If you’re searching for the best drive through Mexican food near me Tucson to satisfy your cravings quickly and conveniently, you’re in luck. Tucson boasts a vibrant food scene, and Mexican cuisine is an essential part of it. You can indulge in mouth-watering tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other Mexican delicacies at numerous drive-through options. It’s time to ditch the lovely Taco Bell drive-thru experience and explore Tucson’s authentic Mexican food offerings.
Tucson takes pride in its Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine, which is why it’s not surprising that some of the best Mexican food restaurants in the country can be found here. With so many options to choose from, deciding on where to eat can be a challenge. Luckily, you’re in Tucson, where there are several numbers of drive-through Mexican food choices available, including 24-hour options. The vast array of options makes it tough to pick just one to become a loyal customer of.
Tucson offers a culinary adventure with an incredible variety of dining options, ranging from upscale to eclectic. It’s a line drawn in the sand of the Sonoran desert: you won’t find better Mexican food north of the border. While we’re open to trying out the competition, we confidently stand by this claim. If you’re a Mexican food lover and haven’t eaten in Tucson, you’re missing out on the complete experience.
Beyond that, Tucson has been recognized by UNESCO as the first U.S. City of Gastronomy, celebrating the city’s unique regional cuisine heavily influenced by its proximity to Mexico. Sounds interesting right? Whether it’s the taco truck parked in an empty lot or the downtown date-night spot serving up delectable moles, Tucson’s borderlands culture is infused with Mexican influence. If you’re looking for the best drive-through Mexican food near you in Tucson, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve compiled a list of guides to help you navigate this wonderland of drive-through Mexican cuisine, featuring traditional Mexican dishes and fusion creations that blend various culinary influences. There’s something for everyone to savor in Tucson’s drive-through Mexican food scene.
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Drive-through Mexican food is the perfect option for busy people who still want to enjoy delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine without having to take a lot of time out of their day.
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Here is our list of the best drive through Mexican food near me Tucson:
1. Nico’s
For those searching for the best drive through Mexican food near me Tucson, Nico’s is a popular choice. Originally from San Diego, this chain of drive-throughs has several locations in the Tucson area, each independently owned and operating under different names. Despite the variety of names, locals commonly refer to it as Nico’s.
The establishment is famous for its generously sized, affordable meat-based burritos and tasty rolled tacos. It’s worth noting that the grated cheddar on top of the dishes may not always be fully melted, adding an element of fun to the dining experience. While not all Nico’s locations are open 24 hours or offer vegan options, some do.
2. Viva Burrito Co.
Looking for the best drive through Mexican food near me Tucson? Viva, a chain with various franchise branches, has eight locations across the Tucson metropolitan area. Their drive-through service is available 24/7, making it the perfect spot to grab a dozen tamales, as well as several half-pints of guacamole, rice, and beans to impress your friends at any after-hours gathering. And don’t forget to try their delicious red salsa, which is sure to make your taste buds dance!
3. Los Betos
Looking for the best drive-through Mexican food near me Tucson? Los Betos is a popular choice among locals and has multiple locations throughout the city, located near Viva, their direct competitor. Los Betos drive-throughs are open 24/7, and some of their standout dishes include 99-cent tacos and massive zucchini-sized burritos.
Although their salsa is on the watery side, don’t let that deter you, as both the red and green options are delicious. You’ll find that many of their dishes come topped with shredded iceberg lettuce, giving you the perfect excuse to pretend you’re eating a healthy salad, even as you indulge in their decadent late-night burritos.
4. Paco’s
Looking for the best drive through Mexican food near me Tucson? Look no further than Paco’s! They offer counter service as well as a spacious dining room, but many regulars opt for the drive through experience. Be prepared for a line of cars that sometimes extends onto Grant, much like an overstuffed chimichanga. Paco’s prides themselves on using fresh ingredients, which is reflected in the delicious taste of their food.
They open early at 6 a.m. (7 a.m. on Saturdays) and serve their full menu until 10 p.m., although they’re closed on Sundays. Don’t miss out on their customer favorites like the guacamole and the Chile Bandido burrito, which is a chile relleno in a burrito topped with enchilada sauce. Their tortas are also highly recommended, with the machaca and egg option being a standout choice.
5. La Fresita
In the Barrio Hollywood area, there’s a delightful taqueria run by a warm and welcoming family who serve up delectable food and refreshing aguas frescas. Their taqueria could easily be renamed “La Fresh-ita,” as everything they serve is incredibly fresh. Their corn tortillas are freshly made, and their salsa is fresh too (make sure to ask for extra red salsa!).
They also offer some unique Yucatan-inspired dishes that are hard to find elsewhere in the city, such as elote and spinach tamales, calabacitas, and peppered fish burritos. In addition to their regular menu, they offer daily specials that are worth trying. Be prepared to indulge in some serious calorie intake, but trust us, you won’t regret it. They’re open every day from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tucson’s vibrant food scene offers a wide range of drive-through Mexican food options that cater to different tastes and preferences, making it an ideal destination for Mexican food lovers.
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6. Filiberto’s Mexican Food
If you’re looking for the best drive-through Mexican food near me Tucson, you should check out the Filiberto’s restaurants. While most of the 30-plus locations are situated in the Phoenix metro area, you can also find them scattered throughout Arizona, New Mexico, and California. The Tucson-area branches all feature drive-through service, but they’re only open 24 hours on certain days of the week.
Although prices are slightly higher compared to other quick-service Mexican eateries, you can expect tasty dishes such as the popular California burrito with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, pico, and french fries, which costs $9. Alternatively, you could go for the spicy grilled shrimp taco with cabbage, pico, and tartar sauce, which costs $4. However, the best time to hit up Filiberto’s drive-through is on Taco Tuesdays when you can enjoy beef or chicken tacos for just 99 cents each.
7. El Potosino
Looking for the best drive through Mexican food near me Tucson? Look no further than El Potosino! Not only is it open and serving up delicious food, but it’s also incredibly affordable. El Potosino offers all the typical fast Mexican fare, as well as some relative rarities like machaca and bacon quesadillas.
If you’re on a budget, be sure to check out their 99-cent menu, which includes a variety of tacos, tostadas, burritos, chips and guacamole, and more. And for those who like a little variety, El Potosino switches up their menu every week with their Monday Daily Special.
8. Riliberto’s
Looking for the best drive through Mexican food near me Tucson? Riliberto’s has got you covered! With locations throughout Arizona, as well as in Las Vegas and even India (where they’re serving up mutton chimichangas and paneer super nachos in Chandigarh!), Riliberto’s newest branch in Tucson is bringing the heat with their distinctly Sonoran-inspired cuisine made from five-generations-old recipes. Don’t miss out on their week-daily specials, which range from junior cheese quesadillas on Mondays to bean tostadas on Fridays.
9. El Beto
When searching for the best drive through Mexican food near me Tucson, it can be confusing to differentiate between Beto’s and El Betos. In fact, there are two El Betos locations, one on Campbell and one on Grant. If you’re looking for a late-night bite, the Campbell location is open 24 hours, while the Grant location closes at midnight. No matter which location you choose, be sure to try their breakfast burrito. It’s packed with a generous amount of fluffy scrambled eggs and is both girth and long in size.
10. Bk Tacos
If you’re looking for a drive-through option at BK Tacos, the northern location is your best option. BK’s, as it’s commonly known, is renowned for its carne asada and award-winning Sonoran Dogs. But that’s not all they have to offer. They boast an extensive menu featuring caldos (soups), burros, parillas (mixed grills), and even burgers.
Here’s a pro tip: their bean tacos pair perfectly with their house red salsa, which is a thick, smoky, and spicy sauce that complements both their flour and corn tortillas. Keep in mind that the drive-through hours are from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
The convenience of drive-through Mexican food does not compromise the quality of the cuisine, as many of Tucson’s drive-through Mexican food restaurants use fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create their dishes.
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11. Salsa Verde
Looking for the best drive through Mexican food near me Tucson? Look no further than this East Side restaurant, where everything is homemade, from the salsa and tortillas to the aguas frescas and dessert. While the prices may be a bit higher than your typical quick-service eatery, they reflect the love and care that goes into every dish.
You’ll find unique options like chicken mole and pork pibil that you won’t find at any other local drive-through. Be sure to try their house specialties, such as the percherones – tall burritos stuffed with exciting fillings and even bacon-wrappable! Another standout menu item is the machetes – big, stuffed masa tortillas that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
12. Don Nato’s
If you’re looking for big, delicious burritos and tortas, Don Nato’s is the place to be – despite its small size! Their tortas are so large that it’s nearly impossible to finish one in a single sitting, and you can even get two for just $10. For a quick and affordable bite, their street tacos are only $1 each, and the pollo asado variety is particularly popular. Don Nato’s is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except for Mondays when they are closed. Conveniently located close to the 19, you can easily exit, hit the drive-through, and be back on the road with your tacos in just a few minutes.
13. Coronado’s Mexican Food
Looking for the best drive through Mexican food near me Tucson? Look no further! This top-rated Mexican drive-through offers particularly filling combos. However, note that it closes before the bars do, with operating hours from 6 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. (and until 1:45 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). Don’t miss out on trying their fiery red salsa – it pairs perfectly with the carnitas burrito or the super nachos.
14. El Güero Canelo
In 1993, the Contreras family from Tucson launched a small hot dog stand that served mouth-watering carne asada and the now-famous Sonora dog. Fast forward to today, and that humble hot dog stand has blossomed into a mini-empire, with three Tucson locations of El Güero Canelo offering both locals and visitors an authentic taste of Tucson and Sonora food culture.
The Sonora Hot Dog, which is a hot dog wrapped in mesquite-smoked bacon and topped with a generous helping of grilled onions, beans, mayonnaise, and, for the daring, jalapenos, has gained national recognition and has been featured on the Food Network and in many publications. If that sounds like too much for you, don’t worry. The restaurant also boasts a mouthwatering selection of burritos, quesadillas, and tacos that are sure to please any palate.
15. Penca Restaurante
If you’re searching for the best drive through Mexican food near me Tucson, Penca Restaurante is a top choice. Housed in a beautifully restored 1920s building in downtown Tucson, this restaurant has earned a reputation for serving up upscale twists on the traditional cuisine of central Mexico.
Their menu is seasonally inspired and features exquisite versions of classic dishes like chile en nogada, which is a roasted chile poblano stuffed with traditional pork, fruits, and nuts, finished with a sherry walnut sauce. They also offer small plates and a variety of taco options. What sets Penca Restaurante apart is their award-winning bar, which boasts an “international bar” with over 30 mezcals, a superb wine list, and premium, hard-to-find tequilas.
Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Mexican dishes or creative fusion dishes that bring together different culinary influences, Tucson’s drive-through Mexican food scene has something for everyone.
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Final Thoughts
Tucson’s drive-through Mexican food scene is an exciting culinary adventure waiting to be explored. With a wide variety of options to choose from, ranging from traditional to fusion creations, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. Tucson takes pride in its Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine, and it’s not surprising that some of the best Mexican food restaurants in the country can be found here.
So if you’re searching for the best drive through Mexican food near me Tucson, ditch the familiar chain options and try out some authentic, mouth-watering Mexican delicacies. With Tucson’s recognition as the first U.S. City of Gastronomy, you’re guaranteed to have a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.
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