Let me be straight with you – finding authentic Mexican food in Scottsdale isn't hard. But discovering the truly best Mexican Scottsdale joints? That's where things get interesting. After living here 12 years and eating my weight in tacos, I've had enough mediocre enchiladas to know what separates the tourist traps from the gems. Seriously, why do so many places think drowning everything in yellow cheese qualifies as "Mexican cuisine"?
How I Judge What Makes the Best Mexican Food in Scottsdale
Look, fancy decor doesn't impress me. I care about three things: first, are they using fresh masa for tortillas or bagged stuff? Second, does their salsa taste like it came from a can? Third, when I close my eyes, does this transport me to Guadalajara or just feel like Taco Bell's fancy cousin? I've dragged friends to 30+ spots over the years - some made us stay for three margaritas, others had us sneaking out early to hit In-N-Out.
Here's what matters most for ranking the best Mexican restaurants Scottsdale style:
- Tortillas made fresh daily (if I see a Sysco truck unloading, I walk)
- Salsas with actual character – not just tomato puree with onion
- Meat that's slow-cooked, not microwaved
- Margaritas without neon colors (real lime juice stains your shirt)
- Service that doesn't vanish after dropping chips
The Undisputed Top Mexican Restaurants in Scottsdale
Alright, enough talk. These five spots consistently deliver what I'd call the best Mexican food Scottsdale locals actually eat at. I've included brutal honesty about downsides too – because nobody needs another sugar-coated review.
Los Sombreros – Where Tradition Isn't Just Decor
Found this place back in 2016 when my in-laws visited. We've returned monthly since. What stands out? Their Oaxacan black mole. Takes three days to make and you taste every hour.
Location: 2534 N Scottsdale Rd (parking's tight – arrive before 6pm)
Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 10am-9pm
$$$ Entrées $19-32
Must Orders:
Enchiladas en Pipián (pumpkin seed sauce)
Cochinita Pibil (12-hour roasted pork)
Chile en Nogada (seasonal – call ahead)
Margarita Tip: Hibiscus-infused. Skip the salt rim.
Downside: Gets loud. Not ideal for romantic dates unless you enjoy shouting over mariachi.
Barrio Queen – Not Your Average Chain
I avoided this place for years assuming it was overhyped. Big mistake. Their al pastor tacos? Heaven on corn tortillas.
Location: 7114 E Stetson Dr (Old Town – tough parking)
Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
$$ Tacos $4.50 each
Can't Miss:
Tacos de Al Pastor (with pineapple)
Queso Fundido with chorizo
Churros with Mexican chocolate dip
Pro Tip: Tuesday $2 taco special – arrive by 4:30 or wait an hour.
Warning: Their "spicy" salsa actually means it. I learned the hard way.
Frank & Lupe's – Old School Vibe, Killer Chili
My mechanic recommended this 1982 relic. Looks dated but wow – best chili colorado in Arizona. They use chuck roast, not stew meat.
Location: 6935 E Camelback Rd (no frills strip mall)
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, closed Sunday
$$ Combination plates $14-18
Must Try:
Chili Colorado Burrito
Carne Asada Plate
Sopaipillas with honey
Bonus: Frozen margarita machine actually uses decent tequila
Drawback: Cash only. ATM in corner charges $4 fee – come prepared.
Cocina Madrigal – Modern Without Losing Soul
Took my wife here for anniversary last year. Expected pretentious, got incredible. Their duck carnitas changed my taco standards forever.
Location: 4041 S 16th St (south Scottsdale, easy parking)
Hours: Tue-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 10am-8pm
$$$ Plates $22-35
Order This:
Tacos de Pato (confit duck)
Mole Poblano Enchiladas
Tres Leches Cake (best outside Mexico City)
Insider Info: Happy hour 3-6pm – $7 cocktails and $5 appetizers
Warning: Portions are smaller than typical Mexican spots. Not for "quantity over quality" seekers.
La Hacienda – Resort Dining Worth the Splurge
Yeah it's inside the Fairmont Princess resort. Yeah it's pricey. But their tableside guacamole? Worth every penny of the $18.
Location: 7575 E Princess Dr (valet parking only)
Hours: Daily 5pm-10pm
$$$$ Entrées $28-48
Splurge-Worthy:
Carnitas de Puerco (crispy pork shoulder)
Chile Relleno with walnut sauce
Tableside Flan
View Perk: Fireworks view Fridays in summer
Reality Check: You're paying 30% for ambiance. Amazing for special occasions only.
Mexican Restaurant Comparison Chart
Here's how the contenders stack up when you need quick facts:
| Restaurant | Best For | Avg Cost Per Person | Wait Time (Peak) | Vegetarian Options | Kid-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Sombreros | Authentic regional dishes | $35+ | 45-60 min | Excellent | Yes (high chairs) |
| Barrio Queen | Tacos & casual groups | $20-25 | 30-75 min (call ahead!) | Good | Yes (but loud) |
| Frank & Lupe's | Budget-friendly classics | $12-18 | 15-20 min | Limited | Very |
| Cocina Madrigal | Date night/gourmet | $45+ | 20-40 min | Creative | No booster seats |
| La Hacienda | Impress visitors/special events | $65+ | Reservations only | Good | Formal atmosphere |
Mexican Food in Scottsdale: What You Need to Know
Visiting Scottsdale for Mexican food? Bunch of things nobody tells you:
- Salsa heat levels lie – "Medium" at Frank & Lupe's = "Fire" elsewhere
- Happy hour matters – Margaritas drop from $14 to $6 at Barrio Queen 3-6pm
- Reservations aren't optional – Cocina Madrigal books 3 weeks out for weekends
- Breakfast is competitive – Best chilaquiles aren't on this list (that's another article)
Oh, and that trendy spot Instagrammers rave about? Probably all style. I waited 90 minutes at one last month – got served cold enchiladas with canned beans. Never again.
Essential Mexican Dishes Explained
Know what you're ordering with this cheat sheet:
| Dish | What It Really Is | Where to Try It Right |
|---|---|---|
| Mole | Complex sauce with 20+ ingredients (chocolate ≠ sweetness) | Los Sombreros' Oaxacan black mole |
| Carnitas | Pork slow-cooked in lard until crispy/tender | Barrio Queen's taco version |
| Chile Relleno | Poblano pepper stuffed, battered, fried – NOT baked | Cocina Madrigal's walnut sauce twist |
| Menudo | Tripe soup – weekend hangover cure | Frank & Lupe's Saturday special |
| Sope | Thick corn base with toppings – not a tostada! | Los Sombreros' chicken sopes |
Scottsdale Mexican Food FAQs Answered
Where do locals go for real Mexican food in Scottsdale?
We hit Frank & Lupe's for quick lunches and Los Sombreros when family visits. Avoid Old Town tourist traps with giant sombrero photos – good places don't need gimmicks.
What's the most overrated Mexican spot in Scottsdale?
Blanco Tacos. Feels like a Chipotle with tequila. Their "street corn" costs $9 and tastes like it came from a freezer bag. My cousin visited last month – bill for four people hit $200 without alcohol. Madness.
Can I get authentic Mexican food under $15 in Scottsdale?
Yes, but skip dinner. Frank & Lupe's lunch combos run $11-14. Barrio Queen's Tuesday taco special ($2 each). Or hit Tacos Jalisco food truck on Hayden Rd – carnitas tacos $3.50, cash only.
Which Scottsdale Mexican restaurants have the best margaritas?
La Hacienda uses 100% agave tequila and fresh citrus – but at $18. Barrio Queen's house margarita ($10) balances sweet/tart perfectly. Warning: The Mission uses premixed sour. Tastes like chemicals.
Is there great Sonoran-style Mexican food in Scottsdale?
Frank & Lupe's does Sonoran classics right – their carne asada beats anything south of Tucson. Barrio Queen incorporates Sonoran flour tortillas well. Avoid places claiming "Sonoran" but serving thin Texas-style tortillas.
Final Thoughts on Scottsdale's Mexican Scene
After twelve years and countless meals, here's my unfiltered take: finding the best Mexican Scottsdale offers means avoiding places with frozen margarita machines visible from the street. The real magic happens where abuelas yell in kitchens and tortillas hit the comal at 5am. Does that mean every meal will be perfect? Nope. I once found a hair in my salsa at a "highly-rated" spot (won't name names). But when you bite into Los Sombreros' mole or Frank & Lupe's carne asada? That's when you get why people argue about the best Mexican restaurants Scottsdale has like it's politics.
Last tip: Always ask for salsa de arbol if you see it on the menu. It separates the serious kitchens from the wannabes. Buen provecho!
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