Taste Award-Winning Tacos and Handcrafted Margaritas at This Mexican Restaurant in Arizona

Some people think that Arizona loves Mexican food a little too much. That’s not an exaggeration. It is actually pretty true. According to a February 2020 website study of Chef’s Pencil, Arizona ranks the highest in the nation for love of Mexican food. We’ve already covered the 10 Best Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix. Now, it’s time to learn about Loco Patron Tempe, a good Mexican restaurant with delicious and award-winning tacos and refreshing handcrafted margaritas.

Expect Only Great Tacos From Loco Patron Tempe

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What will knock your socks off when you visit Loco Patron Tempe? No doubt it would be their tacos.

You should try their delicious tequila-lime Mahi-mahi ($2.50), made with a scrumptious house-made nacho tortilla, marinated Mahi-mahi, spicy slaw, and jicama pico de gallo. It is flavorful and packed with avocado cream, fire-cracker sauce, cotija cheese, and cilantro.

If you like the taste of seafood, then you should order Grilled Shrimp ($2.50). The perfect mix of the avocado slice, cabbage, pico de gallo, Serrano sauce, cream sauce, and queso seco will be your absolute favorite.

For their signature specials, you will also love the street cart taco ($13.95). There’s a chance it might take you back to the streets of Mexico. It has a scrumptious corn tortilla, rib-eye steak, Oaxaca cheese, onion, cilantro, and smoky Arbol sauce. The meal will literally leave you drooling.

Come Hungry and Leave Full

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If you are hungry and you love tacos, you should get a big order of tacos.

Loco Patron Tempe offers Taco Plates which come with 2 tacos, 2 sides, and 1 large signature side. For starters, you have a say on your shell preference – corn tortilla, flour tortilla, or Naked (lettuce shell).

The Arizona Taco Fest Award goes to the Crunchy Taco Plate ($13.45). It will make many guests smile in delight and appreciation. This taco is made with crispy corn tortilla, your choice of shredded chicken, barbacoa beef, or pork carnitas, and topped with shredded lettuce. It also comes with guacamole, sour cream, avocado, cotija cheese, and smoky Arbol sauce.

To make sure you have the best time, you can cool down with a margarita or a red bull cocktail in hand. Or, you can have a margarita!

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Jumbo Marg? Yes, please!

What’s Beyond the Tacos and Margs?

Don’t think this place is only good for its tacos. There are a lot of delicious dishes you should try! Here are some good recommendations:

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The green chile quesadilla has pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. You can either have it with ground beef, shredded beef, shredded chicken, carnitas pork, grilled chicken, and grilled shrimp steak. Either way, it would taste delicious.

The carne asada waffle fries are also perfect if you have a bigger appetite. It comes with carne asada, melted queso Blanco cheese, and is topped with sour cream and green onions.

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Another specialty that acts as a symbol of ethnic heritage, cultural pride, and family unity is the Enchiladas. These are actually the owner’s favorites. The corn tortillas rolled with cheese are topped with cheese, green, red, Christmas (combo) enchilada sauce, or poblano cream. It tastes like heaven on your mouth and can come with shredded chicken or beef, pork carnitas, ground beef, grilled chicken breast, or carne asada.

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The Baja burrito will make you fall in love. It is complete with grilled chicken or blackened shrimp, black beans, Spanish rice, mixed cheese, guacamole, and grilled fajita veggies.

Another dish that doesn’t get old is the Salt and Pepper Wings. You may have it in medium, honey medium, or habanero. It is served with carrots, celery, ranch, or bleu cheese.

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If you are looking for a more chill time, the Chips and House Salsa might just be what you are looking for. Pair that up with a margarita to quench your thirst!

What’s Not to Love About Loco Patron Tempe?

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But aside from that, they also have the best chips and salsa in the Valley! The restaurant was established back in 2004 by some enterprising ASU Sun Devils. Since then, they have made a lot of people smile and tummies full with their award-winning tacos and handcrafted margaritas. The Mexican fare which is all made with locally owned and locally sourced ingredients is simply unforgettable. You will also love how the diner offers warm hospitality!

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If you think this is an ordinary Mexican restaurant, you are mistaken! This shop also takes pride in their signature Mexican craft beers – as they are the only Mexican craft brewery in the valley. Some of their signature beers include The Ocho IPA, Sir Veza Lager, Señor Hopper IPA, and Loco Gold Golden Ale.

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As for the seasonal options, this includes The Romper Cucumber Lime Wheat Ale and Pineapple Orange infused Cactus Cooler. The former is offered as a seasonal brew for the Waste Management™ Phoenix Open golf tournament. On the other hand,  the tropical drink is pretty perfect for those who love a good cooldown during the summer season. That’s right. This drink is available during the hot season!

During the winter season, guests love to try the Holy Molé Chocolate Chipotle Oatmeal Stout. The restaurant also offers Loco Vaca Cream Ale during the University of Wisconsin Football season. Talk about something chill to hype you up while watching the game, huh?

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No matter what the occasion demands, the menu at Loco Patron Tempe will leave you satisfied. The only thing you need to do is bring your family together, pull up a chair, and indulge in the yummy food and drinks.

Loco Patron Tempe Details

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Location: 222 S Mill Ave #115 Tempe, Arizona 85281 (Note: The restaurant is just a walking distance from ASU’s Sun Devil’s Stadium and the Light Rail)
Contact Number: (480) 699-0922

Store Hours:

Monday: 11:00 am to 12:00 am
Tuesday: 11:00 am to 2:00 am
Wednesday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 12:00 am
Friday: 11:00 am to 2:00 am
Saturday: 10:00 am to 2:00 am
Sunday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am

Lastly, the Happy Hour is also from Mondays to Fridays, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

As long as we are talking about something Mexican, People Just Can’t Stop Talking About This Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Tucson!