La Tolteca

If you want huge dishes at a decent price, go here! This place has been around for years. They have a very clean restaurant and traditional Mexican food. It's in the downtown area, but worth the drive.

One of the best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix! Absolutely delicious! You can also have an enjoyable dessert there, too! If you don't mind the location than you could enjoy a great dinner!

Abuelo's is a welcome change from your typical Mexican food place. Yes, you can get a taco or a burrito, but mostly you can get real meals, with meat or seafood and real vegetables. Our three entrees on this trip were: Grande Platter, Salmon San Carlos, and the Chile Manzanillo. All were very good. The Grande Platter certainly is Grande, and consists of what one might think of as more traditional Mexican fare. Both the salmon and the seafood stuffed chile were a success, with the salmon being the larger portion of the two. We also ordered a Chorizo con Queso dip for an appetizer. I asked for tortillas instead of chips and the server was eager to please. The dip itself wasn't special, and had little chorizo in it. Since I'm the only one who seemed at all interested, I decided to take it home. Not only did the server put it in a container for us, but she gave us an extra bad of chips to take home with it. Very nice. On past trips we've also enjoyed our food, including their famous flan, pictured above. There are always lots of kids at Abuelo's, which makes it a little louder. They have a nice children's menu, and serve their drinks in small cups with lids. Smart. Usually, when I want Mexican food, I want the typical stuff from my neighborhood burrito place, but once in a while, Abuelo's is a nice change for something special, and a nice place to bring guests.

Certainly not the best location and not a place I would dare go by myself but I do really like the food. Especially the burros, large and satisfying. Good prices too. Just a dive restaurant with very good eats.

PROS: good burros
CONS: BAD location

La Tolteca is a restaurant, bakery, butcher, and grocer. When you walk in, you have to walk past the baked goods counter to get to the restaurant. I'm sure that's no accident. The food is excellent, as is the selection. I like the bean and cheese burritos (enchildada style). Carne asada is also pretty good here, as is the super taco. Be sure to order a cold Jamaica (Ha-MY-kah, for you gringos) to wash down your food. After your meal, stop by the sweets counter for something high-carb. I recommend the churro de cajeta. Their empanadas are OK, but nothing special.