Tacos and enchiladas share plenty—their heritage, their vibrant salsas, their power to turn any day into a fiesta. Yet, carne asada sizzling on a comal just feels different than when it’s tucked into a casserole. We’ve savored Gilbert’s Mexican offerings and found the best. If you crave authenticity beyond the usual combo plate, your search ends here.
Los Favoritos Taco Shop, LLC
$ | (480) 726-7310 | WEBSITE
We’ll make it easy for you—don’t let the diverse menu at this taco shop overwhelm you. Just go for the fish tacos. They come with everything you’d expect (crispy, flavorful, and made with fresh ingredients). But what we love is the addition of their flavorful red sauce that helps balance all the richness. And, if you like something hearty for breakfast, this Gilbert spot also has a perfect potato, egg, and cheese breakfast burrito.
Caldwell County Mexi-Q
$ | (480) 813-3727 | WEBSITE
Among the spots on this guide, Caldwell County Mexi-Q wins the most flavorful brisket award by a landslide. The brisket birria tacos, tender and juicy, join those smoky strips on warm corn tortillas. We like to add elote and finish our order off with a MexiQ Twinkie. For something a little less filling, they also serve calabasita with a side of rice.
Joyride Taco House
$$ | (480) 632-8226 | WEBSITE
We’d drink just about anything if it were poured over Joyride’s ice, which is perfectly chipped and keeps those margaritas chilled without watering them down. But our standby order is the classic lime margarita with a salted rim. For a couple of extra bucks, you can upgrade to a premium tequila or add a splash of orange liqueur, but we prefer to keep it simple so we can focus on that crisp, tangy flavor with no distractions.
Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup
$ | (602) 279-5080 | WEBSITE
$15 is all you need for a satisfying trip to Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup. The counter-service spot in Gilbert charges reasonable prices for most of their menu, including a solid spinach and mushroom enchilada with house red and green sauce, all cooked fresh in a brick oven for less than $12. You’ll need to watch your meal being prepared, though—this open-kitchen concept probably churns out hundreds of these things to families and lunchtime regulars daily.
Make sure to snag a piece of their homemade cornbread on the side.
Morning Kick
$ | (480) 597-3545 | WEBSITE
Morning Kick is a breakfast spot in the Queen Creek/San Tan Valley area that always keeps a couple breakfast burritos on rotation. If it’s the capital-D decadent aircraft carrier with crispy green chiles and chipotle tots, put a busy block on your calendar and do whatever it takes to get there. But what really makes this burrito is the homemade tortilla, which should be a legally required wrapper at every restaurant in the city.
Salt Tacos y Tequila
$$ | (480) 604-2250 | WEBSITE
A basic taco, really—just veggies in a warm tortilla. But what makes it special is the flavor combination. It’s got a bit of zest and a savory undertone, and the veggies are tossed in a generous seasoning so the tortilla absorbs it all. Compared to Salt’s otherwise massive nachos, this one is a bit modest, but at just under eight dollars, it’s a solid lunch option for the price.
The Taco Spot – Gilbert
$ | (480) 361-9080 | WEBSITE
The Taco Spot in Gilbert (part of a small local chain) makes napkin-required tacos. Even the sturdy, double-layered tortillas struggle to contain the overflow of consommé, melted cheese, and tender birria meat. But if you can get past the mess, you’ll thoroughly enjoy these tacos. We like them even more when we take our order a short drive to one of Gilbert’s sunny parks.
Papa Chevo’s Taco Shop
$ | (480) 726-1532 | WEBSITE
If you’ve moved past the standard breakfast burrito, Papa Chevo’s offers a solid quick-service experience with fresh, ample fillings at reasonable prices. The taquitos might be a bit overpriced for their size, but the breakfast burritos deliver on flavor and value. Service is quick and to the point in the no-frills dining space, though communication between staff could be smoother. Don’t skip asking for their house salsa to add some zip to your meal.
Blue Tortilla Restaurant
$ | (480) 507-3355 | WEBSITE
The star attraction at Blue Tortilla Restaurant is the quesobirria tacos, and deservedly so. Still, their three taco combo shouldn’t be overlooked. The carne asada, chorizo, and pastor pork options arrive hot and fresh in a way that feels downright indulgent, and the whole experience is elevated by warm, welcoming service. Adding a lengua burrito with that perfectly spiced red salsa will be a choice you’ll reminisce about for months.
Lulus Taco Shop
$ | (480) 545-8219 | WEBSITE
This Gilbert taco shop doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel with fusion tacos. Instead, they serve straightforward classics like their Arizona taco, made from scratch daily. But everything is executed perfectly: the tortillas cradle generous fillings that burst with authentic flavor. Our favorite is the breakfast burrito, which offers a hearty balance to the lighter soup options. This place gets crowded, especially for their taco Tuesday special, so to skip the line, consider arriving early.
The friendly, three-generation staff keeps the spotless dining room running smoothly, bringing food to your table and clearing it afterward. While prices run a bit high, the quality ingredients and welcoming atmosphere make it worth every penny for a quick lunch or dinner.
XJ’S Casa Reynoso
$ | (480) 534-8403 | WEBSITE
XJ’s Casa Reynoso keeps their Mexican options straightforward—the chicken chimichanga comes with tender chicken, cheese, and beans, or for enthusiastic diners, the whole bean burrito. But it’s the flavorful Gollo in a bowl that earns this spot a place in this guide. This family-owned restaurant has a lively, friendly atmosphere in Gilbert.
Rio Rico Mexican Grill
$ | (480) 539-4491 | WEBSITE
For authentic Mexican, head to Rio Rico Mexican Grill in Gilbert when you’re planning an event or craving generous portions. While this spot is mainly focused on catering, they also make shredded chicken tacos piled high with fresh ingredients, chicken enchiladas with flavorful sauce, and sizzling fajitas that arrive beautifully presented. It’s all served with warm hospitality reminiscent of authentic Hispanic culture.
We’ve been known to get takeout for dinner and an extra order for lunch the next day.
BURRITO EXPRESS
$ | (480) 325-0237 | WEBSITE
The steak potato and cheese burrito is reason enough to treat lunch breaks like a daily celebration. It’s loaded with plenty of meat, crispy potatoes, and cheese wrapped in a top-notch tortilla. What sets this burrito apart, though, is the amazing quality of the salsas with noticeable flavor. If you’re not in the mood for steak, the Burrito Supreme with shredded beef or chicken available daily is a solid backup.
Rubio’s Coastal Grill
$ | (480) 539-8919 | WEBSITE
Rubio’s Coastal Grill is unapologetically generous, with their shrimp gourmet tacos piled high with cheese, avocado, bacon, and chipotle, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. It’s the kind of meal that stays with you for a while, but at this popular Gilbert spot, there’s plenty of space to settle in and savor—or enjoy the salsa bar before you head out.
Los Favoritos Taco Shop
$ | (480) 899-3115 | WEBSITE
Despite Gilbert’s abundance of Mexican eateries, few dare to perfect the breakfast burrito. So if, like us, you believe in supremely flavorful, slightly spicy morning wraps, seek out Los Favoritos Taco Shop. The go-to spot stays true to tradition with a variety of tasty options, including those unbeatable breakfast burritos. And don’t worry, carne asada tacos, rolled tacos, and burritos are also available.
Barrio Queen
$$ | (480) 634-5025 | WEBSITE
$8 mocktails are why you’re at Barrio Queen, a Mexican spot in the Gilbert Heritage District. Of the signature drinks, go for the La Dona Mocktail that comes beautifully presented and delicious, or the Cochinita Pibil that’s rich and flavorful. Note that you’ll need to be patient on busy nights like Friday when there may be a short wait before being seated.
Torchy’s Tacos Gilbert – San Tan Village
$ | (480) 712-9070 | WEBSITE
The Green chili queso dip at Torchy’s Tacos is served all day, and ditches the usual mild starters to let bold flavors shine. Here, your appetizer comes in the form of a creamy, slightly spicy dip that melds with a basket of warm tortilla chips and perfectly seasoned street corn. Order one on your way to nearby San Tan Village shopping, or snag a patio seat in the Arizona sun.
Nando’s Mexican Cafe
$ | (480) 633-1313 | WEBSITE
Every element of the steak and shrimp quesadilla is in perfect harmony. The tortillas are warm and pliable, the steak cooks just until it borders tenderness, and plump shrimp add a welcome briny note. Always opt for the green chile pork and cheese crisp, which includes hatch chile pork and a generous blanket of melted cheese. The main dining room is bustling on weekends, but their patio area has way more relaxed seating during cooler months.
Filiberto’s Mexican Food
$ | (480) 632-2743 | WEBSITE
Filiberto’s Mexican Food is a Gilbert mainstay dedicated to the craft of authentic Mexican cuisine. Think generous burritos packed with fresh ingredients and—if you’re in the know—a perfectly grilled surf and turf quesadilla that hits all the right notes. The California burrito is solid, but our go-to is the shredded beef tacos with a side of rice and beans that makes itself felt in every satisfying forkful. Be sure to swing by on weekends for their menudo special.
Mirador Mexican & Seafood
$ | (602) 736-6291 | WEBSITE
Mirador Mexican & Seafood in Gilbert goes way beyond the usual one or two burrito offerings. They have a whole menu full of choices, each anchored by generous portions and fresh ingredients. We always go for the Mirador burrito: a hearty combination that soaks up the flavors from the delicious chips and salsa, and has amazing carne asada fries for added indulgence. The restaurant is clean and quiet, so plan on enjoying your meal in the relaxed atmosphere without any distractions.