During the first week of July 2022, Neighbor Roy and I left our homes in the Tucson Mountains to enjoy lunch at a place recommended by friend Sally, who lives in Sonoita. The place is called Ruby’s, located at roughly Kino Parkway and Ajo Way. When Roy and I arrived at 12:30 PM, the place was packed and a line formed out the front door. So we went in search of another option. Silver Saddle Steak House was close by, but when we got there, it was closed. Later, I looked it up on the Internet to see what gave, and their website said they would be closed from July 4th to the 13th. Bummer! Silver Saddle is one of our favorites.

So we headed for 4th Avenue and a little Italian lunch at Caruso’s. Nope! They were closed too. Walking back to car discouraged, we happened by a small Mexican outfit on the corner … La Yaquesita. I thought to ask our hostess what the words La Yaquesita mean in English, but I was so busy eating that I forgot. So when I got home I did a search. Our online dictionary translates La Yaquesita to English to mean The Yaquesita. So there you have it.

Upon entering La Yaquesita it was clear the place is tiny, with only a couple of tables, most of which were occupied by one group of six or seven others. Roy and I took the only available table which was essentially a picnic table with uncomfortable bench seating. Our server arrived at our table in short order and took our drink orders. Roy, of course, ordered what he always orders … hot tea. Before I had a chance to read their menu and realized that La Yaquesita has a full bar and I could have ordered a margarita, I ordered an Iced Tea.

With our drinks ordered, we then ordered lunch. By now we were starving. Roy ordered their Papa Loka with Asada, a fancy stuffed potato. I ordered their Asada Burro, a tortilla stuffed with shredded beef. It came with two kinds of sauces, a green and a red.

Roy can give you his impressions of La Yaquesita.

“Today we lunched at our 3rd choice restaurant–and discovered a new restaurant on 4th avenue and 6th street called La Yaquesita.

It has been open only for three weeks–though a waiter indicated they had had a food truck before opening. It was clear it is a family-owned and run business, with the father cooking, one son the bartender, a younger son assisting in the kitchen,the mom running the show. For a three-week opening, I was impressed. The menu was quite extensive. Many of the dishes were so new to me that I inquired of what part of Mexico was represented. The lady indicated it was from the western part of Sonora. With this settled, I ordered a Papa Loka. Our waiter brought our appetizer (some of the best salsa and chips I have had). They also scored points with me–they had hot tea and in several blends–deserves a saguaro on that one. Our plates were delivered. My dish turned out to be a large baked potato, with my choice of fillings–I chose the Carne Asada with cheese, some salsa and a side dish of salsa and some chopped Mexican style, to cover the other contents. As usual, I could not finish the lunch, took enough home for a second lunch. I like new restaurants, especially family-owned and run. Again for a restaurant only open for three weeks–this place will thrive in an area of restaurants. I hope others will support it. The food is great, the staff attentive, and the price reasonable. I hope you readers will give it a shot. I give it 3 1/2 saguaros.”

I agree with Roy on the rating. Definitely a three and a half Saguaros, maybe a four Saguaro. My Burro Asada was excellent, as were the chips and salsa. I only wish I had ordered a margarita. Oh well, next time. As a big bonus, the price was really reasonable. Our total was $35. Mostly lunch costs us $50 or more.

Editor’s Note: After some searching, Yaquesita refers to a little Yaqui girl.

La Yaquesita
500 N. 4th Avenue
Tucson, AZ
Open 9am to 7 pm