Glendale’s taco scene is vast, but finding a spot that makes you forget how many times you’ve settled for subpar tortillas this week is still a challenge. Let’s change that.
Antojitos Latinos Victoria
Antojitos Latinos Victoria is a family-run food truck with great pupusas that’ll actually satisfy your cravings and a Thursday special that goes as fresh as any in Glendale. You’ll find a crew from the nearby weekend crowd here almost any time they’re open.
Tacos El Rojo PHX
$ | (602) 775-7774 | WEBSITE
This Mexican taco spot has two standout features – one for the food, and one for when you’re in Glendale and need a few satisfying tacos to make the trip worthwhile.
BONITAS
$ | (602) 368-9928 | WEBSITE
BONITAS is a solid Mexican restaurant that serves their normally pricey (but decent) food at much more reasonable prices during daily specials. They have things like the standout pozole, the highlight birria with perfect portions, and various tacos that are crunchy and not greasy for under $15.
Taqueria y Neveria La Chin-gada
$ | (623) 931-5916 | WEBSITE
Yes, Taqueria y Neveria La Chin-gada has a salsa bar. There’s spicy green sauce, and it’ll be warm, but at least you won’t have to wait for a table like you did when it first got popular. It’ll also be before the dinner rush, so maybe you’ll see the owner’s daughter helping out like the attentive host she is.
Tacos Tijuana
$ | (623) 223-2212 | WEBSITE
A taco spot in Glendale that doesn’t look like much from the outside, Tacos Tijuana is a great place when you’re craving authentic TJ-style tacos after work, but don’t want to walk out smelling like a fast-food joint. Their salsas aren’t the most elaborate around, but the pastor tacos are exceptional—truly the best in the area. The homemade corn tortillas are delicious, and the quesabirrias and beef birria are praised for their rich, well-seasoned flavors.
While the atmosphere could use some sprucing up, the food remains some of the best in the valley, with fresh ingredients and attention to detail that make it a local favorite. Service is fast and friendly, and the large portions offer solid value, especially on Taco Tuesday when they stay open late and serve Mexi cokes. Parking is limited, but the quality of the meals—like the exceptional carne asada burrito—makes it worth the visit.
Ceviche 101
$ | (623) 248-4883 | WEBSITE
When you’ve been craving something fresh after a long desert day, it’s likely that you’ll end up dining inside when you arrive. The tropical decor isn’t the only reason to go to Ceviche 101 – the tuna tostada is $14 and pairs well with one of Glendale’s best campechanas (which isn’t the cheapest option, but is worth ordering anyway).
Taco Hatz
$ | (480) 381-3977 | WEBSITE
Taco Hatz is a fantastic food truck no matter when you go – but it’s especially fantastic when they’re open late, and not just because they have those mesquite charcoal-cooked street tacos that everyone should try once. Beyond that, they’ve got a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere from owners Miguel and Edgar that will keep anyone happy.
Brushfire Tacos y Tapas
$ | (602) 296-4439 | WEBSITE
This taco spot in Glendale has a spacious interior and patio service that make it an ideal casual dining destination. They have popular menu items like the empanada and bacon burrito, and $4 fountain drinks you can refill yourself at the counter.
Eh Güey, Tacos?
$ | (480) 508-1294 | WEBSITE
This gas station kitchen has a great list of tacos on the menu, but the real reason you’re here is the food covered in amazing red sauce and perfect green salsa. They’ve got cabeza and birria tacos for around $4 each, which all come with fresh onions and cilantro. Our favorite is the ramen birria with that bomb burrito sauce.
Taco Rojo’s
$ | (602) 320-0030 | WEBSITE
Taco Rojo’s provides a fantastic dining experience every evening, even during their busiest weekend hours. They always have their signature items available, too. Order the el pastor tacos and some freshly made tortillas, and try not to get salsa on the outdoor patio furniture.
The Golden Taco
You probably think of The Golden Taco for their standout tacos, but they also have a surprisingly delightful Asada Torta. The reasonable prices are good, and there’s fantastic food that works well to share with friends.
Taqueria Obregon
$ | (602) 319-5922 | WEBSITE
One of our favorite taco spots in Glendale also has fantastic weekend family deals, with great prices and specials on cabeza, queso birria, and tacos de Pastor. Visit the clean, cozy dining room once, and you’ll probably become a regular.
Taqueria El Padrino
$ | (623) 221-1451 | WEBSITE
Behind that unassuming storefront in the heart of Glendale is Taqueria El Padrino – a beloved, vibrant spot with authentic, very reasonably priced tacos, particularly the tacos de cabeza.
Tacolicioso
$ | (602) 527-6017 | WEBSITE
Tacolicioso is a vibrant taco spot in Glendale where you can dig into Carne Asada tacos at lunch and no one will bat an eye. They have standout flavors in their dishes, but you’ll be needing that rich, well-seasoned meat in order to overlook the occasional tough or grainy bite.
The friendly service keeps things moving quickly, and sitting next to that peaceful field makes the whole experience feel surprisingly relaxed—even when a taco shell comes out a bit burnt or the meat in certain dishes tastes a little bland. It’s the kind of place where the full, tender Carne Asada and those loaded nachos make it worth a visit, even if you might wish for extra sauce options like sour cream.
For anyone craving delicious Mexican food with a lively atmosphere, Tacolicioso delivers, flaws and all.
Sonora Taco Shop 2
$ | (602) 757-8512 | WEBSITE
This cozy spot is well-known for its popular quesabirria tacos, but weeknights are nice, too. On a random Tuesday, you’ll find that Sonora Taco Shop 2 is filled with locals sipping $3 horchata and eating $4 tacos.
The Taco Spot – Glendale
$ | (480) 393-3983 | WEBSITE
There are flashier taco joints around town, but The Taco Spot is a solid, unpretentious place to get some affordable tacos and quesadillas and skip the lines at nearby restaurants.
Tacos Al Pastor
$ | (408) 836-2318 | WEBSITE
Tacos Al Pastor is a Mexican spot in Glendale with a casual vibe and tacos worth investigating, especially during lunch hours. The best time to go is on Wednesdays and Thursdays, when they do special deals on their burritos and quesadillas and service runs smoothly.
Jack In The Box
$ | (623) 931-6649 | WEBSITE
Jack In The Box is a reliable fast-food spot in Glendale, with a great drive-thru for late-night cravings. The night shift is the best time to be here, since the staff handles the busy lines efficiently and ensures timely delivery orders.
Crooked Pint Ale House
$ | (602) 603-5810 | WEBSITE
We don’t love the tacos at Crooked Pint Ale House, but the local craft beers on tap are pretty good. Come if you’re with a friend who’s really into casual dining, because that’s where everyone goes after drinking here.
Tacos La Cabeza
$ | (623) 248-5606 | WEBSITE
The carne asada tacos at Tacos La Cabeza are some of the best in Glendale, and the only time you can really soak in the cheerful atmosphere is during the lunch rush. Add in friendly staff, a clean environment, and pretty standard Mexican dishes, and you have a great, surprisingly welcoming spot for family meals and casual gatherings.