Yelp released a list of the 100 best Mexican restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, according to Yelp Elites. That's a pretty big area to cover, and Arizona restaurants took over a tenth of the list with 10 spots mentioned.
The list was compiled as an all-time ranking of businesses in the "Mexican food" category based on volume and rating of reviews by Yelp Elites.
The list covered a pretty diverse array of Mexican cuisines, from tacos and tamales to deeper cuts like Mexican barbecue and Sonoran hot dogs. However, there were a few restaurants that seemed out of place on the list.
Here's a look at the 10 spots that made Yelp's top 100 Mexican restaurants list in Arizona.
Baja Cafe on Campbell, Tucson
Baja Cafe on Campbell was No. 24 on Yelp's list, the highest rated out of the 10
Arizona restaurants recognized. However, it is not strictly a Mexican restaurant, but a Southwestern breakfast and brunch restaurant. Yelp called it "a bustling local favorite" and shouted out dishes such as snickerdoodle and lemon blueberry pancakes. Some of the more Mexican-inspired dishes include breakfast burros, huevos rancheros and brisket machaca tacos.
Details: 2970 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson. 520-344-7369, bajacafetucson.com.
The Tamale Store, Phoenix
The Tamale Store in Phoenix was No. 41 on Yelp's list. The family-owned restaurant was also one of our essential restaurants for 2026. They offer over a dozen flavors of tamales including green chile chicken, red chile beef and sweet corn, served with sides ranging from rice to beans to elote.
Details: 15842 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. 602-435-2604, thetamalestore.com.
Elote Cafe, Sedona
Elote Cafe, an upscale modern Mexican restaurant and bar in Sedona, was No. 42 on Yelp's list. Reviewers shouted out the lamb adobo, Mexican chocolate pie and, appropriately, the elote.
Details: 350 Jordan Road, Sedona. 928-203-0105, elotecafe.com.
Cocina Madrigal, Phoenix
Cocina Madrigal was No. 49 on Yelp's list. The fan favorite Mexican restaurant is currently operating out of a food truck just down the street from the original location due to a kitchen fire two years ago. But the brick-and-mortar is expected to reopen this year. And Yelp Elites say the loss of the physical space has not impacted the quality of the food, especially the beef birria enchiladas and Oaxaca fundido.
Details: 1523 E. Wood St., Phoenix. 602-243-9000, cocinamadrigal.com.
Taco Viva, Phoenix
Taco Viva in Phoenix was No. 62 on Yelp's list. Yelp called it a "favorite neighborhood spot bringing an authentic taqueria experience to Phoenix", offering "flavorful tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites made with fresh ingredients and house-made salsas for a satisfying, laid-back meal."
Details: 2815 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 480-360-2324, tacoviva.com.
El Taco Rustico, Tucson
El Taco Rustico was No. 71 on Yelp's list for its "plentiful menu featuring burritos, tacos, gorditas, sopes, lorenzas, quesadillas, caramelos, tortas and more." Yelp Elites specifically mentioned the location on Oracle Road, but the restaurant also has an outpost on Park Avenue in Tucson.
Details: 2281 N. Oracle Road, Tucson. 520-623-3478, tacorustico.com.
Morning Kick, Gilbert
Morning Kick in Gilbert was No. 86 on Yelp's list. Another breakfast and brunch restaurant, Morning Kick does feature a Mexican-heavy menu, including quesadillas, totchos, tacos and award-winning breakfast burritos.
Details: 3076 E. Chandler Heights Road, Suite 101, Gilbert. 480-597-3545, morningkickaz.com.
Caldwell County Mexi-Q, Gilbert
Caldwell County Mexi-Q — the sister restaurant to one of our essential restaurants, Caldwell County BBQ, also in Gilbert — was No. 91 on Yelp's list. Mexi-Q combines classic Texas barbecue with Mexican cuisine. Yelp Elites recommended the brisket burrito.
Details: 546 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. 480-813-3727, ccmexiq.com.
El Sinaloense Hot Dog Cart, Tucson
El Sinaloense Hot Dog Cart in Tucson was No. 95 on Yelp's list. A true hidden gem, they are known for their Sonoran hot dogs, a staple street food that attributes much of its popularity to Arizona.
Details: 1526 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson. 520-358-0779.
Tacos Veganos, Phoenix
Tacos Veganos in Phoenix was No. 97 on Yelp's list. The fully vegan taco joint also has a location in Avondale. Yelp Elites said the restaurant shows that "plant-based food can be both delicious and affordable."
Details: 3301 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-675-2100, aztacosveganos.com.
What do you think of the Yelp ranking? Reach the reporter at eddie.fontanez@azcentral.com. Follow @ERFontanez on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 10 Arizona Mexican restaurants named best in US on controversial list
