Restaurant Review: Boca Tacos in Tucson, AZ
Whenever I hear that there is a good taco place near me, I just have to go check it out for myself! Boca Tacos came with very high praises so I went to go see what the hype was about.
Boca Tacos has been featured on the Food Network, New York Times, and Travel Channel. They are Tucson City of Gastronomy Certified and Chef Maria was a James Beard Award Semifinalist.
After going two times, I think I can make a good judgment as to just how good, or bad, Boca Tacos really is.
Boca Tacos Menu
As you might imagine, most of the menu at Boca Tacos is tacos. However, there are other options for someone who may not be feeling a taco or wants something more. They also offer sides and even a doggie bowl if you bring your hungry pup with you (we got one to go for Arlo – he loved it)!
You can check out their full menu here.
Appetizers & Sides
Pictured above is an Elote, covered in crema, cotija cheese and powdered chipotle. It’s technically a side, but can also be an appetizer in my opinion!
If you have ever had street corn before, then you are going to love this one! It is perfectly seasoned with the right portions of crema and cheese. And that chipotle powder sure does have a punch! It is also tender enough that you can use the knife to scrape it off the cob super easily if you’re like me and don’t like biting into corn on the cob or getting your hands dirty.
Other items on the appetizer menu include Guac and Chips as well as a chips and salsa flight. Want something hardier, the Boca Balls and Nopales al Pastor sounds super delish. I’ll have to try both next time!
When you order tacos, they do not come with any sides, so you’ll have to order something extra on the side. Luckily there are a lot of options to choose from.
I got a side of rice and beans* and it was the perfect pairing with my tacos. I do have to say that the rice and beans are nothing special, but they are a great addition to any meal.
We also got a small quesadilla*, which came with just cheese. But for $2.65 you really can’t beat the price for a yummy side!
*the quesadilla can be seen with the Burro and the rice and beans are pictured with the tacos below
Entradas (Taco Alternatives)
Not feeling tacos? No worries, Boca Tacos has a lot more than just tacos!
Pictured above is their Burro as well as a small quesadilla. The Burro is jammed pack with toppings so I know you will not leave there hungry if you get one of these!
The only issue we had with the Burro was that the cabbage wasn’t evenly distributed so there was some bites where it was just cabbage. Could have been just an isolated incident so don’t let that keep you from ordering a Burro!
Some other items that sound delicious on the menu are the Chile Relleno, Pulpo Asado and the Short Ribs in Adobo.
Tacos
Okay, now time to review what we all came here for, the tacos!
Let me start by saying that I am used to TexMex, and the flavor in Arizona is very different from that in Texas. I am still getting used to the Sonoran flavor but I often find myself searching for that TexMex taste that I am used to and love.
With that being said, let me be honest with you about what I think about their tacos.
All tacos are served on a homemade flour or corn tortilla and topped with cabbage and guacamole, which is more like a guacamole sauce.
This time around I got a Chipotle BBQ taco and a Mole de Pollo taco. Previously I had gotten a Macho and a Pollo taco.
Unfortunately, these tacos didn’t do it for me, except for one.
The Chipotle BBQ was more of a sweet chipotle and I was looking for spice. The Mole de Pollo I was expecting to be a bit sweet and packed with flavor. The flavors were just not there for me. Same with the Macho. I was looking for an explosion of flavor in my mouth and I was left searching.
The Pollo did have more flavor so I would recommend that one.
*Please check the bottom of this post for my overall review and ranking.
Salsas
I do like that you get an assortment of salsas to go with your food. You get four to choose from. One even has peanut butter in it!
Coming from a Mexican family where my mom makes salsa fresh, I can also be very picky when it comes to salsas.
And unfortunately, these salsa did not measure up either.
I think what they were missing is that none had any “pica” or spiciness to them. To some this might be perfect, but for me, I like a little burn on my tongue.
I haven’t tried any of their seafood tacos, but those include Pescado (fish), Camaron (shrimp), and Salmon.
Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly
Are you vegan or vegetarian? Boca Tacos has got you covered! I noticed a lot of vegetarian and vegan friendly options on the menu that wouldn’t even need modifications.
There’s a whole section on the menu that is dedicated to veggie tacos. These tacos include a Veggie taco filled with mushrooms, onions and cilantro. As well as a Cauliflower and a Rajas tacos. The Rajas taco sounds delicious and something I want to go back to try!
Additionally, there is Nopales al Pastor (cactus) and Boca Balls (mashed potatoes) in the appetizers section and Tostadas de Camote (sweet potato) in the Entradas section.
Pricing
So how much is all this going to cost you?
Tacos are from $3.45 to $5.00 each.
They look kinda small because the tortilla is normal size, but let me tell you that they load them up! Seriously, I probably could make two tacos out of one. So that makes it worth it to me.
Sides are super affordable in my opinion and everything else seems pretty normal as far as pricing.
As for drinks, if you choose to get an alcoholic one, prices are going to vary depending on what you get. Or go to Happy Hour and save some money!
Boca Tacos Restaurant Hours
Boca is located on the popular 4th Avenue and is open:
- Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 9pm
- Friday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm
- Sunday: 11am – 8pm
They have an indoor dining area as well as a bodega in the courtyard where they have fresh made tortillas and locally crafted good.
I haven’t had a chance to check out their courtyard yet, so I will not be speaking on that. When I do, I will update this post.
Happy Hour
Happy Hour is from 4 – 6 pm every day and Thursdays from 4pm – close.
Their Happy Hour consist of different beers, well drinks and a basket of duritos. Prices start at $1.50 for a PBR draft and go up to $9.00 for a Casamigos blanco.
Michelada
Pictured above is their michelada, which is one of my favorite drinks of choice. I am constantly looking for the best micheladas everywhere I go. And I’ve actually introduced a micheleda to a lot of people who had never heard of it before.
What is a micheleda? The simplest way to explain it is by comparing it to a bloody mary. However, instead of adding vodka to it, you use a beer. So to sum it up, it is a tomato juice based drink, with spices and beer. Delicious and perfect for after a day or night of drinking!
So how does Boca Tacos michelada compare to others I’ve had in Arizona? I have so say that it is my favorite one I’ve had in my almost three years in Arizona!
So if nothing else gets me to go back to Boca Tacos, their michelada definitely will! Be sure to try it when you go! I got mine with a Dos XX.
*Michelada’s are not part of their Happy Hour.
Boca Tacos Parking
Boca Tacos is located at 533 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
This puts Boca in the university neighborhood and the popular 4th Ave. 4th Ave has a bunch of restaurants, shops and bars and is a popular hang out area for students at the University of Arizona.
Because this area is so popular, it can sometimes be hard to find parking. There is street parking that is parallel to Boca Tacos and directly on 4th Ave, but it is usually full and you have to pay via a meter.
Payment for the meter can be done through an app. You can pay per 30 minutes or per hour. If you go on Sunday, it is usually free!
If you can’t find parking on 4th Ave, there is also parking on some of the streets that connect into 4th. Most of these spots are not metered so you are free to park there.
If you still can’t find parking, and you don’t mind walking, there is a high school the next street over from 4th Ave. Along the fence of this school, there is usually a lot of parking. This is where I park whenever I go down to 4th Ave and can’t find parking right on 4th. Parking is also free here.
Boca Tacos Overall Review & Ranking
Overall what would I rate Boca Tacos? A 7/10.
Now I know it sounds like I just ripped them apart and I don’t recommend going there, but that’s far from the truth!
I think there is a lot of other things on the menu that I would love to try and I just haven’t found that one dish/item that is for me yet.
Obviously, I know they have good food and drinks because I fell in love with their elote and michelada. And they always seem to be packed so you know they are doing something right!
Will I be going back? Should you try it out? Yes!
And afterwards, take a stroll up historic Fourth Ave and check out the other bars and shops.
Regardless of my review, I can tell you that I almost had to be rolled out of there! Although the tacos may look small to some, they are filled up with a good amount of food that fill you up without you even realizing! Don’t worry, I was a trooper and finished almost all my food!
I want y’all to know that although I didn’t like everything I’ve had at Boca Tacos, I tell you because I want to be honest and transparent.
I also like to disclose that I have a specific palette and can be a picky eater. Know that you may disagree with me and my taste and therefore you should always try things out for yourself!
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