While Los Angeles often claims the crown as the Mexican restaurant capital of the United States, Phoenix, Arizona, offers a compelling and delicious counter-narrative. It’s true that Mexican food establishments are a cornerstone of the American culinary landscape, with a recent study indicating that one in ten US restaurants serve Mexican cuisine. This prevalence is hardly surprising given the 37.2 million people of Mexican descent living across the country. Data from the Pew Research Center, analyzing Yelp and SafeGraph data, even highlights counties in California and Texas as having the highest concentration of these eateries.
Interestingly, while Arizona, a southern border state sharing cultural ties with California and Texas and home to over 2 million people of Mexican heritage (according to 2022 Census data), boasts a vibrant Mexican community, only 18% of its businesses are Mexican restaurants. Yet, despite this lower percentage compared to its neighboring states, Maricopa County still ranks fourth nationwide in the sheer number of Mexican restaurants, proving that Phoenix is a serious contender for top Mexican food destinations.
Phoenix: A Mexican Food Hotspot
When comparing the numbers, Los Angeles County leads with an impressive 5,484 Mexican restaurants, where 30% of all restaurants specialize in this cuisine. Maricopa County, the most populous in Arizona with 4.4 million residents, hosts over 1,700 Mexican food establishments. Following Los Angeles and Harris County (Texas) with 2,362, Maricopa County surpasses San Diego County (California) with 1,712 and Cook County (Illinois) with 1,584, cementing its place as a major hub for Mexican dining experiences. Further south in Arizona, Pima County, with 1.4 million residents, offers 421 Mexican restaurants, and even Yuma, in the southwest corner, has a respectable 105.
This robust presence is deeply rooted in Arizona’s demographics. The 2022 Economic Census indicates that approximately 32.5% of Arizona’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, and a significant 85.3% of this Latino population is of Mexican origin. This deep cultural connection has cultivated a rich and diverse Mexican culinary scene in Phoenix, making it a treasure trove for authentic and innovative Mexican food.
Must-Try Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix
Phoenix isn’t just about quantity; it’s about quality. The city is brimming with Mexican restaurants that have earned accolades and recognition, showcasing the diverse flavors of Mexico. Metro Phoenix, in particular, offers a spectacular array of options, bringing culinary delicacies from various Mexican regions to the Valley of the Sun.
One standout example is Bacanora, located on Grand Avenue. This Sonoran-style gem rapidly garnered both local and national praise. Bacanora distinguishes itself by focusing purely on Sonoran cuisine, celebrating Arizona’s neighboring state’s culinary heritage with unprecedented authenticity. Eschewing mixed plates and typical street tacos, Bacanora offers a focused and unique dining experience. Its excellence was recognized in November 2021 when Esquire magazine named it one of the 40 Best New Restaurants in the United States. The James Beard Foundation further acknowledged its significance, naming Bacanora a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in the country in February 2022.
Barrio Café, helmed by Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza near downtown Phoenix, is another essential destination. This restaurant is celebrated for its inspiring dishes that artfully blend classic Mexican ingredients with innovative twists. The result is an iconic menu featuring delectable enchiladas, rich creamy soups, and fresh tableside guacamole, attracting both local patrons and international visitors. Beyond the exceptional food, Barrio Café offers a visually stunning atmosphere, adorned with murals by talented Mexican artists from the Valley. Chef Esparza’s culinary prowess has also been recognized, as she was a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef in 2023.
Cocina Madrigal, located in South Phoenix, consistently tops Yelp’s lists and is another must-visit. This restaurant creatively merges Mexican cuisine from Mexico City with American influences, resulting in unique fusions like jalapeño bacon in al pastor tacos and made-to-order guacamole. Their commitment to fresh, handmade tortillas and popular dishes like chicken enchiladas, beef birria enchiladas, and mesquite roast Romaine salad solidify its reputation as a local favorite.
For those eager to explore further, Phoenix’s diverse Mexican food scene extends to a wealth of other fantastic options. Consider exploring:
- 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 stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine in the United States. While the debate about the “best” city for Mexican food may continue, Phoenix undeniably offers an exceptional and diverse culinary landscape that deserves national recognition. For anyone seeking the best Mexican food, Phoenix should be at the top of your list.
