We tried a few new taquerias and cocinas in the Valley this spring.
Drive-Thru
Checo’s Taco Shop
From the same family that brought you Super Burrito, Los Gallos and other ’90s-era après-bender classics comes this handsomely branded drive-thru taqueria just south of Old Town. The quesabirria tacos will do the trick, but don’t sleep on the creative burros, including a Texas-style number with shredded chicken, french fries and cheese. 2601 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-946-1855, checostacoshop.getbento.com
Fast-Casual
Tatemados Tacos al Carbon
From the Bacanora school of heritage-driven Sonoran cooking comes this brash cowboy taco shop on the Seventh Street dining drag. Grilled over mesquite and subtly doctored with wild chiltepin peppers, the carne asada is legit, but the real thrills are delivered by the specialty tacos (including the signature Taco Tatemado with green chile and melted cheese) and absolutely first-rate salsa station. An instant Midtown lunch classic. 2333 N. Seventh St., 480-350-7254, tatemados.com
Sit-Down
Cien Fuegos
If you’re a fan of Javier Verdugo’s Casa Corazon on Calle 16, you’ll certainly want to check this new sister restaurant down the street, headed up by his son and protégé, Ulysses. A bit more modern and bar-driven than the mothership, Fuegos similarly leans into the cuisine of Puebla – including the best chile en nogada (aromatic picadillo stuffed into a roasted poblano and smothered in a fresh walnut-cream sauce) since Silvana Salcido Esparza was doing it at Barrio Café. Keep an eye peeled in Eat Beat for a full review. 1550 N. 16th St, 602- 677-7252, cienfuegosrestaurant.com
