I was in the neighborhood today and decided to stop by. Great food, and terrific service. Our waiter was excellent. Took our drinks and orders and did not disappear for an hour like some waiters do. The food was excellent. I had the combo. Beef tamale, enchilada and beef taco. All excellent and I don't even really like tamales and this one was amazing. read more

We've eaten at El Minuto downtown many times over the years and have also brought many visiting friends here for dinner. It's a wonderful restaurant that just makes me happy to be in it. It has that "wow" factor of authentic Mexican decor and food that is hard to beat. Built in 1939 it's been around for a while serving up tasty Sonoran food. As others have mentioned, it's in an historic part of Tucson with the El Tiradito Wishing Shrine right next door....waiting for your candle. It remains high on my list of favorite places to eat in Tucson, especially during the holidays. read more

See all

What a gem! We went to El Minuto Tacos after it was recommended by the team of La Supreme Coworking Space across the way. They suggested we try the crisps. I wasn't sure what that was, but they mentioned it was covered in cheese. When we arrived, we asked the waiter Pepo what a crisp was. He said it was like a big Mexican pizza. So we ordered it, and that was precisely accurate. Imagine a 15 inch crispier than tortilla chip holding up cheese and your favorite choice of meat. We ordered the carne machaca/carne seca. Mmm mmm mmm! Recommend. read more

I've given this place a one-star review in the past due to the food being so-so and the service being sub par. However today I ordered the Steak Mexicana and it was pretty good. Not great, but good. Personally, I like less gristle in my meat, but I don't want to complain when an animal lost its life so I could be nourished. read more

Meh, I'd probably lean more towards a 3.5 star on this. The food wasn't great but wasn't horrible, albeit the cheese crisp with green chilies was amazing with the perfect texture and cheese ratio. The chips and salsa were alright. My husband and mother in law thought the salsa was waaay too hot for enjoyment but a decent flavor. I had two shredded beef tacos with beans and rice. The tacos were alright but much better with a little like, salsa and sour cream. The rice wasn't too full of flavor and the retried beans were sub par. I also had a margarita that was average, lots of foam on top. The waiter was good, around but not hovering. read more

El Minuto Cafe - Margarita on the rocks! - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

This is a family owned restaurant that has been here for generations with great food at very reasonable prices. I used to come here yrs ago after clubbing and have the menudo this was back in college years. Now I like their lunch specials. We were here yesterday and I had the albóndigas soup. f you want a reasonable restaurant with good food come here in downtown Tucson close to the Convention center. read more

I've heard a lot about this place since it's been around but I wouldn't say it's a must go place. The prices were a little steep compared to some Mexican Food places in town. Tostadas a la cart are 5.25-7.00. Combo plate of beef tamale, beef taco, cheese enchilada and beans was 13.00. Generous with chips and salsa with me. Enchilada sauce had a kick but lacked some depth of flavor. Cheese enchilada didn't quite have the cheese melted enough though the plate came out piping hot. service was efficient and pleasant, and served quickly. read more

I love this place. When I have visitors from outa town we go here and it's consistently awesome.

Stopped in with a co-worker for lunch today after attending a job fair at the TCC - this is the go to place anytime you're at the TCC as its right across the street. Good selection of lunch specials with great prices. Tasty typical Sonoran Mexican food, and super fast service! My iced tea was refilled every time I took a drink! Love the homey old-style Mexican décor. read more

The food is amazing and the portions are a good size. I've tried a different plate each time and they were all so good! My boyfriend loves the mini chimis and my favorite is the flautas. read more

I went on a Saturday post gem show. The food was great and arrived quickly. There was a 20 minute wait because it was Saturday around 1 pm. It was reasonably priced. I would go back. read more

El Minuto Cafe - Street view - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

Hoping for great. Cheese enchilada was full of unmelted cheese. Enchilada sauce was bitter. Not a good lunch.

The food was awesome. The relaxed atmosphere was perfect for enjoying a late lunch with margaritas and some sangria. The staff was super nice and seemed to enjoy the antics of our large group. read more

El Minuto Cafe - Very cool wood door at the entrance. - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I really enjoyed another piece of Tucson history. The FOOD WAS GREAT. I had a Carne Seca burro and my husband LOVED the huge bowl of Menudo . read more

Super disappointing experience. Went here last night with my fiancé and another couple. When we got there they put us on a wait, then sat us at a table that was empty, and had been empty-no patrons left while we waited before being seated. As we sat down the waiter placed dirty silverware down on napkins for us, like you could see the chunks of wet food on them. Gross to say the least. We ordered beers, those were cold and hit the spot. About 10-15 mins after the waiter took our order he informed me they were out of carne asada-I had ordered the carne asada tacos. So, I settled for carne seca. In the hour we waited for our food-which never came-we watched about three parties get seated, eat, and leave. Our waiter kept coming to our table to assure us the food would be "right up", while never replenishing our chips and salsa or beers, even after we asked. While completely catering to the large party next to us. When he grabbed the empty beers, he dropped trash in my fiancé's drink and didn't say anything. After waiting a little longer, We hastily got up, paid at the register for the beers and left. Ridiculous. Won't be coming here again. read more

In the mood for good Mexican food but not looking for fast food then El Minute cafe can fill that niche. Good food and okay price. I came here tonight for dinner and had the cheese crisp and chili relleno. Proportion was good and both came out fast. Service was good and kept an eye on us not too close to be a pest but just enough to make sure my dinner was going well. Location is good close to downtown but not in to close to be a hassle for parking. They have a small lot and enough street parking to be worry free. It was a good meal but no frills to send me away satisfied. As I started, good food and worth a stop. read more

I'm a little surprised by many of the other reviews. I absolutely love this restaurant, and been coming here for years. Service is always friendly. Must try the caldo de queso, which I always have to order. read more

Craving menudo on a cold Tucson Sunday night. We haven't been to this long time down town Tucson restaurant in many years, but they had white and red menudo on the menu. We were promptly seated, and warm chips and salsa brought right out. The dining room was full with a few larger groups, some couples and foursomes. The waiters were efficient and working the room. Our drink orders were quickly filled - a chilled beer glass was a nice touch. Food order taken and food was out, as ordered, in good time (and chips were replenished,too). The menudo was excellent, my husband's carne asada plate was very good and so we enjoyed a pleasant Sunday evening with some of our comfort food favorites. Now that we have rediscovered El Minuto, we'll be back. Excellent friendly service and good food in an old style neighborhood restaurant. read more

Ordered a bean and cheese burrito and chili con carne plate. Complimentary chips and salsa. Serves beer, wine, and margaritas. I liked the taste of the beans in the burrito however the tortilla was weak and torn apart and didn't have much flavor. The chili con carne was good - the green chili being the best part. I'd try something else next time read more

Solid choice right next to the Tucson Convention Center. Food is okay... The tamales are dry covered in a monotone brown sauce, chips are kinda stale, and the burrito is mediocre. Service, however, is GREAT! Efficient, friendly, and I don't feel rushed. They handle the full house prior to an TCC event well. read more

The worst Mexican food I've had in Tucson in 47 years; it was good in the 80's but maybe I didn't know any better. The beef taco somehow tasted like fish, the beans and rice had zero flavor, the salsa tasted like watered down tomato paste without any spice, the cheese crisp and the green chilis weren't cooked long enough, and it was all warm, not hot. There are too many other great Mexican food choices in Tucson; this isn't it!!! read more

Luv going to this place when I'm in Tucson! Was in town for business and stopped by for dinner on Friday. Service was great, food was even better. Still one of my favs in Tucson read more

Our Uber driver, a Tucson local, brought us here after we tried to get into El Charro on a Saturday night and found out there was a 2-hour wait. Turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I can't say enough good things about this place. We were seated in less than 10 minutes. The service was fantastic and the atmosphere was warm and authentic. We learned that El Minuto has been in the same family for 3 generations. The food was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the Cheese Crisp. It may not show up on trendy lists of "must try" spots in Tucson, but if you end up here you won't be disappointed. read more

El Minuto Cafe - Cheese Crisp - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I've been eating at El Minuto on and off for about three decades. Last night, my family went there for a special occasion (granted, it was our second choice after forgetting to get reservations at El Charro and trying to get a walk in table; wait was too long). This place has gone downhill! The food is now ridiculously overpriced and the quality is completely mediocre. My chile relleno was soggy, probably because they smothered it in red salsa sauce. The rice was dry and flavorless. The albondigas soup was greasy and thin like water, with miniature meatballs made of a gray hamburger and sadness. We politely complained to the cashier, who was kind enough to deduct $15 off of our $77 bill... BUT STILL. Not planning on going back there since living downtown, we have so many other options. read more

Was so excited when we stumbled upon it. Great authentic look on the outside, friendly staff once we entered. Then I tried the chips ... Thick, tasted stale, but tolerable if I could cover it up with some great salsa. That didn't happen though Salsa tasted like sweet canned tomatoes dumped into the bowl. No spice, no heat, just yuck. The only hot sauce available was Red Devil. Thought the prices were pretty high too. Beans had no taste, rice was even more bland, and the tacos were store bought taco shells. Really disappointed. To top it off we spent over $50 for 4 lunches, nothing to drink but water, no appetizer and no desserts either oh and the menus were dirty too. Unfortunate experience for sure. Not authentic. I will say though that the staff was pleasant but I won't go back. read more

Very Traditional Mexican food as you know it. I was so pleased with Resterante no frills quick service and the food was good to great with every bite. The waiter made suggestion and he also pointed out there luncheon special for under 8$ ,I ate everything on my plate red-pepper stew burrito a slice of Mexican heaven. Bathroom where old but somewhat clean and I would imagine the kitchen is the same. Ring from the east coast "New York City"this is what nyc mexican restraints are like so again thank you Tucson for making me feel at home. read more

El Minuto Cafe - Entrance to Resterante that billboard should be something different but place is great - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I'm not sure how I have overlooked writing a review for this Tucson legend. It's the first Mexican restaurant I ate at in Tucson 20 years ago and will continue to do so. I have had almost everything on their menu and it's all solid, delicious, Sonoran-style, home-cooked Mexican food. Their stand-outs have to be the chile rellenos, the El Minuto Special combo platter, and the menudo. They have excellent margaritas and a good selection of ice-cold Mexican beers. It's a great place to bring a large group as the service is always excellent, accommodating and friendly and the outdoor patio is a pleasure to sit in fall through spring. I think they are just as good as their more famous competitor down on South Fourth without the ridiculous wait-time and hype. You won't be disappointed with El Minuto. TIP: Go early if you are going there before an event at the TCC because they do fill up and there will be a wait on those afternoons and evenings. read more

El Minuto has been around for a looong time, but quite frankly it feels like they've lost their pizazz and spark. The food is really your basic Mexican sonoran style cuisine- you'll the typical combo plates, tostadas, etc. Standouts are the green chile green crisp and their salsa is pretty tasty! The tortilla soup is also worth trying. It's served traditional style...clear broth, tortilla strips and cheese topped with some avocado. I'd return for this soup. Our servers were super friendly too. I'm just not sure the owners show they care about their customers all that much. No greetings at the door on arrival or departure- just not that friendly...and with so many choices in town, I'd rather support a local business that's excited about their business, their food and service. read more

El Minuto is an old school Tucson monument of Mexican food. It is firmly engrained into the Sonora style of cooking, mixed in with our Arizona favorites... challenging, formal and unique is it not. Comfy, familiar, and tasty? Yes indeed. The menu is a traditional Tucson Mexican fare... burritos, chimis, flautas, tostadas. If you fear fried, perhaps head over to Cafe Poca Cosa instead for fresh, daring, and considerably more pricey food. Here, the surroundings are simple, the folks friendly, and the food is consistent. I head over there for lunch; their mid-day menu is filled with favorites at a reasonable cost. If my hips will forgive me, there's nothing better than a plate full of those little mini-chimis... flaky, spicy deliciousness. And if you happen to go for dinner, pack a candle (preferably those tall glass ones you can get at the dollar store) and walk just south of the restaurant to El Tiradito. It's a beautiful Tucson historic landmark... the story behind the place has many legends, but to see all the candles lit up at night with hundreds of wishes behind them... nothing short of magical. Light your candle too, and make a wish--they say if the candle burns through the night it comes true! It's one of my favorite things to do with out town visitors. read more

This is my FAVORITE Sonoran Mexican food restaurant! This is the real deal and a hidden GEM. Flat enchiladas and carne seca is my favorite dish to order and it never fails to be GREAT! I LOVE THIS PLACE! I am an 8th generation tucsonan. Carolina Lopez, my grandfather would sneak out, but always got caught because he would have enchilada sauce on his tie. Ha! Ha! read more

I'm astounded at the amazing reviews for this place. You guys thing this is good Mexican? The only reason I bumped it up to two stars is for the guacamole, which was excellent. The salsa is mild, I ordered tacos and got taquitos and then was told to "eat it" because "I'll like it." It was, however, close in proximity to where we were working (the convention center) and cheap - $5.50 a plate for the weekday lunch special. The next day I read in the paper that they had failed their cleanliness inspection two visits in a row and have a 10 day probation until they are shut down for health inspection violations. That made my meal seem especially tasty in hindsight. Next time I visit Tucson I'll be skipping El Minuto. read more

Amerimex... for the masses. I think on a price vs. quality basis, this place really let me down, especially since it's right in my neighborhood. If you are into the Acapulco-style, generic watered down Mexican food that's adapted to the typical "American" palate, this place will probably be great for you. But in a city where there are so very many far better authentic Mexican restaurants for about the same price or less, I can't for the life of me think of any other reason why this joint is always packed with people. The salsa was thin and tasted like pizza sauce; the tamale and enchilada I had were bland, nothing remotely special about them, and all dishes are served with the typical dried-out crusty re-fried beans topped with oily cheese and dry flavorless Spanish rice. The free chips were good. I would have given this 1 star, but I figure someone who enjoys this particular breed of Mexican food would probably find El Minuto's fare divine. read more

I've had decent meals here, but after my most recent experience, I have no plans to go back. We had a family meal here on the patio. Rather than go through every little detail of the negatives, I'll just list for you: - Terrible service resulting in me having to go get my own fork/knife and refills - They lost their liquor license (no drinks?!? I mentioned this was a family dinner right?) - Wrong food delivered to the table - Cold tortillas served with warm food Definitely hit up another place in town until this place gets it back together. read more

I love Mexican food. I love living back in Arizona for access to said Mexican food. I love that my boyfriend's mother is so Mexican that there's always a pot of beans on the stove and she yells at him in Spanish. His Italian father is also always sipping amaretto on the rocks and asking if there's any angelonies left. It's a grand combination. El Minuto is where my genuinely half-Mexican boyfriend and his family eat. They took me here recently and I got to sample the chicken enchilada and the chile relleno. Both have been added to my go-to list of dishes to get in Tucson. Friendly but anonymous service. I think the grease is part of the authenticity. read more

Very traditional Sonoran food, which don't get me wrong, I enjoy. But this place seemed over priced for what it was, the quality, and the fact that Mexican, esp. Sonoran, restaurants are a dime a dozen in Tucson. The Carne Seca is on par with El Charro's. Service was good, once he actually put our order in. read more

Nothing to write home about here... just more unremarkable northern Mexican food. The menudo was okay, but the broth lacked depth and richness of flavor. Its accompanying bread was greasy, but not nearly as flavorful as the grease-level would have suggested. The Chile Colorado was less than spectacular: thick and dense without having a compelling flavor. You're in trouble if you have to pour mild salsa on Chile Colorado to make it through the meal. The service was unnecessarily brusque and the price-point was average. Fine if you're in the area, but not worth a special trip. read more

Two words: Greasy Beans. Ok, more than two words. This place is literally two blocks away from my house. Why, WHY can't it be good? I just don't like this place. The run of the mill staples were nothing but that, run of the mill. And its expensive. Tacos, beans (we're talkin' you can see the grease floating ontop of them) and rice, for like 8 bucks??! Just go to Juanito's or any other stand, and it will be just as good, if not better, and cheaper. read more

My love affair with Mexican food literally begins and ends at El Minuto. It was the restaurant that turned me on to the genre, and to this day, it remains the best Mexican food I've ever had. You know you're in for something special when the chips are served warm, and the salsa is spicy, yet still flavorful. Then, you order the cheese enchiladas, served with a side of Spanish rice and refried beans, and BAM! Foodgasm. Even my carnivorous boyfriend can't bring himself to order anything else! read more

Such a sad experience, run down, dirty restaurant with unhappy folks working there. Most of all, horribly expensive and extremely poor quality food. What a rip off. 55$ with gratuity, for 2 Chile rellenos and 2 sangrias. The Chile rellenos were not edible and sadly enough, NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE. read more

I absolutely love this place last week I took my son who lives in DC and my boyfriend who lives in New Mexico out for lunch . All they did was say how wonderful the food was . This is my boyfriends new favorite Mexican restaurant. I love their Tortilla soup and their sheadded beef soft shell taco are to die for . The service is friendly and warm . I can't say enough about this restaurant. read more