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Guide to Tucson

Unique taco spots

A taco that offers a unique flavor profile instead of just the standard street-style preparation.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Ensenada Street Food image 1
Ensenada Street Food image 2
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Taco restaurant

Colorful murals and string lights brighten a small, cozy space with mostly open-air seating. Music and a salsa bar add to the casual, welcoming vibe of this woman-owned spot. The atmosphere feels lively and full of culture, attracting crowds during busy times.

Tacos come with salsas with distinct tastes beyond just heat. The birria stands out, and vegan options offer unique and delicious choices. The atmosphere feels unique as well.

Vegan tacos stand out with Al pastor and Birria varieties praised for balanced flavor and good garnishes. Cauliflower replaces fish in vegan fish tacos, and salsas offer distinct tastes beyond heat.

People are saying

"Their vegan birria tacos were delicious and I couldn't get enough."

"I loved their vegan birria tacos with broth."

"The vegan birria and creative tacos are truly unique."

Good to know

1

They offer Taco Tuesdays with both vegan and non-vegan options.

2

There are no bathrooms at this location.

3

The wait time for tacos is about 35 minutes.

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.

Cocktails feature a unique take with mixology that uses special ingredients. Guacamole and jerky chips offer a distinct flavor combination.

Carne asada tacos stand out with rich flavor and are especially recommended on Fridays and Saturdays. These tacos offer a memorable taste that draws repeat visits.

People are saying

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

"The cocktails here are unique, complex, and unlike anything I've had before."

"You have to try the carne asada taco; it's 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
HUMO COCINA MEXICANA image 1
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.

Chips and salsa feature a unique texture with green onions and a distinctive flavor. The enchilada sauce offers a Christmas-style twist that stands out on the menu.

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."

"The salsa had a unique, amazing flavor."

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.

04
El Antojo Poblano image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, colorful space with vibrant decor and beautiful art creates a lively, cozy atmosphere. Live music adds energy while the crowd fills the room, especially at lunch. Southern Mexican recipes bring authentic flavors and unique menu options inspired by Puebla.

Freshness of ingredients stands out with unique flavors in every dish. Menu options draw clear inspiration from Puebla, featuring items like the Pipian Verde that offer distinct tastes.

Tacos feature authentic flavors like suadero, tripa, chiltepin, and tinga. Plates include Al pastor and Mole de olla de res soup, with standout carne asada.

People are saying

"The salsas here have stand-out flavors."

"I enjoyed the great Mexican food, especially the tacos."

"I ate some of the best tacos I have ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is only open three days a week.

2

Expect live entertainment on Saturday evenings.

3

Prices are on the higher side for Mexican food.

05
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.

Every dish offers a unique, flavorful twist with authentic tastes. Drinks like the Marg del Sol and dishes such as the birria ramen combo stand out for their distinct flavors.

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 birria ramen and margaritas here are so unique and tasty."

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.

06
El Cayo Seafood and Drinks image 1

Small, intimate space offers a pleasant atmosphere with lively music that quiets by early evening. Crowd builds later, creating a fun, nightclub vibe especially on weekends. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican seafood in a cozy setting where conversation is easy.

Fresh seafood stands out with unique flavors and careful presentation. Dishes like Camarones Rellenos and Toritos Especiales offer distinct tastes not found elsewhere.

Shrimp and fish tacos stand out with garlic shrimp and a ceviche mix. Marlin and tuna tacos offer flavorful and healthy options.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and delicious."

"You have to try the fish and shrimp tacos; they're delicious."

"The seafood and burgers here have a unique, delicious flavor."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, enjoy 2 for 1 tacos and beer.

2

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

3

Expect a 4% fee for card payments on your bill.

07
Tooley's Cafe image 1

Large porch and shaded outdoor patio create a rustic, vintage atmosphere with industrial cool touches. Indoor space feels roomy and laid-back, featuring a wood-burning stove and casual seating. Frequented by those seeking a hidden gem with a relaxed vibe and unique seating options.

Food offers delicious and unique options paired with good coffee. Seating includes unique perspectives with plenty of space.

Corn cakes with candied jalapenos and turkey tacos taste light and fresh. Breakfast and mailman tacos come at $6 each but feel just okay after a long wait.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful, especially with outdoor seating."

"The food here is delicious and unique, especially the corn cakes."

"The corn cakes with candied jalapenos and turkey tacos were light and delicious."

Good to know

1

The cafe has indoor and outdoor seating.

2

Their menu is very accommodating of vegetarian and vegan options.

3

The menu changes seasonally, so offerings may vary.

08
CRUDA Mariscos & Oyster Bar image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with modern style and traditional Mexican energy creates a cool, inviting atmosphere. Live music, including guitar performances, adds a lively, vibrant vibe. Outdoor seating and open tall tables offer a comfortable space for enjoying fresh seafood and well-crafted drinks.

Flavors combine seafood and Mexican fusion in a way that stands out. The menu offers unique dishes crafted with care.

Tacos here stand out for their massive size and smoky marlin flavor. Varieties like the Governor Tacos and Pulpo al Pastor offer unique and rich tastes, often requiring a fork to eat.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, and Jorge's service is outstanding."

"The seafood here is unique, fresh, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Oysters are available for $1.95 on Thursdays.

2

Happy hour offers daily specials, but details vary.

3

Parking across the street costs $4, making it affordable.

09
Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Mid-century Polynesian decor features giant thatch roof bar, tropical fish, and a waterfall seating area. Atmosphere is dimly lit and loud, creating a lively yet chill tiki vibe. Tropical cocktails and Hawaiian-inspired dishes complement the authentic island setting.

The atmosphere feels like a beach restaurant in Hawaii with a throw-back vibe. Cozy decorations add to the unique ambiance and the food carries its own distinct flavor.

Tacos come with fried avocado and fish options that stand out. Taco Tuesday offers tasty and well-liked choices.

People are saying

"It's a fun, classic tiki bar with a modern vibe."

"The atmosphere here is so unique, it feels like a Hawaiian beach vacation."

"I loved the tacos for Taco Tuesday."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required after 7 PM for dinner service.

2

Taco Tuesday offers $2.50 tacos, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with great drink specials.

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.

Creamy coffee dessert and Rosรฉ sangria offer unique flavors. Cocktails show impressive mixology with bold, distinct tastes. Entrees carry deep, unique flavors not commonly found.

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 cocktails here have unique, bold flavors."

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.

11
Bochas x Tacoson image 1

Interior features beautiful decor with booths, private rooms, high tops, and a long bar arranged for comfort. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, enhanced by live saxophone music that adds a special touch. The place draws a crowd looking for unique seafood and creative cocktails in a relaxed setting.

Specialty drinks stand out with unique and fun flavors. The Mexican menu offers distinctive dishes like mango ceviche where the mango flavor shines.

Meat tacos stand out with tacos al pastor, suadero, and carne asada all cooked well and full of flavor. Seafood options like fish tacos and fried shrimp add variety and taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and perfectly prepared."

"Francheska was the absolute best waitress for our date night."

"The tacos here are fantastic and very flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $2.99 draft beers and $5 margaritas until 6pm.

2

Reservations are required for large groups, with a $200 deposit for 25 people.

3

The restaurant celebrates birthdays with a special show for guests.

12
The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery image 1

Open-air layout with spacious outdoor seating and lawn games creates a fun, relaxing atmosphere for families and groups. Kids enjoy a dedicated play area while adults experience a lively vibe that can get noisy inside. Signature craft cocktails and standout dishes complement the casual, inviting setting.

Generous portions come with unique dishes and fresh recipes that blend comfort food style. The atmosphere suits families well, adding to its distinctive charm.

Shrimp tacos stand out with rich flavor and freshness. Fish tacos offer a mild fish taste that balances well. Chicken tacos come with crispy deep fried cauliflower as a notable side.

People are saying

"It's really kid friendly with a great outdoor play area."

"The fish tacos had great corn mango salsa."

"The food here is amazing and offers unique recipes."

Good to know

1

Making reservations is a must at this restaurant.

2

Parties must be 16 people or fewer to dine here.

3

Expect a 45-60 minute wait on Saturday nights.

13
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.

Freshly cooked chips come with a salsa flight featuring five unique, house-made salsas ranging from mild to spicy. The menu offers unique tacos with delicate preparation and a distinctive beer and cocktail selection.

Tacos come in huge portions with a variety of options including Tacos al Pastor and vegetarian choices. The flavors are consistently excellent and the salsa complements them well.

People are saying

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

"The salsas are unique, fresh, and full of personality."

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

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.

14
Tesoro Latin Kitchen & Cantina image 1

Open, elegant space with three bars and areas for live music creates a vibrant atmosphere. Guests enjoy DJ beats, live bands, and dancing both inside and on the patio. The setting balances beautiful decor with a welcoming, comfortable vibe.

Food features a strong Latin influence with a unique take on ceviche. Cocktails offer a good selection of unique flavors.

Tacos offer homemade flavor with options like Birria and Adobada that stand out. Plates such as the carne asada come at a reasonable price and deliver solid taste.

People are saying

"The shrimp tacos are fresh, bright, and satisfying."

"These shrimp tacos are so fresh and satisfying."

"The service here is uniquely attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers two tacos with rice or beans for $5.

2

Live entertainment occurs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

3

Karaoke night is available, providing a fun atmosphere.

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