Ask an Arizonan where to get a good carne asada burro, and you will probably get a strong opinion and an address. The burro is more than a quick lunch here.
It is a habit passed down through families, from the south side of Tucson to the Route 66 stretch of Flagstaff. This list covers seven taco stands, counters, and trucks where grilled steak wrapped in a flour tortilla has been the go-to order for years.
Some date back to the 1990s, and one has been serving Yuma since 1962. You will find late-night spots, drive-thrus, salsa bars, and one food truck near the border.
Each stop has its own personality, and every one is the kind of place people return to again and again. Save this list for your next road trip, or send it to the friend who always asks where to eat.
1. BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs, Tucson, AZ
Mesquite-grilled beef cooked to order is the main reason this south Tucson counter has kept people coming back since 1993. The location at 5118 S 12th Ave sits in the heart of the city’s Sonoran food scene.
The carne asada burro is a menu headliner, and ordering it with everything is the move. BK is also famous for Sonoran hot dogs, so plenty of tables end up with one of each.
The salsa bar is a big draw, with a variety of salsas and dips plus all-you-can-eat guacamole. Caramelized cheese quesadillas and caldo de queso round out the menu for anyone branching out.
Hours run late on weekends, until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Sunday evenings and Friday nights tend to be the busiest stretches, and there is usually plenty of parking.
Expect to spend around $10 to $20 per person. Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu, which makes this an easy dinner stop for a whole crew.
2. El Güero Canelo Restaurant, Tucson, AZ
Some of Tucson’s most famous food started on a street cart. El Güero Canelo traces its roots to a standalone cart that began serving Sonoran burros and tacos in 1993.
Today the family-owned spot on N Oracle Rd keeps things modest and quick. Counter service, a drive-through, and curbside pickup make it easy to grab a burro without much fuss.
The carne asada burritos come big, often paired with grilled onions and serrano peppers. A simple version with carne asada, beans, and a homemade tortilla shows how little a good burro really needs.
Hungry diners can size up to the very mucho carne asada burrito. The carne asada caramelo is another option worth a look, along with the Sonoran hot dog the restaurant is known for.
Fridays and Saturdays get busy in the afternoon and evening. Weekend hours stretch to 11 PM, which helps for a late dinner run.
3. Tacos Apson, Tucson, AZ
Here is a fun bit of trivia: Tacos Apson takes its name from Los Apson, a Sonoran rock group from the 1960s. The music reference fits a place with this much staying power on S 12th Ave.
South Tucson has long treated it as a go-to for grilled meats. The carne asada carries the kind of flavor that brings Sonora to mind, with crispy bits of meat that make the burritos stand out.
The asada burro keeps it simple, mostly meat wrapped in a thin tortilla. Expect to pay around $15 for one, so it is a straightforward, meat-forward order.
The menu goes well beyond burros. There is a carne asada torta, the loaded papa loca, a taco chino, costilla, gringa, and alambre with peppers.
Late hours on Friday and Saturday, until midnight, make it a handy after-dark stop. Parking is generally easy to find.
4. Asadero Norte de Sonora, Phoenix, AZ
Bare-bones is part of the appeal at this Phoenix spot on N 16th St. The focus stays on Sonoran-style grilled meats, served without frills in a homey setting.
For many Valley families, Asadero Norte de Sonora is tied to years of shared meals. The carne asada burrito is a menu highlight, and the carne asada plate arrives with grilled onions and jalapenos on the side.
Charro beans, chips with salsa roja, and horchata make good companions. Adventurous eaters can try the cabeza or the taco meat platter.
Plan around the schedule, since the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays. Other days it opens at 8 AM and closes at 8 PM, so an early lunch works well.
Parking can be tricky here. Weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds, while Tuesday evening tends to be quieter.
5. Mr. G Drive-In, Yuma, AZ
Since 1962, Mr. G Drive-In has been feeding Yuma from its spot at 501 S 4th Ave. That is more than six decades of tacos, burritos, and Mexican breakfast.
The old-school counter-serve setup is part of the charm. A drive-through and curbside pickup keep things moving for anyone on a tight schedule.
Carne asada burritos here are big and plump. The Carne Asada Mix Burrito and the carne asada combo are both on the menu, and carne asada fries are there for anyone who wants a twist.
Rolled tacos are another long-running favorite, including a four-piece shredded beef combo. Machaca and horchata also earn steady attention.
Doors open at 7 AM Monday through Saturday, so breakfast burritos are fair game. Friday and Saturday mornings tend to be the busiest.
6. Tacos Los Altos De Jalisco, Flagstaff, AZ
Route 66 road trippers and Flagstaff regulars share a common stop at 3650 E Rte 66. Tacos Los Altos De Jalisco has served the community for years as a dependable spot for quick burritos and tacos.
The carne asada burrito is the headliner, and it has a strong case as one of the best in Flagstaff. A salsa bar lets diners dress it up any way they like.
The menu stretches well beyond burros. Gordita chicken, menudo, enchiladas, carne asada fries, and coctel de camaron all show up.
Tacos have been known to run about $2.50, which makes a fast lunch easy on the budget. Pricing may vary, so check before you go.
A drive-through helps on cold mountain days. The restaurant is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, and weekends get busy from morning on.
7. El Parícutin Food Truck, Nogales, AZ
Breakfast at 7 AM from a food truck near the border is a pretty good way to start a Nogales morning. El Parícutin parks at 750 W Shell Rd and serves burritos, tacos, and birria.
The carne asada burrito is a top order, built with fresh grilled carne asada. Breakfast burritos are also popular, and the portions are large.
Sopes de cabeza and the house salsa are worth adding to the order. Birria is listed as a menu highlight too.
Prices stay reasonable, generally $10 to $20 per person. Service moves fast, and there is outdoor seating plus free parking.
There is no restroom on site, so plan ahead. The truck is closed Sundays and closes early, at 6 PM, on Wednesdays.
For travelers heading in or out of Nogales, this stop makes a great final bite on the list.
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