Um hello?! How is this place not lined with customers?! Shout out to all the people wasting their money at in n out... this place is the real deal! Come here if you want flavor and balanced spice! I am new to Tucson and as a ride share driver it's been my mission to find all the best eateries in Tucson. Wow wow wow! Came here on a whim for my daily snack. The team here is very kind and helped me choose some food as a newbie. I ordered 2 birria tacos on corn tortillas with an Arnold Palmer drank. They were so kind to offer me an array of salsas, limes and a small sample of cabbage cilantro and onion mix for (which I found hella refreshing because I am so used to getting just a side of chopped onion) my two tacos. Growing up in LA's street food scene I usually judge the food by the salsas alone, omg but everything was top tier. Side quest on the salsas: I got 5 salsas and each one was excellent - super blended and the balance of flavors would make Anthony Bourdain proud. *The Mild salsa is made with green tomatillos and honestly this was the first time I felt like I could actually taste the tomatillo bright and crisp flavor. *The Medium salsa still has a kick to it but its Smokey chipotle flavor is absolutely delicious! *The Avocado salsa was good but not my favorite big lime flavor to be expected. *the Habanero salsa was so delicious it's a slow rising heat but it's the spices that make it so magical. I love spicy and this the was perfect level of heat and FLAVOR! *The Cilantro Sauce was the star of the show, nothing fancy just evenly balanced and done right, it paired perfectly with the birria meat! In total I paid $17 for 2 tacos and a drink but I'd say this is straight Sonoran soul food! Worth every penny if you need some good home cooked meal that truly represent what I imagine well done Sonoran Mexican Food! Amazing experience will be back again with friends! Note: On Tuesdays they have a deal of 4 tacos for $9! I asked the drive thru girl what she would recommend to a new customer, she said their steak is super delicious and their bake potatoes are yummy as they have their own specialty sauce that they add to them. This is exciting news because I used to love eating at Wendy's but as we all know fast food is dead now... anyhow foodies, you have been warned! read more

See all

I have never in my life been made to feel so stupid and embarrassed simply for asking a question. I came in genuinely trying to understand what "birria" was. I had always understood it to be a style of meat that was typically served with a sauce, and I had never had a reason to know more than that. Instead of simply explaining it to me, I was made to feel like I was an idiot for not knowing. The attitude I received was incredibly rude, condescending, and completely unnecessary. There is absolutely no reason a customer should be made to feel ashamed for asking a question about something on the menu. I ordered the monthly special, which had birria meat, white cheese, and was served between a toasted tortilla. Unfortunately, mine was completely burned. Every single bite tasted burnt. I politely asked if it could be remade, only to be told, "That's just how we make it." That excuse was especially frustrating because the table next to us had ordered the exact same thing. I had actually seen theirs, which is why I ordered it in the first place. Theirs was NOT burnt. So clearly, "that's just how we make it" was not an acceptable explanation. I eventually exchanged mine for a quesadilla, which was actually very good and, thankfully, not burned. Ironically, the table next to us also seemed to be having a completely different experience with the staff. They were laughing and joking with their waitress while we were treated like an inconvenience. Then there was my wife's "cheese crisp," which was arguably one of the most burned and disgusting $10 items I have ever been served. I've attached a picture because honestly, you have to see it to believe it. It looked like someone intentionally burned it and then sprinkled white cheese over the top to try to hide just how badly it had been burned. And once again, when we brought it up, we were essentially told, "That's how they make it." No. That is not how you make food. That is how you serve food that should never have left the kitchen. What makes this experience even more frustrating is that I had heard great things about this place. I was genuinely excited to come in and give it a try. Instead, I left feeling unwelcome, embarrassed for asking a simple question, and extremely disappointed with both the food and the service. If you want to go somewhere where you feel unwanted, where your questions are treated like an annoyance, where nobody bothers to smile, joke, or make you feel welcome, and where you may be served horribly burned food and told, "That's just how we make it," then this is apparently the place for you. As for me, I will never go back. What a shame that this was my first experience with a restaurant I had heard so many good things about. I expected much better, and frankly, I deserved much better as a paying customer. read more

Salsa Verde Restaurant - Hard as a rock cheese, crisp. - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

The food is not served hot enough it seems to be heated up in the microwave also our rice was old and crunchy. Also something we didn't like was the food comes out way to fast within five mins of ordering it's at your table seems to all be pre made one thing I didn't like was that the server placed someone else's food at the wrong table And it sat there for about five mins then the picked it up and took it straight over to The correct table I personally wouldn't want to eat that food I would've asked for new plates ambiance was okay smelled a Little bit like sewage. read more

The food was not worth the prices. Too expensive, ridiculously overpriced and to be honest, food wasn't that good and the portions were too small for the high prices your charged L definitely would not go there again nor would I recommend this place to anyone. read more

Service is great but the tacos are better. Beans and rice were really good too. Excited to come back and try different menu items read more

Salsa Verde Restaurant - Gourmet Taco Plate - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Great food! The salsa bar is outstanding. This time I got food to go, some no salsa bar, but the crispy shredded beef tacos were delicious. Highly recommend eating on site and ordering one of the many specialty drinks. It's a fun, lowkey atmosphere. read more

Salsa Verde Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Food was sooo good ! Super friendly Service is awesome every time we've come in . We got carnitas , pork verde and ground beef Machetes ( kinda a combo flour corn and matzah tortilla cheese and meat burrito) , some enchilada style ( yum ) and one of those famous Sonora bacon wrapped 'percherones' a crispy flakey meat filled burrito wrapped in bacon which could bring world peace if everyone had one ! Definitely get the Chocolate flan and tres leche if you have room. read more

Paty was so kind !! The horchata coffee was A MUST HAVE!! And the salsa bar?? A 10/10 !!

Salsa Verde was a true surprise. Tucked away on the east side of Tucson, salsa verde had a comfortable, local hangout feel. The staff were efficient, friendly, and helpful. It was a warm evening, so we chose to sit on the outdoor singing deck. Decorated with lattice work and string lights, it almost gelt lie we were at a backyard barbecue. The country music accented the purely Tucson feel of the restaurant. One of the unique aspects of Salsa Verde was their service of a complementary appetizer of warm bean dip, and house made corn chips. I don't believe I've ever enjoyed that innovation before as a complimentary table appetizer. It was frankly a welcome change from the normal parade of salsa variations that are usually offered. For dining, we ordered a crunchy taco plate, choosing the pulled, and the ground beef, it was complimented by rice and beans. The second meal was a dish I hadn't previously encountered, The Machete. The machete is a large soft corn masa tortilla stuffed with crusted cheese and a choice of meat proteins. I chose the pork chile verde, and the birria beef in red sauce. Both were excellent. I complimented with the cilantro salsa and the avocado salsa from the salsa bar. Because ima sucker for a chile Relleno I had to try theirs. All of the food was flavorful, plentiful and well prepared. There was both attention to detail and artistry in the cooking and the plating. All in all Salsa Verde Restaurant was a joy to dine at. I'll be back. read more

See all

The food is good and very tasty and they give you plenty of it but last time we went and entered the restaurant the oder of old chicken and other discarded food was terrible. We could not stay in the restaurant due to the smell since I do not think they clean their food trap. The smell was so bad that I had to leave immediately. read more

We told our waitress Luna it's our first time. We found it on Yelp so we decided to give it a shot. Luna was top notch taking care of us. Made solid recommendations. Las Quesabarrias and my wife got a steak bowl. AMAZING! The margaritas with their homemade syrup delicious! read more

Had a very curious experience here. Was super excited to try due to reviews. My friend and I walked in and an instant terrible disgusting sewer-like smell hit us. It was so overpowering and never lightened we ended up having to leave. I used the restroom and that seemed very unkempt. We tried to sit for a bit, the chips were okay. It wasn't that fresh warm tortilla that you keep wanting to go back for more. Underwhelmed by the salsas, and the guac was just okay as well. Our server was kind and friendly. This must have been a one off I'm assuming because of all the other positive reviews, but man, that was gross. Can't say I would even try to come back, even thinking about it nauseates me. If you go, you'll know just by opening the door. Whatever happened the owner should have shut down the place to fix whatever happened. read more

We tried Salsa Verde after reading reviews and it was quite good! The menu is varied, the service is friendly and fast--they even offered me ice water with lemon while waiting for a takeout order. The ambiance is just okay. They sent me off with a nice variety of delectable sauces. I will be back for a sit-down order. read more

Was in the area and came here looking at the good reviews. Was able to find a table easily. The staff is friendly and our food was served fast. The taste was very authentic and the flavor did justice to the name of the restaurant. Would recommend coming here. read more

See all

Took forever to get our food- it was good, but very overpriced for what we had- not impressed and won't likely go back.

Looking forward to dinner out in Tucson, we settled on Salsa Verde, for hopefully, some very good Mexican food. Lluvia was our server. Okay, in a somewhat neutral welcome. I had barely started to look over my menu and she's already back to take our orders. The decor was rather dull, some have even complained about their covering up of the windows. And the food? Okay I guess. My wife fairly enjoyed her four street tacos; two chicken and two beef. And the complementary chips and salsa were passable. But as for my order of a large ground beef chimichanga? Pretty average. And the salsa bar didn't really help much. I'd rate the food here as just average Mexican cuisine. My Dr. Pepper was a long time since having tried one treat though. And just barely halfway through my meal, Lluvia was back and asking if we'd like to "cash out?" Sure, why not. But I won't be looking to return here on any future visits to the city of Tucson. read more

See all

If you like tacos, you have to try the new street taco menu at Salsa Verde. I opted for 3 Gorditas a thick corn tortilla stuffed with tender carnitas served with rice and beans, lettuce tomato and crumbled cotija cheese. The mole is spicy and sweet atop chicken enchiladas sprinkled with sesame seeds. You can taste the chiles in the sauce, very good. And don't forget the margaritas you can get in the drive thru. Lots of choices, good food, sweet people. read more

See all

Hadn't been in a few years. They have remodeled and revamped the menu. The food was fantastic tasty! The presentation is significantly better than you would expect. There is table service now not counter ordering. They have bottled beers and mixed drinks. There is indoor and outdoor seating. The interior decoration is upgraded from the semi fast food it was before to a more intimate dining feel. If you haven't been in a hot minute or ever, it is worth a visit. The prices are good for the quality. We will be going back again. read more

Salsa Verde Restaurant - Fish and cilantro lime rice - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

Not really sure about this restaurant. Food was just ok. Nothing exciting. Waitress had no personality. Salsa was good. Will we go back? Doubtful. read more

Salsa Verde Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

Food was good. I ordered the Shredded Beef Enchiladas with Salsa Verde (green) which were filling. Came with beans and rice, with the option of green, red or mole salsa. Salsa was medium as far as spice. Beans were phenomenal. Ordered kids beef burros for lunch the next day. Not sure if these qualify as burritos or not. A little bland but okay. Service was quick and ready to go. A pretty nice authentic Mexican restaurant down near Tanque Verde. read more

Salsa Verde Restaurant - Kids Steak Burros - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

Ordered chicken mole plate via DD. The two ladies with whom I interacted were super nice, as in extra-nice in a big hearted kind of way. The dish itself was excellent, and the presentation was great even though it was in a styrofoam container. Two thumbs up! read more

The price is reasonable. I love their quesabirria tacos and fries! I think it's one of the best in Tucson! read more

Salsa Verde Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

HONEST review! Been here a few times in the last 6 years. Reading reviews and I'm not sure how the people giving it five stars for "authentic taste" and all these videos online etc. I'm definitely not making money off of this so I don't need to make an over exaggerated "Tucson staple" review to keep yelp profile report. Its restaurant "quality" is comparable to a commercialized Guadalajara but falls short of even those bars in some aspects. First off the staff always seem great and have had no issues with kindness, professionalism etc that people previously mentioned in their 1 stars. Sadly though every visit ends in a return and giving back ~93% of the food back... (I'm not eating it all then doing it) but yes, it's that bad collectively as an experience. The tastes is okay at best, nothing extraordinary, extravagant or savory.. actually a little bland if I'm being honest. The beans are meh, the rice is used as bland place holder with a 3.8/10 in flavor, the meats don't melt in your mouth how you'd expect looking at pictures. The presentation of plates is what originally drew me in to begin with, so presentation is good. The inside has changed since, it's reaches for a classic Hispanic restaurant with imagery and colors but still lacks life, welcoming and comfort if that makes sense.. not homie enough? A bit dark I might add as most light is from the windows. Probably my last visit there after wanting to like it and giving another shot. I ordered just a simple carne asada burrito but to go this time. Tasted like a mozzarella mound with a cup of skillet cooked meat. The pico and rice give some flavor but that's all it was, mainly rice and pico. The green salsa tastes as if it was from a jar off a Walmart and lacked the authenticity of an actual green chili sauce and was close to how i remember previous dishes and underwhelming. The red salsa was the star and had a nice strong aroma and less taste compared to that aroma. No flavor balancing, nothing savory or good combinations together, meat tenderness was okay this time and had come out overcooked other times and a bit dry. It was packed with rice and pico. In the end I was disappointed the Mexican style restaurant served me a mediocre carne asada burrito with a taste of 4.2/10 at best. Stuffed with nothing but rice and a dash of meat for $15+, I would gladly choose a chipotle bowl that will have more flavor and richness that isn't even "authentic". I feel the older populace is keeping the ship afloat and that they settle or never truly had a Hispanic dish where you could taste the comfort and love one can instill in a Mexican dish that it looks to be in all the menus and pictures. Maybe got a stare down from possibly the owner/ dad when I drove back for a refund or maybe that's what he always looks like.. I did tell them there wasn't enough carne and taste was okay be I would like a refund in which the younger girl said the charge was canceled and will be back in up to 2 weeks. If I pay those prices I'd sadly be okay in going to a Filiberto's (which I dislike) for a burro or a bit more for a plate from Fritas that hits the itch of "authenticity." Now I know it's a restaurant and some stuff needs to be bought in bulk but don't keep sacrificing. Add more meat, cook it in a different way or add more spices, heck give me fresh limes, onions, guac to begin with and maybe some extra cilantro to add myself. The salsa needs to be reworked or improved. Neither gives that home authentic taste that has me longing to go back. Just a meh experience I've tasted and I've tried to go back multiple times to like it but I just can't. It doesn't pull me in and take me with experience, flavor or especially pricing. Right now it's at a one time experience and be okay if you miss out. read more

See all

Food was fantastic and the cart of flavors is awesome. If you are looking for the real thing...this is it! Big props to server Luna for great service and smile. read more

I picked up a carne asada burrito for lunch today. This order was to go, so I can't comment on the service or ambience. The burrito was well seasoned and filled me up. It's a good choice when you're on the go. read more

Salsa Verde Restaurant - Carne asada burrito - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

We went to this restaurant because the food truck we were going to eat was closed because of the wind. This was a very delightful neighborhood find for us. They had an awesome Mexican dishes that were relatively inexpensive because of the size of their portions ( two meals out of the order). I had the La Pastor with grilled pineapple strips. It was one of the best pastor I have ever eaten. Just sweet enough to bring out the flavors. Matt had the tasting tour with four different types of dishes. He said all the dishes were very good and ate a big portion of it and still had a lot to take home. The service was excellent and the server walked through the menu. While they service cocktails and beer, we just ordered water since it was lunch. She brought the waters and chips with a refried bean dip (not that great) and then pointed to the condiments bar where they had all the sauces and accouterments for the meal. Matt told me that this use to be a Chinese restaurant but it was totally remodeled. They had both high top tables and regular tables. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone that wanted a cozy place with great food. They also do takeout and delivery. read more

See all

Possibly the best Mexican restaurant in East Tucson. Most Tucson Mexican restaurant are Sonoran style, which to my taste is rather bland. Salsa Verde is also Sonoran, but more flavorful. The entrees are reasonably priced and the service is great. They also still have a salsa bar where you can choose various salsas, jalapenos, pickled onions, etc. read more

Food is amazing!!!! Sometimes takes awhile to get food but well worth the wait!! Service is great!

After driving by this restaurant for several months, I decided to give it a try for lunch. I asked the server for her recommendation as to what to eat. She recommended the Super Crispy Tacos (shredded chicken) and my son ordered the Crispy Rolls (shredded chicken). We both loved what they served, especially when dipping our food in the consommé! I like the interior- walls were adorned with colorful Mexican art work and fake plants that were pleasing to look at. Go give them a try. 4.5 estrellas read more

Salsa Verde Restaurant - Super Crispy Taco Plate - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

STILL really like this place even though it has been a few years. Staff is so incredibly welcoming and provides great service. Since the last time we were here, they changed things a bit and you no longer order at the counter. You seat yourself and they bring menu's, take your drink order and bring some chips along with a lovely bean dip. They still have the robust salsa bar. Food is till great. My hubby ordered a sampler plate and I got the bean and rice burrito. read more

Salsa Verde Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

The staff was friendly and attentive. The food was decent. The price is quite high for the quality and amount of food you get.

I really wanted to like this place, based on the reviews I was sure I would. Well unfortunately it was not what I had hoped for. Walking in a lady told us to sit wherever. After 8 minutes a gentleman came by to take our drink order. Those took another 6 minutes to come out (we should have left). Took the 1st lady another few minutes to walk over and take our order. The food came out shockingly fast (Steak fajitas and chicken fajitas) The steak ones were decent, but the chicken was bland aside from what seemed like an entire salt shaker being dumped onto them. The rice and beans were a tiny portion, no sour cream, no guacamole, nothing. They did have a salsa bar with limited selections. Oh and they don't offer chips and salsa! How can a Mexican restaurant not offer chips and salsa? Well we had both finished our drinks, no one offered to refill them, service was a -1 in my opinion. The food wasn't much better. We will not be returning and I do not recommend this restaurant. read more

This is not a busy or well-known place but it is absolutely delicious. The servers are very friendly. Great chips & salsa bar. Love their red sauce. Dish presentation is also impressive . read more

Salsa Verde Restaurant - Chicken enchiladas with red sauce, ground beef enchiladas with green chili sauce - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Had chimichangas and crispy tacos. Portions were generous, and everything was freshly made and really yummy. Service was friendly and fast . We definitely will be coming back here soon . read more

For a small little Mexican restaurant on the eastside, they have some amazing food. The staff are very friendly and attentive. Very cool vibe. read more

The interior of Salsa Verde has been revamped and it is lovely! You now walk in and choose a table instead of ordering at the counter, and the take-out window is no longer visible. The update has a classier feel, and the food is the same authentic Mexican taste we love so much! The incredible salsa bar is still boasting the most delicious salsa in east Tucson! NOTE: the menu is more extensive if you eat in than the drive-through, including a changing chef's offerings menu and a breakfast menu that includes American classics. A top food spot I take all my friends to! read more

See all

First time at Salsa Verde, what a pleasant surprise. Had the adobado pork burrito with guac, bacon, cheese and a sweet chili sauce. I declined on the bacon wrapped version. Place is very clean, family owned and had pretty decent Yelp reviews. Tried the salsa bar in anticipation of the main course and was not disappointed. The large flour tortilla was fresh. The pork was perfectly seasoned and the sweet chili sauce had a slight kick to finish each bite. Took half of it with me for a ready made breakfast. Probably one of the best burritos I have had in recent memory. Put this one on your list. read more

See all

Such a good experience! Clean environment, friendly staff and great food! Authentic taste, the red chili enchilada plate was so pretty I should have taken a picture. Definitely come check this place out! read more

Great food, prompt service, friendly staff. It's very relaxing, good place to enjoy your company and talk. I will be going back here a lot!

Bean dip on point Salsas habanero addictive, seasoned pico Elote you just gotta get in there and go to work Pozole savory broth, tender pork, plenty of hominy Machete makes you feel like it was blessed by the hands of Danny Trejo himself read more

See all