Mexican Fast Casual Restaurants in Phoenix (Scottsdale: deals, great, local)

[ajonesaz]

mucha lucha taco shop - local chain with a couple locations.

Already mentioned, but wanted to second these choices:
Moreno's (also has the best sonoran dog)
Someburros (Less authentic but still good)
Carolinas

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by wycoyote

How about a few north of Phoenix...

Cave Creek:

El Encanto
The Spotted Donkey

Scottsdale:

Carlos O'Briens (also in Phx.)
Jalapeno Inferno

Surprise:

Ritos
Humbertos Taco Shop

With all due respect, any list that includes Carlos O’Brien’s should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s not fast casual either.

There’s a really good hole in the wall in S Scottsdale off of 64th St. I think. I’ll have to look it up.

Edit: Tacos Jalisco on 68th St.

I was also reminded of Los Favoritos. Not spectacular, but good and cheap.

[gil_happy]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

If you’re looking for Tex-Mex, you won’t want to go to Gallo Blanco, Chiwas, La Santisima or Taco Chelo. Those are all more traditional street taco style places. No yellow cheese, lettuce, etc. Chino Bandido is it’s own thing, and not Tex-Mex either.

I guess I should make another clarification :-) I guess I say that I like Tex-Mex, but I also like places that have the freshest, and best ingredients. For example, the tortilla shells are freshly made, they use top cuts of meat, and has a bunch of flavor. To me (and I'm probably incorrect), but when I see a place that serves beans and rice with an entree, this is just a side item that is just thrown in there and many times is it not very good. To me, when I look at the menu of Taco Chelo, it may not be Tex-Mex, but they have a limited menu and focus on the ingredients.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by gil_happy

I guess I should make another clarification :-) I guess I say that I like Tex-Mex, but I also like places that have the freshest, and best ingredients. For example, the tortilla shells are freshly made, they use top cuts of meat, and has a bunch of flavor. To me (and I'm probably incorrect), but when I see a place that serves beans and rice with an entree, this is just a side item that is just thrown in there and many times is it not very good. To me, when I look at the menu of Taco Chelo, it may not be Tex-Mex, but they have a limited menu and focus on the ingredients.

Oh yeah, you’ll be good then. Tex-Mex isn’t really popular here since (my opinion only) we have so many places that will kick most Tex-Mex places asses.

[Colt AZ]

Originally Posted by gil_happy

I guess I should make another clarification :-) I guess I say that I like Tex-Mex, but I also like places that have the freshest, and best ingredients. For example, the tortilla shells are freshly made, they use top cuts of meat, and has a bunch of flavor. To me (and I'm probably incorrect), but when I see a place that serves beans and rice with an entree, this is just a side item that is just thrown in there and many times is it not very good. To me, when I look at the menu of Taco Chelo, it may not be Tex-Mex, but they have a limited menu and focus on the ingredients.

Understandably, the entree should always be at its best, but don't discount excellent sides of beans and rice. When they all compliment each other, the entire combo works deliciously.

This is especially excellent when the main item served is enchiladas. There is nothing better than rice and beans with.

[WSPHXPELON]

Originally Posted by gil_happy

...when I see a place that serves beans and rice with an entree, this is just a side item that is just thrown in there and many times is it not very good...

I agree...Even tho they may be very good rice and beans I'd rather fill up on the good stuff! The trick is to not order the entree, just order the tacos or whatever by itself

Originally Posted by gil_happy

...For example, the tortilla shells are freshly made..

And not trying to be petty here but I couldn't stop myself from mentioning that real Mexican food doesn't use tortilla shells... It's either tortillas, or when they are fried to be crunchy they become tostadas...Tortilla shells are taco Bell status LOL

[Bondurant]

I was going to recommend Tacos De Juarez but just learned they closed. Bummer.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

With all due respect, any list that includes Carlos O’Brien’s should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s not fast casual either.

There’s a really good hole in the wall in S Scottsdale off of 64th St. I think. I’ll have to look it up.

Edit: Tacos Jalisco on 68th St.

I was also reminded of Los Favoritos. Not spectacular, but good and cheap.

We go to Carlos O'Brien's quite often. Not fast casual like the OP asked for, but I love the veggie fajitas there. They use more than just peppers and onions. Also really good margs and we always have the best service. (We left a 50% tip last time)

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by ElleTea

We go to Carlos O'Brien's quite often. Not fast casual like the OP asked for, but I love the veggie fajitas there. They use more than just peppers and onions. Also really good margs and we always have the best service. (We left a 50% tip last time)

Exactly my point. Fajitas. He originally asked for Mexican food. Anyone that suggest fajitas in response to Mexican recommendations should be taken with a grain of salt.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

Exactly my point. Fajitas. He originally asked for Mexican food. Anyone that suggest fajitas in response to Mexican recommendations should be taken with a grain of salt.

He said later he wants Tex Mex. Not authenic Mexican food. Btw, I have had fajitas in Mexico at a small, local place. Who cares.