Arizonans passionate about their tacos may have feelings of validation now that Yelp has cast its ranks, shining a spotlight on noteworthy spots that bring the flavor and flair of Mexican culinary tradition to the table. Just Tacos and More in Phoenix, known for its generous portions and fresh ingredients, has been crowned by Yelp users as the premier taco destination in the state, as reported by Phoenix New Times. In a feast of data analysis focusing on review volume and keyword relevance, these taco purveyors emerged victorious.
According to Yelp's taco-centric study, which considered a blend of user review counts and sentiment, along with buzzwords pertinent to the taco experience, five Arizona establishments have been lauded in the top 100 tacos list nationwide, drawing from a report by ABC15. The eateries span from Tucson’s La Chaiteria at #48 and El Rustico at #74, to Sierra Vista's 143 Street Tacos at #79, while El Fogon and Taco Culture Taco Shop, both based in Phoenix, secured spots #86 and #93 respectively sealing their notoriety with a delectable seal of public approval despite Arizona's overall representation dipping from nine spots just a year prior.
Amidst a culinary landscape teeming with contenders for the taco crown, Just Tacos and More has managed to distinguish itself not merely through its variety of offerings, including land, sea, and guisados, but with a commitment to honor the essence of the taco; Violeta Cortez, a partner at Just Tacos, expressed to Yelp in a statement obtained by Phoenix New Times their intent to "bring honor to the most iconic dish Mexico has to offer—the taco."
The surge in popularity for these culinary hotspots isn't isolated to pure data either; community sentiment, a cornerstone of Yelp’s evaluative process, paints a vibrant tableau of seasoned meats, zesty sauces and the kind of braised, stewy goodness encapsulated in the beloved guisado, a craft for which Just Tacos and More has been previously celebrated by Phoenix New Times receiving the accolade for Best Guisados, and notably, Phoenix and Tucson both remain high on Yelp’s list of Top 15 Taco Towns, ranking #3 and #5 respectively which shows the states’ taco scene remains robust, well-loved by those who frequent these venues and savor their every bite.
For taco enthusiasts looking to explore beyond the bounds of Arizona, Yelp's list extends across the country offering a veritable map to taco treasure, for more top-rated taco spots across the United States, enthusiasts can find the full directory on their website.
