The Best Tacos in Downtown Tempe

Ta-co: a Mexican dish consisting of a fried tortilla, typically folded, filled with various mixtures, such as seasoned meat, beans, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Tacos are not just for Tuesdays anymore. Walk around in downtown Tempe on any day of the week and you will find so many meaty-cheesy-in-a-tortilla options, that you will be pressed to find time to try them all out. But never fear, we have curated this list of great tacos in downtown Tempe for you to try. Bookmark this page and start eating!

Loco Patron

Let's start with the Arizona Taco Fest award-winning Crunchy Tacos filled with your choice of shredded chicken, barbacoa beef or pork carnitas and all the fixin's: sour cream, guac, cotija cheese and smoky arbol sauce.

Fuzzy's Taco Shop

It's tough to beat Fuzzy's Baja Tacos with their rich assortment of spicy pork, fajita beef, grilled shrimp and mahi fillings. They even have veggie tacos and a fried avocado taco for all you plant eaters.

Taco Boys

Known for their traditional Mexican fare made with fresh, char-grilled meat; Taco Boys' options include Chicken, Carne Asada, Tripa, Cabeza, Barbacoa, and Pastor. A selection of house-made salsas and veggie toppings are available, free of charge. Pro-tip: try the cabeza.

Mesquite Fresh Street Mex

Winner of Phoenix New Times' Best Street Tacos, you can't miss Mesquite Fresh Street Mex on Mill Avenue when they fire up their grill - just follow your nose to chicken and beef grilled over real mesquite wood offering chicken, steak and mixed tacos. They even have tasty veggie tacos. Whether it's the late night munchies or a weekday lunch, you've got to try out Mesquite Fresh Street Mex on Mill. Tacos are 80¢ off all day, every Tuesday!

Tacos Calafia

Voted Best Tacos in the Valley and Best Al Pastor in 2018, Tacos Calafia is definitely a must try! options include: Carne Asada, Al Pastor, Pollo, Cabeza and Noples (grilled cactus). Every time I go in, I just get one of each because they are that good! And 20% off tacos, every Tuesday!

Illegal Pete's

Sometimes you just need a taco and Illegal Pete's has 'em ($2 tacos on Tuesday). Built to order from a line of endless options, Illegal Pete's offers steak, chicken and veggie combinations in addition to Baja fish tacos. A full kids menu and the best queso around.

Taco Bell Cantina

There aren't many Taco Bells that offer a beer with your taco, but Mill's got one in Taco Bell Cantina. Offering all the regular Taco Bell options - no less than 14 versions of tacos on their menu, you can also grab a spicy potato taco for just a buck!

Tempe Taco Supply

Located in The Vib Hotel on Farmer, Tempe Taco Supply has many delicious options that will leave your taste buds tingling! Green Chilies & Chicken, Beer Braised Beef, Braised Pork Belly (NEED I GO ON??), Honey Chili Shrimp, House Made Chorizo, Garlic and Black Pepper Steak! WOW. They also have vegan options: Roasted Sweet Potato & Black Bean, Kale Yeah! and Tropical Storm, a fried plantain taco. Check out their full menu here!

Zipps Sports Grill

One of the best places to watch ALL the games, because they have ALL the screens, Zipp's pairs their Zipparita (flavored frozen margaritas) with three sirloin or chicken soft tacos in a basket. 

Taco Chelo

The newest addition to hop on the Downtown taco scene! Located next to Snooze and Postino on College Avenue, Taco Chelo is servin' up tacos on their homemade corn tortillas. Try the beef barbacoa or the beer battered fish taco! Full Menu Here!

C.A.S.A.

A Tempe staple, C.A.S.A. Enjoy fresh tacos on a fresh patio (and a bucket of course!)! Carne Asada, Tinga de Pollo and VEGAN Carne Asada served Crispy or Soft! Get them OG Style: Adds jalapeno-avocado crema, sour cream and jack cheese!

Skysill Rooftop Lounge

Soaring 18 stories above the city of Tempe as the Valley’s highest open-air rooftop bar, Skysill is a great escape from the urban desert floor offering cool cocktails and get this, Ahi Poke Tacos. Who would have thunk it?  Served with Wasabi-Avocado Crema, pickled jalapenos and crispy wonton. 

Rusty Taco

Yes, Rusty Taco has a wide range of traditional handmade tacos from Roasted Pork, Picadillo and Shrimp, but they also have ALL-DAY BREAKFAST tacos on the menu, which we believe deserves a spotlight. Fajita, Egg and Cheese | Chorizo, Egg and Cheese | Brisket, Egg and Cheese.....The list goes on! They also have rotating featured Tacos of the Month. July: Brisket Burnt Ends & Birria!

Jack-in-The-Box

No list o'tacos is complete without mentioning the Jack. Everyone knows that sometimes those tiny tacos are just the ticket. Spicy Tiny Tacos and Sauced & Loaded Tiny Tacos. Breakfast, lunch, dinner or late night munchies, Tiny Tacos are there for you. 

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