Few People Know This Arizona City Is The Mexican Food Capital Of The World
By Katie Lawrence|Published March 13, 2023
×
Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
If you’re looking for the best Mexican food in Arizona, you need not look any further than our second-largest city. Tucson is often called the “Mexican Food Capital of the World” because it’s absolutely brimming with incredible restaurants serving authentic cuisine from all over Mexico (with particular emphasis on the state of Sonora).
Best known for being home to the world-famous Saguaro National Park, Tucson is a city deeply devoted to its desert roots. This vibrant culture and rich heritage spills into every aspect of city life - including the food. In fact, Tucson was the first city in America to receive a "City of Gastronomy" dedication from UNESCO.
Landmark restaurants such as El Charro Café - the oldest Mexican restaurant in the U.S. - proudly hold up that claim to fame. The original owner of this century-old eatery is said to have invented the chimichanga!
El Charro Café Downtown, 311 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, USA
7725 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85704, USA
6910 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85750, USA
El Charro Cafe, 7250 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85756, USA
Having served the likes of President Bill Clinton, Enrique Iglesias, William Shatner, and other famous folks, Mi Nidito serves up traditional Sonoran cooking that warms the heart and soul.
Mi Nidito Restaurant, 1813 S 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713, USA
Tania's 33 has been a staple in Tucson's Barrio Hollywood for over three decades, and people come from all over the city for their incredible, Sonoran-style eats.
It’s also worth noting that four of the above restaurants – El Charro Café, Mi Nidito, El Güero Canelo, and Tucson Tamale Company – are Tucson City of Gastronomy certified businesses.
Have you ever eaten at any of these restaurants? Do you think Tucson has the best Mexican food in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about one of the best zoos in America right here in Tucson.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.