If you think Tucsonans aren't passionate about their burritos, you haven't kept up with our new Food Fight feature. More than 175 current and former residents of the Old Pueblo participated over the last two weeks, throwing in their recommendations for the best of the best burros and burritos in town. The results ran the gamut from the bacon-egg-and-cheese breakfast burrito at Los Betos to the packed shrimp burrito at the Taco Shop (our personal favorite).
The top three
Based on sheer votes, Nico's Mexican Food chain took home the gold in this challenge, with El Guero Canelo taking second and Paco's Mexican Food at 5563 East Grant Road a close third.
Nico's was lauded for its soft tortillas, seasoned meat and generous portions of guacamole.
Many fans said its various locations were the place to go after a long night of partying.
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The chain even received support from Brett "Porkchop" Miller of the KIIM-FM morning show "Max, Shannon and the Porkchop."
"I grew up in Arizona, spending my childhood summers at our farm in Sonora," said Nico's fan Tom Rhodes, 49. "Mexican food is a lifelong passion. Given my extensive sampling of Mexican food in Tucson over the last two decades, I have found that Nico's has the best carne asada burrito and chimi in town."
Paco's fans seemed just as passionate.
"Paco's on Grant and Craycroft has the best bean-and-cheese burritos and carnitas burritos," said Tamera Brown, 40. "Nico's is a close second. I live in Los Angeles now and honestly, I cannot find a burrito that comes close to either of these. When we visit Tucson, I bring a cooler and order about 50 burritos to take home and freeze. Even reheated they are better than anything here in L.A."
Honorable mentions
Patricia Bollinger, 66, gave her vote to St. Mary's Mexican Food, 1030 W. St. Mary's Road.
"St. Mary's has freshly made tortillas that are so thin, they have to be double-wrapped," she wrote. "(The) Grande Tortilla Factory is also outstanding. El Molinito's beans are to die for."
Bill Baker also held a soft spot for the Tortilla Factory, 914 N. Grande Ave.
The Factory is currently up for lease or sale but remains open.
"It is a great deli for Mexican food," he said. "Fresh tortillas, supplies to make your own tamales. Try it once. You'll be back."
Mary Yates, 35, was a fan of Rodolfo's Taco Shop at 1708 W. Ajo Way.
"Having been born and raised a Tucsonan, the best carne asada burrito I have eaten anywhere is the carne asada supreme burrito at Rodolfo's," she said. "I think it has to do with the griddle top they cook the carne on. The service and prices are great, too."
Out of towners, and gone but not forgotten
Several readers chimed in with locations outside of Tucson. Sometimes way, way outside.
Readers referenced restaurants from Phoenix to Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Josh Conzemius, 31, recommended the Las Vigas Steak Ranch in Nogales.
"(It had) a truck that (sold) the best carne asada burritos ever," he said. "There is nothing like this burrito. Get it with salsa. I ate those for years, every single day, with Doritos doused with lime juice and Red Devil."
Other readers waxed nostalgic about Tucson eateries that are no longer with us.
Commenters brought up fond memories of Lloyd's Mexican Food Cafe and Boatner's.
"Honestly, the best green chili chimi was made at the UA Student Union Mexican restaurant back when I was in school there," said Jeri Jahnke, 55, who strayed a bit from the burrito discussion. "I kept wondering if the place was run by some local ladies who brought their homestyle cooking in."
The burros served at the following places also got thumbs up from readers:
Mi Nidito, 1813 S. Fourth Ave.
El Charro Cafe with five locations including its latest spot at 6910 E. Sunrise Drive.
Rodolfo's Taco Shop, 1708 W. Ajo Way.
Crossroads Restaurant, 2602 S. Fourth Ave.
Macayo's with two locations including at 7040 E. Broadway.
Poco & Mom's Restaurant, 1060 S. Kolb Road.
Chaco's Cafe, 2027 S. Craycroft Road.
Los Alazanes Mexican, 2553 N. Campbell Ave.
El Sur Restaurant, 5602 E. 22nd St.
Casa del Rio, 1060 S. Pantano Road.
Micha's Restaurant, 2908 S. Fourth Ave.
The winner
Nico's Mexican Food, with more than 15 locations, including one at 1855 E. Fort Lowell Road
Second place
El Guero Canelo
5201 S. 12th Ave. and 2480 N. Oracle Road
Third place
Paco's Mexican Food, 5563 E. Grant Road
