Best of 13 Mexican restaurants in Downtown Phoenix
Mexican restaurants in Downtown Phoenix are a treat for food lovers. With a variety of options, these restaurants showcase the vibrant flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. From authentic street tacos to gourmet Mexican fusion dishes, there's something for everyone. Come and savor the unique tastes and lively atmosphere that Mexican restaurants in Downtown Phoenix have to offer.
- 1. Taco Boy's
- 2. The Original La Canasta Mexican Food in Downtown Phoenix
- 3. Chico Malo
- 4. Taco Chelo in Downtown Phoenix
- 5. Taqueria La Hacienda
- 6. Taco Bell
- 7. Rubio's Coastal Grill
- 8. Miel De Agave in Downtown Phoenix
- 9. El Portal
- 10. El Zaguan Bistro
- 11. Cocina 10
- 12. Topaz Bar and Lounge
- 13. Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup
1. Taco Boy's
Local favorite with a fun, eclectic vibe

Taco Boy's is known for its exceptional food and customer service. The menu features delicious Sonora-style tacos, asada quesadillas, and taco barbacoa, among other options. While service is generally quick and adequate, the restaurant can get busy, making it challenging to find seating.
The atmosphere at Taco Boy's is warm and inviting, contributing to its popularity. However, its popularity can also make it difficult to find a place to sit during peak hours. Despite the occasional seating issues, Taco Boy's menu and overall experience make it a standout choice for diners seeking delicious Mexican cuisine.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
2. The Original La Canasta Mexican Food in Downtown Phoenix
Colorful decor, Handmade tortillas, Traditional family recipes

The food offered at this establishment received mixed reviews from customers, with some praising its quality and others criticizing it for being too salty and lacking in flavor. There were also complaints about the customer service provided. For breakfast, there are several options to choose from. A breakfast burrito with eggs and potatoes is available, as well as Nana's Special, which includes red chile, over easy eggs, potatoes, beans, and a flour tortilla. The Workman's Breakfast is another option for those who prefer a hearty meal in the morning.
Customers have expressed differing opinions on the food's quality, with some enjoying it and others finding it too salty or bland. The customer service has also received negative feedback from some patrons. The breakfast menu features a range of options such as a breakfast burrito with eggs and potatoes, Nana's Special, which comes with red chile, over easy eggs, potatoes, beans, and a flour tortilla, and the Workman's Breakfast for those seeking a filling morning meal.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
3. Chico Malo
Offers a rooftop patio with fire pits and views of the city

Some customers have described the service at this establishment as slow and lacking attention. However, other reviewers have had a different experience and have praised the service for being fast, friendly, great, and attentive.
The food at this establishment has received mixed reviews as well. Some reviewers have raved about the food's complex flavors and use of quality ingredients, describing it as good to amazing. On the other hand, some customers have found the food to be overpriced, mild in flavor, or not their preferred style of Hispanic food.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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4. Taco Chelo in Downtown Phoenix
Features a unique collaboration between a local chef, a talented artist, and a respected restaurateur, emphasizing fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and cultural authenticity

Taco Chelo is a restaurant that honors chef Suny's heritage by blending culinary and visual arts, resulting in a concise menu of tacos, vegetables, and beverages. The restaurant is named after chef Suny's mother, Consuelo, also known as "Chelo," who significantly influenced chef Suny's cooking style.
Taco Chelo is known for its exceptional Mexican cuisine, especially its tacos. The fish taco and Costra are crowd favorites, being crispy and full of flavor. The horchata is a popular drink, and it is as satisfying as sipping on churros in liquid form. The carne asada tacos are made with quality meat, and the barbacoa is another well-liked choice. The restaurant has an enjoyable and authentic decor, and the staff is welcoming, polite, and friendly. The service is prompt, and the pricing is affordable, with meal options available for less than $20 per person. The margaritas, including the prickly pear option, are a great accompaniment to the meal. Overall, Taco Chelo is an excellent choice for anyone seeking delicious Mexican food, with great vibes, clean restrooms, and convenient parking options.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
5. Taqueria La Hacienda
Family-owned taqueria with homemade tortillas

Burritos are a popular food option that are known for their great quality and affordability. One standout burrito is the California carne asada burrito, which is highly recommended. Another popular spot for burritos and more is Taqueria La Hacienda. This establishment offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere, along with a wide selection of margaritas and cervezas.
Taqueria La Hacienda's menu features many delicious options, including authentic street tacos and burritos. Two taco options that are particularly popular are the all pastor and tripa. Whether you're in the mood for a flavorful burrito or delicious tacos, Taqueria La Hacienda is a great choice. With its warm hospitality and authentic Mexican dishes, it's no wonder that this restaurant is a local favorite.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
6. Taco Bell
Drive-thru and online ordering services available.

Taco Bell is a popular choice for Mexican food in Phoenix, Arizona. The menu features a variety of options such as burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and nachos. Two standout items are the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito and the Crunchwrap Supreme.
If you're in need of a quick and delicious Mexican-inspired meal, Taco Bell is a great option. The Crunchwrap Supreme is a particular favorite among customers, but there are plenty of other options to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for a burrito, taco, or something in between, Taco Bell has got you covered.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
7. Rubio's Coastal Grill
Emphasis on sustainable and fresh ingredients, casual atmosphere

Burritos are a popular menu item, with some reviewers praising their delicious taste. The California burrito, in particular, receives positive comments. However, there are some complaints about the high price and disappointment with the lobster filled burrito.
The service at this establishment is reported to be inconsistent. Some guests have had positive experiences with friendly and fast service. Unfortunately, other guests have encountered unfriendly staff and unsatisfactory service. It's essential to address these inconsistencies to ensure all customers have a positive experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
8. Miel De Agave in Downtown Phoenix
Uses organic blue agave nectar from Jalisco, Mexico

The guacamole and house-made chips, as well as the green chile chicken enchiladas, at this restaurant are delicious and generously portioned. The steak fajitas were also enjoyable, with tender meat, although they were slightly underseasoned. The cocktails served at this establishment are skillfully made, and their presentation is impressive.
While exploring the Arts District in Phoenix, I stumbled upon this restaurant and had one of my most memorable dining experiences. Their craft cocktails are not only delicious but also presented in an extraordinary manner. The menu is creative, offering a good variety of options, with most entrees priced around $16. The portions are not overly large, but the food is perfectly executed, making for an elegant dessert experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Dinner
- Late Night
9. El Portal
Family-owned and operated since 1969, serving traditional dishes

El Portal is a restaurant located near the Footprint Center in Phoenix, known for its delicious food and unique atmosphere. The menu features standout dishes such as green chile chilaquiles and a squash dish, as well as the Mary Rose Special and Calabacitas. In addition to its tasty offerings, El Portal is also notable for its social and historic impact on the neighborhood, as represented in its stunning mural.
The service at El Portal is top-notch, with friendly staff contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is open for meals, and customers can view the menu, hours, phone number, address, and map online. Reviews, photos, and ratings from recent visitors attest to the quality of the food and atmosphere at El Portal. Whether you're in the mood for a delicious meal or want to experience the restaurant's social and historic impact firsthand, El Portal is definitely worth a visit.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
10. El Zaguan Bistro
Family-owned bistro with a passion for Mexican cuisine

The service at this establishment is consistently described as friendly, quick, and exceptional. The staff is commended for their welcoming attitudes and fast response times, providing customers with an enjoyable dining experience.
The Mexican food served at this restaurant is highly praised for its quality and authentic flavor. Customers rave about the delicious, tasty dishes, which are prepared and served in a timely manner. The restaurant's reputation for serving authentic and delicious Mexican food is well-deserved.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Vegetarian Options
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11. Cocina 10
Creative twists on traditional dishes, unique cocktails, friendly service

The food served at the event was delicious and well-received by all attendees. The margaritas were also a hit, with many people commenting on how much they enjoyed them. One standout dish was the guacamole, which was described as fabulous and incredibly fresh.
In addition to the excellent food and drinks, the atmosphere at the event was lively and upbeat. The staff were friendly and attentive, making sure that everyone had what they needed and that the event ran smoothly. The decor was colorful and festive, adding to the overall enjoyable experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
12. Topaz Bar and Lounge
Elegant lounge ambiance with a vibrant bar scene

Topaz Bar and Lounge is a restaurant located in Phoenix, Arizona, specifically at 801 N 3rd St. They can be reached at (602) 612-4546 and have received a rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 based on 57 customer reviews. The restaurant is known for its good food, with 90% of customers praising their offerings. In addition, they have an impressive delivery service, with 88% of customers commending their on-time delivery and 92% vouching for the correctness of their orders.
The restaurant's menu features a variety of tasty dishes, including chorizo and potato burritos, tacos, and nachos. Moreover, Topaz Bar and Lounge has an outstanding outdoor patio area that is perfect for events, providing attentive service and creating a relaxed ambiance for their customers.
TOPICS
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
- Corporate Events
13. Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup

TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats