I think we can all agree that road trips involving food are the best kinds of road trips. Let’s go on one today! Here in Arizona, we’re unashamed of our love for tacos – they’re practically a food group in the Grand Canyon State. That said, we can be a bit snobby when it comes to what’s in them and how they’re prepared. If getting our hands on a good taco means driving halfway across the state, we’re jumping in the car without a second thought. This trail is only four hours long and takes you to some of the very best tacos in Arizona. Think your stomach is up for the challenge?

(As always, check out the Google Map for the exact directions and addresses of these places that serve the best tacos in Arizona.)

Plan your journey along the taco trail...
Google Maps
Gas up the car; turn up the tunes, and get ready for an epic road trip to some of the very best tacos in Arizona. The road trip spans just over 200 miles in 4.25 hours. Want to add a few stops? Remove a few stops? You can do that, easily. Just click on the link for the Google Map of the taco trail, and you can customize it to your specific needs and interests.
1. Taco Guild (Phoenix)
Taco Guild, 546 E Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
Google/Bruce Gabbert
Google/Taco Guild Gastropub
Just in case you're like us and have passed this building countless times wholeheartedly believing it was a church, here's a revelation: it's not. At least not anymore! Taco Guild is indeed a restaurant, and it specializes in fully-loaded tacos as well as other fan favorites like elotes, craft beer, and tequila. You'll find this gem at 546 E Osborn Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 85012.

Be sure to check out the website for Taco Guild before you go.
2. La Santisima (Phoenix)
La Santisima, 4117 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Google/Andrew Folts
Google/La Santisima
Voted the top taco joint in Arizona on numerous occasions, La Santisima is arguably the most important stop on this trail. The innovative, gourmet cuisine reflects different parts of Mexico, including Oaxaca, the Yucatan Peninsula, and Mexico City. Oh, and there's also a salsa bar! The address is 1919 N 16th St., Phoenix, AZ, 85006.

Be sure to check out the La Santisima website for a menu, hours, and more.
3. Joyride Taco House East (Gilbert)
Joyride Taco House East, 302 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA
Zomato/Travis
Google/Rochelle Marie
Artsy tacos are the best tacos. With a plethora of colorful veggies, herbs, and sauces to put on top, each one has an opportunity to shine in its own right. That's what Joyride specializes in, and all of their creations are served in soft shells (our favorite). Crispy fish seems to be the crowd favorite, and not ordering an agua fresca would be a cardinal sin. The address is 302 N Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ, 85233.

Browse the complete menu on the official Joyride Taco House East website.

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4. Guayo's El Rey (Miami)
Guayo's El Rey, 716 Sullivan St, Miami, AZ 85539, USA
Google Maps
Zomato/Diner 1 2 3
You won't find anything fancy here at Guayo's. Good old-fashioned greasiness is what they're all about, and we couldn't be any more okay with that. The tacos are loaded up with shredded meat, lettuce, and cheese encased in a crispy shell. So simple yet so timelessly delicious. The restaurant is located at 716 Sullivan St., Miami, AZ, 85539.

Peruse the Guayo's El Rey website before you go!
5. Taqueria Aqui Con El Nene (Tucson)
Taqueria Aqui Con El Nene, 4415 N Flowing Wells Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705, USA
Google/Peter Jackson
Google/Andres Obregon
This long-standing Tucson staple might be most well-known for its famous Sonoran dogs, but the carne asada tacos are positively mouthwatering as well. A sit-down restaurant was recently opened, so choose whichever atmosphere works best for you. You'll find the truck at 4415 N Flowing Wells Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85705.

Browse the official website of Taqueria Aqui Con El Nene before you go!
6. La Botana (Tucson)
La Botana Tacos, 3200 N 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
Google Maps
TripAdvisor/Management
How could anyone pass up such an inviting place? La Botana's brightly-colored decor is everything we love about authentic Mexican restaurants. You can taste the pure heart and soul poured into each and every menu item, but the Gobernador al Ajillo has to take the top spot in our opinion. It's a shrimp taco that's heavy on the garlic, so try not to kiss anyone afterward! The restaurant's address is 3200 N 1st Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85719.

Check out the official website for La Botana before you go.
7. Street Taco and Beer Co. (Tucson)
Street- Taco and Beer Co., 58 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701, USA
Google/J Will
Facebook/Streetoncongress
If you're as indecisive as we are when it comes to food, street tacos are a godsend. They let you try a variety of different flavor combinations without getting stuffed. Along with the main course, sides like Spanish rice, pinto beans topped with white cheese, and (of course) chips and salsa balance out the meal perfectly. Street Taco can be found at 58 W Congress St., Tucson, AZ, 85701.

Check out the official Facebook page for treet Taco and Beer Co. in Tucson before you go!

Have you been to any of these taco joints? Which places do you think serve the best tacos in Arizona? What other eateries belong on the trip?

Still hungry? Click here to check out some of the best Mexican restaurants in Arizona.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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best tacos in arizona

Beth Price-Williams | February 29, 2020

What are the best Mexican restaurants in Arizona that aren't on this trail?

You’ll find some of the best Mexican restaurants in Arizona, including the nation’s oldest that’s definitely worth a visit. Dating back to 1922, El Charro in Tucson serves a delicious selection of Northern Mexico-Sonoran style food. Go hungry, because you have a ton of dishes from which to choose, including chimichangas.

For the absolute best Mexican restaurant in the United States, head over to Barrio Café in Phoenix. It earned props as America’s best Mexican restaurant by Tabelog, a blog and food community.

Where can I find the best margaritas in Arizona?

Craving a delicious margarita? You’ll definitely want to stop by Sandbar Mexican Grill, with several locations in Arizona. The restaurant serves several flavors of margaritas and boasts such tasty dishes as tacos and burritos. You can even order a juicy burger or an Impossible Burger.

Did you know that Arizona has a Margarita Marathon, too? That’s right. The Arizona Margarita Marathon features nine of the best spots in Arizona for a margarita. The delicious journey will take you to Modern Margarita in Phoenix and SOL Mexican Cocina in Scottsdale.

Are there any other food trails in Arizona I should take?

Another food trail in Arizona that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds will give you the chance to try some of the best salsa in the state. The Salsa Trail in Arizona will lead you to 13 of the best restaurants in Safford and the surrounding areas.

If you’re craving something sweet, you’ll definitely want to hit the Ice Cream Trail in Arizona. During your journey, you’ll visit some unforgettable ice cream shops – from Novel Ice Cream in Phoenix to The Baked Bear in Scottsdale.

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