The dressed-down Mexican-American family to my left were enjoying their dinner and chatting with the friendly waiter. The dressed-up African-American family to my right were poring over their menus, indecisive about which of the tempting offerings to choose. The group of White college students from the nearby University of Arizona campus were wolfing down generous servings.

La Chingada attracts one heck of a diverse crowd for multiple reasons. As I hopped on a seat at the long, curved bar, I took in the cheerful, colorful décor, with its mix of warm woods and intricate Spanish tile patterns. Spanish-language music videos were playing before me on the large screens above the bar, and the aromas of Mexican food were accelerating my appetite at a frightening pace.

Opened only in 2024, the owners—the husband developer and the wife chef—have done an excellent job at merging a lively ambience with a very solid menu that, apparently, is appealing to everyone in Tucson. And don’t forget to check out their schedule, so you know in advance when your meal will be accompanied by some live music.

Try This: Order one of the daily-made aqua frescas, like the cucumber-lime. Then tuck into one of La Chingada’s delicious and filling staples—the massive crispy chicken chimichanga drenched in the house red salsa, topped with cilantro and sour cream, and served with a side of white rice (with a little Mexican flag, just for fun).

 

 

 

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