The taco trail begins on a forlorn street corner west of the Tucson Mall, past the line of palm trees and the Honda dealership. There, parked in front of the Rusty Nail Tavern, is one of Tucson's most well-kept secrets. The hungry masses flock to Aqui Con El Nene for chipilon hot dogs and pork-stuffed potato papanchas in the style of CiudadΒ ObregΓ³n.Β
But while you're there, you've got to try the Taco Yaqui. It's a fat slab of roasted green chile covered in carne asada and bacon, melted cheese and springy sliced mushrooms. Plopped on two flour tortillas brought up from Hermosillo, the plate is quite the show. Throw on some pico and eat it burrito-style underneath the tent by the flatscreen TV. When you're done, you will be full.Β
Weird fact: Waiting to order, I had to do a double-take at the curly-haired dude who stepped behind me in line. It was none other than the king of Tucson culinaria, Janos Wilder himself! (He was apparently getting takeout.) Aqui con el Janos!Β
Location:Β Northwest corner of West Wetmore and North Flowing Wells roads. (Also inside the Shell gas station at 1570 W. Grant Road.)
Phone: 520-312-1666
Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, closed Sundays.Β
Payment: Cash only
