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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Tucson's best

Salad and taco spots

Sometimes the craving shifts between a fresh salad and a handheld taco.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Guadalajara's Grill & Tequila Bar image 1
Guadalajara's Grill & Tequila Bar image 2
Guadalajara's Grill & Tequila Bar image 3
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Mexican restaurant with live salsa and guacamole making at tables creates an interactive dining experience. Beautiful decor and art set a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. Guests enjoy outstanding margaritas and fresh, expertly prepared salsa that stands out from typical offerings.

Shrimp features prominently in several salads, including the taco salad and the shrimp and avocado salad. Avocado appears generously in the Mexican chopped salad, and the salsa served with the taco salad stands out as excellent.

Tacos here feature Carne Asada, birria, and quesobirria varieties that are juicy and flavorful. Fish and Baja shrimp tacos also stand out with delicious, fresh flavors.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is speedy and Jesus was great!"

"I loved the tableside custom salsa for my tacos."

"The taco salad with shrimp was awesome and plentiful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

The restaurant hosts a big celebration on Saturday, August 23.

3

The table side guacamole costs an extra $12.96.

02
Whatโ€™s Cookin Burrito Shop image 1

Bright dining area features sombrero lamps and plays Musica Mexicana, creating a clean and welcoming atmosphere. The space includes a drive-thru alongside a comfortable, air-conditioned interior. The vibe stays pleasant and inviting, suited for quick, flavorful Mexican meals.

Taco salad stands out with a generous chicken portion and a perfect balance of salad and taco fixings. It consistently delivers excellent results across multiple visits.

Tacos come in light, crispy rolled versions that are not greasy or hard. Options like carnitas, chicken, and green chili pork stand out for their fresh taste and perfect portion size.

People are saying

"The carnitas here are tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned."

"The rolled tacos here are light, crispy, and not greasy."

"I found their taco salad to be the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru provides convenience for quick orders.

2

Expect higher prices compared to typical fast food options.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness, including restrooms.

03
Trident Grill image 1

Classic American grill bar with military decor and plenty of big screen TVs showing various sports creates a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Comfortable seating supports a homey, inviting vibe where locals gather to watch games and enjoy solid food and beer options.

Salads feature a fresh spring mix and crisp textures. Options include a Cobb Salad and a paleo salad packed with fresh ingredients.

Tacos come with generous fillings that can serve as a full meal. Options include carne asada, Kalua pork, and Atlantic Cod with lettuce wraps. Taco Tuesday features discounted tacos and drinks.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and full of flavor."

"Each of my three tacos had enough filling for an entire meal."

"The Cobb Salad was really big and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM, Monday through Friday.

2

Taco Tuesday features Atlantic Cod tacos and drink specials.

3

The menu offers a variety of burgers and vegetarian options.

04
Karichimaka Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Older Mexican restaurant with historic charm and an old cantina vibe featuring beer memorabilia and a family-friendly atmosphere. The space feels relaxing and lively without music, offering a classic, authentic experience. Tables are small and dated, supporting a casual, welcoming environment.

Salads come with fresh greens and house-made vinaigrette dressing. Options include the Taco Salad and Topopo Salad with Chicken, both served alongside main dishes or as stand-alone items.

Tacos here taste homemade with standout options like ground beef and chorizo varieties. Patty tacos also get strong mentions for flavor.

People are saying

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

"I thought the ground beef tacos were really good."

"I loved the Taco Salad and the topopo salad."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family friendly and offers great prices for authentic Mexican food.

2

Lunch specials are available during the week, making it a great midday option.

3

The restrooms are very clean and well maintained for customer comfort.

05
Cielos image 1
American restaurant

Courtyard with Southwestern charm features a tiled fireplace, fountain, and bird sculptures, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Soft live music plays during dinner, enhancing the romantic and easygoing vibe. Outdoor patio and indoor spaces suit both intimate dates and semi-fancy family dinners.

Freshly made salads feature grilled shrimp and a prickly pear dressing that adds bold flavor. The Caesar salad includes excellent anchovies but comes in a small portion.

Pork tacos come in generous portions and deliver strong flavor. Servers accommodate swaps like lamb chops for tacos without issue.

People are saying

"The food at this place's dinner spots is top-notch and flavorful."

"The pork tacos were delicious and had great serving sizes."

"I thought the salad was flavorful and scrumptiously good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6 PM daily.

2

The buffet costs $90 per person, which may not meet expectations.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for holiday events.

06
Elliott's on Congress image 1

Restaurant combines laid-back vibe with an upscale atmosphere without pretension. Music includes amateur mariachi singers and a curated playlist, enhancing the open neighborhood feel. Bar area often gets overcrowded, especially around a short bar and small patio seating.

Grilled salmon stands out in the Mediterranean salad with a nice size piece. The wedge salad pairs well with added steak for extra flavor.

Duck tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. Cod tacos offer a fresh alternative. Both come alongside sliders and a duck-burger, making the duck entrees a solid choice.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, especially the burgers and fries."

"You have to try the duck tacos; they're a must-try."

"The Mediterranean salad with salmon was good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

Elliott's keeps the kitchen open until closing time for late-night snacks.

07
AMELIAS MEXICAN KITCHEN image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers an intimate, modern space with arts-inspired decor and maximum seating capacity. Atmosphere feels welcoming and lively, enhanced by salsa and merengue music and a busy, energetic crowd. Outdoor patio adds a relaxed option for seating.

Quesabirria tacos stand out with their rich flavor and melty cheese. Tacos come a bit smaller but pack a delicious punch.

People are saying

"I found the food to be wonderful and delicious."

"The birria tacos with caldo were delicious."

"The salad here is fresh and delicious, often served with guacamole."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for Taco Tuesday to avoid long wait times.

2

Happy hour features buy one get one half off deals on select drinks.

3

Expect a busy crowd during Taco Tuesday; arrive early for the best experience.

08
Trident Grill IV image 1

Wall-to-wall TVs show multiple sports, creating a sports bar atmosphere with a laid-back dive bar vibe. Seating includes comfortable booths and a shaped bar, offering great views from any spot. The crowd is lively and busy, especially on game days, with a strong local Packers fan presence.

Salads feature fresh greens and toppings like boiled eggs, bacon, ham, and avocado. Options include hearty entrees like the Steakhouse Spinach salad and flavorful choices such as the Buffalo chicken salad and COB salad with various dressings.

Fish tacos come with crispy cod and great cole slaw. Shrimp, chicken, and pork tacos offer solid variety, with some featuring fried tuna topped with roasted corn.

People are saying

"The bar food here is the best in town."

"The salads here are so fresh and delicious."

"The fish tacos here are awesome with crispy cod."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:00 to 6:00 with discounted appetizers.

2

A mandatory 20% gratuity is added to all bills.

3

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible.

09
Nevada Smith's Saloon image 1

Old school dive bar with enclosed outdoor patio and picnic table seating offers a laid back atmosphere with dim lighting and casual vibe. Regulars enjoy controlling the jukebox and playing pool while savoring grilled steaks and affordable drinks. The place feels like a hometown saloon with a fun, unpretentious energy.

Salads come with meals and include a salad bar with a limited selection. Plates often feature a vegetable salad alongside sides like baked potatoes and green beans.

Tacos cost 75 cents each and come with a choice of crunchy corn or soft flour shells filled with ground beef. A cold bar offers toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, diced tomatoes, mild salsa, and sliced pickled jalapeรฑos to customize them.

People are saying

"The steak here is huge and grilled to perfection."

"You have to try the all-you-can-eat fish fry on Fridays."

"The steak was gigantic, and the salad was included."

Good to know

1

Steaks are available only on Thursdays and Saturdays after 5 pm.

2

On Fridays, they offer all-you-can-eat fish for $9.99.

3

On Saturday night, they offered a Prime Rib dinner for $26 per person.

10
Penca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Dark, romantic space with flickering candlelight, exposed brick walls, and rich wooden accents creates a cozy, sophisticated vibe. Restored 1920s building blends old-world charm with contemporary flair for a warm, intimate atmosphere. Bar features unique mezcal infusions and cocktails, complementing the relaxed yet elegant setting.

Salads come with fresh ingredients and are perfectly seasoned. The steak salad and steak with salad appetizer vary in quality, with the salad dressed simply in red wine vinegar.

Homemade tacos stand out with fish, carne asada, and Costilla de Res options. Appetizers like bone marrow and shrimp ceviche complement the flavorful taco selection.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have amazing esquites and tender Costilla de Res."

"The homemade tacos here were delicious winners."

"The steak salad was good, seasoned perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but it's advisable to check menu availability.

2

The restaurant often runs out of popular menu items by 7 PM.

3

Parking is available for $5 in a lot around the corner.

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