Maskadores Taco Shop and Bar — Restaurant in Tempe

Been going to Maskadores since their original location opened in Tempe off Broadway. Introduced my GF to this place and we would drive 30 minutes from Chandler just to get their food. Clearly they've been very successful with their first location, as they're now opening a slew of chains (16 new locations in less than a year!), and fortunately that means it brings their food even closer to home.

If I had to describe what to expect, I would say "Chipotle but 10x better". The quality is on par to Cafe Rio. Locations we've been to are small grab and go take out. You can dine in their dining area but I do not believe they offer table service. They have about 8-10 different protein options (including vegetarian), and a free "salsa bar" where you can load up on your favorite salsas... and they do not F around on their homemade salsas. At least 2 of them are genuinely spicy and not for the faint of heart. Their salsa bar includes sliced jalapenos, roasted jalapenos (delicious!), and about 4-5 flavors of salsa in varying degrees of spiciness.

Be sure to ask for Jalapeno Cream Cheese or their homemade Guacamole for an additional $1.25 with your meal.

All in all, it's easy to see why Maskadores is so successful, and my only hope is that with their fast expansion into new markets, they will maintain the quality that they're known for in the original location. Based on my most recent experience at their Chandler location, the quality is consistent.

DO NOT miss out...

I went with a few coworkers for lunch, and I'd never been before so i wasn't sure what to expect. They are a small strip mall establishment with a cozy atmosphere and large Maskadores murals on the walls. I ordered the green enchiladas and that's when I realized that they are preparing each dish on the fly with all of the ingredients prepped and displayed out in front of you. They scooped some sauce into a pan and got it warming on the stove as soon as soon as I started telling them my order. Then they got some tortillas, meat and cheese and got it all melting on the flat top. By the time I got through the line to the register, the plate was pulled together with a scoop of rice and beans, and then I chose some finishing touches, including a decorative drizzle of sour cream. I headed over to the salsa bar and couldn't help myself but to get a sample of each one! One of my coworkers ordered the tacodillas, which are exactly what they sound like, a cross between a taco and a quesadilla. Meat and cheese folded inside a soft corn taco shell all melted and crisped up on the flat top. My other coworker ordered a taco salad which came in a big crispy tortilla bowl shell, and was loaded with fresh ingredients. We sat down to eat and we all ended up cleaning our plates! The food was warm and spicy in all the right ways, with tender, flavorful meat and a deep, rich sauce. I will definitely be back again, and next time I'm excited to try...

Yummy! Highly recommend!

UPDATE 2 Years Later (07/2022): This place is still absolutely delicious and we recommend to all our friends. We always get the Asada Street Tacos and they are a knock out 10/10 chefs kiss Marta, the owner is always there every time we come. She is so wonderful and welcoming. If your looking for delicious Mexican food, stop here. We have been and will continue to be committed customers to this fantastic place.

Update (9/2023): We have now been coming here for over 3 years and we are so excited to see that they have expanded their amazing little restaurant. It looks fantastic! Food is still absolutely DELICIOUS and we will continue to come whenever we can. Still Highly recommend!

UPDATE (10/2023): We ventured and tried a new dish today. The Macho Fries are so absolutely delicious you want to get up, dance and shout out how unbelievably delicious they are! It was like rediscovering this wonderful restaurant all over again. They have now expanded to have a full bar and patio and it looks fantastic! Come here, come...