Arizona’s neighbor to the south provides some of the most vibrant cuisines perfect for the year-round warm temperatures. In the heart of South Scottsdale, you’ll find some of the best examples of this across a wide variety of specific styles and atmospheres. Check out this list of the spots with the best Mexican food in Old Town Scottsdale.
- Barrio Queen
- Diego Pops
- The Mission
- Cien Agaves
- Frank & Lupe’s
- Salty Senorita
- Toca Madera
- Loco Patron
- Old Town Tortilla Factory
- Los Olivos
- Julio’s Too
- Tocaya Modern
- Casa Amigos
- El Hefe
- Call Her Martina
- America’s Taco Shop
- Mesquite Fresh Street Mex
Editor’s note: This list is in no specific order! We encourage you to check out each and every Mexican spot on this list as some might be a better fit for what you’re looking for!
1) Barrio Queen
Location: 7114 E Stetson Dr Suite #105, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Located on the southeast side of the Arizona Canal South Bridge, Barrio Queen’s Day of the Dead style decor is only outdone by the quality of their dishes and the exceptional combination of homemade tortilla chips and salsa. Menu highlights include the cochinita pibil, quesabirrias tacos, Arizona burrito, and carne asada enchiladas. Popular drink options for your consideration are any of the handcrafted margaritas, the Mezcalita cocktail, and if you’re feeling up for it, the Death’s Door margarita.
Website: https://www.barrioqueen.com/
2) Diego Pops
Location: 4338 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Diego Pops’ atmosphere is just at playful and fun as its menu. Must try items include the grilled street corn, the Sonoran hot dog, and every single taco option available. They’re all that good. Diego Pops also provides you with multiple cream sauce options to match your palate. Try out the daily frozen margaritas when you need to cool down on a hot Arizona summer day.
Website: https://www.diegopops.com/
3) The Mission
Location: 3815 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The Mission’s intimate, yet lively atmosphere is perfect for a date night out in Old Town. Located next to the Old Adobe Mission, the oldest standing church in Scottsdale, you’ll find that The Mission’s menu falls more along the lines of modern Latin cuisine rather than strictly Mexican-inspired. Favorites from the well-crafted menu include the duck carnitas empanada, chorizo porcetta, and skirt steak tacos.
Website: https://www.themissionaz.com/
4) Cien Agaves
Location: 7228 E 1st Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Cien Agaves (cien means one-hundred in Spanish) gets its name from the remarkably long list of tequila options offered on their menu that you can include in any margarita they have on their menu, of which there are also many possibilities. Their tinga taco happy hour offer is worth the visit alone, but also be sure to try the homemade guacamole, fajitas, and enchilada especial.
Website: https://www.cienagaves.com/
5) Frank & Lupe’s
Location: 4121 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Frank & Lupe’s New Mexican style cuisine is more well known to locals than visitors. Located somewhat off the beaten path on Marshall Way, Frank & Lupe’s has been in operation since 1980! Considering how difficult it can be for restaurants to survive that long, it’s obvious that the food here is not only that tasty, but also worth coming back for again and again.
Website: https://frankandlupesaz.com/
6) Salty Senorita
Location: 3748 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Located just a quick walk away from many of the unique shops and tourist spots in Old Town, Salty Senorita is a great place to stop off for classic Mexican food and drinks. It has a casual, laid back vibe perfect for catching up with friends over a margarita or on Taco Tuesdays.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SaltySenoritaAZ/
7) Toca Madera
Location: 4736 N Goldwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Toca Madera is not only one of the best Mexican restaurants in Old Town, but one of the best overall restaurants in the entire Phoenix metropolitan area. Known for its stunning modern architecture and decor, Toca Madera is lively and one of the trendiest places to be. The dining experience is not only just the locally-sourced farm-to-table food and drinks but the engaging atmosphere as well. This one is a must try, but be sure to book your reservations well in advance!
Website: https://www.tocamadera.com/location/scottsdale/
8) Loco Patron
Location: 4228 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
A classic-style Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Old Town right on Scottsdale Road, Loco Patron is a great place to stop in for a cold drink on a hot day. With a laid back vibe, you can relax and dive right into their signature apps, fresh tacos, and amazing burritos. Loco Patron also has trivia on Monday nights and live music on Friday nights to add to the experience.
Website: http://www.locopatron.com/
9) Old Town Tortilla Factory
Location: 6910 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The Old Town Tortilla Factory is unique in that it’s actually located in a 75-year old adobe home and sports a significant patio surrounded by century-old pecan trees perfect for large group events (up to 300 people!). Their liquor menu contains over 120 different bottles of tequilas and mezcals that expertly pair with their primarily Southwestern style dishes that have a Mexican twist.
Website: https://oldtowntortillafactory.com/
10) Los Olivos
Location: 7328 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
With one of the most vibrant indoor seating areas in town, Los Olivos Mexican Patio is a family-owned restaurant that features classic Mexican dishes in a laid back setting. Their tortillas and salsa still remain handmade the now third-generation of the Corral family who opened the original location over 70 years ago. The lunch specials are worth the visit during the week and during the somewhat colder winter months, be sure to try the Albondigas, a traditional Mexican meatball soup.
Website: http://www.losolivosrestaurants.com/
11) Julio’s Too
Location: 7305 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Julio’s Too, located on Camelback Road just east of Scottsdale Road, is a great place for Mexican take-out when you’re on the go. Fan favorite dishes include the mini-chimichangas, fajitas, and tamales. One of the more affordable options on this list, Julio’s Too will satisfy your craving with their authentic style dishes.
Website: http://www.juliosaz.com/
12) Tocaya Modern
Location: 4712 N Goldwater Blvd Suite 1210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
While Tocaya Modern Mexican is more of a chain-type restaurant (with 20 locations between California and Arizona) compared to many of the family owned locations on this list, it’s still very much worth trying out! Decorated on the interior with a contemporary, yet exotic earthy vibe, Tocaya’s menu matches the decor with light, health-focused meals including plenty of vegan options. Many of their dishes are customizable from a base recommendation. It’s another great spot for when you’re shopping at Fashion Square or just in the area and on the go! Make sure you don’t get it mixed up with Toca Madera as they are very different.
Website: https://www.tocaya.com/
13) Casa Amigos
Location: 7320 E Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Casa Amigos, like El Hefe listed below, is located in the club area of Old Town, so you can expect loud music and a lively crowd especially as it gets later in the evening. That being said, Casa Amigos is still a fun spot to grab a bite and hang out. The top floor has bowling (https://www.skylanesaz.com/) so you can eat and play while you’re there if you’re looking for more to do. Their cocktail menu is fantastic and the game day specials make it a place to be when football is on.
Website: http://casaamigosaz.com/
14) El Hefe
Location: 4425 N Saddlebag Trail #101, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
As mentioned above, El Hefe is also located in the club district of Old Town so you can expect a younger crowd, louder music, and a club atmosphere later on in the evening and on the weekends. If you’re looking for a good Mexican brunch, El Hefe certainly makes the list with their Burro Desayuno, Chilaquiles, and Bruncha-dillas. Their 32 oz. loaded cocktails are a great happy hour option during the warm Arizona afternoons.
Website: https://elhefe.com/
15) Call Her Martina
Location: 7135 165 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Located in the Scottsdale Waterfront area of Old Town, Call Her Martina serves Mexican food with modern twists like the ribeye chiccaron guacamole, tuna fresco tostada, and charred grilled octopus with squid ink blackened risotto. Their craft cocktails stand out just like their menu does to create an experience that will keep you coming back.
Website: http://callhermartina.com/
16) America’s Taco Shop
Location: 7001 E 1st Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
America’s Taco Shop does a good job finding a balance between being franchise run and sticking to their roots. Known best for their perfectly seasoned carne asada, you’ll find that the food here is about as authentic as it comes with spices unique to central Mexico. The Old Town location is great for a quick bite or when you want to grab and go!
Website: https://www.americastacoshop.com/stores/14006
17) Mesquite Fresh Street Mex
Location: 7345 E Shoeman Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The ultimate grab-and-go taco spot in Old Town, Mesquite Fresh Street Mex is located in the club district and always has long lines when the clubs close down at 2am, so best not to try it out then! But it’s not just a spot for when you have the munchies. The Old Town location is counter-serve only and offers some of the best street tacos you’ll find. Reasonably priced and made fast, it’s a perfect spot for when you need a quick bite.
Website: https://www.eatmesquite.com/