What is the best Mexican food in Phoenix?

[BriNal]

I'm staying off of Rt. 17 and Thomas Rd. I have a car, so distance is not a big deal.

[lascheck]

If you are looking to try some less traditional mexican food, I would definitely recommend The Mission in old town Scottsdale. I wouldn't really consider it mexican due to the lack to refried beans and rice, it has some mexican and latin influence. Every meal I have had there was unique and delicious. They have a great atmosphere and I've also heard they do a tasty brunch that I have not yet tried.

Also, if you are looking for very authentic and traditional Mexican Food and you don't mind the atmosphere, the food court at Pro Ranch Market can't really be beat. It's as authentic and fresh as can be.

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Phoenix Ranch Market
5833 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ

The Mission
3815 North Brown Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

[twodogs]

Rosita's Place 2310 E. McDowell

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Rosita's Place
2310 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006

[AzDumpling]

Best Upscale Mexican inspired food – Los Sombreros

Best New Mexican Inspired food – Los Dos Molinos

Best Cheesy, Goopy Sonoran – Popo’s Fiesta Del Sol(Indian School Location)

Best Tortillas – Carolinas on Mohave

Best Mexican Seafood – Mariscos Playa Hermosa

Best Mexican Food Truck – La Frontera

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Mariscos Playa Hermosa
1605 E Garfield St, Phoenix, AZ 85006

[aynrandgirl]

How does "cheesy, goopy, Sonoran" differ from "cheesy, goopy, Tex-Mex"?

[AzDumpling]

Lack of Velveeta.

[aynrandgirl]

Lots of good Tex-Mex doesn't use Velveeta, it uses real Cheddar. Does Sonoran use the same kind of sauces that Tex-Mex does?

[kmarg]

More chile, less pico de gallo. Tex-Mex usually seems to use more chutney-like salsas. Sonoran uses straight up red chile and enchilada sauces. also Tex-Mex leans towards grilled meets, where sonoran leans toward simmered. Sonoran also tends to be spicier, but that may just be my experience.

[Bill Hunt]

With Tex-Mex, the sauces are usually more beef-based, rather than tomato-based.

The cheeses can differ dramatically, as can the amount of fresh tomatoes in/on many dishes. Tex-Mex usually will blanc the onions, while Sonoran will likely serve them raw. There are other differences, but they get into some fine details, an will likely differ by family recipes, and the chef.

Enjoy,

Hunt

[biga290]

gallo blanco in the clarendon hotel.

[johnseberg]

Adding link (and I agree)

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Gallo Blanco Cafe
401 W Clarendon Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013

[jezebeljones]

Gallo Blanco is truly yummy. Just reviewed the menu again, and had forgotten about their all day huevos rancheros. I'll have to take my date there--that's his fave. Thanx chowhounds!

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Gallo Blanco Cafe
401 W Clarendon Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013

[johnseberg]

Barrio Cafe
Los Sombreros
Los Dos Molinos
Mariscos Playa Hermosa

Lots of old threads on this topic.

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Barrio Cafe
2814 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Los Sombreros Cafe & Cantina
2534 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Mariscos Playa Hermosa
1605 E Garfield St, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Los Dos Molinos
8646 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042

[azhotdish]

Border (Sonoran) or something further south? Casual or more upscale?