Best Mexican Restaurants in Scottsdale Arizona

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Why Scottsdale’s Mexican Food Scene Stands Out

Arizona’s proximity to Mexico creates advantages most American cities can’t replicate.

Authentic ingredients arrive fresh and frequently. Chiles, produce, cheeses—the real stuff Mexican cooking demands. Not substitutions or compromises.

Sonoran influence dominates. This isn’t Tex-Mex. Sonoran Mexican food—the style from neighboring Sonora, Mexico—features flour tortillas, carne asada, and preparations distinct from other regional Mexican cuisines.

Chef-driven innovation elevates traditional recipes. The best Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale respect authentic techniques while incorporating modern presentations and ingredient quality rivaling any fine dining establishment.

Tequila and mezcal programs exceed most American cities. Collections featuring 100+ tequilas, rare mezcals, expert bartenders crafting elevated margaritas—this isn’t just food, it’s complete Mexican dining culture.

The combination creates a Mexican food scene where you’ll find everything from $3 street tacos tasting like Mexico City to $150 tasting menus showcasing regional Mexican cuisine’s full spectrum.

Best Mexican Restaurants in Scottsdale: Our Top Picks

The Mission: Modern Latin Elevated to Art

Why The Mission earns #1 spot:

Walk into The Mission’s Old Town location and immediately understand this isn’t typical Mexican dining. Modern design meets Latin elegance—exposed brick, contemporary lighting, vibrant art, open kitchen energy.

But the real story happens on the plate.

The Tableside Guacamole Experience

Fresh avocados, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, jalapeños. Your server prepares guacamole at your table, customizing heat level and ingredient proportions based on your preferences.

This isn’t theater for theater’s sake. Freshly prepared guacamole—literally made moments before eating—tastes dramatically better than pre-made versions. The difference is remarkable.

Modern Mexican Done Right

The Mission describes their approach as “modern Latin.” In practice, this means:

Traditional techniques form the foundation. Moles take days to prepare. Sauces respect regional recipes. Tortillas are made in-house.

Modern presentations elevate the experience. Plating rivals upscale restaurants. Ingredient quality matches fine dining standards.

Innovation happens thoughtfully. The menu experiments where it enhances—never gimmicky “fusion” compromising authenticity.

The Tequila Program

Over 100 tequilas and extensive mezcal selection. The bar staff actually knows the differences—not just reciting a menu, but educating about regions, production methods, flavor profiles.

The margaritas showcase this expertise. Classic preparations executed perfectly. Premium tequila options elevating the experience without unnecessary complexity.

What to Order at The Mission

Can’t-miss: Tableside guacamole. Pork belly tacos (crispy, flavorful, perfectly balanced). Enchiladas suizas featuring Swiss-style cream sauce.

For adventurous eaters: Chile relleno with walnut cream sauce. Mole dish (preparation changes seasonally).

Vegetarian options: Surprisingly strong. Roasted vegetable enchiladas, mushroom tacos, multiple options beyond “just beans.”

Margarita strategy: Start with classic house margarita. If you enjoy premium tequila, upgrade to añejo margarita for richer experience.

Best time: Weeknight dinners (Tuesday-Thursday) for easier seating. Weekends require reservations 1-2 weeks ahead. Patio seating November-April offers excellent Old Town atmosphere.

Reserve your table at The Mission

Cost: $35-55 per person with drinks

Los Sombreros: Authentic Sonoran Without Pretension

Why locals love Los Sombreros:

No pretension. No “modern interpretation.” Just authentic Sonoran Mexican food executed correctly at reasonable prices.

The Sonoran Style

Flour tortillas (not corn) dominate Sonoran cuisine. Handmade, thin, slightly buttery. They wrap carne asada, form the base for chimichangas, create the foundation for everything.

Carne asada prepared traditionally—marinated overnight, grilled properly, sliced thin. Simple preparation letting quality beef shine.

Cheese matters. Real Mexican cheeses (queso fresco, Chihuahua, Oaxaca) rather than generic “Mexican blend.”

What Makes Los Sombreros Work

Consistency. Visit on Tuesday or Saturday—same quality. This reliability matters when you’re craving specific flavors.

Value pricing. $12-15 entrees delivering authentic flavors. Not trying to be fine dining, just excellent Mexican food.

Family atmosphere. Casual, welcoming, unpretentious. Bring kids, come in shorts, order extra salsa, enjoy yourself.

The Salsa Bar

Multiple fresh salsas daily—from mild pico de gallo to seriously spicy habanero. This variety lets you customize heat level and flavor profile for different dishes.

Try all of them. Seriously—the salsa diversity alone makes Los Sombreros worth visiting.

What to Order at Los Sombreros

The basics done right: Carne asada burrito. Chicken enchiladas with red sauce. Street tacos (order multiple, they’re small).

Sonoran specialties: Chimichanga (originated in Arizona). Carne asada fries (not traditional, but excellent).

Best value: Combination plates offering multiple items. Generous portions, reasonable prices.

Skip: Attempting to order “low-carb” Mexican food. You’re here for tortillas, embrace it.

Book Los Sombreros

Cost: $15-25 per person with drinks

Diego Pops: Upscale Tacos Worth the Price

What makes Diego Pops different:

The concept sounds simple: elevated tacos and craft cocktails. In execution, it becomes something more—a restaurant proving Mexican street food deserves upscale treatment.

The Taco Philosophy

Quality ingredients transform familiar formats. Baja fish tacos feature fresh catch, perfect batter, housemade crema. Short rib tacos showcase braised beef requiring hours of preparation.

Pricing reflects quality: $5-7 per taco (versus $2-3 at casual spots). The difference? Ingredient quality, preparation time, execution level matching upscale restaurants.

This creates interesting dynamic: casual food (tacos) at near-fine-dining prices. Worth it? Depends on your priorities. The food quality justifies pricing—but adjust expectations accordingly.

The Cocktail Program

Craft margaritas and Mexican-inspired cocktails showcase mixology expertise. Fresh juices, premium spirits, thoughtful flavor combinations.

The mezcal selection impresses—including rare bottles seldom found outside specialty bars.

The Atmosphere

Modern, hip, energetic. DJ some nights. Patio featuring fire elements and mountain views. This isn’t “quiet dinner”—it’s social dining experience.

What to Order at Diego Pops

Must-try tacos: Baja fish (perfectly crispy, excellent slaw). Short rib (rich, tender, well-balanced). Octopus (when available—surprisingly good).

Sides: Elote (Mexican street corn) prepared correctly. Guacamole with fresh chips.

Drinks: Margarita flight for variety. Or ask bartender for mezcal recommendations based on your preferences.

Strategy: Order 3-4 tacos per person. They’re small enough to try multiple varieties without overwhelming.

Reserve at Diego Pops

Cost: $40-60 per person with drinks

Barrio Queen: Regional Mexican Specialties

Why Barrio Queen stands out:

Most Mexican restaurants stick to familiar dishes. Barrio Queen explores regional Mexican cuisine—showcasing preparations from different Mexican states.

Regional Mexican Explained

Mexican cuisine varies dramatically by region:

Oaxaca: Known for complex moles (sauce featuring 20+ ingredients, chocolate, chiles, spices). Labor-intensive, deeply flavored.

Yucatan: Features achiote marinades, citrus-forward preparations, Mayan influences.

Veracruz: Emphasizes seafood, Spanish influences, lighter profiles.

Barrio Queen’s menu explores these regional styles—offering dishes you won’t find at typical Mexican restaurants.

The Mole Program

Multiple mole varieties—black, red, verde. Each requires different preparation, distinct flavor profiles.

Mole isn’t “chocolate sauce”—that’s oversimplification. Complex layering of chiles, spices, nuts, chocolate (sometimes), creating savory depth.

Try the mole sampler for introduction to different styles.

Breakfast and Brunch Strength

Barrio Queen excels at Mexican breakfast—chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos prepared authentically.

The brunch service (weekends) combines Mexican breakfast specialties with excellent margaritas. Popular combination.

What to Order at Barrio Queen

For adventurous eaters: Mole dish (ask server which they recommend). Cochinita pibil (Yucatan-style slow-roasted pork).

For traditionalists: Enchiladas suizas. Carnitas tacos. Chile rellenos.

Brunch stars: Chilaquiles with eggs. Breakfast burrito. Huevos rancheros.

Drinks: Extensive tequila selection. Knowledgeable staff guide selections.

Book your table at Barrio Queen

Cost: $25-40 per person with drinks

Jalapeño Inferno: Where Locals Grab Quick Tacos

Why Jalapeño Inferno matters:

Sometimes you don’t want upscale. You want authentic street tacos, fast service, honest pricing.

Jalapeño Inferno delivers.

The Fast-Casual Approach

Counter service. Order, pay, grab number, food arrives quickly. No reservations needed, no dress code concerns, no pretension.

But the food respects authentic preparation. Fresh ingredients, traditional techniques, proper seasoning.

What Works Here

Street tacos executed correctly. Small corn tortillas, fresh meat, simple toppings (onions, cilantro, lime). $2-3 each.

Burritos sized generously. California-style (including fries inside) or traditional—both work.

Salsas made in-house with varying heat levels. The “inferno” sauce earns its name—genuinely spicy.

When to Choose Jalapeño Inferno

Quick lunch without sacrificing quality. Late-night cravings (open later than most). Budget-conscious dining delivering authentic flavors. Casual atmosphere when you’re not dressing up.

What to Order

Safe bet: Three street tacos (mix carne asada, chicken, carnitas). Order extra limes.

Adventurous: Lengua (beef tongue) or cabeza (beef head) tacos if available. Properly prepared, these are excellent.

Sides: Chips and guacamole. Elote. Keep it simple.

Cost: $12-18 per person

Reserve at Jalapeño Inferno

Which Scottsdale Mexican Restaurant Should You Choose?

Not sure which Mexican restaurant matches your situation? Here’s our quick decision guide:

Choose The Mission if you want:

✓ Modern, upscale experience with fine dining atmosphere
✓ Tableside guacamole and elevated presentations
✓ Extensive tequila program with expert guidance
✓ Old Town location perfect for dates or special occasions

Choose Los Sombreros if you want:

✓ Authentic Sonoran Mexican without pretension
✓ Family-friendly atmosphere and casual vibe
✓ Excellent value ($15-25 per person)
✓ Consistent quality visit after visit

Choose Diego Pops if you want:

✓ Upscale tacos worth premium pricing
✓ Craft cocktails and mezcal selection
✓ Social atmosphere with energy and mountain views
✓ Try multiple varieties with small-format tacos

Choose Barrio Queen if you want:

✓ Regional Mexican specialties beyond typical menu
✓ Mole expertise and complex preparations
✓ Excellent brunch with Mexican breakfast classics
✓ Educational experience exploring Mexican cuisine diversity

Choose Jalapeño Inferno if you want:

✓ Quick, authentic street tacos at honest prices
✓ Casual atmosphere with counter service
✓ Late-night options or budget-friendly meals
✓ No-fuss dining when cravings strike

Understanding Mexican Food in Scottsdale

Sonoran vs. Other Mexican Styles

Sonoran Mexican (Arizona/Northern Mexico) features:

• Flour tortillas (not corn primarily)
• Carne asada emphasis
• Cheese-forward preparations
• Chimichangas (Arizona invention)

Interior Mexican (other regions) differs:

• Corn tortillas dominate
• More complex sauces (moles, pipians)
• Regional specialties varying dramatically
• Different chile varieties and preparations

Neither is “better”—they’re different regional cuisines under the Mexican food umbrella.

Tequila vs. Mezcal

Tequila: Made from blue agave, produced in specific regions (primarily Jalisco). Smoother, more refined.

Mezcal: Made from various agave species, often produced in Oaxaca. Smokier, earthier, more complex.

Quality matters more than category. Excellent tequila and excellent mezcal both deserve appreciation.

When to Order What

Blanco/Silver tequila: Clean, agave-forward. Best for margaritas.

Reposado: Aged 2-12 months. Smooth, slightly oaky. Good for sipping or premium margaritas.

Añejo: Aged 1-3 years. Rich, complex. Sipping only—wasted in margaritas.

Ask your server or bartender for guidance—quality Mexican restaurants employ knowledgeable staff.

Insider Tips for Mexican Dining in Scottsdale

Reservation timing:

• Upscale spots (The Mission, Diego Pops): Book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekends
• Casual spots (Los Sombreros, Barrio Queen): Usually accommodate walk-ins weeknights
• Brunch: Reserve ahead—Mexican brunch is popular

What to order:

• First-timers: Start with restaurant’s signature dishes
• Adventurous eaters: Ask about daily specials or regional preparations
• Taco strategy: Order 2-3 varieties to compare—they’re designed for variety

Margarita ordering:

• House margaritas usually excellent at quality restaurants
• Premium tequila upgrades worth it if you enjoy sipping tequila
• Frozen vs. rocks: Rocks showcases tequila better; frozen more refreshing

Cost expectations:

• Casual authentic: $15-25 per person
• Mid-range: $25-40 per person
• Upscale: $40-60+ per person

Spice level guidance:

• Always ask about heat levels
• “Medium” varies dramatically between restaurants
• Start conservative, add salsa for more heat

Plan Your Scottsdale Mexican Food Adventure

The best Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale offer something rare: authentic preparation meeting quality ingredients, respecting traditional techniques while embracing thoughtful innovation.

Whether you’re craving street tacos, exploring regional Mexican cuisine, or celebrating with upscale modern Mexican dining, Scottsdale delivers exceptional options for every preference and budget.

Ready to book? Most upscale Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale use OpenTable for easy reservations with instant confirmation.

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Last updated: October 2025