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The Tastiest Mexican Food in Scottsdale, AZ

By January 12, 2023No Comments

If you’re visiting Scottsdale for a vacation, you’re in for a treat. Scottsdale is home to some of the best Mexican food in Arizona. You can find everything from street tacos to full-on traditional Mexican meals in this Sonoran Desert town.

Scottsdale has plenty of great restaurants. However, the unique variety of regional influences makes Scottsdale’s Mexican food particularly special.

The city has a large Mexican American population, and these families have decades of tradition and recipes that have been passed down from one generation to the next. This means you’ll find all sorts of regional dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

There’s nothing quite like the combination of spicy and sweet flavors that Scottsdale Mexican food offers. Each bite is a flavor journey, from freshly made guacamole to zesty sauces and zingy pickled onions. The habaneros and jalapenos used in Mexican cooking give the dishes an extra kick of heat balanced by the sweetness of tomatoes, cilantro, and other ingredients.

Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or something more upscale, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes. Here is a list of the tastiest Mexican food in Scottsdale, Arizona.

El Hefe Super Macho Taqueria

Photo Credit: CreatoraLab

El Hefe is one of Scottsdale’s more modern and hip Mexican restaurants. The restaurant has a unique atmosphere where customers can enjoy a lively night out with friends. El Hefe features a colorful, vibrant decor, with a full bar and plenty of seating.

Their signature dishes include crispy tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, and Mexican street corn. They’re also known for their creative cocktails, which combine traditional Mexican flavors with creative ingredients, creating an unforgettable experience.

Other dishes include quesadillas, enchiladas, and flautas. El Hefe is sure to deliver a great night out with delicious food, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere.

Barrio Queen

Photo Credit: Marcos Castillo

Barrio Queen is a more upscale Mexican restaurant in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale.

This restaurant is known for its signature dishes and commitment to showcasing regional Mexican cuisine. Their signature dishes include Mexican street tacos, handcrafted tamales, fresh-made guacamole, and legendary nachos.

With its lively atmosphere and vibrant décor, Barrio Queen is the perfect place to enjoy a night out with friends or family. The restaurant also has an extensive tequila and mezcal selection, as well as their signature margarita and old-fashioned mezcal cocktails.

Barrio Queen also offers an outdoor patio, perfect for warmer weather. So take a trip to Barrio Queen, and try out some of their signature southwestern dishes.

La Hacienda

Photo Credit: Guajillo studio

La Hacienda is a traditional Old World style Mexican restaurant in the Fairmount Hotel in Scottsdale.

The luxury hotel has spacious rooms and suites, pools, a spa and salon, a championship golf course, and various entertainment and recreational activities. The restaurant on the premises has a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere, with various handmade Mexican-style decor pieces and art hanging on the walls.

La Hacienda specializes in traditional Mexican cuisine and serves signature dishes like carnitas, tacos al pastor, carne asada, and chile rellenos. Their signature appetizers include chips and salsa, guacamole, and queso fundido.

Entrees are served with Mexican-style sides such as pinto beans, Spanish rice, and flour tortillas. La Hacienda also offers a wide selection of specialty margaritas, tequilas, and craft beers to pair with their food.

Los Sombreros Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Photo Credit: Olya Detry

Los Sombreros Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is a family-owned restaurant located in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona. The restaurant offers the perfect blend of traditional Mexican cuisine and modern American dishes. With its colorful, festive atmosphere, and stylish decor, the restaurant has become a popular spot for locals and travelers alike.

Los Sombreros is known for its wide selection of signature appetizers, such as the Queso Fundido, shredded beef Chimichangas, and Nachos Supreme.

The restaurant offers traditional dishes such as Enchiladas Verdes, Barbacoa Estilo Michoacan, and Fajitas for entrees. The dishes are served with fresh homemade chips and homemade salsa.

The restaurant’s extensive selection of tequilas, mezcals, and craft beers make it the perfect spot for a night out with friends. The restaurant also has a full bar with signature margaritas and cocktails.

Los Sombreros is a unique restaurant that combines traditional Mexican cuisine, modern American dishes, and a bright, fun atmosphere. They also do take-out!

Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Photo Credit: Cameron Whitman

Manuel’s handcrafts all their dishes from scratch and offers a wide variety of Mexican appetizers and entrees. The restaurant has a lively and colorful atmosphere, with vibrant murals on many walls.

Some of their signature dishes include the carnitas platter, which includes three Mexican-style shredded pork cooked tender and served with rice, beans, and signature sauce. For entrees, the signature dishes include the Street Taco Dinner Plate, your choice of three tacos that come with a choice of salsa verde or salsa roja.

There is an outdoor patio to sit on and enjoy fresh air, and Manuel’s puts on live music on Wednesday through Saturday nights.

Ajo Als

Photo Credit: Elena Veselova

Ajo Als is a unique Mexican restaurant in Scottsdale. They offer high-quality, handmade Mexican cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.

The restaurant uses fresh and locally sourced ingredients to add flavor and authenticity to its authentic Mexican dishes. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, with tasteful decor and attentive waitstaff.

Signature appetizers include beef taquitos and quesadillas. Signature entrees include chicken fajitas, steak burritos, and shrimp quesadillas. The restaurant also offers various desserts and a full-service bar.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina

Photo Credit: bonchan

Blanco Cocina + Cantina is a stylish Mexican-inspired restaurant with a lively atmosphere that offers a unique experience, blending traditional Mexican flavors with innovative techniques and modern decor. The menu features delicious dishes, like shrimp ceviche, pork carnitas tacos, grilled chicken mole, and creative cocktails and margaritas.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of Mexican-inspired craft beers and loads of different tequilas. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating and a happy hour Monday through Friday.

SOL Mexican Cocina

Photo Credit: Louno Morose

SOL Mexican Cocina is a staple Mexican restaurant in the area, offering a delicious and authentic selection of dishes inspired by the Baja region of Mexico. The atmosphere is casual yet upscale, making it perfect for a night out with friends, family, or even a romantic date.

Their menu features a wide selection of Mexican classics like tostadas, Carne Asada Tacos, Chimichangas, and Enchiladas. There is also a great Taco Tuesday deal every week. The refreshing cocktails and house margaritas pair perfectly with the food.

At SOL Mexican Cocina, you can have a great time with friends and family, enjoying an amazing meal and delicious drinks. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the flavors of Mexico come alive in every bite.

Los Olivos Mexican Patio

Photo Credit: etorres

Los Olivos Mexican Patio is a cozy and authentic restaurant in Scottsdale that serves delicious Mexican cuisine in an eclectic Mexican indoor patio setting. The atmosphere is fun, inviting, and casual, perfect for a fun night with friends or a family dinner.

The menu features many dishes, such as tacos de carne asada, enchiladas Verdes, mole poblano, tortilla soup, and grilled shrimp. Enjoy their famous margaritas and sangrias, or indulge in the tequila bar with a selection of Latin American cocktails and Mexican beer.

Diego Pops

Photo Credit: Ezume Images

Diego Pops has a great atmosphere, perfect for a friend’s night out or a special occasion. This spot offers a wide selection of Mexican dishes, most inspired by Mexican street food.

Customers love their signature tacos, burritos, empanadas, enchiladas, and more. The restaurant also serves delicious cocktails, tequilas, and Mexican beers.

Overall, Diego Pops is a great place for socializing and trying out delicious Mexican food. With its vibrant atmosphere and delicious dishes, this restaurant will surely provide an enjoyable dining experience.

Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila

Photo Credit: Faso Photography

Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila is a Mexican-style restaurant that boasts delicious, fresh tacos and fantastic cocktails. Customers give it rave reviews and say the staff is exceptionally welcoming, the atmosphere is festive and enjoyable, and the food is delicious.

Their tacos are made with flavorful ingredients, including slow-smoked brisket, grilled shrimp, and grilled mahi-mahi. They also offer unique drinks such as the jalapeno margarita, made with freshly-squeezed lime juice and a touch of jalapeno for a spicy kick.

Their signature drink, the “Agave de Mezcal,” is an exquisite blend of mezcal and agave, garnished with dried chili. With a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila is the perfect spot for an afternoon or evening of great drinks and fantastic food.

Scottsdale’s Mexican Food Scene Won’t Disappoint

No matter what type of Mexican food you’re craving, you’ll easily be able to find award-winning dishes and innovative cocktails in Scottsdale.

The key to finding the best dishes is to try as many places as possible and order items that look and sound incredibly tempting. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try some new flavors! With some of the best Mexican restaurants in town, you can be sure you’ll be eating some of the tastiest Mexican food around, from brunch to dinner time.

For a place to stay nearby the Mexican food scene in Scottsdale, check out Bella Palazzo’s vacation homes.

Featured Image Credit: Plateresca

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