Explore Tempe's Mexican flavors with our restaurant recommendations. Indulge in the city's top-notch Tamales, Chips and Salsa, Chile Relleno, and other delicious dishes.
“Food is good but not amazing. I ordered the Cowboy steak medium and got it well done and it was smothered with the veggies. Pretty much, it's like an Steak Ranchero with a bigger price tag. I thought it was gonna be a traditional grill. The steak was good though, just not how I wanted it.“
“Best restaurant in Tempe. Great prices, huge portions and friendly staff that really seem to enjoy what they do. It is also open almost 24/7 so you can go at anytime of the day knowing that you will have enough food in your system for atleast 12 hours. They always hook it up fr. Mucho gracias??“
“If you're hungry and love tacos, you're in luck. Santa Madre serves up tasty tacos and they do it with a smile. Be warned, the restaurant is small and the clientele knows how good the food is. So, finding seating can be a challenge. The carne asada tacos are favorites of mine. If I'm in a grab-and-go mode, it's the burrito version for me with a healthy squirt of the chipotle sauce to heat up the tongue. Their al pastor is amazing and some best I’ve eaten - it has the right balance of heat and sweet. One of the things I appreciate is the fresh condiments bar, especially their smokey chipotle sauce. They have a nice variety of toppings, including: cabbage, cilantro and onions, cucumbers, pickled onions, coleslaw, and jalapeños. They also had a balanced selection of salsas and other sauces. The chipotle is a "must-try." I like to pour it on top of the coleslaw you put on the tacos. Their rice and beans are not just something to take up space. They are simply good eats.Nothing is hidden from the customer. Everything is cooked on the griddle to order, right where you can see what's going on. The only thing to remember is they close early at 8:00 pm. So if you want a late night snack or dinner, you're out of luck. The place is not fancy. However, Santa Madre is the perfect example that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. You get a great meal at a good price, with excellent service, from very nice folks. Well done.“
“This place is awesome! The food is great and cooked to order right in front of you. The atmosphere is fun, upbeat and lively and the staff are wonderful. The owner, Martha takes great pride in her craft and it shows! The carne asada tacodilla was my favorite and worth the stop. Highly recommend!“
“Ok, I read the reviews and trusted them. Not only did they hit the head the nail on the head, but they accurately described the freshness, taste and presentation. I'm here to add my own take on this ceviche heaven. First of all, if it weren't for their location, we would be here much more often, but we live way out on the West side. Will that keep us from making the drive, no way! This fully satisfied my culinary cravings. The seafood is so fresh, you may think you are beachside at the best restaurant on the coast. Like a resort??? No, it's a typical ma & pop establishment, but their service and smiles easily put it up there with the best 5 stars out there, especially in the desert! Their array of hot sauces (pictured) enhance your experience and I felt like I was eating at least 7 different dishes. Try them all! The server check on us at least THREE times to see how we were doing. Toward he asked if we needed a box, my wife said "yes", I looked at him as if I said, "hold my beer, I got this"! If you are on the East side or picking up friends and family from the airport, don't cheat yourself of this hidden gem. If you live on the West side, please get some takeout for us! I'm torn between getting the word out and keeping it all to myself! But, these guys earn a top shout out for the best ceviche I've ever had. Good job guys!!!“
“Checked this place out while we were staying in Mesa for a baseball tourney. Staff was super friendly and helpful with explaining the menu. Food was delicious. Tried the guacamole, salsas, multiple tacos and house marg. All were on point and flavorful! They even went out of their way to make a special kids meal for my son that was off menu. Would definitely go back to try more things!“
“Was in Tempe on an errand and stopped in for a quick lunch. Asked for a menu and was told the few items on the board was the menu. Tried the combo plate (beef and chicken), it was a very pleasant surprise. Tender meat with loads of flavor, not common these days, and the salsa was fantastic. I plan on making more trips to Tempe for the sole reason of having lunch here again.“
“New to the area Manuel's was highly recommended!! Amazing service by Maribel and Larry!! Starting with the salsa and chips delicious!! The fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, tortillas and Manuel's chimichanga all absolutely delicious!! Speedy service and excellent food is hard to find these days definitely found both at Manuel's tonight!! The price was great for the quality and amount!! 5 Star!!“
“I bought Menudo, Pozole and a Barbacoa burrito. Generous portions of food. my food was piping HOT so I ate a lil bit and took the rest home. The Menudo was delicious only thing I would do differently next time is not so much red sauce in it. The meat in the Menudo and Pozole was tender and both seasoned well. The grill bread was also delicious too. I will be back to try the shaved ice next time. Aurea thank you!!“
“We’ve been coming here a couple times a month for several years now. Would do takeout during the pandemic and are now enjoying their indoor dining experience. Tables are well spaced and it’s always very clean inside. Servers are very nice (Jessie!) and food is delicious. Always look forward to my chile relleno and enchilada combo!“
“My girlfriend was taking a class in Tempe this weekend and someone from the class recommended this restaurant for their ceviche, so we decided to try it out.We arrived shortly after 1:00 and there was a 5 minute wait to get seated. Once we were seated we quickly realized why this place is so popular. The service is excellent and the entire staff operates with such efficiency that they are able to get the table turned over very quickly between guests as well as handle orders and get everyone their food and drinks in a very timely manner.We started with the large ceviche appetizer, which was every bit as good as advertised and then split a carne asada quesadilla which was delicious and absolutely packed with meat.The food, service, and atmosphere here are all great and I highly recommend eating here.I will definitely come back next time I'm in the area.“
“Our second time dining here and we love it. Our favorite dish is easily the birria quesadilla. Both times we have visited, we ordered the chicharron. The second time around the pork was a little tough, but still had great flavor. Highly recommend this place for a different twist on traditional Mexican dishes.“
“What a fun place to watch a game by the bar or just hang out with family or friends.The Tempe weather had us enjoying the alfresco space. The service was great and the food was delicious. Large selection of authentic Mexican food. No waiting since you're able to walk right into the outdoor space and seat yourself. Highly recommend it.??Follow me on IG @igooglereviewyou for more reviews.“
“I used to go here way back when it was something different - Taco Mexico, I think. I worked at REI next door and this was a common place for lunch.Well, I ate here today and it's WAY better than I remember. I went in on a Tuesday and, of course, had the taco Tuesday special. I had one of each. They were your typical street taco size, 3" corn tortillas.But that's where the typical stopped. Whoa, the fillings were amazing. It's exactly what an Arizona native comes to expect from your "hole in the wall" Mexican joints. EXCEPTIONAL.I'm so glad I came back because it's just down the street from where I'm staying and I'm going to beeline there often.“
“I ordered the green chili plate and it was unexpectedly amazing! Hard to find good pork green chili that isn't dry but this was moist and flavorful. The flour tortilla was enormous and loved the rice! I tried each of the three choices of salsa and they were all delicious! I will definitely come back to try the carnitas because I overheard people saying how great it was. This is more of a fast food place where you order at the counter but there is inside seating. I highly recommend giving it a try.“
“We just moved here , just around the corner so decided to try this restaurant..As soon as me & my husband walked in we were greeted and seated within moments.being our first time here it was AMAZING REMINDS US OF HOME..THIS FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS REALLY OWNS UP TO THIER MOTTO . THE FOOD CAME OUT WITHIN 15 MINUTES BEING A SATURDAY NIGHT TOO MIND YOU!! Also MY SIGNATURE HOUSE MARGARITA WOOT WOOT ?..we definitely will be regulars here, thanks for the great experience THE TAPIAS“
“I'm super impressed with this place! I drove past and it caught my eye so I decided to give them a try and I'm so glad I did! The food is so delicious and flavorful! I got the green chili burrito with a piña agua Fresca drink and I loved them both. I'm a total green chili person so I try it everywhere and this is definitely top tier, my new favorite for sure. Also the man helping me was very kind and friendly. Highly recommend and I'll definitely be back!“
“I came here with family after visiting the Desert Botanical Garden. 2 of us got fish tacos. They were good. However, they were in flower tortilla. The tortilla fell apart immediately, so they really couldn't be eaten like a taco. My sister complained and received a $15 gift card. The manager suggested that you ask for double flower or corn tortillas. My wife had carnitas tacos and really liked them on corn tortilla. Someone else had a chicken quesadilla, no complaints. There salsas were good, just ask for more.They have a nice patio right on Mill Ave.“
“Best Tacos in town. The staff is very friendly Nice and polite. The adobada tacos are amazing ?. If they make a mistake with your order they'll fix it immediately. Very close to ASU campus. My favorite tacos are the barbacoa tacos so flavorful. Gracias Amigos.see you Taco Tuesday.“
“The best Mexican food ever! Wonderful staff. I had the most amazing experience.Vegetarian options: They have fresh veggies and condiments. You can get anything on their menu and just don’t add the meat or non vegetarian items j. Rice & beans, burritos, tostada & much more….Best fresh food I’ve ever eaten. They are voted best in Az.“
“Ever since I started a new job in Tempe, I have been coming to this place weekly. The breakfast burritos are amazinggggg, call ahead and food is ready by the time I drive 5 minutes to the place. Not to mention the service is a 10/10. Wonderful place, wonderful food !“
“My wife and I stopped in for a late night meal. There was not around us open at the time we were looking for food. We were not disappointed one little bit. I ordered a burrito and she got a quesadilla. The meat was great and tasted amazing. I highly recommend them for the late night munchies cravings.“
“We've eaten several times here and enjoy the consistency. I usually get the horchata and a bowl of albondigas. Whereas my bf will get the hamburger and fries. It's always a hit and we love the baskets of chips and salsa. Service is good as they try to hustle even when they're busy“
“Happened upon Susie’s by accident at lunch while on vacation and it was perfect. Great food and service - multiple servers kept an eye on our chips that my sons were devouring and refilled a couple times. The manager checked in on us too. We especially enjoyed the fried beef tacos.Kid-friendliness: Easy & casual place to take kids - ours are 12 & under.“
“Okay, I'm not just saying this. I have been eating at filiberto's my whole life. As an Arizona native, but something about this particular filiberto's is they make everything on point every time, and it just seems like they make it with love and pay special attention to detail and the food and service is amazing. It feels like you're at home. Respect to the chef and whole staff!“
“Best quesabirria tacos ever! Every Wednesday I go here, and it’s delicious and fresh almost every time. One time my tacos weren’t that great and they gave me a free high-quality cup with their name on it! Great little place. I highly recommend.“
“The welcome was great! Something that we don't see in Northern Phoenix. Also, our server Breanna went far and beyond with her service! The food and drinks were great!! We will come backNachos 10/10Complimentary cups and salsa 20/20Pomegranate Margarita 20/10“
“Was excited to try after reading the reviews. I was not disappointed. The food was delicious! I had the short rib enchiladas, festival tacos, chips, salsa, and guacamole. The servers gave me all the right suggestions. It was not too busy so I was able to eat in. Nice place with delicious food. Definitely will be back!“
“I'm pretty convinced there's drugs in this food but I don't even care, it's the most DELICIOUS Mexican food I've had in so long. I didn't even eat out usually but I've been here 4 times in the past 10 days ?“
“Went to the location on Baseline in Tempe, and have the Carnitas and red chili burrito. Definitely the largest burrito I have ever received and it tasted awesome! Many places over the years have had to reduce the size and increase the price on the food but this place has burritos double the size of any other places so it's like getting two for the price of one! Great Habanero hot sauce as well actually they were all really good.“
“My food was amazing I had 3 tacos and a carne asada quesadilla, the tacos were pastor, surf and turf, and asada. The service was amazing and the staff was great ! I will be back soon! Mary and Maria were amazing upfront ! Great front of the house “
“This place was better than I could have expected! I live in Prescott Valley, and found this offer on groupon. I wasn't sure when I was going to be able to make it down to the valley to give it a try, but I was able to make it sooner than I imagined. My husband and I ordered two humongous burritos, with rice and beans and each a drink with 3 rolled taquitos on the side with guac and cheese for $22. WHAT A DEAL! The food was so delicious and affordable! We hope to be back sooner than later!“
“I went there a few days ago with a bunch of coworkers, I had the tostada with a mango and avocado ceviche it was delicious. I also had a frozen mango margarita also delicious.The service was also great as well, so I will return again, and it just happens to be about less than a mile from my company!“
“I went there specifically for their huitlacoche quesadilla. Per David's recommendation, we tried the mixiotes special. It's a slow cooked lamb and port dish in red sauce, not spicy. It was so delicious. We brought the leftover home to make tacos ? after adding so cheese.“
“Tried this place for the first time today and got the carne asada burrito and added all my favs to it, was a lil iffy on price but figured I'd give them a shot and it was super good! Meat isn't fatty and all in all had excellent flavor.“
“Wow! So glad I decided to come here for lunch! They were so friendly and quick. And the food was amazing--we got the Sun Devil roll and El Jefe roll, and the four chicken street tacos. They were soo delicious. The food was simple and unique (only a few ingredients), but still tasted so good (I could have eaten just the chicken by itself from the tacos). Plus, all the staff members (the boss, or el jefe, included) approached us and asked how we were doing. Definitely coming here again soon!“
“This place is a gem complete absolute gem amazing workers, amazing food full-blown unbelievable this is not a chain even though there’s three of them, you can come here and you can know that you’re having fresh fresh amazing food!!!!!$$$$$$$“