While Los Angeles often claims the crown of Mexican restaurant capital of the U.S., Phoenix, Arizona, offers a compelling and equally delicious culinary landscape that deserves recognition. With a rich cultural heritage and proximity to Mexico, Phoenix boasts an impressive array of Mexican restaurants, making it a prime destination for authentic and innovative Mexican cuisine.
Mexican food is undeniably a staple in the United States. Recent studies reveal that approximately one in ten food establishments across the nation specializes in Mexican fare. This prevalence is hardly surprising, given that over 37 million people of Mexican descent call the U.S. home. Data from the Pew Research Center, analyzing Yelp and SafeGraph information, indicates that California and Texas lead in the sheer number of Mexican restaurants, with some counties showing Mexican establishments comprising over a third of all dining options.
Arizona, sharing a southern border with Mexico, much like California and Texas, is home to over 2 million residents of Mexican origin, according to 2022 Census figures. However, unlike its neighboring states, Mexican restaurants constitute a smaller percentage of Arizona’s food businesses, around 18%. Despite this lower percentage, Arizona, and particularly Phoenix, shines in the quality and diversity of its Mexican culinary scene. Maricopa County, in fact, ranks fourth nationally in the total number of Mexican restaurants, demonstrating a significant presence of this beloved cuisine.
Phoenix: A Hub for Mexican Restaurants
The numbers speak for themselves. While Los Angeles County leads the nation with over 5,400 Mexican restaurants, Maricopa County, with its 4.4 million residents, boasts over 1,700 Mexican food establishments. This robust number positions Phoenix as a major player in the Mexican food scene, rivaling even larger metropolitan areas. To put it in perspective, Los Angeles County sees 30% of its restaurants dedicated to Mexican cuisine, while Maricopa County, though a smaller percentage of its total dining scene, still presents a vast and varied selection.
Comparing Maricopa County to other areas highlights Phoenix’s significance: Los Angeles County tops the list with 5,484 restaurants, followed by Harris County (Texas) with 2,362, San Diego County (California) with 1,712, Maricopa County (Arizona) with 1,705, and Cook County (Illinois) with 1,584. Even Pima County in southern Arizona, with a population of 1.4 million, offers a substantial 421 Mexican restaurants, and Yuma in southwestern Arizona has 105, showcasing the widespread love for Mexican food across the state.
Must-Try Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix
Arizona’s deep connection to Mexican culture is undeniable. The 2022 Economic Census by the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that Hispanic or Latino individuals make up nearly a third (32.5%) of Arizona’s population. Of these 2.3 million Latinos, a significant 85.3% are of Mexican origin. This strong Mexican heritage infuses Arizona’s culinary landscape, resulting in some of the most exceptional Mexican restaurants in the United States, many of which have garnered awards and national acclaim. Metro Phoenix, in particular, is a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering a diverse range of dishes that bring the flavors of various Mexican regions to the Valley.
When seeking the Best Mexican Food Phoenix has to offer, several establishments stand out as essential dining destinations:
Bacanora: This Grand Avenue gem quickly captured local and national attention for its authentic Sonoran-style cuisine. Bacanora distinguishes itself by focusing on the purity of Sonoran flavors, moving away from mixed plates and conventional street tacos. It’s a celebration of Arizona’s neighboring state’s culinary traditions, presented in a novel and sophisticated manner. Esquire magazine recognized Bacanora as one of the 40 Best New Restaurants in the United States in November 2021, and the James Beard Foundation nominated it as a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in the country in February 2022. For a truly immersive Sonoran dining experience, Bacanora is a must-visit.
Barrio Café: Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza’s Barrio Café, located near downtown Phoenix, is an institution in the city’s Mexican food scene. This restaurant is renowned for its innovative menu that masterfully blends classic Mexican ingredients with unique and creative twists. The result is an iconic menu featuring delectable enchiladas, rich and creamy soups, and exquisite tableside guacamole, attracting a loyal local following and international visitors alike. Beyond the exceptional food, Barrio Café offers a vibrant atmosphere, adorned with captivating murals painted by Mexican artists from the Valley, adding a cultural dimension to the dining experience. Chef Esparza’s culinary talent has been recognized with a James Beard semifinalist nomination for Best Chef in 2023. Barrio Café provides not just a meal, but an artistic and flavorful journey.
Cocina Madrigal: Located in South Phoenix, Cocina Madrigal has consistently topped Yelp’s lists, earning accolades for its unique approach to Mexican cuisine. This restaurant creatively fuses Mexican culinary traditions rooted in Mexico City with American influences, resulting in exciting flavor combinations. Examples of this fusion include the innovative jalapeño bacon al pastor tacos and freshly made-to-order guacamole. Cocina Madrigal prides itself on freshly made, handmade tortillas and boasts popular dishes such as chicken enchiladas, beef birria enchiladas, and a distinctive mesquite roast Romaine salad. For a taste of Mexican flavors with a contemporary twist, Cocina Madrigal is an excellent choice.
Looking to explore even more Mexican food options in Phoenix? Here are some additional essential restaurants to consider in 2024, each offering its own unique flavors and experiences:
- Tacos Chiwas
- Asadero Norte de Sonora
- Gallo Blanco
- Rito’s Mexican Food
- El Super Taco
- Los Reyes de la Torta
- Los Dos Molinos
- Hot Dogs La Yakisita
- Tortas Manantial
- Ta’Carbón
- Birrieria Obregón
- Cali Tacos
- Mariscos 7 Mares
Phoenix’s Mexican food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, traditions, and innovations. From Sonoran specialties to Mexico City-inspired fusions, the city offers a rich and diverse culinary journey for anyone seeking the best Mexican food. Explore these restaurants and discover your own Phoenix favorites!
