The Valley does just fine with its homegrown taquerias. But that doesn’t stop out-of-state big shots from taking a swing at our taco market.
Torchy’s Tacos
torchystacos.com
Headquarters: Austin, Texas
Yelp Score: 3.9 stars
The Texas taco import planted a flag in the Camelback and Paradise Valley areas in 2022, touting its brash, fast-casual tacos and full-service bar. Our assessment: overly sweet, saucy tacos. Don’t mess with our taste buds, Texas.
Revised Yelp Score: 2.9
Velvet Taco
velvettaco.com
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Yelp Score: 4.3 stars
We visited shortly after its opening in Old Town in October… and had to grudgingly concede the OK-ness of its large-format tacos. A little overwrought (chicken and waffle with peppercorn gravy?), but good.
Revised Yelp Score: 4.2
MamÁ Por Dios
mamapordios.com
Headquarters: Los Angeles
Yelp Score: 2.4 stars
A nightclub masquerading as a Mexican restaurant, this California-based chain landed in the Scottsdale Quarter area in 2022 and gets regularly flamed for its pricey, non-optional valet parking. And the tacos? Sorry, we don’t valet for tacos.
Revised Yelp Score: No change
