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Best of Tucson

Tamales and taco spots

A taco shop that puts as much care into its tamales as it does into its signature tacos.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
HUMO COCINA MEXICANA image 1
HUMO COCINA MEXICANA image 2
HUMO COCINA MEXICANA image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small, renovated Mexican restaurant offers covered patio with live music and comfortable outdoor seating with heaters and misters. Atmosphere feels authentic and fun, with a clean and cozy interior. Known for top-notch margaritas and standout dishes like chilaquiles and carne asada tacos.

Tamales come with red sauce that enhances their flavor. Options include Beef Tamales and tamales with eggs, all served with rice and refried beans.

Authentic Mexican street tacos come with a drive-thru option and reasonable prices. The Al pastor tacos stand out as amazing, and the tacos overall are consistently delicious.

People are saying

"The food here is great and a fantastic value."

"I loved the fresh asada tacos with corn tortillas."

"I found the tamales here to be just delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers $1.99 taco specials on Tuesdays.

2

Happy hour runs from 2:00 - 5:00 with $5 margaritas.

3

Live music is featured on Thursday nights.

02
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.

Tamales come in several varieties like beef, red, and tamales con huevos with perfectly cooked eggs. Mini chimis and the bira tamales also stand out for their flavor.

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."

"I found the tamales here to be delicious and well-seasoned."

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.

03
Rancheros Carnicería Grant image 1

Butcher shop deli combines fresh meat grilling with a small seating area serving authentic Mexican dishes. The space feels modern, clean, and welcoming, with an airy layout that invites browsing. Friendly energy fills the room as customers enjoy both shopping and eating on-site.

Fresh tamales come with a variety of dry and canned goods, veggies, and cheeses available. Prices stay reasonable, making it easy to grab a satisfying dinner.

Carne asada tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful meat. The menu offers a great variety of tacos and burros made with quality ingredients.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"You have to try the quesabirria tacos; they're amazing."

"I found the tamales here delicious and wonderful."

Good to know

1

The store offers a wide selection of fresh meats and Mexican products.

2

Prices are considered very low for the quality of meat available.

3

Catering services are available for events and gatherings.

04
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.

Green tamales stand out with roasted green chili and poblano crema flavors. Vegetarian options include green corn tamales with calabacitas that deliver rich taste.

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."

"I thought the tamales here were outstanding and tasty."

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

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.

05
Plazita México Café image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers cozy, homey atmosphere with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, filled with locals who seem like regulars. It stands out for authentic, fresh Mexican food and a variety of margarita flavors.

Fresh tamales appear daily as specials, often paired with eggs, beans, and tortillas for breakfast. The tamales stand out for their excellent flavor and consistent quality.

Chicken tacos cost $1.50 each and come in fried or shredded beef varieties. Staff make potato tacos on request, and chips with salsa accompany the tacos.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is incredible and delicious."

"I found the chicken and steak tacos to be delicious."

"I loved the tamales here; they were excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner on select nights.

2

The restaurant serves dinner from Wednesday through Sunday.

3

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible.

06
Del Cielo Tamales Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with cozy indoor and shaded outdoor seating featuring traditional clay dishware and warm wood finishes creates a homey vibe. Soft traditional Mexican music plays, adding a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The space welcomes diverse diners with vegan and gluten-free options and a dog-friendly patio.

Tamales here taste homemade and come in freshly made varieties like chicken, beef, and sweet green corn. Vegan options stand out as authentic and well-crafted, with all sauces made fresh too.

Tacos come packed with carne asada on corn tortillas and a variety of toppings. Vegan options like the vegan birria taco and quesabirria tacos show strong creativity and bold flavors.

People are saying

"Their vegan food was amazing and high quality."

"The green corn tamales here are special and delicious."

"The staff here are so friendly and welcoming."

Good to know

1

They offer all-you-can-eat buffets every Thursday and Saturday from 9 to 11:30 am.

2

The restaurant has a diverse vegan menu with many options.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

07
Del Rancho Carniceria & Tacos image 1

Butcher shop combines clean, friendly atmosphere with an open salsa bar and small restaurant inside. Customers find high-quality seasoned meats alongside produce and tortillas, creating a lively spot for authentic Mexican flavors. Self-serve ordering and ample parking add convenience to the experience.

Authentic tamales come in a half dozen for 14 dollars. They taste excellent and are available to go.

Tacos come grilled to order with generous portions of ribeye, carne asada, and carnitas. The menu includes Al pastor and grilled chicken tacos, all fairly priced and served with sides like rice and refried beans.

People are saying

"I've never had better birria or al pastor tacos."

"The tortillas here are friendly and accommodating."

"I emphasized how authentic the tamales were."

Good to know

1

Del Rancho Carniceria & Tacos is open from 7am to 8pm every day.

2

There is plenty of parking available, making it convenient to get a quick bite.

3

Tamales are priced at $14 for a half dozen.

08
Birrieria Guadalajara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with an enclosed patio offers a homemade feel and authentic vibe reminiscent of taco places in Mexico. Atmosphere is relaxed and chill, filled with local charm rather than elegance. Limited seating and cash-only policy create an intimate, straightforward dining experience.

Green corn tamales stand out with their perfect moisture and full flavor. Fruit tamales, including a surprisingly yummy strawberry option, add variety to the menu.

Birria tacos stand out with good flavor but lack the typical fried outside. Tacos de cabeza come with lettuce topping, which is unusual here. Carne asada tacos are just okay.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is so authentic, just like Nana's kitchen."

"I thought the birria tacos were the best."

Good to know

1

Birrieria Guadalajara only accepts cash or Zelle as payment methods.

2

Parking is very limited, with only two spots available for customers.

3

Seating is only available in an enclosed patio with fans and a swamp cooler.

09
Mercado y Carnicería La Mexicana image 1

Small grocery store offers homemade corn tortillas, abundant cheese and queso Oaxaca, and imported Mexican candies and salsas. Prices change frequently and remain reasonable. Take-out food includes tacos de birria and white menudo, with a restaurant that stops serving by 4 pm.

Savory, spicy Birria and mouthwatering tamales stand out here. Green corn tamales come in half dozen packs and offer a good, solid flavor.

Tacos feature savory spicy Birria and flavorful carne asada with a rich, mouthwatering taste. Take-out options include tacos de birria and white menudo, both packed with bold flavors.

People are saying

"You have to try the savory, spicy birria and flavorful tacos."

"I enjoyed the good food, especially the tamales."

"I found the tacos here to be savory and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant stops serving at 4 pm.

2

Prices at Mercado y Carnicería La Mexicana are reasonable.

3

They offer a variety of salsas and candies from Mexico.

10
Salsa Verde Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Interior offers a sit-down dining experience with a recently remodeled, lively atmosphere that contrasts with a modest exterior. Casual and laid-back vibe welcomes guests to enjoy a salsa bar and diverse margarita flavors. Outdoor seating is available and pet friendly, adding to the relaxed setting.

Tamales come moist and flavorful, often made with corn and green chili. The red chile pork tamales stand out for their rich taste.

Soft, fluffy, and thick corn tortillas hold tacos filled with carnitas, carne asada, and birria. Gourmet Birria tacos and crispy tacos stand out for their fresh, tasty flavors.

People are saying

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

"The salsa bar is usually well stocked with great options."

"These tamales are so flavorful and moist."

Good to know

1

$5 margarita Mondays, taco Tuesdays, and $9.99 bucket of beer Thursdays are available.

2

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to previous visits.

3

A 25% gratuity is added for groups of nine or more.

11
Carnicería Los Toritos image 1
Mexican grocery store

Mexican grocery store combines family-run atmosphere with well-stocked butcher and bakery sections. Warm, welcoming vibe fills the clean, organized space with authentic aromas. Fresh tortillas, homemade tamales, and a variety of meats stand out as distinctive offerings.

Homemade tamales cooked on-site by a personal cook stand out here. Options include vegan tamales and fresh tortillas, all made on premises alongside a meat counter.

Tacos come with house-made tortillas that hold up well and taste great. Affordable options include a 5 dollar taco and a 2 taco combo plate with authentic flavors.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and well-selected."

"The tamales here are served by such friendly and dedicated staff."

"I had the best authentic tacos I've ever tried."

Good to know

1

The butcher shop offers a wide selection of fresh meats and seafood.

2

The bakery features a variety of baked goods and Mexican candies.

3

The store is family-owned and family-run, providing a personal touch.

12
St. Mary's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small takeout-only spot with no dine-in seating and several chairs to wait. Atmosphere feels clean and lively with a busy, inviting vibe. Known for authentic Mexican food with standout tamales and burritos.

Tamales feature moist and tender masa with chunks of sweet corn and melted cheese that create a rich texture and flavor. The green corn tamales offer a unique sweet taste that stands out.

Birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and plenty of shredded cheese. Other tacos like chicken and combos with red chili Colorado come with delicious sides like beans and rice.

People are saying

"I ordered a dozen tamales and they were very good."

"You have to try the green corn tamales; they're sweet and unique."

"You have to try the birria tacos; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

St. Mary's Mexican Food is a takeout-only restaurant with no seating available.

2

To order 2 dozen or more tamales, place an order in advance.

3

Tamales will be ready when you arrive if ordered in advance.

13
Maria Bonita Mexican Kitchen image 1

Mexican restaurant with traditional and modern decor creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere enhanced by live Mariachi music at times. The space feels like a small piece of Mexico, quiet enough for easy conversation and welcoming to all.

Green corn tamales stand out with their rich flavor and come with good sized portions of rice and beans. They appear on combination platters alongside items like chile relleno and fajitas.

Tacos come with a crisp shell and vary in price from about $4.99 to $8.69 each. Options include hard shell tacos and beef tacos, often part of combination platters with other Mexican dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and full of authentic flavor."

"These tacos are so good, I could have stayed all night."

"I found the green corn tamales to be the most delicious I had ever eaten."

Good to know

1

The mariachi band performs every Friday night from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

2

Parking can be a little challenging.

3

Seating can get limited, so it's best to call for reservations.

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