+1 602-368-5316
Nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Phoenix, Taco Chelo Phoenix is a must-visit Mexican restaurant that expertly captures the spirit of authentic, flavor-packed street tacos with a modern twist. Located at 501 E Roosevelt St, this cozy eatery invites guests into a relaxed, inviting atmosphere that pairs perfectly with its lively, bold menu offerings.
Whether you're craving classic carne asada tacos or seeking something adventurous like their famed Costra Taco—a decadent flour tortilla layered with caramelized cheese and onions—Taco Chelo never disappoints. The flavors are vivid and layered, from the smoky richness of the Carnitas Taco topped with fresh onion and cilantro, to the crispy, flavorful Flamingo rolled tacos that customers rave about. Vegetarian diners are well-catered for too, with offerings like the roasted sweet potato Vegetable Taco featuring romesco sauce and feta cheese, delivering a perfect balance of creaminess and crunch.
Beyond tacos, their salad selections such as the El Jardin Romain and Chelo Salad Romain bring fresh ingredients and vibrant dressings to the table, providing a refreshing alternative to the heavier dishes. Appetizers like crispy Chicharrones Cholula and the well-seasoned Frijoles A La Charra pinto beans make excellent starters or satisfying sides.
No Mexican meal is complete without a signature beverage, and Taco Chelo shines here as well. Their menu features enticing drinks like the zesty Strawberry Margarita, smoky Mezcal Paloma, and crisp Sangria. Regulars also highlight the authentic Horchata and the spicy Picosa cocktail as absolute standouts. Not to be missed is their special Pastor Taco, available exclusively on Wednesdays, offering a one-day-a-week treat that’s already generating loyal fans.
Patrons frequently mention the friendly and attentive service they experience, with many calling out the personable staff by name—adding a genuine, community feel to the dining experience. While the location places Taco Chelo conveniently among other hotspots in downtown Phoenix, parking can sometimes be a challenge, so plan accordingly.
What truly sets Taco Chelo apart is the palpable passion behind every dish. From the perfectly seasoned meats that melt in your mouth to the carefully crafted salsas that complement each bite, every element feels thoughtfully designed to deliver an authentic taste of Mexico with a creative edge. The comfortable, unpretentious vibe invites guests to relax and savor not just the food but the entire experience.
Whether you're a local looking for a new favorite taco joint or a visitor wanting to dive into Phoenix’s dynamic food scene, Taco Chelo Phoenix is a destination that promises quality, flavor, and heart. As one satisfied customer put it, their veggie tacos might just surprise you – and the “Flamingos” are worth demolishing with no regrets!
Really relaxed vibe, decent location to other restaurants and bars in downtown Phoenix. Food was good, parking is a hit or miss for close spots. Chicken tacos were very good and the barbacoa quesidilla was delicious. Got their Picosa drink which was delicious as well.
Solid little taco shop! Damn tasty tacos. Nicely seasoned meat. Cheesy melty, crispy quesadillas. Absolitely delightful! Would go again. Would recommend.
I'm actually surprised I've never stopped by this place cuz the smell alone when walking past it is incredible. They have a really good selection for happy hour, tacos and drinks. Their carnitas is absolutely delicious. I also tried their veggie taco and it is really good. I'd 100% recommend this place.
Legit the best tacos EVER. Surprise favorite taco is the veggie taco. The Costra will blow your socks off. The salsas - delish. But the best thing on the menu is definitely the Flamingos! The food was sooooo good we didn’t get any pics of it before we demolished it! But cheers to Joshua — best service hands down!
Taco Chelo was a nice experience, I had the carnitas taco and my wife had an asada taco. They were both good, the salsas were lacking some flavor in my opinion. Even tried their new hotter one and didn’t think the kick was very much. Not sure I’d seek this place out but wouldn’t be sad if I was in the area and we ended up here. The service was friendly, real small place so had to sit outside in a lot of heat had misters at least. Bathroom is down an outdoor walkway and need a key just an FYI.
Great experience here on a Monday evening. Parking wasn't an issue as we just parked on the street nearby. There were plenty of meters open. Not a long wait at all and plenty of seating there. We sat outside on the patio to enjoy the weather. Had a bunch of tacos--carnitas, barbacoa, costra, chicken. Tortillas were soft and warm with great texture. Generous fillings were delicious. We especially liked the costra. That caramelized cheese and onion were just perfect. Washed it down with a pumpkin spice horchata. We'll definitely return.
Taco Chelo in downtown Phoenix is officially on my top taco spots list! I had both the shrimp tacos and the carne asada tacos and let me just say, they nailed it. The shrimp tacos were different in the best way bold flavor, a little twist I didn’t expect, but really enjoyed. And the asada? Juicy, seasoned just right, and full of flavor. But the real MVP? Their handmade tortillas. You can taste the difference. Fresh, soft, and they tie everything together perfectly. There’s no shortage of taco spots in Phoenix, but Taco Chelo stands out not just for the food, but for the vibe. You can tell it’s got that local, family-run heart behind it. And as someone who supports mom-and-pop businesses any chance I get, this place hit home. I’ll definitely be back and bringing people with me.
The smell hits you when you walk in, and you know it's going to be good before you taste it. The place was good. Clean. Stephanie and her husband own it. Grace runs the place when Stephanie isn't there. And they know what they're doing. These people, God bless them, have committed the radical act of using healthy oils instead of the industrial sludge most places pump into your arteries. No seed oils, they promised, and I believed them because Stephanie had that look people get when they're telling the truth about something they actually care about. The tortillas are pressed fresh, in an open kitchen you can watch. Not in some factory in Ohio three months ago, and not from a bag with an ingredient list longer than the Constitution. Everything made to order. No shortcuts. The tacos came out hot and they were the best I'd had in a long time. Simple ingredients done right. The way it should be. I'll drive back there. Good food is worth the drive.