Arizona, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, is a haven for hikers and food lovers alike. After a long day exploring trails around Superior, Miami, or Globe, nothing satisfies quite like authentic Mexican food. But with so many options, where do you find the best mexican food restaurant in these areas? Locals and seasoned hikers have taken to online forums to debate this delicious dilemma, and we’ve compiled their insights to guide your post-adventure dining decisions.
The discussion revolves around a simple yet crucial question: Where can you find the most satisfying Mexican cuisine after a day of exploring Arizona’s trails? Several restaurants emerge as top contenders, each with its own loyal following. Let’s dive into the local favorites and what makes them stand out.
Globe’s Mexican Food Scene: Libby’s El Rey and Chalo’s Clash
Globe, a historic mining town nestled in the mountains, boasts a couple of highly recommended Mexican restaurants. One name that consistently surfaces is Libby’s El Rey Mexican Food Restaurant, now known as J&R El Rey Café Reynoso’s. A long-time local source vouched for it as “THE PLACE” for Mexican food in Globe. Located on the north side of Hwy 60, east of the Hwy 188 intersection, it’s easily identifiable by its proximity to a Circle-K and car wash. The restaurant’s name change and updated contact information were even noted by forum users, highlighting its local importance.
“Special Note: I now have it from high authority from an eight year local from Globe that THE PLACE to eat the best MEXICAN FOOD in GLOBE is: Libby’s El Rey Mexican Food Restaurant” – Grasshopper, hikearizona.com forum user
However, Libby’s El Rey isn’t the only star in Globe. Chalo’s La Casa Reynoso also receives enthusiastic endorsements. One forum user, Preston Sands, boldly declared, “Best fajitas on earth, highly recommended!” While acknowledging the service might be straightforward, the quality of the food at Chalo’s seems to outweigh any shortcomings in service for many. The restaurant’s popularity is so strong that even temporary closures for family vacations are met with dismay by its fans.
“Best fajitas on earth, highly recommended! The service is nothing to write home about but they could be the soup nazis and I’d still come back.” – Preston Sands, hikearizona.com forum user on Chalo’s
Adding another perspective, Hoffmaster suggested El Ranchito at 686 N. Broad St as a personal favorite, particularly praising it as a perfect post-mountain biking stop after tackling Six Shooter Canyon. This recommendation highlights the restaurant’s convenient location for outdoor enthusiasts and suggests a different taste profile, noting that El Rey “uses way too much cheese” for some palates.
“El Rey uses way too much cheese… El Ranchito, at 686 N. Broad St is my favorite.” – Hoffmaster, hikearizona.com forum user
Miami’s Gem: Guayo’s El Rey
Moving on to Miami, Arizona, Guayo’s El Rey stands out as the clear frontrunner. Al_HikesAZ confidently proclaims it “the best Mexican food in Arizona,” recalling its consistent quality since the 1950s. The “Combo” plate—tamale, enchilada, and taco—is highly recommended, with a specific note to skip the beans and rice, focusing on the core flavors. The frozen margaritas also earn praise, though with a humorous warning about brain freeze!
“In Miami – Guayo’s El Rey on Sullivan Street next to the Catholic Church and across from Hostetler Pool is the best Mexican food in Arizona… The Combo – tamale, enchilada and taco. No beans or rice – those are just cheap fillers. Great frozen margarita…” – Al_HikesAZ, hikearizona.com forum user
Superior’s Affordable Delight: Los Hermanos
For those venturing near Superior, Los Hermanos emerges as a top pick for delicious and budget-friendly Mexican food. Hoffmaster succinctly recommends it, emphasizing the fresh tortillas as a must-try. This makes Los Hermanos an excellent option for hikers looking for a satisfying and affordable meal after exploring the trails around Superior.
“If you’re in Superior, eat at Los Hermanos. Cheap and delicious! Get some freshly made tortillas while you’re there.” – Hoffmaster, hikearizona.com forum user
The Authentic Mexican Food Debate: Shredded Beef, Ground Beef, and More
The forum discussion also touches upon the nuances of “authentic” Mexican food. The debate includes preferences for shredded beef versus ground beef in tacos and enchiladas, the inclusion (or exclusion) of sour cream and black olives, and even tequila selection as indicators of authenticity.
Grasshopper, with roots near the Texas-Mexico border, expresses a preference for Mexican-spiced ground beef and an aversion to sour cream, associating “Reynoso” in a restaurant name with quality due to personal history.
“One authenic quality in a Mex cafe that I always look for is: Mex spiced ground beef (NO shreded beef) in the tacos & enchiladas! Another is NO sour cream on anything!” – Grasshopper, hikearizona.com forum user
However, Jeffshadows counters that shredded beef is indeed authentic to the Sonora region, highlighting the regional variations within Mexican cuisine. This point underscores that “authentic” can be subjective and regionally specific.
“Technically the shredded beef isauthentic for this region, especially frontal Sonora.” – Jeffshadows, hikearizona.com forum user
Te_wa further adds to the authenticity discussion, defining it by the absence of sour cream and black olives, and judging a restaurant’s merit by its Chile Relleno. The tequila selection is also mentioned as a marker of a genuinely Mexican establishment.
“I think authentic in my terms is, NO sour cream, NO black olive… when I get to a Mex. Food joint, the waiter tells me they only have 2 types of tequila… Im in the right place” – te_wa, hikearizona.com forum user
Conclusion: Your Best Mexican Food Restaurant Awaits
Ultimately, as Joe Bartels wisely points out, finding your best mexican food restaurant is a matter of personal experience and taste. Exploring the variety that Superior, Miami, and Globe have to offer is key. Whether you crave the acclaimed fajitas at Chalo’s in Globe, the classic combo at Guayo’s El Rey in Miami, the affordable tortillas at Los Hermanos in Superior, or the debated authenticity of Libby’s/J&R El Rey Café Reynoso’s in Globe, a delicious Mexican meal awaits you after your Arizona adventures.
So, next time you’re hiking in these Arizona locales, consider these local recommendations and embark on your own quest to find your Best Mexican Food Restaurant! And don’t hesitate to share your own favorites in the comments below!
