There are many benefits to living in Phoenix and one of them is easy access to some of the best Mexican food on the planet. (I lived in Russia for 2.5 years and went through Mexican food withdrawal. Once I got my hopes up when I found a restaurant called Ла Кукарача, La Cucaracha, but was bitterly disappointed when every dish turned out to be just lavash covered in melted Russian cheese. For this Arizonan boy, those were the longest 2.5 years of my life.)
What’s the point to all this you ask? The point is, my dear friends, that excellent Mexican food is heaven on earth and Verde on Garfield and 2nd Street serves up some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. Possibly the best Mexican food ever served up in this city. Ever.
First of all, they make their own tortillas on site and they are served warm and full of buttery goodness. I can easily eat, and I’m not exaggerating, 30 billion tortillas in one sitting. I love those tortillas and if I could marry them I would and we’d live happily as man and tortilla.
The red chili beef and green chili pork are my favorite dishes, each one bursting with spice and flavor and when wrapped in one of my beloved tortillas with some fluffy rice and beans, it becomes the food of the gods. The guacamole is also divine.
Verde does not yet have a liquor license, but I’ve been told it’s in the works.
Bottom line Verde is consistent in their quality, they are local, and the food is fresh and affordable. Another major win for Downtown Phoenix.
(Editor’s Note: Learn more about Downtown’s awesome Mexican food destinations in the 2010 Downtown Dining Guide.)
Now in its 17th year, the Cinco de Mayo Festival is equal parts outdoor party, live concert and Mexican food fest, with added attractions like the NBA’s largest mobile basketball playground and dancers from Ballet Folklorico.
