Few states are as passionate about Mexican food as Arizona. It isn’t simply the proximity to the border that increases the desire for expertly crafted tacos, but the sheer fact some of the best restaurants, stands, street vendors, and carts hawking Mexican culinary goodness can be found right here. It is also why so many outsiders try to replicate the success and piggyback off of the love of the food. One particular restaurant chain, which first hopped over from Texas less than a year ago, has expanded rapidly, and as of today, it has now officially opened its fourth location around metro Phoenix over the span of 12 months.
Ask just about anyone in Arizona whether they would grab authentic Mexican tacos or Tex-Mex, and the vast majority would likely give you some serious side-eye. They might not even answer the question, because it’s so far-fetched. In Arizona, it’s (mostly) all about authentic Mexican food. That hasn’t stopped the rapid spread of Torchy’s Tacos, which originated in Austin, Texas.
Now, bunching Torchy’s Tacos in with other Tex-Mex restaurants might not be completely fair, as the restaurant itself does feature some quality options, but you’re also going to find your share of tacos drenched in cheddar cheese. It’s also rather disappointing that a restaurant serving tacos would refer to its side as “street corn” rather than elote. However, for individuals who want to stop off and grab anything from breakfast tacos all the way to salad bowls and homemade guac, there’s a little bit of something for everyone.
There does not seem to be anything slowing down the expansion of Torchy’s Tacos around greater Phoenix. Perhaps it’s the fact that Torchy the mascot shares a number of similarities with Arizona State’s Sparky. Or it could simply be the food (perhaps a little bit of both?).
The all-new location officially opens today, Wednesday 7 inside Gilbert's San Tan Village. With an official address of 2320 South San Tan Village Parkway, the restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday, from 10 AM until 10 PM, and on Friday and Saturday from 10 AM until 11 PM.
It is worth stopping off early at Torchy’s Tacos when it opens at 10 AM, as the first 100 guests will receive free green chile queso for a full year. So, if you’re tired of paying extra for some queso, this might be worth skipping out on work for a few minutes, if you’re anywhere near Gilbert.
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