The Tucson Food Guide: The top tacos of 2025

Tucson has no shortage of great food. The city’s scene is alive with everything from Sonoran hot dogs to inventive fusion kitchens (we’re looking at you, Tito & Pep). But when it comes to the taco, that’s when the competition becomes fierce because Tucson is home to so many variations of the classic handheld delight.

We asked readers to weigh in on the three best taco destinations in Tucson, and in our nominations round, a few folks said you can find the best tacos in town on “literally any food truck.” Considering the blessed hands that craft those amazing street tacos, they’re not wrong. Anyone who knows what’s what in Tucson can find an amazing meal from the city’s many food trucks. 

READ MORE: The best breakfast burritos in Tucson

But we’ll save that debate for another discussion. This article is about the best brick-and-mortar restaurants in town that know how to make an amazing taco. And our readers overwhelmingly chose three places above the rest of the pack. 

Here’s an in‑depth look at what makes each of these three taco powerhouses shine. From their standout menu items to their unique atmospheres, and the reasons they earned your votes, here are the three best taco destinations in Tucson (that aren’t on wheels). 

Let’s take a little taco tour…

Courtesy of Seis Kitchen

3. Blanco

2905 E. Skyline Drive #246

Blanco brings home the bronze this year. What’s not to love? Local diners can enjoy their tacos, margaritas, and tequila in a fun, beach‑vacation atmosphere.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina is a modern Mexican restaurant chain from Fox Restaurant Concepts, with locations across the U.S., including Illinois, Arizona, California, Colorado, Tennessee, and Texas. It describes itself as an “escape from the ordinary,” a festive, casual‑chic spot where you can kick back over tacos.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina’s tacos are a standout for several reasons, both in terms of flavor and how they’re crafted. First, Blanco uses fresh, hand-pressed flour or corn tortillas, made in-house. That makes a big difference in texture and taste. The shells are soft, warm, and a little chewy with the right amount of char. 

They also use creative fillings. You can get classics like grilled steak or chicken, but they also offer unique options like beer-battered fish, slow-braised short rib, or pork carnitas. Each taco is also layered with complementary flavors. The house salsas, aiolis, and drizzles (like jalapeño crema, chipotle-lime sauce, or smoky adobo) elevate the tacos. Each one adds depth without overpowering the flavor of the protein.

Other menu standouts include Sonoran‑style chimichangas, tiger shrimp fajitas, and cheese crisps, not to mention the house‑made margaritas and frozen Palomas.

Blanco also caters to groups with varied private and outdoor dining spaces. Blanco serves delicious tacos and other festive feasts midday through evening and features happy hour specials, gluten‑free options, a full bar, and wheelchair accessibility.

Looking for a marg to wash down that taco? Check out the best margaritas in Tucson!

2. Boca Tacos y Tequila

533 N 4th Ave.

Boca Tacos y Tequila is the brainchild of local Chef Maria Mazon. This acclaimed modern Mexican taqueria in Tucson features gourmet tacos, inventive salsas, and a full bar in a casual, dog‑friendly patio setting. This unique eatery snagged the silver medal from our readers this year, but it’s no stranger to acclaim. Media outlets like the New York Times, USA Today, and Food Network have featured Boca, and Chef Mazon is a James Beard semifinalist.

Each taco at Boca is made with fresh tortillas (flour, corn, or lettuce), house‑made proteins, and creative toppings while paying homage to traditional Sonoran flavors. The menu offers around 16–24 varieties — from chipotle‑barbecue pork to Rajas (cream‑cheese‑stuffed pepper and corn) — plus daily chef specials.

Boca is well‑known for its eclectic, ever‑changing salsas. They offer a salsa flight served with warm, fry‑to‑order red tortilla chips. Patrons can wash their tacos and snacks down with local beers and over 40 tequilas. Their courtyard/perky patio is dog‑friendly and relaxed.

The vibe at Boca is festive without being forced, social yet relaxed. Their tacos feel both whimsical and thoughtful, and they’re executed with detail.

Courtesy of Seis Kitchen

1. Seis Kitchen

Multiple locations

Seis Kitchen’s regional approach to Mexican food, paired with a sleek, welcoming setting and a fresh perspective, helped this delightful local taco chain claim the top spot in our 2025 Tucson Food Guide (by one vote!). Located in places like Joesler Village and Mercado San Agustín, Seis Kitchen brings authenticity, modern sensibility, and charm to Tucson’s neighborhoods.

What sets Seis apart from the competition is their commitment to regional identity. Each location focuses on dishes from different Mexican locales, including Yucatán, Sonora, and Baja. Each dish is interpreted with local ingredients such as farm-fresh eggs and house-made tortillas. It feels curated yet not at all pretentious.

Locals rave about three standout tacos: the cochinita pibil, al pastor, and birria.

The cochinita pibil is slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and citrus, and served with pickled onion for brightness and chopped cilantro for freshness. Their al pastor blends balanced spices, pineapple, and caramelized meat that slides off the spit. The birria tacos at Seis come with consommé for dipping and are often served alongside melted cheese for a slightly elevated experience.

Beyond tacos, Seis offers dishes like smoky black bean dip and tamal, which work perfectly for sharing. Their drink menu includes mezcal margaritas, agave sodas, and café de olla. These simple pleasures round out the meal.

Seis is known for its modern yet genuine feel. While in-the-know about the deep traditions of Mexican food, they also use modern cooking methods and bright presentation. Yet the atmosphere is delightfully chill. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends for an afternoon lunch or enjoy dinner with the whole family. 

MORE FROM THE TUCSON FOOD GUIDE: Where to find the best birria