superb, with a mouth-watering dipping sauce."

"I found the Mexican food here to be really authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers free soft drinks for seniors dining in.

2

Entrees are priced between $12 and $15, served with rice and beans.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment with wiped tables.

03
Tacos Calafia image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers authentic atmosphere with friendly, welcoming vibes and a self-serve salsa bar that stands out. Indoor and shaded outdoor seating provide a simple, spacious setting. Regulars enjoy excellent margaritas alongside highly praised tacos and burritos.

Tacos here deliver authentic Tijuana-style flavors with Asada tacos standing out. Drinks like agua de Jamaica match the genuine taste of the food.

An open salsa bar offers fresh salsas, guacamole, onions, and cilantro for customizing tacos. The bar features some of the hottest habanero salsas and a notable red chile salsa.

People are saying

"The salsa bar had fresh guacamole and grilled jalapenos."

"I loved the tacos here, especially for a late night meal."

"I found the Mexican food here to be so authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 1 am on Friday and Saturday.

2

You get a great value, especially during Taco Tuesday.

3

The establishment stays open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

04
Taco Boy's image 1
Restaurant

Sonoran-style restaurant with authentic flavor and a bold Latino vibe. Music plays loud, creating a party atmosphere that fills the modest space. A large salsa bar offers a variety of fresh, flavorful options alongside generous portions of well-prepared tacos.

Corn tortillas toasted on the grill come out soft and flavorful. Tacos, burritos, vampiro tacos, and quesadillas feature authentic flavors with choices like chicken, steak, barbacoa, and cabeza.

A huge salsa bar offers a great variety of salsas, pico de gallo, and other condiments. The guacamole salsa is buttery smooth, and the salsas come with different vegetables and heat levels.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and authentic."

"The salsa bar here has a huge variety of great flavors."

"I felt the food had real heat and bold flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $3.79 each, but prices have recently increased.

2

Taco Boy's is open late, making it a good option after concerts.

3

Expect a wait time of about 15-20 minutes for food during peak hours.

05
Mesquite Fresh Street Mex image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with mesquite-smoked grilled meats creates a smoky, authentic aroma. Atmosphere feels simple and fast-food style, with tight seating inside and some outdoor options. Open late, it attracts those seeking late-night Mexican food with fresh, flavorful tacos and burritos.

Menu offers a limited selection but each item delivers authentic Mexican flavors. Tacos and sides stand out for their genuine taste and quality.

Fresh-made red and green salsas come as thick and creamy sides. The red salsa stands out as flavorful and well-seasoned.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the smoky mesquite flavor."

"It's the best late night spot for munchies cravings."

"I found the tacos to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Breakfast burritos are served until 11 am.

2

Taco Tuesday offers great deals for in-person visits.

3

The restaurant is open until 2 am for late-night dining.

06
Anaya's Fresh Mexican Restaurant image 1

Colorful Mexican decor fills the small space with hand-painted chairs and a warm, festive atmosphere. Live mariachi music and a dance floor add to the lively vibe. Bright bar area and outdoor patio offer varied settings within the restaurant.

Mexican food delivers authentic flavors with dishes that taste traditional and fresh. The atmosphere matches the food, creating a truly authentic experience.

Red salsa stands out as very hot and tasty, often requested for extra. Green salsa offers a milder heat but keeps good flavor. Both house and mild salsas have solid, enjoyable taste.

People are saying

"The cheese enchilada was perfect with its sauce and cheese."

"I thought the salsa was over the top good."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with $1.75 draft beers.

2

The restaurant closes at 9pm, so arrive early for dinner.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

07
El Gordo Mexican Grill #5 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican eatery inside a gas station offers authentic Mexican food with a quick order process and affordable prices. The atmosphere feels comfy despite the compact space, and the menu features standout items like quesabirria tacos and carne asada burritos.

Authentic Mexican food shines here with Birria Tacos and dishes often missed by other spots. Friendly staff add to the genuine experience.

Green salsa stands out with its fresh, vibrant flavor. Red salsa brings a fiery kick that suits those who like spicy heat.

People are saying

"The food here is really, really good and well-priced."

"The Quesa Birria tacos here are delicious and have amazing flavor."

"I found the birria tacos here to be the real deal."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located inside a gas station.

2

Expect higher prices than those listed on the menu board.

3

Breakfast burritos are available for $5 in the morning.

08
Polibertoโ€™s image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, colorful interior creates a fun and lively atmosphere with a cantina vibe. The space feels comfortable and spacious despite a modest exterior. A standout feature is the self-serve salsa bar, adding to the authentic Mexican dining experience.

Food offers an authentic taste with a fast food style. The spot feels like a small family-owned Mexican restaurant serving genuine dishes.

An awesome salsa bar lets you pick your own salsa from a good selection. The salsas taste amazing and complement dishes like enchiladas and tacos.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be excellent and unbeatable."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is the best I've ever had."

"I found the food here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Polibertoโ€™s offers a drive-through for quick takeout.

2

The burrito costs around $7.30, providing good value.

3

Dine-in and takeout options are available for convenience.

09
Taco Nazo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space fills with beautiful Mexican art and not too loud music, creating a cozy, welcoming vibe. Generous portions and reasonably priced tacos attract a steady crowd seeking authentic flavors. Happy hour features great margaritas that complement the lively atmosphere.

Bold, authentic flavors define the Mexican street food here. The menu offers plenty of authentic style tacos and drinks in a clean, dive setting.

Smoky and spicy red salsa features chipotle peppers. Green salsa includes cooked chopped potatoes and pairs with pickled jalapeรฑo and carrots.

People are saying

"This Mexican food breakfast burrito is a good size and tasty."

"I found the tacos here to be small but excellent."

"The breakfast burrito's salsa is tasty and a good value."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $4 margaritas after 4pm, a great way to save.

2

Expect generous portion sizes for the price, making meals feel like a good deal.

3

The menu features a large variety of authentic Mexican food options.

10
Los Reyes De La Torta image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large dining room offers a casual, inviting atmosphere with Mexican music or soccer playing at a moderate volume. The environment feels festive and vibrant yet allows for conversation. Menus feature bilingual descriptions and bright food images, supporting an authentic Mexican dining experience.

Food serves authentic Mexican flavors with a strong Mexico City street food vibe. Most patrons are from Mexico, and recipes respect traditional methods, creating a genuine, flavorful experience.

Free chips and salsa arrive quickly with drinks. The green salsa and hot salsas stand out for their spicy kick.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

"The food here is delicious and authentic Mexican."

"The chips and salsa here are fantastic and free."

Good to know

1

Expect a 5-minute wait for seating during peak lunch hours.

2

The restaurant offers plenty of free parking for guests.

3

Handicapped parking spots are conveniently located near the entrance.

11
Frutilandia image 1
Ice cream shop

Ice cream shop offers a clean, welcoming environment with great music that sets a relaxed vibe. The space features cute decorations and a tidy layout, making it ideal for groups to hang out. Customers enjoy fresh fruit desserts alongside a variety of flavorful margaritas and tacos.

Freshwater and food deliver authentic Mexican cuisine with delicious flavors that stay true to tradition.

Green salsa stands out with its fresh flavor. The salsa bar offers a good selection alongside the veggie bar, letting you enjoy cucumbers and multiple salsa types.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The family pack included chips and salsa for our family."

"The ramen here is out of this world."

Good to know

1

Frutilandia has a wide variety of treats, ice creams, shakes, beverages, and tacos.

2

This location has a drive-thru, bar, and an easy process to order food.

3

The restaurant had easy access and lots of parking.

12
Taqueria Factory image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers a spacious, colorful interior with contemporary design and family-friendly atmosphere. It features a full self-serve salsa bar and a large bar area with full service. Drive-through and ample parking add convenience to the vibrant, clean setting.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with great tacos and a clean, fast service. The atmosphere matches the genuine vibe of the cuisine.

A self-serve salsa bar offers a variety of salsas, limes, cucumbers, and radishes. The homemade salsas pair well with dishes like the quesabirria combo, which is freshly made and packed with flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The quesabirria tacos were amazing and loaded with flavor."

"I found the food here to be very authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos all day.

2

Margarita Mondays feature half-price margaritas.

3

Live band performances occur regularly; check the schedule for details.

13
Santa Madre Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Small strip mall taco shop with self-service salsa bar offering a wide variety of fresh toppings and sauces. Atmosphere is clean and relaxed with chill Latin music playing. Known for generous portions and highly praised fish tacos.

Tacos, fish, and beef come with authentic flavors and freshness. Beans are runny and delicious, reflecting true Mexican taste.

Salsa bar offers a wide variety of fresh, cold toppings like cabbage, pico de gallo, and roasted jalapeรฑos. Ingredients stay ice-cold and immaculately maintained, with options including avocado salsa and creamy chipotle sauce.

People are saying

"These fish tacos are the best I've had in years."

"The salsa bar here is killer, with tons of toppings."

"I loved the authentic food here."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers 3 tacos for the price of 2.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere on Taco Tuesday.

3

The restaurant closes early at 8:00 pm, limiting late-night options.

14
Amado's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, quaint Mexican restaurant with a 24-hour drive-thru offers a quiet, unpretentious vibe and friendly staff. Known for authentic Tex Mex and standout breakfast burritos, it serves as a reliable late-night option with a salsa bar adding convenience.

Mexican dishes here have a genuine flavor and stay true to traditional recipes. The spot serves authentic eats that reflect local culinary roots.

Crunchy roll tacos pair well with green and red salsa. Both salsas taste delicious and enhance the flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic."

"The red and green salsas were delicious and spicy."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, breakfast burritos are $4.50 and tacos are $2.50.

2

The restaurant is open 24/7, including a drive-through.

3

Expect a late-night crowd, especially after midnight.

15
Susie's Mexican Cafe and Lounge image 1

Mexican restaurant with dim lighting and yellow painted walls creates a cozy, laid-back vibe. Small bar and booths offer an authentic style with a hint of Mexico. Atmosphere stays peaceful and warm, ideal for relaxing meals throughout the day.

Food serves authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients. The menu stays true to traditional recipes and offers fair prices in a locally owned setting.

Chips arrive quickly with complimentary salsa that ranges from mild to spicy. The salsa pairs well with tostadas and offers a balanced spiciness that suits different tastes.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I ever had."

"I found the Mexican food here to be fresh and authentic."

"The chips and salsa here are really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during peak hours.

2

Prices are affordable, with lunch specials available for under $10.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for smaller purchases.

16
Rosita's Fine Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Quaint Mexican restaurant with soft lighting and authentic decor creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Classic Mexican-American vibe with full-service setup and family-owned feel. Music and margaritas add to the warm, friendly energy.

Family owned spot serves authentic Mexican cuisine with recipes passed down through generations. The food is consistently delicious and authentic, and the atmosphere matches the genuine vibe.

Chips come with chunky salsa and a spicy, less chunky salsa served right after sitting down. Both salsas offer flavorful options that complement the food well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very flavorful and delicious."

"The salsa here tastes so fresh."

"I found the authentic Mexican food to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special lunch deals every Tuesday.

2

Happy hour specials are available on weekends from 4-7pm.

3

Prices are generally affordable with many combo options.

17
Oscar's Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers self-serve salsa bar with variety of heat levels and fresh, clean setup. Unique wet-look tables add a visual twist to the space. Atmosphere feels authentic and family-oriented with a focus on affordable, flavorful tacos and breakfast burritos.

Food delivers a very authentic taste that stands out. Not many places capture that genuine flavor.

Self-serve salsa bar offers fresh and clean options with a great variety of heat levels. It stays full and includes actual products alongside quality meat for tacos.

People are saying

"I found the burritos here to be absolutely gigantic."

"The salsa bar offered plenty of variety and heat levels."

"I was impressed by the authentic taste here."

Good to know

1

The combo costs $11 for 3 tacos, consommรฉ, a drink, and toppings.

2

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

3

The drive-through is slow, with a minimum of a 10-minute wait.

18
Someburros image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a family-like atmosphere with a peaceful and comfortable vibe. It serves authentic Mexican fast food with large portions and a focus on green chili beef. Cleanliness and friendly service contribute to a welcoming experience.

Food uses fresh, high-quality ingredients and delivers vibrant Mexican flavor. The menu offers authentic Mexican fast food with rich, flavorful dishes.

Complimentary chips come with bright salsas that taste like cherished family recipes. Extra red salsa is available on request and pairs well with tender meats and refried beans.

People are saying

"I thought their Mexican food, especially the burritos, was awesome."

"The salsa here is bursting with vibrant, authentic Mexican flavor."

"The authentic Mexican food here is bursting with vibrant, satisfying flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos every Tuesday.

2

Someburros serves breakfast all day, including breakfast burritos.

3

The taquitos combo costs $12 without a drink.

19
La Casa De Juana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful murals and traditional music creates a cheerful, culturally rich atmosphere. Comfortable seating and art-filled decor add to a cozy, peaceful vibe. Offers a varied menu including vegetarian options and well-regarded margaritas.

Mexican dishes deliver authentic flavor and variety with a cheerful atmosphere. Some items include shredded cheese on guacamole, which is not typical in traditional Mexican cuisine.

Fresh salsa comes with tasty chips that arrive quickly when asked for more. The salsa pairs well with tortillas, meats, and vegetables, making the whole experience flavorful.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and felt authentic."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and authentic."

"The salsa here is tasty and has just enough spice."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available, offering discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant accommodates vegetarian and vegan diets with a dedicated menu.

3

An automatic gratuity of 18% is added for parties of six or more.

20
Garcia's Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with cozy, authentic atmosphere and phenomenal decor features close, crowded tables and a comfortable heated patio. Warm hospitality creates a vibrant vibe where guests can bring their own music. The place serves quality food and drinks at reasonable prices, with standout margaritas and tacos.

Dishes feature authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients and vibrant presentation. The atmosphere feels cozy and genuine, matching the food's traditional style.

Chips and salsa arrive quickly and free with no wait. The salsa pairs well with cheese crisps, bean dip, and street tacos.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and delicious."

"The salsa here is really good and tasty."

"The food here is authentic and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Kids eat for $1.25 on Sundays with the purchase of an adult meal.

2

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

3

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early.

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Tempe, Arizona

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