25 Feb 2nd–Feb 8th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | cONTeNTs | feeDBacK | OPiNiON | NeWs | feaTuRe | NighT+Day | culTuRe | film | cafe | music | Presidio Cocina Mexicana 519 West Thomas Road presidiophx.com Presidio Cocina Mexicana is an unsung hero of the Mexican food scene in Phoenix. Sure, people know about it and go for brunch on the weekends. But this place deserves to be celebrated. Tucked into a corner storefront in a strip mall off Thomas Road, this small eatery serves Michoacán-style family recipes. Pull up a seat at the bar or grab a table along the back wall of this long, thin space and settle in for an outstanding meal. The Chile Relleno is a favorite that packs a spicy punch. The fried poblano pepper is filled with queso fresco, topped with ranchera salsa, and served over rice and beans. Specials rotate, and if the mole is available, it’s a must-order dish. A pool of rich, dark mole negro blankets tender chicken in this deeply satisfying plate. Presidio Cocina Mexicana hits that sweet spot where it’s perfect for a casual date night but also a hearty midweek meal. Rito’s 907 North 14th Street ritosmexicanfood.com Tucked into a residential neighborhood close to downtown Phoenix, Rito’s often causes traffic jams. At lunchtime, cars line the streets as hungry customers clamber to get their orders from this little Garfield neighborhood spot. Sure, there are other Rito’s locations around the Valley that are bigger and fancier, but there’s something special about passing through the original restaurant’s bright yellow-painted double doors, sliding up to the counter window, and picking something off the deli-style menu. The only seating is outside around metal picnic tables, and every bench is usually full. The burritos are massive, the salsa spicy, and the beans pure ooey-gooey goodness. The green chile is exceptional albeit runny. Pro tip: Order your burrito filled with rice and beans for a heartier, ever-so-slightly less messy meal. Tacos Chiwas Multiple Valley Locations tacoschiwas.com What started as a drive-thru taco joint in an old Dairy Queen has evolved into one of the Valley’s best local chains, complete with three modern, welcoming destina- tions located in Phoenix, Mesa, and Chandler. What hasn’t changed throughout this evolution is the excep- tional quality of the food. As the name Tacos Chiwas suggests, this restaurant specializes in tacos and recipes from Chihuahua. And when it comes to tacos, we’re partial to the al pastor, carnitas, and carne asada. Gorditas — thick tortillas cut open to create little pockets — are stuffed with red or green chile, and the menu is rounded out with burritos, quesadillas, agua frescas, cervezas, and margaritas. Testal 1325 Grand Avenue #1 testalphx.com Grand Avenue has gotten a lot of press for Mexican food lately, thanks to Sonoran sweetheart Bacanora. But just up the street sits Testal. This small counter-service spot offers intense flavors and soul-satisfying dishes from Chihuahua and some of the most unusual burritos in town. The first thing to know is that you’ll probably want to order two for lunch. These burritos are quite small and come open on both ends, like overstuffed rolled tacos. But the beauty of their size is that it allows you to try a variety of the exceptional fillings on any given visit. The rich, bright red birria is a must, and the spicy, cheesy rajas are some of the best in Phoenix. Thin slices of roasted poblano peppers add a slight crunch to the silky sour cream-based sauce and fluffy flour tortilla. This spot also serves bowls, tacos, and breakfast. But the burritos are essential to the Testal experience. At Presidio Cocina Mexicana, the Chile Relleno is smothered in a spicy, tangy ranchera salsa. Tirion Morris
