This is an interesting restaurant as it really doesn't seem like a Mexican restaurant from the inside, but they have fantastic food. We stopped in after hiking in Saguaro and we were seated immediately. Service was good throughout the meal and they were attentive. Chips and salsa and the guacamole was very tasty and flavorful and we tried a variety of tacos and gorditas, all of which were delicious. We also got 2 margarita flights and one was definitely enough between 2 people as they are full margaritas; they were very tasty and had unique flavors, so it's definitely a good idea to try some when you come here. This is a great restaurant and we'd definitely recommend coming here! read more

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Sad to hear this place is leaving. I've had some amazing dinners here! Margaritas flights were great and the Eggless Chili Poblano's were delicious! read more

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I never went to this location when it was Club 21 but the entrance and interior were impressive with a nice bar section as well. Our server was very friendly, though service was a bit slow despite it being not very busy. I ordered the quesabirria with rice and calabacitas. While I'd only had birria once I wanted to try it again. I don't feel the broth added much to the tacos. It was mostly a bland beef broth and I was hoping for more spice and flavor. The tacos were good despite being a bit too greasy. The sides were well done. The only oddity was that my friend ordered last/late but got his food first and they brought out the food an order at a time instead of all at once. So we were sitting there with our food getting cold waiting for others to get their food. The server apologized and said she was telling the kitchen to hurry up, but I'd rather they let it sit and bring everything all at once. A little awkward as that usually doesn't happen. Regardless, it was a 3/5 star experience with some improvements needed. read more

El Chinito Gordo - Quesabirria with rice and calabacitas - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Dined here Friday 10/11 around 5:50 pm. Restaurant was not busy and we were seated fast. But service was very slow . Our margaritas were forgotten and by the time we got them they were watered down . As far as our meals , everything was tasty . Chicken mole was flavorful and my son liked his quesabirria . We will come back but we do hope for more attentive service. read more

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Stumbled upon this cute little (not so little) place on the way home from the mall and it did not disappoint! OMG! Their mix of Chinese and Mexican choices were impressive. Everything we had was delicious and the service with such homestyle friendliness takes you back to family get togethers. The tamales were surprisingly so tasty. 4 kid's meals and 2 adult meals with endless chips and salsa for under $55....a steal! read more

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Came back and tamales weren't as good. Super disappointed. The beans weren't that great. Calbacitas were delicious. I was a take out order. read more

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This place was great! This restaurant is unfortunately permanently closed. I am not sure if they are planning a new location, but dont try to visit this one Oracle rd. read more

Yes. Yes. Yes! Honestly this was so delicious! I'm finishing up leftovers as I write this and already thinking about taking my family here when they come visit. We visited on a Sunday in the late afternoon when it was pretty empty. I had hear about this restaurant before and glad we stopped by. TLDR; Awesome serving sizes and delicious food. We ordered a 'cup' of the green chicken pozole which was great. I enjoyed the amount of cilantro and onions they put on the side, the only thing I might ask for next time is a little crema, but I really enjoyed this dish. As our mains we got the mole chicken and a combo plate (I think #2) of beef chimichanga and green corn tamale. Our sides were the creamy polenta and corn rice, beans, and the pork beans. Everything was amazing. The mole is very chocolatey. I especially liked the beef in the chimichanga and how it paired with the sweetness of the corn tamale. I wouldn't call the rice 'creamy' but that and the beans were also very good. Finally, we really enjoyed the margarita flight! The sizes we got were huge and unexpected. Well balanced drinks with a good sweetness to it. read more

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Plenty of parking in the lot. We were seated right away and given chips and salsa. They have lunch specials M-F. I had the chicken enchiladas with red sauce. It was delicious! Shredded chicken inside. My only suggestions are they should have napkins on the table before the meals come out. People may need them for the chips and salsa or just in general. I also think they need to be clearer that you need to pay at the register. read more

El Chinito Gordo - Enchiladas - chicken - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Returned a month later & again was treated well by a friendly & polite staff. Tried the Esquite & was really impressed with the complex flavor from such a simple dish, I highly recommend everyone try this, like a corn based soup but very good. Tacos were on point & tried 2 new tequilas that were also delicious. Friendly staff, clean restrooms, interesting & delicious food, relaxed ambiance & consistent. Thank you to the staff for making both visits enjoyable. read more

El Chinito Gordo - Beer Battered Fish Taco - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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We wanted to try a birria resturant and this was recommended. It definitely wasn't the best birria I've had in Tucson, but it was pretty good. I recommend trying it so you can make your own decision about the food. I overheard the servers dealing with an upset customer and they handled it very well and graciously. They have tiny metal chairs which I am not a fan of. If you are a larger person, you might be uncomfortable in their seating. read more

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So we drove down from Vegas and were hungry and tired. After getting our dog settled in at the Airbnb we headed to El Chinito Gordo, which we had luckily stumbled on thanks to Yelp. Wow! So we started off with some chips and salsa which were both quite good. We followed that up with some margaritas. My boyfriend went classic with a traditional margarita and quite liked his, I'm not a huge margarita fan so I usually like to order ones that are outside of the box if I have one at all. The blackberry cinnamon margarita fit the bill perfectly. It was simultaneously somehow creamy and light and bright with the touch of blackberry. One of the best margaritas I've ever had, so so good. Now the food. I've been meaning to try a birria ramen for some time and this is truly the place to do it. It was such a generous portion for the price and it was so good with sizable chunks of meat. I couldn't finish it all, but it was absolutely delicious. My boyfriend got the steak fajitas and he enjoyed them immensely. I tried them and also thought they were pretty delicious. Despite a very large party to the left of us, our food came out fairly quickly as well. Service was not bad. Not the best I've ever had but certainly nothing wrong with it. And the courtyard outside is quite cute! I'm sure if we find ourselves in Tucson again we will be back. read more

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Always amazing food. They have a handful of soups they serve here but on different days. Oh!! You have to try the cucumber tamarind michelada!! You will fall in love! read more

The food was delicious. I got the nopales dish and it was amazing! Also the quantity was huge. I had it for lunch and then shared my leftovers with my son for dinner. He is still talking about how good it was! read more

El Chinito Gordo - Nopales - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Lots of choices! Mole sauce was rich with a hint of chocolate, enveloping a large and moist boneless chocken breast. Rice has some poblano peppers and corn, making it a nice accompaniment to you selection. Fajita plate had an abundance of peppers and onions and plenty of moist chicken. read more

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We have been here multiple times and are never disappointed. They are continuing to update and refresh the space and their plating. The dish ware and silverware are very durable and feel like an upscale restaurant. The decorations are clean and colorful. The staff are always friendly and Raul was exceptionally helpful and attentive. The food, as always, was flavorful with nice portions. We ordered Combination #2 with Birria chimichanga and green corn tamale. The birria was rich and smokey with the right amount of salt. The chimichanga was not over fried and the oil was clean leaving a nice crisp, non-oily fry. The highlight was the tamale which is both sweet and savory with a deep corn and chili flavor. A wonderful contrast to the birria. The rice and beans were well seasoned. The corn and poblano are a great addition to the rice. The other dish was the Shrip in a red tequila lime sauce. It was spectacular. The shrimp were not over cooked, the tequila added an herbaceous flavor that paired well with the acid of the lime and tomato. It even enhanced the poblano corn rice. If there was one nic pic, it was the shrip still having tails (only becusse they were in the sauce so it was a little messy), but that is very minor. The tortillas was fresh and both the corn and flour tasted delicious. Nothing was overly spicy, perfectly seasoned, and you could get some heat if you wanted from the hotter salsa. The prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food and bring us back. This remains one of our go to Mexican restaurants in Tucson. This continues to be one of our go to read more

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Tuscon little treasure. Been here 3 times and have liked everything I have ever ordered. Today enchiladas with rice and zucchini Mexican style (calabacitas). Drinks are great and prices are great! Surprised that not so busy. read more

El Chinito Gordo - Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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This restaurant sits right on Oracle Road. Fortunately, they have a lovely entryway with a wall that blocks the view of the road, a fountain, plants, etc. The windows inside look out over this space. Once you step inside, you'll be at the hostess stand. Turn left to go to the bar or wait to be seated to the right. Service here is quick and friendly! I also appreciated that the wait staff told me that the libation I selected (strawberry tequila sunrise) was strong; this meant I could share it. There are many plant-based, even vegan, options here. Yay! However, for our first foray, my partner and I selected the shrimp culichi enchiladas. Simply sublime. Packed with shrimp and covered in out-of-this-world culichi sauce. I choose the creamy poblano rice with corn and calabacitas for my sides. With 3 enchiladas and the sides, you'll either need to go hungry or be ready to take a to-go box home! Los soft tacos are served a la carte with many, many combinations available. Very tasty. But, friends, make sure you try the culichi sauce at least once. With excellent service and food, this is a hidden gem. We have been and will be back! read more

El Chinito Gordo - Agua frescas w/tequila - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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What a nice lil gem in a mediocre location. Had the chile en nogado with calabacitas and poblano rice. My friend got the steak fajitas and beans. Beans tasted like from a can. Rice was rice but not poblano rice BuT the steak fajitas were the best we have ever had! The sauce in Chile nogado was really good I could have eaten it on a peice of cardboard read more

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Hands down the BEST Mexican food I've had in Arizona so far. This restaurant is a must try when visiting Tucson. All their food was amazing! The staff is sweet and knowledgeable about their menu and can recommend very authentic Mexican Cuisine! I recommend ordering the pozole verde, chicken mole, and the 3 crispy taco plate. Their flan was a perfect way to end your meal. They also sell sweet Mexican souvenirs at reasonable prices and have a full service bar. Fun place because the staff is friendly and the food is delicious in a very casual atmosphere! Perfect for happy hour! I will be back! read more

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Seriously, how in the world have I never heard about this place! This is my new favorite Mexican Restaurant in Tucson. I was welcomed by a beautiful entrance and a lovely seating area. The host was so kind and welcoming she even gave us recommendations before we sat down. She recommended me the Chile de Nogada, which made me skeptical at first. Walnuts and pomegranates??? Turns out it was unlike anything I had tried before and in the best way possible. You can tell that a lot of work and love goes into the cooking. The prices were amazing as well. I will definitely be coming back with more friends! read more

El Chinito Gordo - Chile de Nogada - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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The margs. The food. So delicious! I ordered the quesabirria with poblano rice and calabacitas (my GOD these were to DIE for. I could've ate an entire plate of just the calabacitas). My husband ordered the chorizo burger with chips. We both decided on margarita flights (of course). Which were all so delicious!! The service was fantastic and our server was very attentive. We most definitely will be back. read more

El Chinito Gordo - Quesabirria with poblano rice and calabacitas - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Absolutely adored this place! Came in for happy hour and ended up loving how the menu sounded so we had to share an entree. Great for happy hour and dinner! We came in right at 3 (HH is M-F 3-6). There was hardly anyone in at that time and we sat at the bar. Small bar, cute none the less. Margs we're amazing! They have plenty of flavors to choose from. I got the mango chamoy- sweet but delicious. My friend got the jalapeño watermelon which was also delicious. Appetizers we got the esquites- HIGHLY recommend getting this! So much flavor. We also tried the guacamole. It wasn't my favorite or the best I've had but the chips were homemade and worth it. We split the chile en nogada. Holy wow. An explosion of flavor is the best way to describe this dish. Great sweet/savory balance and that bacon almond cream sauce is sooo good- you might be tempted to drink it. Can't recommend this dish enough! You betcha I will be coming back for this dish!! My only complaint- on the way out there are cute homemade earrings at the host stand and they only take cash. I wanted a pair they were super cute and unique! While the restaurant takes card- the earrings are cash only?? Why not charge the card for retail purchases? Seemed silly to me and I'm sure I wasn't the only one who skipped on purchasing some for lack of cash. read more

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Nice little local place with good food and charm. I had to meet a friend for lunch on the Westside and picked this after a Yelp search. I wanted better than your average taco shop but nothing that would break the bank. This fit the bill. I got a combination plate with a mini pork verde chimi, corn tamale, rice, and beans. Price was close to $20. The tamale was one of the best I've ever had. Lots of flavor and a really soft consistency that melts in your mouth. The rice and beans had a different flavor to them which I was on the fence about, but like it more the more I ate it. Not your standard rice and beans. I was so full I took the chimi home with me and haven't eaten it yet so I can't comment there. My friend got the chicken mole and really enjoyed it. I'm not a mole fan but if you like that underlying soft flavor of chocolate, you'll like it. One thing I really enjoyed was the salsa. Fresh made and lots of heat. Surprising amount of heat, in fact. I think you'll enjoy it if you like spicy salsa. Free drink refills, really easy parking, open and airy, friendly staff. Total bill with 2 sodas was $52. Give it a shot if you're near Oracle and Grant. read more

El Chinito Gordo - Combination plate with mini chimi, corn tamale, rice, and beans. Just under $20. - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

This is the best breakfast I've had in my life. I go out to eat ALOT. Me and my friend got the Huevos rancheros and our other friend got the EL GORDITO DELUXE which I tried and it was some of the best chorizo I've had. I try a new restaurant every other week just about and I've never had something exceeded all my expectations. The restaurant was beautiful inside and out and staff was very friendly. My friends got the CAFE DE OLLA which I've only had once but this was much better than the once I've had before and I wish I had got it. I will definitely be back. read more

El Chinito Gordo - Huevos rancheros - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Picked this spot to celebrate my college graduation and i am so glad i did. It was the best food and really was a celebration for my taste buds. All the food tasted authentic and fresh. The chips and salsa were highly addictive...i seriously could not stop. My chile En Nogada was so beautiful and mouth watering. I tried everyones food and everything was exceptional. It doesn't really look like much from the outside but inside in the kitchen and on your plates is where they bring the magic. read more

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This restaurant is near my house; I can't believe I haven't been here before. I've now been here twice. The servers are friendly, the food is delicious, and the margaritas are amazing. Good size portions for the price. read more

El Chinito Gordo - Margarita flight! - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

If I could give this place 10 stars I would! Jim and I are always in search of unique and authentic Mexican food. Most of the time we are disappointed because it's been too Americanized. But this place had some great unique chefs creations that we just had to try. Highly recommend you try this part of the menu. I had the Chile en Nogada and it was fabulously delicious. Jim had the Torta Ahohada. He usually can't get his orders spicy enough, but he requested spicy and they delivered. If we lived in the area this would become a regular hangout for us. You can be sure if and when we are in the area we will stop here. Best Mexican food I've ever had. Jim wanted me to update the review to mention how good the service was. We befriended Luis who took care of us. His feedback and recommendations were quite useful. read more

El Chinito Gordo - Chile en Nogada and Torta Ahohada - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Service was fab! Food delish Drinks on point I am already planning on going back and I am an Eastsider but will gladly make the 30 minute drive to eat there! read more

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Cute location. The food was delicious. Next time I go I'm getting the mole, which was absolute perfection. I went with the gorditas with birria and they were also very tasty. The side rice was rich and unique in flavor, probably the best rice I have had. The horchata here is also excellent and they have a good selection of deserts. Staff are very nice and work quickly. This is a complete winner for me, I will be back. read more

El Chinito Gordo - Deep fried seasonal pumpkin desert - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Food was absolutely delicious Service was amazing Ambiance was great, lovely music. Got to meet the owner she is super sweet & very kindhearted lady. Overall 10/10 best Mexican Restaurant & people. read more

We have come here a couple times and both the food and service have always been top tier! Michelle took care of us today and had awesome recommendations. We ended up sharing some happy hour nachos with el pastor added as well as a $10 spicy cucumber margarita. The margarita really took me for a surprise it was delicious, and even better that they have happy hour every day from 4-6! Devon was also very attentive constantly checking in at the table. Overall a great lunch experience! read more

Great food, fantastic drinks, big portions. Not your generic Mexican food you'll find elsewhere, we got some weird, tasty stuff. The entryway outside is really cool with a fountain, nice place for pictures. Lots of space inside. We started with the margarita flight and chose the blackberry horchata, jalepeño watermelon, and prickly pear guava. They were all delicious and very different.  I loved the rims, not just boring margarita salt. The jalepeño one had a spicy rim, blackberry one had chocolate rim, and  guava one had a sour rim. For food, we got the Chile En Nogada and the Chorizo Burger. The Chile dish seemed like something from another planet, strange but delicious.  A meat packed pepper in white sauce closest to a creamy hidden valley ranch sauce and pomegranate on top. The toppings on the Chorizo burger were good but it was a little dry since my wife incorrectly ordered it well done. The chile dish came with 2 sides and we got poblano rice and calabacitas (some tasty squash and cheese dish). We had a great time, staff was friendly, place was cool, food was good. But those margaritas will haunt my dreams until 5 years from now when I eventually make it back to Tuscon. read more

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I visited El Chinito Gordo on 09/05/2021 after coming across several articles presented by Tucson Foodie. They weren't kidding. This place is definitely worth a visit, especially if you're fiending for a tasty, cold margarita! My husband and I arrived during happy hour on a 105°F day. We began with a house ($5.00) and a strawberry hibiscus margarita (blanco tequila, strawberries, hibiscus juice, agave purée, Tajin coated rim, $6.50), respectively. My drink was so pretty! It boasted a deep, red/pink color and had such a kick to it. Husband's house marg was much stronger, he really got the most out of dollar with the two he practically inhaled. I wasn't very hungry and wanted to enjoy drink so all I ordered were the Esquites (fire-grilled corn with crema, queso Cotija, chile guajillo, onions, cilantro and garlic, $8.95). This little bowl is the perfect appetizer. It's small but comes packed with so much flavor, you can taste very ingredient listed blend into a melody of flavor. I gobbled the entire bowl quick and almost asked for another one! My husband chose Enchiladas (red sauce, served with two sides, choice of chicken, cheese, ground beef or spinach, $12.95), going with the spinach option with a side of rice and calabacitas (Mexican style zucchini). So much food! And delicous combo of flavor. It didn't matter what your bite consisted of, it all blended together perfectly. The zucchini practically melted in your mouth, the rice had bits of corn mixed and with a creamy poblano sauce lightly mixed in. It was heavenly! I wish I had more room in my tummy but alas, I was still coming down from a food baby I got during lunch. I would have gotten at least two entrees plus an appetizer, desert and more drinks. Also, the service is soooo nice! We loved our waiter, he was really sweet and attentive. If you're looking for delicious, authentic Mexican food from a locally owned restaurant I would recommend El Chinito Gordo a hundred times over. It's super casual, perfect for large groups or date night! I hope I get the chance to revisit one day! read more

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This isn't my first review about this place, but it's as good as ever. My wife and I have typically stayed on the beaten path with our choices here, but I finally tried the Chile en Nogada and it was fantastic! It definitely is a new flavor profile for those used to the standard Arizona take on Mexican food, but it's worth the chance. Also had another Blackberry Horchata margarita, always a hit. read more

El Chinito Gordo - Chile en Nogada - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

SO loved their food!! Chicken mole is the best we've ever had (except my Grandmother's). The corn tamale was excellent & poblano rice very flavorful. Wish this spot wasn't 400 miles from home !! We stopped while on a road trip. Good call ... at first we weren't sure, because they were not busy. In fairness it was 109 outside & after lunch time. That was in our favor because our waiter Carlos gave us full attention & went above & beyond. He gave us extra tortillas for our mole to go as margaritas to go with garnishes. Flourishes! read more

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I would give this place 6 stars if I could. What a great find! Loved the service - everyone was so friendly. We called ahead and they let us bring our dog as well. The place was bustling on a Sunday afternoon! The waiter automatically brought out chips and salsa - those chips were so crunchy. I had the quesabirria, it reminded me of being back in Mexico. It was delicious and the portion was huge. My husband had the breakfast tamale and he loved the deep fried twist. Can't wait to come back and try more things on the menu. Added bonus, we got multiple refills of the agua fresca and even a to go cup! read more

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I've been wanting to try this place for a while and finally got the opportunity. My favorite Mexican soup is caldo de queso. For some reason it's hard to find. But let me tell you, this place not only has it, but it's by far the best I've ever had!! Super legit!! They also have red and white menudo if you're so inclined. I had the taco plate with ground beef patties. They were good, but I didn't love the sauce the put in the taco. It was sweet. I prefer extra spicy. So I'd ask for no sauce next time. But all in all this place was great. Salsa on point, service was excellent, soup the best, tacos solid. read more

I have come here time and time again and love this place. It's so delicious. The service has improved. I love it read more

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After months of ordering takeout, finally got to sit down for a meal at El Chinito Gordo and it made the food even better (which I didn't think possible because it was already so good). Happy hour runs daily from 3-6pm and features both food and drink specials. The Al Pastor Cheese Tostada is our favorite to get from their happy hour menu (also available for takeout) - nice balance of salty, spicy, creamy, and sweet with the al pastor, cheese, onions, cilantro, and pineapple. Their specialty margaritas are great ($6.50 during happy hour) and even come in mason jars for to-go orders - if you're looking for a little spicy kick, get the spicy cucumber and jalapeño watermelon. If you're more in the mood for non-alcoholic drinks, the agua frescas rotate daily and are amazing. The winner of the entrees (and what keeps us coming back) though is the chile en nogada - sooo delicious, the picadillo is so tasty and perfectly complemented by the creamy walnut sauce. We get it every time because it's so good! Entrees come with 2 sides - choice of rice, beans, or calabacitas and tortillas. Great meal for dining in and to go! read more

El Chinito Gordo - Jalapeño margarita - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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