Rosa’s Mexican Restaurant has been a Tucson dining institution for over half a century, and stepping inside feels like crossing the border into Mexico itself. The vibrant colors and textures immediately create a welcoming atmosphere. During a recent Friday lunch visit, despite arriving as the restaurant began to fill, we were promptly seated and served the quintessential chips and salsa, setting the stage for what we hoped would be a delightful Mexican Food Restaurant experience.
However, the initial prompt service unfortunately didn’t extend to ordering. We waited, and then waited some more, for our server to appear. Eventually, I had to get the attention of the host, a friendly gentleman in a cowboy hat, to request service. He quickly flagged down our waiter, and we were finally able to peruse the extensive menu, brimming with classic Mexican dishes.
The menu at Rosa’s is impressively comprehensive, featuring pictures to guide diners through the numerous choices. My dining companion, Roy, opted for his go-to Mexican comfort food, a chimichanga. He had a variety of fillings to choose from, including ground or shredded beef, chili con carne, carne seca, chicken, or carne asada, and I believe he selected the shredded beef. He also, quite remarkably for a Tucson Mexican restaurant, ordered hot tea.
For my part, I chose the ground beef enchiladas, a trio served with rice and beans. This classic dish featured beef encased in corn tortillas, baked with a generous layer of cheese, and accompanied by Spanish rice and refried beans, with a side garnish. To complete the experience, I ordered a margarita with salt, hoping for a refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the enchiladas.
Roy described his chimichanga as exceeding expectations, emphasizing the generous portion sizes, which were noticeably larger and about $3 cheaper than comparable dishes at other Mexican food restaurants in Tucson. He lauded the flavor as some of the best he’d experienced in town, and the portion was so substantial he took over half home for another meal. This speaks volumes about the value and quality Rosa’s offers in its Mexican food offerings.
My enchiladas were equally impressive. The ground beef filling was flavorful, the cheese topping perfectly melted and bubbly, and the Spanish rice and refried beans were excellent accompaniments. The margarita was a well-made, classic rendition, providing a pleasant counterpoint to the savory meal. However, when we were ready for the check, the service issue resurfaced. I once again had to wave down the host to prompt our server to bring the bill. It was clear he was actively avoiding our table, which was frustrating and detracted from the otherwise positive experience with the Mexican food itself.
In conclusion, Rosa’s Mexican Food Restaurant delivers outstanding, flavorful, and generously portioned Mexican cuisine at reasonable prices. The ambiance is inviting and authentically Mexican. However, the consistently inattentive service is a significant drawback. While the food earns a strong recommendation, potential diners should be prepared for potentially slow service. If Rosa’s could address the service issues to match the quality of their food, it would undoubtedly be a top-tier destination for Mexican food in Tucson.
Rosa’s Mexican Food Restaurant
1750 E Fort Lowell Rd #164, Suite 164, Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 325-0362
