Best Mexican Restaurants in Tempe, AZ: Top Local Favorites and Must-Try Dishes
Just as BBQ pairs perfectly with Kansas City and jambalaya with New Orleans, Tempe, Arizona, is renowned for its exceptional Mexican cuisine. From quick-service taco shops to upscale newcomers and longstanding family favorites, Tempe boasts a vibrant Mexican food scene.
The Tempe Tourism Office team, with years of local dining experience, has curated this list of the most beloved Mexican restaurants in Tempe. We've included our go-to dishes based on repeated visits. If your favorite spot or dish isn't listed, share it with us—we're always eager to expand our recommendations.
Casa Reynoso
3138 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 966-0776
This family-owned gem, originating from Globe, Arizona, now thrives in metro Phoenix. The Reynoso family shares authentic recipes through crave-worthy carne asada, chimichangas, tacos, and burritos. Try combination #8: an enchilada, burro, and chile relleno. ¡Qué rico!
Barrio Queen
Tempe Marketplace | 31 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 912-4052
Enjoy incredible food, craft cocktails, and live mariachi music. Rooted in Mexico's barrio traditions, the menu uses fresh local ingredients. Don't miss the award-winning table-side guacamole and extensive tequila/mescal selection.
Maskadores Taco Shop
1721 E. Warner Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 284-7000
A top spot for street tacos with diverse meats and toppings. The spicy wet burrito shines, alongside a salsa bar of homemade varieties. Save room for churros. Fun mask-themed decor adds vibe. Second location: 818 W. Broadway Rd.
Macayo's Mexican Food
650 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 967-2552
Near ASU and SR-202, this newest outpost upholds a 1946 Phoenix legacy of family recipes. Savor mini chimis, original chimichangas, or burritos in a welcoming atmosphere.
Ghost Ranch
1006 E. Warner Rd. #102-103, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 474-4328
Modern Southwest fare for happy hour, dinner (Mon.-Fri.), and weekend brunch/lunch/dinner. Pair dishes like cowboy steak, green chile burgers, Aztec Cake, or Chimayo chile pork enchiladas with regional beers, wines, and cocktails. Friendly staff and photogenic interiors.
La Fonda Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
1831 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 966-8001
A Tempe staple since 1967 (recently relocated), famous for cheesy fundido sauce. Our pick: juicy carnitas with fresh flour tortillas and excellent salsa.
Los Reyes de la Torta
1528 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 491-1314
Authentic Mexico City-style tortas, tacos, burritos, and chilaquiles. Try the Mexicana Torta with grilled steak, onions, jalapeños, pico de gallo, avocado, and beans (regular or mini sizes available).
Rosita's Fine Mexican Food
960 W. University Dr. #7, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 966-0852
Founded in 1963 by Rosa Keeme, now run by three generations. Extensive menu includes mole, enchiladas, fajitas, and tamales. Signature: Rosita's Special tortilla with melted cheese and protein choices.
Garcia's Mexican Restaurant
1706 E. Warner Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 838-1005
5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir. #567, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 838-9610
Affordable favorites like fajita quesadillas, chile rellenos, grilled margarita chicken burro, and Tilapia Pacifica. Extensive margaritas, from Blackberry Citrus to Coco Motion.
Loco Patron
222 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 699-0922
Downtown Mill Ave spot with outdoor patio, street cart tacos, and 11 fresh-squeezed margarita flavors. Sports TVs, full bar; open late (until 2 a.m. Tue/Fri/Sat).
Susie's Mexican Café
2405 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 966-7091
20 years strong between Dobson and SR-101. Excellent casual eats, including breakfast like Huevos con Chorizo: scrambled eggs with spicy chorizo, beans, tortilla, and rice/potatoes.
Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup
505 W. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (602) 279-5080
Build-your-own enchiladas (meats/veggies, red/green/Christmas sauce, toppings). Plus tacos, tortilla soup, and pumpkin cookies. Named after a roommate's fridge exclamation—food too good for leftovers!
Raspados Paradise
5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 456-3761
In Arizona Mills, Michoacán-inspired shaved ice (raspados) with natural fruits, plus sopes, gorditas, caldos. Try Tamarindo Obispo or classics like mango, coconut, strawberry.
Explore more Tempe dining in our Food and Drink section or call the Tempe Tourism Office at 800-283-6734.
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