Mexican Food in Phoenix



I was 19 the very first time that I tasted real Mexican Food. Being from Minneapolis, I may have had a taco from Taco Bell, or something like that, but my first taste of the real thing was at La Cucaracha, which was on the southeast corner of Indian School Road and 7th Street. Yeah, it's long gone now, but don't despair, there are still a lot of great Mexican Food places in Phoenix.

The trick, of course, is to go where the locals go, and avoid the touristy places. Well, actually some touristy places are still good, come to think of it. Still, I always followed the recommendations of people who had lived there for a long time.


It was in Los Angeles where I developed a taste for Mexican street tacos. I learned how to hold up two fingers and say "dos tacos" at the Roach Coaches. If you've never had a street taco, it may surprise you, it's a small soft tortilla with chopped up beef, onions, and cilantro. And hot sauce! Some restaurants serve them - just look on the menu for Street Tacos.

When I moved back to Phoenix, and started working downtown, I discovered El Norteno, which was just off of the freeway exit on Roosevelt. I haven't been there in years, but when I did go there, I sat outside, enjoying authentic Mexican Food, and an authentic atmosphere. If you've been there, you know what I mean. On Fridays they served carne asada freshly grilled in the parking lot, with genuine Mexican Cokes. I would sit there in my shirt and tie, and be in heaven.
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