A recent study by LawnStarter, a lawn care service provider, ranked the top 50 taco cities in the US based on seven factors, such as taco restaurants per capita, taco passion, and cost of taco supplies. Phoenix came in at No. 7 on the list, behind Austin, Texas; San Jose, California; Las Vegas; San Antonio, Texas; San Diego, California; and Los Angeles. However, some Phoenix residents and taco lovers disagree with the ranking and argue that Phoenix should be higher, if not the top taco city in the US.
Phoenix has a rich and diverse taco scene
Phoenix is home to many authentic and delicious taco shops that serve a variety of tacos, from traditional carne asada and al pastor to more adventurous options like grilled octopus and calf testicles. Phoenix also has a strong influence from its neighboring state of Sonora, Mexico, which is known for its flour tortillas, mesquite-grilled meats, and cheese-stuffed quesadillas. Some of the best taco destinations in Phoenix include Ta’ Carbon, Tacos Chiwas, Analilia’s Riquezas, Crujiente Tacos, and [Barrio Café], among many others.
Phoenix also boasts a vibrant food truck scene that offers tacos on the go. Some of the most popular food trucks are [Birrieria Tijuana], which specializes in birria tacos dipped in consommé; [El Jefe Tacos], which serves tacos with handmade tortillas and fresh salsas; [Modern Tortilla], which offers creative tacos with gourmet ingredients; and [Rock-a-Belly], which combines tacos with rockabilly music.
Phoenix has a passionate and loyal taco fan base
Phoenix residents are not shy about expressing their love for tacos. According to the study by LawnStarter, Phoenix scored 85 out of 100 in taco passion, which is calculated based on Google Trends scores for 23 taco-related terms. Phoenix also has several events and festivals that celebrate tacos, such as [Arizona Taco Festival], [Taco Takeover], [Taco Tuesday], and [Taco Fest]. These events attract thousands of taco enthusiasts who enjoy sampling different tacos from local vendors, competing in taco eating contests, and voting for their favorite tacos.
Phoenix also has a strong media presence that showcases its taco culture. Several local publications, such as [Phoenix New Times], [Eater Phoenix], and [AZCentral], regularly feature articles and reviews about the best tacos in town. Phoenix also has some national exposure, such as being featured on Food Network’s [Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives] and Travel Channel’s [Man v. Food].
Phoenix deserves more recognition for its taco excellence
Despite its impressive taco scene and fan base, Phoenix still does not get enough recognition for its taco excellence. The study by LawnStarter ranked Phoenix lower than some cities that are not known for their tacos, such as Las Vegas and San Jose. The study also did not specify what types of taco restaurants were included in the analysis, which could skew the results in favor of cities that have more chains or fast-food options.
Some Phoenix residents and taco lovers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the ranking on social media and online forums. They argue that Phoenix has more authentic and diverse tacos than any other city in the US, and that its proximity to Mexico gives it an edge over other cities. They also point out that Phoenix has a long history of taco culture that dates back to the early 20th century, when Mexican immigrants brought their culinary traditions to Arizona.
Phoenix may not be the official top taco city in the US according to one study, but it is certainly one of the best places to enjoy tacos in the country. Phoenix has a rich and diverse taco scene that caters to all tastes and preferences, a passionate and loyal taco fan base that supports local businesses and events, and a proud and confident taco identity that deserves more recognition and respect.