Best Mexican Food in Arizona

So you're coming to Arizona (to visit me, hopefully) and you want to find the most delicious, authentic, and interesting Mexican restaurant out there. You've come to the right place! No offense to the Mexican community, but if I have to endure Spanish billboards, street signs, commercials, and the general feeling that the Mexican border runs just north of our city....you better be serving us the good stuff in your Mexican restaurants!!!

So, a close friend of mine from high school came to visit me last week, along with her friend from Australia. Neither had ever been to the beautiful southwestern state of Arizona (which is funny to me, seeing they just returned from Thailand, and are on their way to Peru next). They both wanted as much authentic Mexican food as possible. We started our weekend in Tucson and headed south through the San Xavier Mission, Tubac, Tumacacori, Tombstone and Bisbee. It was the perfect route to get a feel for southern Arizona. In each of our stops, we searched for the best Mexican food. We figured since we were literally 5 minutes from the Mexican border towards the end of our trip, we'd find the best stuff there....Wrong. Tucson and Phoenix have you beat!

So, I've decided to repost a list of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Arizona, written up by Ward Andrews at drawbackwards.com. I agree with all of the Phoenix picks, and I've heard nothing but amazing things about the Tucson locations as well.... So, if you have a sudden craving for Carne Asada or a Chimichanga, take a look at this dish/ambiance/city specific list and go eat. But first, swing by and pick me up. I'm Italian, you can always count on me to eat with you!

Best Mexican (Sonoran-style sit-down): Rosas, Tucson
Best Mexican (Sonoran-style counter): Carolinas, Phoenix
Best Mexican (Breakfast Burritos): St. Mary’s Mexican Food, Tucson
Best Mexican (Carne Seca): El Minuto Cafe, Tucson
Best Mexican (Carnitas): Tia Rosa, Mesa
Best Mexican (Contemporary in Tucson): Poca Cosa, Tucson
Best Mexican (Contemporary in Phoenix): Barrio Cafe, Phoenix
Best Mexican (for Tourists): El Charro, Tucson
Best Mexican (Carne Asada Burrito in Tucson): Taqueria Juanitos, Tucson
Best Mexican (Carne Asada Burrito in Phoenix): Espos, Chandler
Best Mexican (Chimichanga): Mangos, Mesa
Best Mexican (Ice Cream): Flor de Michealen, Mesa
Best Mexican (Chunky Salsa): Rosas,Tucson
Best Mexican (Red Chile Salsa): Espos, Chandler
Best Mexican (With A View): Teresa's Mosaic Cafe,Tucson
Best Mexican (Most Unusual): Chino Bandito, Chandler
Best Mexican (Burrito Counter Chain): Costa Vida, Mesa
Best Mexican (Sit-down Chain): Macayo’s, Phoenix
Best Mexican (Fast-Casual Chain): Someburros,Tempe