Buckeye, AZ is one part desert dreamers, one part “I just discovered this Phoenix suburb,” and two parts authentic Southwest spirit. Fortunately, this blend of old traditions and new arrivals creates a vibrant Mexican food landscape. Here are our top picks for the area.
Belly’s Mexican Food
$ | (623) 230-0731 | WEBSITE
Belly’s Mexican Food looks like a family reunion meets a roadside stand, all day every day. It’s a simple storefront with a few laminate tables and salsa jars that never seem to run out. So you might be surprised to learn that this spot has some of the best carne asada fries in town. Grab a table, order tacos, and get a plate piled high with crispy fries, which you need to top with their green and red salsa. Just note that it’s cash only.
Nana and Tata’s Restaurant and Desserts
$ | (623) 393-8171 | WEBSITE
Buckeye’s gain is our delight—after years as a local secret, Nana and Tata’s brings authentic Mexican comfort food to the heart of town. In their cozy dining room, you can often find regulars sharing plates of chicken enchiladas and savory chili rellenos with warm tortillas. At another table, a family might be splitting a hearty wet chicken chimichanga next to cheerful family photos.
Nana and Tata’s doesn’t hold back on the homemade flavor, which is also a perfect reason to order a cup of their rich coffee, too.
Jacky’s Mexican Food
$ | (602) 615-8605 | WEBSITE
This Mexican spot has everything we look for in a satisfying-ass meal. The $14 breakfast burrito never disappoints, flavors come together seamlessly, and (most importantly) the food is incredible. Plus, the person who designed the restaurant’s setup made sure everyone feels comfortable and like they belong in a neighborhood joint. The food is hearty without being too heavy, with dishes like huaraches with cabeza featuring succulent meat and crispy masa edges you eat like a true taco enthusiast.
There’s also the al pastor taco that tastes like the best you’ve ever had, and a carne asada huarache that delivers pure deliciousness. So if you’re looking for a very friendly place to grab generous portions that last two meals, you can confidently pull up to an open table here.
La Fiesta Market
$ | (623) 230-6000 | WEBSITE
Buckeye is obviously the Mexican food capital of the West Valley, but it’s also the 99 cent taco capital of the West Valley. That’s because as far as we know, nobody is serving tacos for under a dollar on Tuesdays and Wednesdays other than La Fiesta Market. And they’re doing it all in a family-friendly market setting that feels like a neighborhood gathering spot. You can hide your whole appetite inside of a California burrito, if you want.
Maskadores Taco Shop Buckeye
$ | (623) 203-6760 | WEBSITE
In the great Buckeye Mexican food debate, you’ve got the sit-down restaurants on the left, the food trucks on the right, and dark horse Maskadores Taco Shop in the middle. The sizeable portions with fortifying spicy options like the green chile beef burro are what make the difference here. This gas station taco shop may force you to reconsider previous allegiances.
Federico’s Mexican Food
$ | (623) 327-2366 | WEBSITE
The vibrant colors, family-friendly atmosphere, and upbeat Mexican music makes you want to wear a sombrero and celebrate at Federico’s Mexican Food. This authentic spot is known for its delicious Mexican dishes that impress with their visual presentation, and similarly, it’s also very popular. So though a counter seat may be open for a walk-in, you’ll want to plan ahead for a family dinner in the dining area.
Order the satisfying ground beef burrito, any of the fresh vegetarian options, or the praised beef taco salad.
Raspados El Jinete
$ | (623) 806-3918 | WEBSITE
A nicer Mexican snack spot that will cost you a bit, but isn’t overpriced for what it is. Nobody prepares snacks more prettily than the kind grandmother at Raspados El Jinete. Load up on the delicious escamocha and fresas con crema, but make sure you try at least one of their well-presented specialties.
Burritos Delicias
$ | (623) 292-9245 | WEBSITE
Burritos Delicias serves authentic Mexican food ‘al estilo casero,’ meaning homemade-style and prepared fresh when you order at the counter. The tortillas are soft and warm like freshly made flatbreads, and the dishes don’t have very much grease so the authentic flavors are the focus. There are around six rotating specialties, and you’ll find classics like menudo on weekends, tacos de chicharron, and chile relleno burritos. Even if it sounds simple, it works.
And compared to the typical gas station spot, this location is surprisingly clean and has a genuinely friendly staff.
RESTAURANT CHILLING FUSION (Sushis, Seafood, Hibachi)
$ | (480) 930-1129 | WEBSITE
This fusion Mexican-Japanese spot is one of our favorite hidden treasures in all of Buckeye. You can’t beat it for the price (very reasonable), atmosphere (super casual and kid-friendly), and quality of food (excellent). The hibachi chili bowl with chicken is something special, and the 3 Animal Roll and Bazooka Roll are just as good. If you haven’t already tried their specialty xxxl sushi roll or Birria Ramen, you need to change that.
Salsitas Mexican Restaurant
$ | (623) 219-9503 | WEBSITE
Like that elusive perfect taco that seems to vanish after a late-night craving, finding authentic Mexican food outside of the usual spots can be tricky. But luckily for Buckeye (and unlike that fleeting taco dream), we’ve found Salsitas Mexican Restaurant. The unassuming storefront is deceptively welcoming, perfect for a casual family dinner or solo lunch to break up the monotony of your three-week-long fast-food streak.
Salsitas keeps their menu focused but generous, with standout options like the savory carne asada torta and rich cabeza tacos that will definitely satisfy your hunger. But, resisting the horchata requires the willpower of a monk, and you’re probably not taking vows anytime soon.
A 1 Tacos
$ | (602) 980-7493 | WEBSITE
A 1 Tacos is part of the lineup of reliable Mexican spots in Buckeye—and this quaint, fast-casual place is a welcome find. The menu has tasty chorizo tacos, hearty carne asada fries, and everything can be ordered for dine-in or take-out (well, maybe not the whole setup) with options that keep things simple and satisfying.
The friendly space is often busy, the staff is really accommodating, and it’s a great option for a quick bite or a casual meal in the area, especially if you’re traveling with your dog thanks to the nearby park.
Calitacos Restaurant
$ | (623) 440-5797 | WEBSITE
Calitacos Restaurant is a beacon of hope for anyone that lives in the area or Buckeye residents needing a quick taco or mulita break between errands that double as lunch hour. The street tacos from this counter-service Mexican spot only have a couple of meat options like birria and carne asada, but they’re both tasty and come with fresh, zesty toppings. The most flavorful item is the Cali-styled rolled tacos—they’re crispy with a satisfying crunch.
If you’re more of a comfort-food person, the birria tacos here are also solid, with delicious options like classic beef or chicken, all served with a rich, savory consume.
Wild West Cowboy Steakhouse
$ | (623) 386-1400 | WEBSITE
“Steakhouse” might conjure images of white tablecloths and hushed tones. Unless it’s the Wild West Cowboy Steakhouse, which is where you’ll find a rustic, country-style restaurant in Buckeye. All of the food at this picnic-table spot is great, but prioritize the Jesse James plate. Juicy steak gets a side of baked potato while on the grill, giving each piece of meat a smoky char, and it’s all topped off with hot chips and salsa. Oh, and the beautiful murals on every wall?
They’re fantastic—take a moment to admire the Buckeye history before each bite.
Filiberto’s Mexican Food
$ | (623) 386-8800 | WEBSITE
Filiberto’s Mexican Food is a local favorite with tasty burritos and quick service. When you’re in a hurry, you want to hit the drive-thru. When you’re not, grab a breakfast burrito inside. Come for the sausage burrito any time, too, because you need that authentic flavor in your life.