Grub in the Grand Canyon State: The Best Things to Eat in Arizona
Arizona is home to some incredible eats, from authentic Mexican fare to colossal steaks fit for a cowboy. Here are a few spots where you can go to sample the Sunset State's quintessential dishes.

Related To:
Where to Eat in the Sunset State
Arizona is a big state (the sixth largest in the United States) with several different dining regions. Southern Arizona is heavily influenced by Sonora, Mexico, to the south, while the cuisine in central Arizona tends to be shaped more by the mishmash of cultures in and around Phoenix. Though Arizona is geographically and culturally diverse, there are many dishes that signify the state not only to its residents, but also to outsiders looking in. Here are some of the most-iconic dishes across Arizona and where to find them.
Illustration by Hello Neighbor Designs. Photos courtesy of Jackie Alpers.
Chimichangas
Go to: El Charro Cafe
Gingerbread Pig
Go to: El Rio Bakery
Sonoran Hot Dogs
Go to: Jason's Mexican
Ranch Fries
Go to: eegees
Cowboy Steak
Go to: Pinnacle Peak
Mesquite Flour Bread
Go to: Barrio Bread
Carne Seca Plate
Go to: Mi Nidito
Cheese Crisp
Go to: Los Olivos Mexican Patio
Red and/or White Menudo
Go to: Teresa's Mosaic Cafe
Prickly Pear Margarita
Go to: Tohono Chul Park Garden Bistro
Pico de Gallo Fruit Cup
Go to: Taqueria Pico de Gallo
Mangoyada Raspado
Go to: El Migos Water-N-Ice
Tostiverduras
Go to: Raspados El Paraiso
Paletas
Go to: Paletas Betty
Chiltepin Salsa with Tortilla Chips
Go to: Boca Tacos
Duck, Fig and Almond Crepe
Planet of the Crepes food truck uses locally sourced ingredients in lieu of standard French fillings. Figs, almonds and ducks are all native to Arizona, and they are spectacular when tucked together inside these giant crepes. The crepes are good anytime, but they're the best during the Sunday morning farmers market at St. Philips Plaza in Tucson.
The Combo Plate
Go to: Cafe Poca Cosa
Green Corn Tamales
Considered seasonal but available at most places year-round, green corn tamales are best when the fresh green corn is harvested in late summer. Try them at Carolina’s Mexican Food in northern Arizona or at the Alton Brown-approved Tucson Tamale Co., down south.
Go to: Carolina's Mexican Food
Topopo Salad
Go to: Los Olivos Mexican Patio
Native American Fry Bread Tacos
Go to: Manna from Heaven
Taco Gordo
Go to: Taco Fish
Elotes
Go to: Penca
Ceviche Tostadas
Go to: Mariscos Chihuahua
Tri-Tip Steak Sandwich
Beef Patty Tacos
Go to: Teresa's Mosaic Cafe
Red Chile Tamales with Green Olives
Go to: El Molinito
Sonoran-Style Flat Enchilada with Egg
Go to: Rosita's Mexican Food