In Nogales, weekend mornings often start with a big bowl of menudo or pozole. These slow-cooked soups are a Sonoran tradition, and some families plan their whole Saturday or Sunday around them.
Right along Grand Avenue, a handful of family-style kitchens keep that tradition going with homemade cooking and easygoing prices. Here are four spots where a hearty bowl is waiting, plus the hours you need to know before you go.
1. El Zarape, Nogales, AZ
Early risers get rewarded here, because the doors open at 4 AM every single day. That makes El Zarape one of the easiest places in Nogales to grab breakfast before the rest of town wakes up.
The menu leans homemade and authentic, with breakfast plates, birria, and a Menudo Grande that earns this kitchen its spot on the list. Huevos rancheros and a combo with a chile relleno, taco dorado, and enchilada round things out if someone at the table wants something else.
Weekend hours run Saturday from 4 AM to 7:30 PM and Sunday from 4 AM to 2:30 PM. Sunday morning and early afternoon are the busiest stretch, so arriving early is a smart move.
You will find it at 694 N Grand Ave, with free lot and street parking. Reservations are not taken, but service moves fast and plates generally fall in the $10 to $20 range.
2. El Ramfles, Nogales, AZ
A clean, well-balanced bowl of menudo is harder to pull off than it looks. El Ramfles handles it well, serving a version known for tasting fresh and clean rather than heavy.
The rest of the menu sticks to home-style cooking, with burritos and tortas leading the way. Coffee is a strong point too, which pairs nicely with a weekend bowl.
This is a daytime spot. Saturday hours are 7 AM to 2 PM, and Sunday runs 8 AM to 2 PM, with Sunday being the crowd favorite.
Look for it at 2981 N Grand Ave #3, a bit north of the downtown stretch. Free parking, free Wi-Fi, and quick service make it an easy stop for road trippers heading up I-19.
3. La Cabaña Restaurant, Nogales, AZ
Family-owned and proudly rustic, La Cabaña has the kind of no-frills look that often signals serious home cooking. Its menudo has a reputation as some of the best in town.
Tamales and burritos also anchor the menu, all made in a traditional, homemade style. Families will appreciate the kids’ menu and high chairs, and larger groups can call ahead since reservations are accepted.
Saturday hours are 10 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday runs 10 AM to 4 PM. Sunday mornings tend to be quieter, which is good news if you want a calm late breakfast.
The address is 840 N Grand Ave #8, with plenty of free parking. Outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery are all options, and catering is available for bigger gatherings.
4. Zulas Restaurant, Nogales, AZ
Pozole fans, this one is yours. Zulas is a long-standing, family-run favorite, and its flavorful pozole gives it a different angle from the menudo-focused stops above.
The menu mixes Mexican plates with classic diner comfort. Hamburgers, a combination plate, and signature pies share the spotlight, and the apple pie with cinnamon sauce is a fun way to finish.
Hours are simple: 7:30 AM to 3 PM every day, weekends included. Saturday and Sunday mornings get busy, so plan accordingly.
Zulas sits at 982 N Grand Ave with free parking, reservations, and a private dining room for groups. It is a relaxed place to end a weekend soup tour.
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