Monday, March 25, 2013

The Best Taco in Phoenix

If there's one thing Arizona does well, it's Mexican food.

In my opinion Arizona does a lot of things well (see: sunsets, winter weather, orange blossoms, etc.) but today we're focusing on the tacos. When I leave Arizona (see: four long winters in Utah for college) there are always many struggles to face, but the Mexican food is one of the worst. I'm snobby enough to declare that you just can't get the real deal when you're too far north of the border.

So I don't take this decision lightly.

Tacos are my favorite food, there's no question about it. And I've tried a lot of tacos in my day. So the label of Best Taco in Phoenix is not something I'll be handing out willy nilly to the nearest drive-through with a corn tortilla. After much thought and deliberation (but not really because IF YOU'VE EVER EATEN THIS THEN YOU'D KNOW IT'S OBVIOUS)....

America's Taco Shop: Al Pastor Taco


I never let a visiting friend leave Arizona without getting this in their belly. There's something about the way they marinate that pork that makes my taste buds want to weep tears of joy and yell ARRRRIBA all at once. I can't....I can't even talk about it anymore because I'll get mad that I don't have one right now. I mean I have FEELINGS for this taco.

And if carne asada is your thing, America's Taco Shop is touted as having the best in the valley. But please, at least try one al pastor. Do it for me. And your posterity. Think of the children.

And if you need a side dish...

You might think a side of refried beans is just a side of refried beans, but that's only because you haven't tried these ones. Order them. Just do it. Also, some introductory chips and salsa while you're waiting for your food never hurt anyone.

Do you have a favorite taco in Phoenix?
...and do you want to come to America's Taco Shop with me?
[via]

20 comments:

Myke said...

"I'm snobby enough to declare that you just can't get the real deal when you're too far north of the border." I totally agreed with this statement until I came across Port Fonda in Kansas City last November. I dream of their pork belly tacos. That said, I still believe that statement is very true -- I've thought the same after living in Idaho, Colorado and Northern California. (Kansas City just knows how to do food in a way few cities do.) My favorite taco shop in Phoenix is La Condesa. But I haven't been to America's Taco Shop so that could very well change.

Priscilla said...

I like barbacoa tacos, al pastor is my 2nd fav.

Brittany LeSueur said...

Ah! It is so true....one thing I hate about traveling sometimes is the food. I can't live without some good Mexican, but I have never been here!! You must take me next time! Also, have you heard of backyard Taco? It is another place people rave on about but I have yet to try it!

Katie said...

I really liked America's Taco Shop. You're making me jealous.

FWIL Sentimental Blog Content said...

Yes and yes!
1. Yes, my favorite is the Cafe Rio sweet pork
2. Yes, I want to go with you. Let's talk blogging meetup, and eat a taco, shall we?

Unknown said...

I feel de-friended. (not really) but how was this not a part of our time together when I came to AZ? (probably because I was there for like point two seconds beyond the slash bash) I should probably come back. (yes, I should)

Rebekah said...

Nailed it. This taco changed my life. <3

Elizabeth Downie said...

My mouth is watering.....!!

Diary of a Brown Eyed Girl said...

I have never tried this place before. Looks like we will have to!
New follower of your pretty lil' blog! Follow me back?

katilda said...

I now have a reason to travel to Kansas....

katilda said...

You gotta follow your heart :)

katilda said...

Hey I'm game for taco dates anytime!! And yes I have heard of backyard taco -- it used to literally be in backyards and parking lots and I went a couple times. I haven't been yet to their permanent location but I need to!

katilda said...

Maybe I could wrap one up and mail it?

katilda said...

...a taco, not the whole shop.

katilda said...

Now I'm going to think about Cafe Rio all day.

katilda said...

Maybe I should buy some and bring them to California???

katilda said...

So glad you agree!!

katilda said...

Now mine is too, dangit. haha

katilda said...

Hey thanks for stopping by! Yesplease try that taco!

Alexis Kaye said...

Yes. YES. yes, I want to go with you