The Tucson Food Guide: Where to find the best birria in 2025

In Tucson, birria is a cultural culinary staple. And in recent years, Tucson’s chefs have taken birria to bold, new heights. Whether you prefer your birria spooned from a steaming bowl or folded into a cheesy, wonderfully messy taco and dunked in consommé until your fingers are stained red, there’s no shortage of options for local birria lovers.

In order to find the best birria in town, we turned to the people who know best: you. According to a recent reader’s poll, four restaurants are the top dogs of Tucson’s birria scene. The competition was fierce, and the flavors our readers love are unforgettable. 

Tourists, pay attention! These are the top four places to grab amazing birria in Tucson.

Courtesy of Seis Kitchen

4. Seis Kitchen

Multiple locations

Seis Kitchen has appeared on our readers’ choice list several times this year for outstanding tacos and breakfast burritos, as well as delectable birria. Seis Kitchen proves that birria can be refined even if it’s served in a family-friendly setting. With locations in Mercado San Agustin and Joesler Village, Seis brings regional Mexican flavors to the masses and elevates classic dishes with thoughtful presentation.

Their birria tacos, styled after those found in Tijuana, are a perfect example. They feature slow-braised beef in a rich red-chile consommé, stuffed into griddled tortillas with melted cheese and topped with fresh herbs. The consommé is flavorful, the meat is tender, and the tortillas have a crispy yet soft texture. Don’t you just love a dish that feels familiar, but every element is elevated?

Seis is also known for its brunch, and their chilaquiles verdes are a favorite among locals, as are the cochinita pibil tacos and rotating lineup of house-made salsas. If you want to start your day with horchata cold brew and an El Nino breakfast burrito (made with birria, of course), and end it with a plate of crispy birria tacos paired with a mezcal margarita — all while relaxing in a cozy eatery, Seis is the place.

Courtesy of Rollies Mexican Patio

3. Rollies Mexican Patio

4573 S 12th Ave. + 267 South Avenida del Convento #4

Rollies Mexican Patio made an appearance on our best birria list last year, and they’re back again for 2025! This year, Rollies takes third place, and if you’ve spent more than five minutes on Instagram or TikTok lately, that won’t surprise you. Rollies has carved out a niche for itself with birria that’s visually irresistible. Their quesabirria tacos should win a food beauty pageant — no swimsuit competition necessary.

But behind the viral fame is a restaurant with heart. Family-owned and full of personality, Rollies is bright, welcoming, and energetic. The staff is warm and enthusiastic, the patio is colorful and casual, and the food is consistently excellent.

Foodies, get ready to bust out your cameras and feast because Rollies doesn’t do “normal.” They’ve got birria ramen for those seeking a food adventure, a birria burger that’s as over-the-top as it sounds, and nachos piled high with street corn and cheese. There’s a sense of playfulness to the menu, but the technique is rock solid. The chefs at Rollies know what they’re doing, and they’re doing it with style. This is the kind of place you go when you want something fun, filling, and just a little bit extra.

2. Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen

5553 E Grant Rd.

Next up is Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen, a South 4th Avenue restaurant that’s no stranger to winning awards and prestige — like being named a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award this year. Amelia’s has also earned its spot on this list because our readers love their warm hospitality. 

But let’s not forget about the birria. Amelia’s doesn’t just serve birria tacos. They offer birria in tortas, in nachos, in ramen soup, and, of course, their award-winning quesabirrias. If there’s a way to enjoy birria, Amelia’s has figured it out.

Their quesabirria tacos are the highlight of the menu, at least for this foodie. Corn tortillas are griddled, filled with tender birria and melty cheese, and served alongside a rich consommé. The balance of textures and warm flavors is perfection. 

Beyond the birria, Amelia’s serves fantastic chile rellenos (a must try!), homemade tamales, and rotating aguas frescas. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, trying something new every time you visit, and you’ll never be disappointed. Where else can you enjoy a James Beard-nominated restaurant and actually afford it? If you want award-winning food that won’t break the bank, Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen is the place.

1. El Charro Café

311 N Court Ave.

Coming in first place is El Charro Café, a Tucson institution that’s been perfecting birria and other regional Mexican dishes for over a century. Founded in 1922, El Charro is widely known as the oldest Mexican restaurant in the United States that’s been continuously operated by the same family. It’s a Tucson landmark and a cornerstone of the city’s identity. But legacy doesn’t win a readers’ poll, flavor does. 

Their birria is marinated, wonderfully spiced, and slow-braised until it’s fall-apart tender. It’s served with a consommé that’s rich and comforting. Whether you choose the quesabirria tortas, a burrito, or a street taco platter, the birria shines through. If you happen to bring a lame friend with you who doesn’t love birria, the carne seca tacos are another must-try. And their margaritas, especially the Cadillac, are the perfect balance to the bold flavors of the birria and all the other spicy offerings on the menu. 

Come for the birria, but also be sure to sample a piece of history. If you’re a first timer at El Charro, you simply must order one of Tia Monica’s original recipes from 1922 — especially if you’re a nut for food history like me. Monica’s plate offers a little bit of everything, or you can sample the original “Charro-Style” beef tacos. 

While El Charro honors its history, nothing about the experience feels dated. You can find gluten-free and vegan options, and El Charro is also dedicated to environmental practices by preserving natural resources.