Scottsdale's Best Taco

Taco hunting in Scottsdale is a serious sport, one you are ready to win. Between the golf courses and the galloping horse statues, the real local action is tucked into strip malls and historic adobes where the Sonoran dogs are just as righteous as the fish tacos.

You will find everything from the refined, steak-forward plates at Pistoleros Parrilla to the faithful, no-frills shredded chicken at Checo’s, with a lengua burrito at Tacos Chiwas that sets the standard for the entire valley. Skip the tourist traps on Scottsdale Road.

Your palate deserves better. Here is where to get your fix.

Pistoleros Parrilla

Highlights
Queso with warm tortillas
Tender, well-seasoned steak
Creme brûlée espresso martini
Enjoyable churros dessert
Sweet, attentive bartender

Start with the queso. It arrives with warm tortillas, and you will not want to share. The steak is tender, well-seasoned, and worthy of a second order. Pair it with the crème brûlée espresso martini; it is a playful, decadent finish to a savory start. The churros are enjoyable, though you may already be full. The bartender is sweet and attentive, ensuring your glass never sits empty. Pistoleros Parrilla delivers a polished, lively experience. Come hungry. Leave happy.

You might also want to check out the best pizza in Mesa.

Los Sombreros

Highlights
Perfectly seasoned shrimp tacos
Generous fresh guacamole portions
Attentive, friendly service throughout
Daily two-to-six happy hour
Potent eight-dollar Steve o Rita

Los Sombreros earns its keep with shrimp tacos that are perfectly seasoned. Each bite is a study in balance. The guacamole arrives in generous portions, fresh and creamy. Service is attentive and friendly throughout, which makes the daily two-to-six happy hour even sweeter. The eight-dollar Steve o Rita is potent, so pace yourself. You will appreciate the value as much as the flavor. This is a spot that respects your time and your palate. Go for the tacos. Stay for the ritual.

You might also want to check out the best casual restaurant in Scottsdale.

The Ponderosa House

Highlights
Mushroom tacos are awesome
Staff delivers spot-on service
Refreshing, well-balanced cocktails
Ponderosa Chop salad shines
Fresh ingredients, generous portions

At The Ponderosa House, the mushroom tacos are the quiet champions. They are awesome, earthy, and satisfying. The staff delivers spot-on service, anticipating your needs before you voice them. Cocktails are refreshing and well-balanced; the Ponderosa Chop salad shines as a crisp counterpoint. Fresh ingredients and generous portions make every plate feel substantial. The patio is spacious, ideal for groups. You will leave impressed by the consistency. This is comfort with polish.

You might also want to check out the best mexican restaurant in Mesa.

Checo's Taco Shop

Highlights
Moist, generous shredded chicken
Affordable combo platter values
Friendly, helpful counter service
Fresh salsa bar variety
Authentic Mexican flavors

Checo's Taco Shop is a no-frills triumph. The shredded chicken is moist and generous, tucked into warm tortillas. Combo platters offer affordable value; you will wonder why you ever paid more. Counter service is friendly and helpful, guiding you to the fresh salsa bar. The variety there is a quiet revelation. Authentic Mexican flavors anchor every dish. This is the kind of place you return to weekly. Simple done right.

You might also want to check out the best pizza places in Mesa.

Rusty Taco

Highlights
Exceptional counter service charm
Fresh chips and salsa
Tasty Dynamite Shrimp Taco
Family-friendly personal touches

Rusty Taco charms you from the counter. The service is exceptional, with a personal touch that feels genuine. Fresh chips and salsa arrive promptly, setting the stage. The Dynamite Shrimp Taco is a spicy, crunchy highlight; you will crave it later. Families are welcomed with warmth, and the atmosphere is relaxed. You will appreciate the lack of pretension. This is taco comfort food, executed with care. A reliable stop.

You might also want to check out the best lunch in Tempe.

Taco Spot - Scottsdale

Highlights
Friendly staff, quiet atmosphere
Quick service on slow afternoons
Delicious house drinks available
Generous cilantro topping portions

Taco Spot in Scottsdale is a study in quiet efficiency. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is calm, even in the afternoon rush. Service is quick; you will be seated and fed before you know it. House drinks are delicious, a nice complement to the tacos. The cilantro topping is generous, almost a salad. You will appreciate the restraint of the seasoning. This is a dependable, understated choice. Go for a slow afternoon. Leave satisfied.

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Tempe.

Frank & Lupe's Old Mexico

Highlights
Homemade chips and salsa
Excellent, authentic combination plates
Warm, attentive service
Delicious homemade sopapillas

Frank & Lupe's Old Mexico feels like tradition. Homemade chips and salsa arrive warm, a prelude to excellent combination plates. The authenticity is unmistakable in every saucy bite. Service is warm and attentive, making you feel like a regular. The homemade sopapillas end the meal on a sweet, airy note. You will notice the care in preparation. This is old-school hospitality, executed flawlessly. A classic for a reason.

You might also want to check out the best lunch in Mesa.

Señor Taco Express Scottsdale

Highlights
Excellent food, fair price
Amazing service, dog-friendly patio
Quick counter service, self-serve drinks
Crispy, awesome chips
Tasty carne asada street tacos

Señor Taco Express delivers excellent food at a fair price. The carne asada street tacos are tasty, with char and citrus in balance. The chips are crispy and awesome, a necessary complement. Counter service is quick, and self-serve drinks keep things efficient. The dog-friendly patio is a bonus; bring your pup. Staff is amazing, attentive without hovering. You will appreciate the value and the warmth. This is fast, casual comfort.

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Mesa.

Adalberto’s Mexican Food Drive Thru

Highlights
Fresh, authentic traditional Mexican food
Spotless dining room and grounds
Excellent, friendly employees
Well-priced generous portions
Beloved local taco favorite

Adalberto's is a beloved local favorite for good reason. The food is fresh, authentic, and traditional, a dependable anchor. The dining room and grounds are spotless, a rarity. Employees are excellent and friendly, making you feel welcome. Portions are generous and well-priced; you will leave full without regret. The drive-thru adds convenience. This is a no-nonsense taco joint. You will be a regular soon.

You might also want to check out the best steak in Scottsdale.

Tacos Chiwas

Highlights
Best lengua burrito in Phoenix
Tender, juicy, lean meat chunks
Generous portions, fair price
Clean, busy, friendly staff
Fresh flour tortillas and salsas

Tacos Chiwas boasts the best lengua burrito in Phoenix. The meat is tender, juicy, and lean, a masterclass in texture. Portions are generous, and the price is fair. The space is clean, busy, and friendly, an energetic hum. Fresh flour tortillas and salsas round out the experience. You will understand the hype. This is a destination, not a detour. Order the lengua. Trust the process.

You might also want to check out the best food in Tempe.

Boondocks Patio & Grill Scottsdale

Highlights
Lively crowd and live music
Impeccable, attentive service
Spacious patio for groups
High-energy, dance-worthy atmosphere

Boondocks Patio & Grill is an experience, not just a meal. The crowd is lively, and live music fills the air. Service is impeccable and attentive, even when packed. The spacious patio accommodates groups with ease. The atmosphere is high-energy, dance-worthy; you will be tempted to move. Cocktails flow, and the vibe is infectious. This is for when you want nightlife with your tacos. Bring your energy. Leave with stories.

You might also want to check out the best wings in Scottsdale.

Old Adobe Mission Scottsdale

Highlights
Breathtaking stained glass sunlight
Solemn, peaceful atmosphere throughout
Intricate altars, stunning original details
Meaningful memorial notes tradition
Striking white adobe exterior

Old Adobe Mission Scottsdale is not about tacos. It is a place of reverence. The stained glass casts breathtaking sunlight across the floor. The atmosphere is solemn and peaceful, inviting quiet reflection. Intricate altars and stunning original details reward your attention. Meaningful memorial notes line the walls, a tradition of remembrance. The white adobe exterior is striking against the desert sky. You will leave with a sense of calm. This is a sacred stop, not a meal.

You might also want to check out the best coffee in Scottsdale.