178 B E ST I M P O RT F RO M M E X I C O Buqui Bichi Brewing 21 W. Van Buren St. 480-650-0096 325 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler 480-410-4115 buquibichiarizona.com When the award-winning Mexican craft brewery opened the doors to its first Amer- ican taproom in Chandler, it was a full-circle moment for its founders. Buqui Bichi Brewing was launched in Hermosillo, Sonora, in 2016 by Ramon and Luis Osuna, two brothers whose love of craft beer began in the United States. They’ve since built a following and five taprooms around Mexico. But they’ve always had their sights on the U.S. and showcasing their craft brews, including the crushable Kolsch-style ale Banquetera or Talenga, a warm, roasty coffee stout. Between 2023 and 2024, the team opened taprooms in downtown Phoenix and Chandler. The spaces are upbeat and ener- getic, hosting DJs and decorated with neon lights featuring their beer labels. In addition to Sonoran-brewed beers, Buqui Bichi’s brewpubs offer a full bar and food, including crisp sopes piled with tender al pastor, avocado mousse, onion and cilantro. 22222 B E ST M E X I CA N C O F F E E S H O P Deseo A Coffee Shack 2330 E. McDowell Road 602-275-3155 deseoacoffeeshack.com The name of this tiny coffee shop is a little misleading. Sure, it’s small. But the adorable exterior and Instagrammable decor amount to much more than a shack. Inside, a colorful mural wraps around the cafe, and woven equipale barrel chairs topped with serapes give the space a homey feel. Head to the counter and order a latte flavored with creamy horchata or rosemary, piloncillo and ginger. For something small and strong, try the Abuelita cortado, or satisfy your craving with a classic café de olla. Deseo also offers pastries and a food menu with breakfast sandwiches, tacos, empanadas, loaded toasts and chilaquiles. 22222 B E ST M A RG A R I TAS CRUjiente Tacos 3961 E. Camelback Road 602-687-7777 crutacos.com We’ve had our fair share of disappointing margaritas, abominations made with low- quality tequila, too much mixer or a way- heavy pour. But that’s never the case at CRUjiente Tacos in Arcadia, where the ’ritas are always well-balanced and delicious. The Passion Fruit Serrano Margarita is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy, and the Coconut Margarita is a creamy delight. We recommend visiting on Margarita Mondays, when you can work your way through the lineup for just $8 each. And you’ll have an even better time if you pair your drink with some of CRUjiente’s inventive tacos, such as crunchy lamb, Korean fried chicken or garlic-roasted mushroom. 22222 B E ST C H E A P M A RG A R I TAS Mi Patio 3347 N. Seventh Ave. 602-277-4831 mipatioaz.com Time seems to have left Mi Patio alone. And when it comes to the fun, kitschy decor and margarita prices, that’s just fine by us.
