A food truck with an adjoining, fan-cooled, semi-al fresco eating tent and a newly-opened dining area with real air conditioning, Aqui Con El Nene is one of Tucson’s most compelling street-food purveyors.
Sonoran hot dogs come tightly wrapped in crisp bacon and served in big, soft bolillo rolls (or, if desired, toasted rolls) with all the requisite toppings, including beans, tomatoes, salsa, mustard, and mayo. If the usual constellation of condiments is not enough — or not hot enough — Aqui Con El Nene has a fantastic salsa bar with a virtual kaleidoscope of different options, hot and mild.
Tacos are available stuffed with carne asada, chicken, pork, beef head, or beans and cheese. A super-deluxe version includes green chiles, cheese, bacon, mushrooms, and beef. There even are “tacos lite” in which lettuce substitutes for a tortilla. They all come with lovely roasted green onions that are a sweet joy to munch.
Papanchas are not a typical Mexican food truck menu item in Tucson, but as proprietor Salvador Gastelum is from Ciudad Obregon in Sonora and papanchas are a local specialty, here they are: baked potatoes filled with bacon, cheese, mushrooms, and your choice of carne asada, chicken, or pork.
A broad menu and actual seating put this food truck a cut above the ordinary, but do note that business is cash-only. Prices are in the low- to mid-single digit range.
Sunday | CLOSED |
Monday | 10am - 11pm |
Tuesday | 10am - 11pm |
Wednesday | 10am - 11pm |
Thursday | 10am - 11pm |
Friday | 10am - 12am |
Saturday | 10am - 12am |
Other Nearby Restaurants
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BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs
Tucson, ArizonaOne of Tucson, Arizona’s premier sources of the Sonoran hot dog, BK’s also has a menu of superior tacos, tortas, caramelos, burros and quesadillas.
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Tucson Tamale Company
Tucson, ArizonaHail the tamale! Tuscon Tamale makes some of the Southwest’s very best, countless varieites: meaty, spicy, vegan, vegetarian. An Arizona must.
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B Line
Tucson, ArizonaA culinary highlight of Tucson’s 4th Avenue, The B Line’s eclectic menu includes southwestern, Italian & vegetarian fare plus world-class desserts.
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Anita Street Market
Tucson, ArizonaAnita Street Market is a neighborhood grocery that sells Sonoran Mexican faves such as burros, enchiladas & tamales. House-made tortillas are fantastic.
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Beyond Bread
Tucson, ArizonaBeyond impeccably fresh loaves of bread, this Tucson favorite offers sandwiches, pastries, mac & cheese, salads, soups, omelets, and coffee drinks.
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Tumerico
Tucson, ArizonaInventive vegan Mexican food has made Tumerico a popular Tucson beacon of enlightened eating. It’s all from scratch. The menu changes daily.