Nanys Tacos — Restaurant in Williams

YOU MUST GO. The first time we came to Williams was 4 years ago, in search of a great Zuni/Hopi/Navajo jewelry store (Thunder Eagle) and a great lunch. We had driven about an hour from Sedona (where we were vacationing), to Williams, and after shopping, we searched for Mexican restaurants in town and got a hit on Nany's. Right in the door, we were greeted by two staffers, one of them Nany's delightful granddaughter, who promptly told us that we had come to the right place and that her Nany's recipes were terrific - and we found out fast that she wasn't exaggerating in the slightest. Every bite was amazing; home-cooked flavors like you've probably not had before, starting with the salsa and chips. She introduced us to her Nany, and we knew that the next time we visited Sedona, we were coming back to Williams.

Fast-forward four years, we are back in Sedona and made the 1-hour drive to Williams to introduce a Mexican friend of ours to Thunder Eagle Jewelers, and Nany's (when your Mexican friend, who is a very good cook in his own right, is impressed, you know you've nailed it). Many of the offerings are the tacos and burrito names you know, but with the flavors amped up to amazing. Chips and salsa are not complimentary, but you must definitely get them, because Nany's fresh handmade salsa is unlike anything else you've had, and worth the price all by itself. Absolutely superior.

Tacos are the headliners, of course, and these estrellas do not disappoint. The Governor's (Gobernador's) flavors are robust and pack a punch, absolutely the best version of this taco I've had anywhere, including Mexico. The Suadero taco is very flavorful and generous with the cilantro, onions and two slices of lime alongside. The al Pastor is also a magnificent rendition of this taco. But the real scene-stealer is the Quesabirria taco, a flavor explosion that will have your eyes rolling into your head with satisfaction. The delicious tortilla is skillet-fried with cheese to make a crispy, mouthwatering "overcoat" for the slow-cooked birria brisket that overflows from this baby...it doesn't come with consomé, but honestly, it stands so well on its own that it isn't missed. Even the humble bean and cheese burrito here is delicious, and the burrito al Pastor is spectacular.

Don't miss this place - skip the Rt. 66 touristy places and jump one block over to E. Bill Williams Ave, and try Nany's great food for yourself. You won't be disappointed! And since Nany herself oversees the entire place...you'll find her in the kitchen, in the dining room, at the register...tell her hello from the boys...

I love Mexican cuisine and eat in Mexican restaurants around the world all the time. I honestly don’t know how this place is getting so many 5 star reviews. All the food we ordered in this place was not just not tasty, it was impossible to eat! I have never had “bad” Mexican food; this is my first negative experience. In that restaurant, the food we ordered was either WAY too salty and therefore completely inedible (both salsa options on the menu!). It was like eating teaspoon of salt, and we love salty food! Or, it was extremely sweet (the drinks) to the point that it begs water to accompany the drinks. Or, it was completely bland and required a lot of sauce to spice it up (beef tongue taco). The red sauce in their special chicken enchilada was so terrible and there was so much of it, it completely spoiled the dish. The amount of rice in the dish was laughable. I eat very small portions and the amount of rice in this dish barely filled two full tablespoons. Finally, the service we received almost made us leave within the first 30 min. There were 3 ladies who came to “take our order”, separately. Then we were completely forgotten for 20-25 min. No water, no table set up, nothing. I asked if their special salsa was intended to be that salty. The suggested another one which they said wouldn’t be as salty, yet it was exactly as salty as the other one. The only reason I’m not giving this place one star only is that they hadn’t charged us for the salsa in the end. I hope my experience is a one time thing and doesn’t reflect the usual quality of the food there. But I most certainly wouldn’t give it another...

I hate to knock stars off this place since it’s clearly locally and family owned, but our experience was less than perfect despite our waitress being very nice and sweet.

First off, I will state that they have incredible salsa here. Every type was amazing. My only gripe is they charge for chips & salsa which I am generally used to being complimentary but whatever.

We had a party of 6 and there were only two other parties in the restaurant. I asked for no lettuce on my burrito and it came covered in lettuce. No big deal - I ate it. However, the El Pastor I ordered was extremely dry and the burrito was very, very well done (deep fried) to the point that I couldn’t even cut it with a knife. I ended up scooping out the inside and just eating that. It was very greasy as well and I’m not one to ever complain about grease.

Another member of our group ordered a side of refried beans with their meal. They forgot them so we had to ask for them.

A third member of our group ordered the loaded fries but they forgot the refried beans on those as well.

We also asked for two orders of the salsa and only received one. Had to ask for that second order as well…

Aside from the Barbacoa tacos and salsa, everything else seemed to just lack flavor. If I need to drench everything in salsa, that means it’s super mediocre.

Maybe we just caught them on an off day! I wish...