El Sur Mexican Restaurant

We decided to try a new Mexican restaurant that others were raving about. We now know why! This charming little "hole-in-the-wall" place was amazing. Cleanliness, service, food, all outstanding. We had a cheese crisp with some green chiles, served with guacamole and sour cream ($12), a shredded beef chimichanga, which came with rice & beans ($16) (me) and a chile relleno a la carte ($5)(hubby). OMG. My husband said the beans & chile relleno are the best he's ever had. We have found our new favorite Mexican place. Maria was our server and she was very attentive, refilling drinks, checking on food, etc. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The prices were extremely reasonable, especially compared to other restaurants. Total price including two soft drinks was $41 before taxes & tip. I have seen mentions of this place but had no idea what a gem we have in this city. The dining room is small, but it is kept clean and the food is served quickly. There is no question, but we will be back, again & again. Chips & salsa - fantastic

We were served by the wonderful Gaudy and she took great care of us! I went there with three of my friends and our table had a decent amount of space. The food was incredible. It's some of the best Mexican food in town in my opinion. The drinks were also very tasty. The portion sizes more than large enough to have a second meal at home later. The photos are a dish that my two friends got and split between them. I tried some of it as well and it was to die for. It was a little noisy in the main area where we sat but I don't know about the back area that they have. I would definitely go there again and recommend it to friends and family.

Great food and excellent service! This place is a fantastic spot for Mexican food. Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and well-seasoned, with generous portions. The tortillas tasted homemade, the meat was tender, and the salsas had the perfect balance of heat and flavor. The service really stood out as well. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made sure we were taken care of without being overbearing. Our food came out quickly, and everyone was welcoming from the moment we walked in.

They are getting 5 stars for their food since it is hard to find a Mexican restaurant that serves enchiladas planas (flat enchiladas) that taste close to what my MIL used to make a little thicker and they'd be right on. They even accommodated to gives us fresh onions instead of cooked, (just needed the black olives was all). The margaritas are pretty good as well especially the mango one. But my review is about the flat(planas) enchiladas and they are GOOD. Best time to go is around 4pm and 430pm otherwise they fill up quickly.

Received excellent service and delicious food. Highly recommend the guacamole too, it’s much better than normal.

I came for dinner, and wow, the food was absolutely delicious, and the service was fantastic! I had the Albondigas, and it tasted like it was homemade, brought back memories. Rocio and Gabe went above and beyond to make my experience special. I definitely recommend it!

Newly remodeled dining area is beautiful! The staff is very friendly, great service and delicious food! I highly recommend their enchiladas! The prickly pear margaritas is so yummy!

Always order from here, never really had any problems. But today I was told it would be ready in 10mins but it ended up being over 30mins, I ordered the chilaquiles with an extra egg(3 total) only got 2 but still charged for the extra, and it was not hot anymore and I only live a few minutes down the road from them. A little disappointed

I absolutely love El Sur! The food is always amazing, the prices are fair, and the service is top-notch every single time.

Fantastic Mexican food! My go-to is the green corn tamales (perfect level of not-too-sweet!) but just about everything is great. TRY THE CHILES TORITOS APPETIZER! Drizzle with soy and enjoy! We have been coming here for almost 10 years, and even had them cater our wedding (which i highly recommend. Priced better, with much better service than offered at other restaurants we asked. And years later, they remember us and ask how things are to just catch up.) They are currently enclosing their outdoor patio, which I have no doubt will be lovely. Cannot recommend this place enough. It's our favorite place to eat out.

They've updated a few things. Some good, some bad. The good: new tables, chairs, and a fresh coat of paint. The bad: the new salsa distribution system isn't good and is likely wasteful. Allow customers to dispense what they want, not a pre-filled container. Also, the new decorations with the fake flowers will get super dusty, especially with the garage door open on 22nd. The REALLY bad: they changed the salsa recipe. The mild tastes like chunky ketchup. The hot is barely spicy. The old recipe was very distinctly different. It was very, very good. Will I be back? Of course, but please, please, please bring back the former salsa recipes.

The service is friendly, but the place often feels understaffed, which makes for a hectic dining experience. The staff does their best under pressure and are generally kind and helpful, but patience and empathy are definitely required. Food was hit or miss. The Sonora Dog was disappointing--served on a freezer-burned bun with minimal toppings, even after requesting "todos." The beans were flavorful, but the rice came out cold. Most of the other dishes we tried were pretty average, and some were below expectations. That said, the Menudo seems to be a weekend favorite, and based on the buzz, it might be worth trying if you're a fan. Personally, it's not for me. With so many great food options in the city, I'd rank this one on the lower end. Not sure I'd return.

El Sur... de Oro Valley. Have driven by literally thousands of times and we should have kept driving. The food isn't bad. The quality is fine, but it's more Mexican food you can take your aunt Debbie to from Idaho. No spice at all. The red menudo had a tomato base instead of chile. We asked for a chiltepin and they didn't have any. No spice in the salsa and chorizo either. No spice. No life.

We've eaten at this restaurant several times now, and it's consistently excellent. Not like some of the establishments that we've eaten at that are hit and miss. The food tastes wonderful, comes out hot, which for me is a pet peeve. I don't like lukewarm or cold food, especially when you're paying high prices to eat out these days. The prices are very reasonable. The service is excellent. The wait staff are very friendly and attentive. Once again, this humble establishment blows away so-called high-end Mexican restaurants in Tucson.

I'll be honest, this was my in-law's favorite place to get down home Mexican cooking without going to all the trouble at home. It grew on us as small and homey as it was. But as we walked in the other day through a new entrance to the building, we discovered a whole new restaurant! They closed off their patio and turned it into a snazzy, very modern upscale looking restaurant and included a full bar. Their food is just as delicious and on the weekends you can get a huge bowl of warm tasty menudo with all the fixings. You must also try the pancaked that comes with a delicious syrup which makes me think homemade. The service was excellent and welcoming. Parking is tight up front buts there's extra in the back. A must try!

Our first stop after a long drive. Our waiter was on it. Very attentive & friendly. The restaurant was decorated nicely, very pretty interior. The food was delicious. We had the chili verde plate, quesabirria taco plate & mole plate. Everything was perfect. We will definitely be returning.

Large long yellow building on 22nd street & Craycroft east of Walmart grocery & harbor freight shopping plaza . Parking in front & rear . Friendly greeting upon entry with holiday decor . Open seating at 11am but starting filling up near noon . Impressive large menu with breakfast , lunch , dinner and reasonable pricing . Note 4% " sur charge" with credit cards . Upon arrival asked woman with large take out tray her food suggests "red menudo very good . First impression very clean ! There was a table with large trays of take out party orders waiting. Met on suggestion of friend for first time there who loves red chili . We both had red chili one chimichanga & one burro both enchilada style , mine Christmas red/green , includes guacamole sour crème & pico with nice presentation. I enjoyed it . I usually ask for all refried beans no rice . Sometimes doesn't happen as today the server didn't write down order, taken quickly but came with rice . I understand they have opened another downtown . Sadly several pictures taken but lost somehow somewhere ?

Great staff, food and prices! We felt so welcomed and valued. The food was amazing. Chile rellenos, beef mini chimi, guacamole- all fantastic! The restaurant is clean and pretty. We'll definitely be back. Too full for dessert, but I will check out the flan next time.

Haven't been to El Sur over a year now. Pretty standard menu. The salsa was probably the best thing I had. The red top is the hot one. I think if you are in the area it would be a good choice, no need to drive across town. I guess the way to sum this up, uninspiring. Wait staff was good.

Food was plentiful, great portion sizes. Gorgeous platting. Lovey to be give hot and gringo salsa. If you had asked I would have let you save that for someone else. I loved the bland salsa. My brillia tacos were the bomb delicious.

The birria is so yummy!! I have been twice and have yet to be disappointed. A great spot to eat!

Absolutely shocked. I was so looking forward to my order. Heard from their friends they were greatTalked to staff, asked why same items had different names to which they said don't worry it's the same. What they described was so different from menu photos and order options on delivery apps. Basically don't do it. Not worth the confusion. I ordered tacos and got this... poster child for False Advertisement. Shi*ty flat enchiladas. Can't even do basic tacos.

I have been here 3 times and every time was great! they are affordable for the whole family and won't break the bank. The service is excellent! the waitress was very attentive the food was delicious! the mole, enchiladas and floutas were great! I can't wait to go back and try breakfast. Wish I would've taken pictures but forgot. Since moving to Tucson this has been the best restaurant I've eaten at so far.

Popped in to El Sur the other day for a quick lunch. Haven't been there in YEARS! It's grown quite a bit, but the service is still great, the food is still solid and the ambience is simple and clean. I had the grilled fish plate and really liked it, despite the fish being on the salty side. I've always loved the container of roasted jalapeños and onions they bring around. Salsa and chips were excellent and the Torito appetizer was yummy! My husband had the shrimp enchiladas with green sauce and loved it. The only negative for me is I'm not crazy about their refried beans, but I'm super picky about refried beans. I recommend giving it a try if you're in the area.

My favorite Mexican restaurant. Love their red sauce for enchiladas. My husband loves their mole enchiladas. Yummy and inexpensive house Margarita's. Fresh salsa (hot and mild) you can mix and use with the complimentary chips. Enjoy the tamales too. The appetizers are good and affordable. The cheese crisp isn't greasy. Desserts- no regrets. Their 3 leche cake is yummy. Sopapitas-yes please. Service is awesome. Fresh grilled onions and peppers offered. Go here and you won't stop going.

Great food and friendly service. I tried the green corn tamales and they were good but a little too sweet. The rice and beans are very good! Didn't love the chips and salsa. My hubby got quesibirria tacos and loved them. It's a nice spacious place with plenty of seating.

Overall our visit was okay. The food was so-so. The beans had an off taste to them but the rice was good. The burrito was okay but didn't have much flavor to it. The servers were very nice so no complaints there. I just don't see us going back because the food didn't really leave a lasting impression.

Excellent service, food was wonderful we will go back for sure!! Great margaritas affordable prices.

I overheard someone recommend this place while in town, so we went. I grew up in the mid-Atlantic/southern United States. I remember when Mexican food was "exotic." At first there was Taco Bell, then came Chi-Chi's, and then an avalanche of family owned "La Whatnots" that finally introduced us to what could be considered genuine "Mexican" food. It was a wonderful time. And now I realize that sadly, all the Mexican food places I've ever had and enjoyed are at best, middling. Because of El Sur. Oh El Sur! You brought me in. You gave me delecious food that was spicy, bold, dynamic, and filling. You tested my limits, you challenged me, you delighted me, and in the end, you broke my heart -- as I could not clean my plate despite my best attempt to do so. This was hands-down the best Mexican food I have ever had and I just wish that I could get anywhere CLOSE to this in my neck of the woods. This place is run down in all the right ways. The food is cheap, abundant, and insanely pleasing to the palate. Loved. Every. Minute. Of. It.

El Sur's shredded beef is the most tender, these are pretty large mini chimichangas. I'm becoming a fan for sure. Worth $25.

Absolutely delicious food! Our service is always attentive and friendly. The new addition/ renovation is so inviting. Perfect place to bring big groups!

Came here to get the fried ice cream. They were to close in 5-10 minutes when we arrived, yet they still let us come in. Marissa made sure to ask questions so that our food and experience was perfect. The portion, taste, and price of the fried ice cream is perfect. It's $8.99 for fried ice cream. Overall a great experience and will come back.

First time eating here. Run, don't walk to this great family "hole in the wall" traditional and authentic restaurant. So friendly, fresh food traditionally created (along with offering grilled onions and jalapeños with the entrèe). Can't beat $5 margarita, either. It was okay, but for $5 won't complain. From looking around it looked like a locals favorite.

El Sur has been a long standing restaurant in Tucson for a reason. Their food is authentic and fresh and delicious. Staff are very kind and helpful every time I have gone. The restaurant is small but there's a patio outside as well that I'm sure they use when needed. It feels very much like I'm at a family members house, very homey and welcoming. My family and I recently stopped in for soups and were not disappointed. My menudo was delicious. I certainly recommend for great authentic Mexican food in Tucson.

One of the best Mexican restaurant in Tucson. Great food and family restaurant. nothing fancy just awesome food and service

This charming local Mexican Food restaurant has some amazing food. I decided to give this place a try and was not disappointed. I decided to have dinner on the quaint outdoor patio. The service was excellent would highly recommended this restaurant for some good Mexican cuisine.

Excellent food! The best around! The fried tacos with the patty inside are the absolute best! Can't get these at most places!

Love eating here, great family restaurant, awesome Mexican food and very friendly staff

The service is always great! Love supporting this small local restaurant. It's not a huge space but they do well with the spacing of the tables. I have yet to be disappointed with any of their food. Tacos and enchiladas are always good. While we don't get dessert every time I do enjoy their Sopapillas!

Very good place, and great service, highly recommend it, had the quesabirria, with the guacamole special

Hands down the best there is! been going there for years on Saturday and will forever. Food is amazing. The owners are amazing and the staff is top notch. We feel like family there. just like the other Saturday regulars that we know personally. Thank you El Sur! See you soon! Larry and Cheryl V

My wife and I like our green corn tamales to be a bit sweet. These here are great, always moist as well. Tacos and Fajitas are our other favorites. Service has always been solid, outside is our preferred seating, just because it can get quite noisy inside. One nice thing on takeout, with tacos they put all the ingredients aside the shell. So you can assemble it at home and not have a soggy drowned taco.

Niza our server was wonderful!!! Awesome food and wonderful service!!! We really enjoy eating here!

Excellent service. The quesabirria was perfect. All the ingredients are always fresh. Prices are good. I highly recommend El Sur.

I made the mistake of walking into this place. Never again. There is no greeter, no sign that says "please wait to be seated" or please seat yourself, or any indication that people are actually welcome in the establishment. While aimlessly wandering around, trying to figure out what to do, I was nearly run over by two employees in a row who apparently felt that I was in their way. Some of the customers were also yelling, although that is not the proprietor's fault.

I hadn't been to El Sur for a while and I was happy to find the food was great and the prices were super reasonable. I ordered 4 plates and it was $12-$14 each. What a deal! I need to stop by more often.

Great casual Mexican food! There were $5.00 Margaritas of all flavors! Service was fantastic, I absolutely loved the grilled onions and jalapenos that they brought around to all of tables! Excellent flavors in the rice and beans, and enchiladas had big shreds of perfectly cooked chicken! Lot's of food that I couldn't finish! We went with another couple and there was no problem with separate checks. My husband was so happy that there was a taco salad on the extensive menu. We will back back on our next visit to the East side!

We were on our way to a different restaurant when I saw this place with a patio. It allows dogs so we stopped here to eat instead. We were pleasantly surprised! We ordered from the lunch special menu. It was around 3pm and not busy at all. Another couple dining on the patio were finishing their meal. Service was excellent: prompt and friendly. We each had the chicken mole with a quesadilla as an appetizer and water to drink. We had no leftovers! The mole was sweet, not spicy. We had our two dogs with on on the patio. I noted that on a cold day the dogs could have rested in the truck while we dined inside, because the cars are right next to the building. Checking up on them would be easy. There is a 4% surcharge for using credit card.

Overall we had a good experience. The service was great and we were checked on frequently. The food was okay- I wished I had more salsa options for sure. We will most likely come back because it's so close to where we live and it was not a bad experience. I'll probably try something different next time like a burrito or enchiladas.

Everything about this place is good. Love the workers, helpful, attentive, kind. Clean, and delicious food. My husband been coming here for years. He always gets the fried whole tilapia when he craves for it. I love the chile rellenos and the chile toritos cheese stuffed chile wrapped in bacon it was amazing. We were wondering how do they put so much cheese inside of the chile without breaking it. The tilapia was crunchy, you can see it looks dry but it wasn't, it was juicy and tasty.

So yummy! The quesabirria tacos especially are so good!! Everything else we ordered was also fantastic. Definitely recommend if you want authentic Mexican food.

Excellent food so delicious with lots of vegetables. Service was excellent and the owner was also helping with serving the food. Bathroom and tables were clean and it was busy . Friendly people

El Sur is such a nice dining experience. The food is delicious and affordable. For apps, can't go wrong with the mini chimis. There's 3 beef and 3 chicken served with queso and guac on the side. You can also ask for sour cream if that's your thing. These chimis are hand-rolled, not frozen, and you can tell by the taste. For entrees, they have one of the best chicken mole enchiladas in town. They also have a great selection of seafood, I especially like the grilled tilapia plate that comes with rice beans and salsa. If feeling hungry,you can also get a whole fried tilapia plate for less than $20. The shrimp fajitas are also bomb. If you're looking for low-carb options, they also have salads. The topopo salad is worth a try, I like it with carne asada. The drinks here are also awesome, they have $5 margs certain hours/days...as for dessert, El Sur is one of the few places in Tucson where you can get fried ice cream! If that's not your jam, their tres leches cake is also delish and comes with a saguaro cactus design on top. The service here is also great, everyone is very attentive. As for the ambiance, the outdoor seating is really nice, especially for watching the sunset. If you're looking for an all-around great dining experience, El Sur is an awesome place to be, and you'll get the best bang for your buck! :)

Elvia was so nice as a server didn't rush us. Food was delicious flat enchiladas great

Foid and service were excellent. Gaudy was our server and was very friendly. Excellent service and the way around.

We arrived for dinner and we're promptly seated. The restaurant was busy however this did not impact our experience in any way. Our server Litzi was prompt and attentive checking on us throughout our visit asking if we were ok, if we needed anything else, refilled our drinks promptly. Very impressed with manner and politeness. It was our first time visiting the restaurant and we had questions about the menu which she answered to our satisfaction. Realizing the place was busy we were expecting a bit of a delay as orders before ours would be filled first, however there was no delay! Our food was delicious, hot and very flavorful. We asked about items we didn't order, simply because we knew this destination was going to be one we will definitely be coming back to. The wait and support staff were very prompt in clearing tables as guests left, taking special care to wipe and clean both tables and chairs. The food was authentic, and it was apparent the kitchen staff was both skilled and experienced. In case I didn't express how impressive Litzi was in her food service role, I take this opportunity to do so now! She is awesome!

Wonderful service. Food great. Had the green chili taquitos and a margarita. My husband had the cheese enchilada and beef taco....We will be back!