Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2023 and updated in 2025.
There’s something about pozole that feels like home.
For me, pozole reminds me of Christmas Eve when my Tata makes a big pot for all of us to enjoy before we change into pajamas and open gifts.
It also reminds me of New Year's Eve, when my best friend’s mom always makes us the spiciest pozole in the world. It’s so spicy, I have to eat at least three pieces of bread for relief.
The same can be said for Erika Muñoz’s family. Muñoz, who owns Seis Kitchen with her husband Jake, said Jake grew up eating pozole and so have her kids. It’s actually one of her daughter’s favorite foods.
“The first time that I had pozole was with my husband at one of his family's homes on New Year's Eve,” Muñoz said. “They brought out the menudo and pozole at midnight.”
For those who are unfamiliar, pozole is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy, pork and red chile. Depending on what ingredients you use or how spicy you want it, pozole broth can be red, white or even green.
At Seis, their pozole is based off a family recipe. When making their pozole, Muñoz said they let the pork femur stew for hours to get all the minerals and gelatin to release, creating the gelatinous bone broth.
Then they add the typical ingredients, which include the hominy, pork, onion, garlic, and oregano. Lastly, they add a bit of spice from their chile base, turning the soup a deep red color. It’s then ready to be served, along with a flour tortilla, lime and cabbage.
That whole process takes a minimum of four hours, Muñoz said.
Low and slow is exactly how they cook it at Humo Cocina Mexicana too.
Owner Ramon Monge, learned the secret to making a warm, comforting bowl of pozole from his mom back in Hermosillo, Sonora. He and his family would indulge in the savory soup every Christmas and Día de la Virgen.
"It's perfect for the cold weather," Monge said.
Using all local ingredients, Monge spends four to five hours slowly cooking the soup to ensure maximum flavor. When its ready, they serve it in a big bowl, along with lime, radishes, cabbage, onion and of course, a piece of buttery toast.
One bite and you'll be instantly transported into your grandma's house.
"People say it has very good flavor, that it reminds them of their nana's," Monge said.
Like Seis and Humo Cocina Mexicana, there are many restaurants in Tucson that also serve the cozy soup, each putting their own twist on the traditional recipe. If you’re looking to indulge in some pozole this holiday season, below are just a few places you can go to satisfy your craving.
Pozole from Birrieria Guadalajara.
Birrieria Guadalajara
Don’t be fooled, this little restaurant packs a big punch. Not only is Birrieria Guadalajara known for their tasty birria, but many people are also fans of their pozole. When researching what places to feature here, Birrieria Guadalajara’s pozole was a reoccurring recommendation.
For $9.50, you can try their beloved red pozole, just in time for the holidays.
Tito & Pep
Tito & Pep puts their own vegetarian twist on the classic soup.
This James Beard semifinalist restaurant offers a spring vegetable green pozole. The dish includes the usual hominy, in addition to asparagus, snap peas, roasted poblanos, and spring onions. This option is a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the deliciousness of pozole but without the pork.
Seis Kitchen's pozole is only available seasonally. Co-owner Erika Muñoz said they bring it out when it starts to get colder.
Seis Kitchen
130 S. Avenida del Convento; 1765 E. River Road; 9740 N. Oracle Road
Wintertime only means one thing: Seis pozole is back!
For an extra kick, ask for a side of their habanero salsa. It adds the perfect amount of spice for those who prefer a spicier broth. The best part: you can pair your pozole with their house-made horchata. That sounds like my dream meal.
Calle Tepa
For more than a decade, Calle Tepa has been a staple for pozole lovers. They offer the classic red pozole sure to hit the spot on a Sunday morning.
You can get the soup in a cup for $6 or a bowl for $13. But let’s be honest, we’re always getting the bowl.
Humo Cocina Mexicana
Rejoice Marana friends: now you don't have to drive miles and miles to get good pozole! Humo Cocina Mexicana has a red pozole on their menu that comes with all the delicious fixings: cilantro, onion, radishes, lime and a piece of toasted, buttery bread.
Tania's Mexican Food
If you Google pozole in Tucson, you'll see rave reviews about Tania's Mexican Food pop up! At this southside restaurant, you can get the beloved soup in various sizes: small, pint, quart, and gallon. You'll be the most popular person at the Christmas party if you show up with a gallon full of tasty pozole!
Unlike other places, Tumerico makes its pozole with carrots and potato, serving it with tortillas, lime and poblanos.
Tumerico
This local favorite is another hotspot for pozole. Unlike other places, Tumerico makes their pozole with carrots and potato, serving it with tortillas, lime, and poblanos.
Tumerico’s pozole is popular among customers so you may want to get there early. When I called during lunchtime, it was already sold out!
Jalisco Restaurant & Tortilleria
Jalisco Restaurant & Tortilleria is another place you can enjoy a big, warm bowl of pozole. On their Facebook, they advise you run and don't walk when it comes to placing your pozole order for the holidays.
Delicias Mexican Grill
You can always count on Delicias Mexican Grill for delicious pozole! Their bowl of red pozole comes with cabbage, onions, radishes, bread and your choice between a tostada or tortilla.
