The Chile Pepper

Nov, 2025. Yuma, AZ. My husband and I were traveling between Palm Springs, CA and Tucson, AZ, and…read morewe decided to eat lunch in Yuma as this was roughly the half-way point on our journey. Given the proximity of Yuma to Mexico, we decided that we wanted to eat "authentic" Mexican food. We then turned to Yelp to identify Mexican restaurants with good reviews and in close proximity to I-8, which is what brought us to Tacos Mi Rancho. The restaurant was easy to find, but every single parking space was already taken; we were able to park on the adjacent side street for free and without incident. The restaurant was busy but there were a few small tables for two available. We were greeted promptly by our friendly waitress, and we were given menus and she took our drink orders. Another server immediately brought a bowl of tortilla chips and tasty salsa (gratis). My husband and I both ordered from the "Senior Citizen Portions" menu for those aged 62 Years and Older. All entrees include beans, rice, and salad for $12.50. (Note that the entrees that we selected, as well as some other menu offerings and pozole, are on special on Friday's, the day that we visited. They were $10.99 each). My husband ordered #11, two chicken enchiladas, while I got the #12, one chili relleno/one rolled taco. I also got a horchata (a sweet and creamy non-alcoholic beverage made primarily from rice, cinnamon, and vanilla), which was served in a huge glass with ice; no refills ($3.99). We split our entrees, and all of the food was well-portioned and tasty. We felt that the meals were a good value. We were also pleasantly surprised to find that the tastes were similar to those at our local Mexican restaurant back home in Virginia. The restaurant is in an old, nondescript building, but is tastefully decorated with a Mexican theme. It was clean, and workers wiped down the tables immediately after patrons left. One pet peeve was that the final bill that was given to us included only the total, so it was difficult to know whether it was correct or not. The total was $28.67, before taxes. We were able to reproduce this total as: 2 entrees at $10.99 each + 1 horchata ($3.99) + Yuma and Arizona taxes ($2.70, @ 10.41%). Overall rating: 4.5, rounded up to 5.0.

Loved the staff who were like family…read more Had a refreshing Michelada and stuffed my face with some amazing Mexican food. Had the cowboy shrimp and chiles Reilenes to start. Had the beef tamale, folded taco and beef enchilada combo. The beans were fantastic. The rice complemented the taco, tamal and enchilada well. I will now visit here each time I come to Yuma.

View of the counter. Nov, 2025.

Tongue plate

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Cowboy Shrimp

El Charro Cafe

4.1(305 reviews)

2.0 mi

Came to Yuma for a week on a business trip…read more I came to this place twice because of how good the service was and not to mention the food was !!! The size of the burritos are no joke!!! Very big and taste for sure! Highly recommend this place guys!!!

*Large portions *Food on the milder spice side. I got the…read moreChile Con Carne which was tasty and had two meals from it *Their refried beans and fresh warm tortillas were my favorite *Complimentary chips and salsa (mild) *Medium size restaurant and busy during lunch on a weekend * Quick service * Decent parking availability

Inside

Tamale with Sauce

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Outside

Yuma's Red Tacos

4.6(94 reviews)

0.2 mi

My kid picked this place for lunch and it didn't disappointed at all. Small outside but cozy and…read morespacious inside. Clean and well kept and well organized. Small menu but plenty of choices. Service is nice and friendly, prices are reasonable. You ordered and once the foods are done, they will take it to you and with a tray of fresh cool sauces & condiments. The meats are tender and flavorful and juicy. The soup is so good that I drank it all (even though it 100s degree outside). My kid said that it's the best taco meats he had and I agreed with him too. Yum!

The consome alone was enough to satisfy me, but the 4 tacos I got to go with it were a star of…read moretheir own.

Birria Ramen

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Takos and Beer

4.3(355 reviews)

0.3 mi

Nice place with always a smile to greet you. The shrimp takos (fried) are legit and will leave you…read moresatisfied. Nice bar selection with the games on multiple TVs.

The tacos were on point with very good flavor! I stopped by for a quick lunch break, and it did not…read moredisappoint. The service was outstanding, and the ambiance was great -- such an entertaining spot. The drinks looked amazing, but I didn't have time to try one since I just had water. I'll definitely be returning for a dinner date!

4 Takos

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Entrance

Tacos El Cositas

4.6(216 reviews)

12.1 mi

This is an upgraded taco stand, with fixed canopies and folding table seating. Not a fancy place,…read morebut fancy for a taco truck. They have great tacos and tortillas were pretty good. If it is hot (IT'S YUMA) then it will be a few degrees cooler under the canopy because they have large fan coolers, but it will not be enough to change the temp as it is outdoor seating. You can call ahead, but it was a slow Sunday and there was no wait for us. We were passing through from AZ to CA and this was highly rated. We did not realize it was a food truck, but this made the prices decent and it was quick. Very casual. I would stop here again.

Good tacos and reasonable prices. Fresh salsa bar and homemade horchata. It will definitely be a…read morepit stop when driving from San Diego to Phoenix and back.

Kitchen

Taco Tuesday!!!

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Interior facing entrance and menu

Las Herraduras Mexican Restaurant

3.7(202 reviews)

0.2 mi

Very good food, friendly service and super quick to the table. The bacon wrapped shrimp were greatread more

We love Mexican food. We don't get it often now as we moved to the East coast. When we come to town…read morethough, we eat here almost every day. Vanessa is so sweet, all the servers here are. Everyone who eats here always seems happy. And why not? The service is great and the food is great. The beef folded tacos are excellent, crispy and delicious and the tostadas are some of the best I've had. Light, crispy, flavorful and with some of the tastiest homemade spicy salsa, they cannot be beat. There are only two other tostadas that come close, one is at a place in Albuquerque NM and the other is in Hesperia CA. The margaritas are awesome too, cold and fresh and tangy and lightly sweet. On the rocks with a salt rim. Excellent! They always play Mexican music videos on the TV too. It's fun. Thank you Las Herraduras! See you next time we are in Yuma! Xoxo

Real horse shoes all Iron

Bacon wrapped shrimp

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Mi Rancho

3.5(194 reviews)

0.4 mi

Super good food. Superb service!!!…read moreTasted the huevos rancheros, and the chilaquiles, and a Mexican pizza as an appetizer. Every thing I tasted was delicious, including the complimentary chips and salsa! Highly recommend this restaurant!

Food: #11 two chicken enchiladas with green sauce and huevos mexicanos. The complimentary chips and…read moresalsa were tasty. The chicken enchiladas were just ok, but better than the other mexican restaurant we ate at last time we were here. Hubby liked the huevos mexicanos. So we would likely eat here again if in Yuma and craving mexican food. Service: fast and friendly. Ambiance: cute traditional decor.

Interior front door

Chips and salsa

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Private room in back

Mariscos Mar Azul

4.2(467 reviews)

1.4 mi

Currently in town for a short period visiting family and Mariscos Mar Azul has turned into one of…read moremy favorite locations to for tostada ceviche. Their menu has multiple options from traditional fried food favorites to fresh ingredient seafood or grilled. Their food is consistent and their service is above a beyond. Staff are friendly and conversational and really enjoy popping in for a quick lunch or dinner.

It's been a long time since my original review, so time to update. I've been coming here for a…read morewhile and there's several things I like about it. 1) it's always very clean and bright. 2) the service is amazingly friendly, professional and prompt. 3) the drinks are good and I like that there are clamato choices. 4) the torito. You can't leave without ordering this. 5) the menu options as a whole are well prepared and yummy. I had the bacon wrapped shrimp this time and it was so good. Also the gobernador tacos are generously portioned. We also had a campechana cocktail, but still haven't found snails in it. That's okay. This restaurant will continue to be one of my favorite stops.

Inside

Dorado grilled

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Josh Cabernet Wine plus Shrimp Cocktail

Chretin's Restaurant & Cantina

3.1(307 reviews)

1.1 mi

The food was great. Thank you and great job to the cooks. I had the carnitas with flour tortillas…read more Mom had the tamales enchilada style. That's the sauce you see on the platter. Might I add the chip salsa was perfect amount of spice. Service Lorena I believe is how you spell it, was our fantastic waitress. The hostess was great also. Smile and welcoming as soon as the door opens and as you walk out. Great job Chretin's staff.The ambiance is a wonderful newer restaurant with a welcoming vib. So great job Chretins remaining a Yuma staple for over 80 years.

Our waitress Carmen is an excellent waitress! Very attentive and professional. I had the 1946…read morechimichanga. Delicious. Chips & Salsa are delicious as well. Has a very traditional feeling Mexican restaurant. Unfortunately the guacamole guy was on vacation. Definitely you want to try that.

Dinner in the bar!

Mixed Fajitas with steak, chicken, and shrimp

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Arrechera and rice

Duron's Restaurante

4.1(217 reviews)

5.4 mi

As soon as I walked into this place, I could see that it was the best place ever. The food and…read moreeverything overall are perfect!

Food is delish ... Sonora style ... best menudo around .... Their spicy salsa is great and you…read moregotta try the Mis Jefitas Enchiladas... staff and owners treat you like familia ... highly recommend

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A picture of the inside.

Cazuela... rum..

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25 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Jackie O.

0

6

0

14 years ago

We stopped in for a quick lunch. It was pretty packed when we went in which told us that they've gotta be good. I ordered a bean and cheese burrito, some rolled tacos and a quesadilla. My friend ordered a bean, rice and cheese burrito, rolled tacos and some french fries. The whole burrito tasted great. You can tell right away that they don't use canned beans or cheap tortillas. Even the cheese is real monterey jack, Not that greasy yellow crap you find in chain restaurants. The rolled tacos were delicious as well. My friend wouldn't stop talkin about how good her bean rice and cheese burrito was. The salsa was a bit watery but it worked perfect for our food. Unlike most of the mexican restaurants we've been too, we didn't need thick, hot salsa, and loads of toppings to make up for taste as these burritos and tacos already tasted so good without all the extra fat. So in this case, I'll have to say that quality made up for quantity. IMO the price fits the food. We'll definitely be paying Chile Pepper another visit some day. Too bad they don't deliver or have a drive thru. It's perfect car food!!! The place looked and smelled clean. Plenty of tables to eat at. It's bright and welcoming to all families alike. I'd definitely feel comfortable bringing my whole family here. All in all, this is my kind of kick-back place :) read more

IgottaBootie T.

0

21

1

15 years ago

I'd give it more stars if I could!! Good place to grab a quick, simple, and DELICIOUS meal. Its Mexican fast food. I'm always on the go, so eating in the car is part of my lifestyle. It's nice to be able to order burritos and tacos that aren't smothered in sauces and toppings. Don't have to worry bout spilling food on myself or anywhere in the car. You can take your kids in there and not worry if they are loud or messy. And there is another location with the same food. I believe it's called Mr. G's. Also, if you want the traditional, quiet, sit-down, food smothered in sauces, mexican dining, with nice waitresses, there's another restaurant owned by the same family called La Casa Gutierrez. I've eaten there many times with my family. It's a little more expensive but you get more food and toppings. It too is VERY delicious. So, you can have the best of both worlds! Chile Pepper is great for its price, simplicity, and delicious tacos and burritos. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking to grab a quick bite to eat!! read more

Amber M.

0

7

4

11 years ago

Chile pepper! Everyone in Yuma knows Chile pepper, even people from out of town know of it! It's that good. When you leave Yuma for a period of time, it's what your mouth craves first! You can't go wrong with a bean n cheese or rolled tacos...ya it's greasy, but it's sooo good! read more

Jeff B.

0

30

1

6 months ago

Best Mexican food in a 300 mile radius from yuma az. No cheap mystery meats here. Busy and perfect all the time, day and night. I'll eat here twice a day when in the area. On the way to San Diego stop at this FAST FOOD operation. read more

Janelle H.

0

10

0

8 years ago

Called 2 hours before I got there and our food was still not ready. Ended up waiting an additional 15-20 minutes. Food was ok...was not as good as we thought it would be. Extremely disappointed. read more

A R.

0

15

0

10 years ago

Decent food. A bit pricey for what it is. Really overrated with the locals who are known to have it delivered to them by friends and family when they are out of town. Crazy. It's not that great. read more

Rich W.

0

3

0

8 years ago

I grew up in Yuma and Chile Pepper is part of being Human! Bean and Cheese burrito, Green Chile Mixed burrito, rolled tacos, and quesadilla! #boom This restaurant is in my top 10 in the world! read more

Jack H.

0

4

0

10 years ago

Ev eryone from here always says this place is awesome, personally I think it's just ok. Not a lot of flavor, very greasy, would rather go to the taco stands on pacific. read more

Joe C.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Service sucks Online service down , telephone service sucks Worst service in all Yuma county I hate this place read more

Grab L.

0

2

0

8 years ago

Classic bean and cheese with some rolled tacos. That's all I ever order or will order for the last 30 plus years

Brittany J.

14

34

10

9 years ago

Always good. No complaints and have been eating here literally my whole life. Top 5 must eat places in Yuma

Robert R.

0

61

1

4 years ago

Great place for tacos and burritos. Had a taste of both and just great. Another must when in Yuma.

Lexy m.

0

3

0

15 years ago

This makes me hungry juss thinkin about it :) mmmmmmmmm mmmm m mm mmm yummy for my tummy

Mark G.

1

109

20

7 years ago

Always great food here. Great long time Yuma eatery with consistent food and service.

Rich G.

2

83

2

14 years ago

Not bad, but I had high expectations considering the rave reviews from USA Today.

Laurie D.

0

16

1

13 years ago

Fantastic! Friends and family beg for us to mail this to them. DELICIOUS!!

Andrea L.

0

9

0

8 years ago

Chili Pepper is a must for anyone visiting Yuma. Delicious hometown food!

Nickolas W.

0

1

8 years ago

This is gay it is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo gay food goes in the trash

Evette P.

5

17

2

10 years ago

You can never go wrong with the original Bean and Cheese burritos!

Kevin K.

782

125

62

14 years ago

Adding a rolled taco to your bean and cheese is a must!

The Chile Pepper - mexican - Updated September 2026

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Great breakfast burritos while on the road. I eat small portions and they had a burrito just my…read moresize and full of flavor. Definitely will come back again during our next road trip to SD. Small restaurant but perfect, service was great the cashier provided great recommendations.

Pancho's

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There's an intimacy in how the burrito holds itself together, each bite a soft unfolding of warmth…read moreand tenderness. It's hearty but not heavy, indulgent without ever feeling careless. You don't eat a Pancho's burrito so much as you share a moment with it.

I stopped for a breakfast burrito at Pancho's this morning. I saw that there were so many stars on…read moreYelp and trusted everyone who has already reviewed the restaurant to steer me in the right direction. While the food wasn't bad, it also wasn't great. It was really only okay. Combine that with the overall experience and it just wasn't anything to write home about. The restaurant is inside of a gas station (nothing wrong with that at all, especially the convenience of it if you're already getting gas, but if I am out and about searching for a nice dining experience this didn't cut it today). I'm assuming it is due to covid, but indoor seating is currently closed. I had the egg and bacon burrito and it was just on the bland side. It was pretty big, so you get a lot of food for the price. Even with the salsa that came with it, though, it just lacked flavor. With so many other options for breakfast burritos nearby, I probably won't be back.

Carnitas El Taste

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Any trip to Yuma is incomplete without having lunch or dinner at Carnitas El Taste! Today was no…read moreexception. I met MariaLuisa, the owner's daughter. She welcomed me upon entering & also was my server. She was dressed in a beautiful, culturally accurate Mexican dress, not some cheap copy like you see in many Mexican food restaurants. We spoke at length about her attire and the beautiful murals she herself painted on the restaurant walls. On a side note: she told me she painted the mural at Mr. G's, depicting the history of Yuma. I'll have to stop there next trip to see more of MariaLuisa's artwork, but I'm still dining at Carnitas El Taste! So, back to my review. I had the carnitas lunch plate which was absolutely delicious, as always. Fresh, hot tortillas accompanied the delicious arroz & refried frijoles. I would be remiss if I didn't praise the FANTASTIC flan with fresh blueberries. Thought I died & went to heaven. The flan is homemade, not commercially processed. So, so YUMMY. A personal note to MariaLuisa - thank you so much for the special gift. It is beautiful. I admire your artistry and deep love of your heritage. God's blessings on you and your family. I look forward to my Yuma trip!

If this place has the best "carnitas" in Yuma, then I would recommend you go to a different city…read more All skin and no meat in their "favorite dish" bellow is the half pound carnitas plate. After entering the restaurant, there was nobody to attend us, so we took a menu ourselves to decide on what to eat. This resulted in an angry employee complaining to take a seat and leave her manus alone. The next server was in better in attitude but then she served us some old chips and water down salsa that we didn't asked for but had to pay at the end regardless. The "Birria" tasted more like boiled meat than anything. The place smells like a old western cantina and that was just the beginning of the overall cleanliness of the place. It was my 1st and last time visiting this place.

Tacos El Jarocho

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Terrible Food. Even Worse Service. I came in with low…read moreexpectations--just wanted something hot and edible. A microwave burrito would've made me happy. Instead, I got a greasy, salty mess and some of the worst service I've ever experienced. Staff clearly didn't care. When I raised my concerns, the person in charge laughed and refused a refund. That tells you everything about how they treat customers. This place doesn't deserve your time or your money. I won't be back--and I don't recommend anyone else go either. --Jordan

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Delicious delicious delicious! Impeccable service, the owner Sergio is SOOOO NICE. Super cute decor…read moreinside, spotlessly clean and simple. The salsas stood out. Everything Homemade. Will be back again!

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I had a delicious all beef hotdog. Also, Eddie has the best clam chowder in the world!…read moreService was great and the atmosphere was very relaxing.

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I wanted tacos and was on a solo hunt for a taco stand. I had queso birria tacos with consommé and…read morean agua de pepino. I apologize , I don't have any pictures because I had one bite and it was over. lol I devoured them! I liked that the corn tortilla was crispy, not soggy like I've had at other establishments. Great clean flavor. Not too much seasoning in the birria. My drink was refreshing and just sweet enough. The lady, I'm assuming the owner was welcoming and kindly brought my food out to me. Plenty of seating surrounded by greenery and quirky decorations that kept my eye wandering. And they had an outdoor ac unit thingy lol on wheels. I will definitely be back.

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