Editor’s Note: 10/26/2021 We are re-evaluating our Best Mexican Restaurants. Café Poca Cosa is closed for business and Theresa’s Mosaic seems to be having staffing issues although it is still busy, which may be part of the problem.
People often ask me, “Jim, which is the best Mexican restaurant in Tucson?” I’ve eaten at so many, but could I give them a fairly objective appraisal?
Over the 2011 holidays, I invited the 13 members of my visiting family to help determine the Best Mexican Restaurant in all of Tucson. After several years of experimenting, I had already discounted several contenders and settled on Three Finalists, listed here in the order we ranked them.
NOTE: This ranking was unanimous.
The 3 Finalists
Click on the links for a full review.
- Cafe’ Poca Cosa; Downtown on Pennington. Upscale Mexican. PERMANENTLY CLOSED
- El Charro Cafe’ – Downtown on Court Street near the Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block. Family owned and run since 1922.
- Theresa’s Mosaic Cafe’ hidden behind the McDonald’s just west of Silverbell & Grant. Classic Mexican on the westside. Hand made tortillas to die for. Currently, Mosaic seems to be having trouble staffing.
Read about them here and visit them all. Decide for yourselves. How would you rank the Best Mexican Restaurants?
La Olla Mexican Cafe: A Dining Review
On a Friday in early December 2021, Neighbor Roy, Friend Gus and I went to La Olla Mexican Cafe on North Silverbell. The address says
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One Friday afternoon, Neighbor Roy and I dined at Guadalajara Original Grill on Prince Road. Parking was easy and we were seated right away. A
Elvira’s Restaurant – Tubac, AZ: A Review
Elvira’s is a restaurant name with which I am familiar. Since 1927, Elvira’s was located just across the border in Nogales, Sonora. And was justly famous for excellent Mexican cuisine and fine dining.
Blanco Tacos + Tequila. La Encantada Mall – Tucson.
Updated December, 2013 – BLANCO Tacos + Tequila says they offer “modern Mexican fare in a casual-chic setting. Updated classics like tacos, enchiladas, and queso
Wisdom’s Cafe’
Located on the frontage road just north of Mission Tumacácori, Wisdom’s cafe has been a family affair since 1944. Wisdom’s is justly famous for its fine Mexican food and margaritas.
