For a long time, we had intended to try Mariscos Chihuahua, but somehow never got around to it. Recently, Ms. Karen’s little brother, Clifford, now 65, called to say that he would be flying into Tucson and could visit with us. Cliff is a pilot for Delta Airlines and occasionally has an overnight layover in Tucson. We took this opportunity to treat the three of us to what is billed as authentic Mexican seafood.
“Mariscos” is Spanish for “seafood”. Chihuahua is the Mexican state immediately east of Sonora, Mexico and south of New Mexico. While Sonora has a sea coast, both Sea of Cortez (aka the Gulf of California) and the Pacific Ocean, Chihuahua is landlocked. Thus, we sensed a misnomer until we read the story behind this restaurant’s name. Sadly this story has been removed from their website.
Mariscos Chihuahua apparently has at least seven locations in Tucson. Only two locations are mentioned on their website. We chose the original one on Grande just south of Speedway.
Upon arrival, the first thing we noticed was that this is a place for informal dining with a definite aura of the oceans. Artists have painted and sculpted seascapes throughout. About the only thing missing was the pungent scent of salt sea air.
As soon as we were seated, fresh chips with salsa arrived at our table. As an unusual bonus fresh limes were also delivered with the chips. YUM! Generally, this is a sign that good things will follow. I really hate going to a Mexican restaurant and having to order chips and salsa. Even worse if the chips are not fresh out of the oven.
Right off, we ordered classic margaritas ($4.75) and an appetizer: When available, Ms. Karen likes to order Calamari, just to see what kind of place it is. In this case the Calamar Empanizado (breaded squid) $10.95 came with a white sauce for dipping. Nothing fancy, very good, tender, ample, are words she used to describe the dish.
Regarding their margaritas, we could not help but notice that they are almost half the price of a classic margarita at Blanco Tacos + Tequila, one of our other favorite Mexican places in Tucson. And they were tasty!
Ms. Karen ordered Camarones Culichi (prawns or large shrimp) sautéed in their house spices and served in a creamy green sauce, accompanied by a salad and rice. $13.95.
According to her, “When I saw that this was the specialty of the house, the dish that made them famous, I had to try it. It was served in an elongated bowl in which the shrimp were swimming in a sea of green. The sauce was definitely spicy. I ordered mine with rice to soak up the tasty sauce. Instead of rice, you can order this dish with French fries, apparently another house favorite.” Fries are a menu choice with most dishes. This is not a place to watch your diet. And to wit, the salad portion was underwhelming, not at all like the excellent salads at Blanco Tacos + Tequila in La Encantada.” The side salad, like most Mexican restaurants did not come with dressing. Our server explained that salad does not need dressing. The “Prawns” were more like baby shrimp, definitely not prawns. No matter, this dish is all about the sauce.
Brother Clifford ordered the Camarones Albañil, shrimp sautéed in house spices, with onions and jalapenos served in a white cream sauce. $13.95. This white sauce was not spicy, leading one to ask where the jalapenos were. However, we each sampled both and all agreed, both dishes were very good.
I ordered three tacos ($9.95), one with smoked marlin and two with shrimp. The marlin was sautéed with onions green peppers, served in a quesadilla taco with a side of Pico de Gallo. Very good.
The service was friendly and efficient. The classic margaritas were not only to our liking but a real bargain. The food is fresh and unique in the mixture of spices and sauces.They do offer patio dining and occasionally have entertainment.
Do we recommend Mariscos Chihuahua to our friends and family? We do.
Original in Barrio Hollywood
1009 N Grande Ave Tucson AZ 85745
(520) 623-3563
Open daily from 10 am-9 pm
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter
2902 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85713
(520) 326-1529
9am – 9pm
Not on the official website and not reviewed here, but on Yelp are:
356 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ 85705
520-884-3457
9am – 9pm
4185 W. Ina Rd., Tucson, AZ 85741
520-572-2523
999 N. Swan, Tucson 85711
520-888-2372
Open from 9am-8pm
(Word is that this one only accepts cash. Hope there is an ATM nearby!)
3091 6th Ave, Tucson, 85714
520-741-0361
435 W. Irvington Rd.
520-294-3194
Searching the web we also found Mariscos Chihuahua in Phoenix, Nogales and Sierra Vista. Sounds like quite the local franchise! They must be doing something right. Let us know what you think of these and if you find others, let us know!
