Mexican Food Restaurants in Phoenix, AZ

In Phoenix, Arizona, it's easy to lose yourself in nature and forget you are smack in the middle of the fifth-largest city in the United States. Here, you have the best of both worlds, and whether you work up an appetite on the trails of the Dreamy Draw, the White Tanks,= or North Mountain, nearby dining choices abound. And when you're in the mood for Mexican, Phoenix really is the place to be.

Aunt Chilada's

This historic restaurant began as an 1890s general store for mercury miners whose dreamy-eyed, inebriated-like state after a day in the mines gave the Dreamy Draw area its name. As a restaurant, it received the first liquor license in the state. Today, Aunt Chilada's offers reasonably priced dishes made with meats and vegetables that are slow-roasted over aged mesquite wood. The restaurant is large, with one-third of it made up of garden patio dining that will make you feel as if you are in Old Mexico. Happy hour is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and a live band plays on Wednesdays and Fridays. "Phoenix Magazine" has voted Aunt Chilada's as serving the best margarita.

Aunt Chilada's
7330 N. Dreamy Draw Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85020
(602) 944-1286
Auntchiladas.com

Macayo's Mexican Kitchen (Central)

Macayo's opened on Central Avenue in 1952, and this family-owned restaurant has since expanded to 18 locations throughout Arizona and Nevada. It's a great place for a happy hour fiesta, with drink discounts and half-off appetizers from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Many a celebrity has dined at Macayo's, from local resident Alice Cooper to President Obama and the first family. Dinners range from $6 to $15. Enjoy 20-oz. margaritas in a Senor Bob or Cha-Cha mug and refill the mugs twice for $3.99 each.

Macayo's Central
4001 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 264-6141
Macayo.com

Carolina's Mexican Food (Peoria)

Carolina's is local favorite. Don't be fooled by the fast-food style---this authentic Mexican food has been drawing crowds since the 1950s, when Carolina and Manuel Valenzuela sold tortillas, burritos and tamales out of the back seat of their car. The "best tortillas in town" are now available at three locations. After hiking the White Tanks or the Estrella Mountains, you can enjoy Carolina's machaca and homemade tortillas in Peoria, likely for less than $10, including a drink.

Carolina's Mexican Food
9030 W. Peoria Ave.
Peoria, AZ 85345
(623) 487-1400
Carolinasmexicanfood.com

Resources

Article Written By Kira Jaines

Based in Arizona, Kira Jaines writes health/fitness and travel articles, volunteers with Learning Ally and travels throughout the Southwest. She has more than 16 years of experience in transcribing and editing medical reports. Jaines holds a Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications and journalism from Northern Arizona University.

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