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    El Rustico 2

    4.0 (25 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    EL RUSTICO 2 ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - El Rustico 2

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    Betsy M.

    In search of tacos, and a new place to try out we came to El Rustico 2. I loved the open space, high ceilings along with the welcoming staff. We had to take a few to review the menu - tacos/burritos or BBQ. We went with the former and ordered various tacos (birria, polla asada, carne asada and bistec) along with rice, beans and some chips/salsa. They have a nice little condiment/salsa bar to get the extras for the tacos. Our food came out nice, fresh and hot. All the tacos were tasty but the clear faves were birria and bistec. My husband who normally does not go full in for the rice did, and commented how much he liked it. The young man who was helping us was super friendly and brought over a bag of extra chips. I would totally return to try out their brisket/BBQ!

    1 Quesebirria $3.75 with dipping consomme, 1 Mahi Mahi taco $4.75  Cheesy so greasy handfuls, full of proteins 4/5  10-2024
    Louise B.

    Tacos are very cheesy and full of proteins, tried the mahi mahi and their signature Quesebirria. A first of the latter, like pot roast in a taco with a very rich & flavorful consomme that hints cinnamon, Oregano, and big beef, & after you dip, be sure to drink like a hearty broth, it's super! Great smokiness to the rib plate with beans and rice, satisfying but definitely not light fare, with 5 small corn tortillas and a salsa bar with mild and spicy citrus reds, mild green, pico and cabbage to round your tacos out. Sat outside on a cool Oct evening as the inside has a clean floral scent that overpowers even the smoky BBQ permeating the premises and it was as chilly inside on metal chairs. Didn't want that scent descending on my taco plate haha. My body begging for the gym now, El R2 you are a guilty pleasure, but TY!

    Calabacitas platter
    Connie G.

    I stopped in on a Saturday, an hour before closing. I was the only customer and the restaurant was quiet. I sat close to the wall by the menu to plug in my phone The interior is spacious and colorful. Service was fast and friendly. I didn't feel rushed to order and leave. I ordered something outside of my usual chicken burrito. Tonight I had a plate of vegetarian calabacitas and it was delicious! The zucchini and Chiles were topped in gooey, thick cheese. Rice and beans and a wrapped flour tortilla were on the side. It wasn't a spicy dish and that is how I like my cheese and veggies. I couldn't eat it all and took the leftovers home for breakfast.

    Catering/chef crew 2/2025
    Mike S.

    My buddy hired El Rustico's roadshow team to cater his SB party for around 50 people. They were professional and delightful. The birria and carnitas meats were simmered to perfection and custom prepared for each person - flour/corn; cheese or no; caramelo or street style - with 5 different fresh salsas, and of course shredded cabbage and guacamole. All in all they probably churned out over 250 5inch tacos and they did that in well under two hours... meaning food was prepped fast enough that most folks easily got seconds. They bring everything and pack up everything. Definitely worth keeping this resource in mind for your special occasion.

    Quesobirra tacos
    Fred B.

    Lots of good choices for tacos and burritos. They are know for their quesobirra tacos which are excellent. Service was very and we were a crowd of 12.

    Lee P.

    A well kept Tucson secret. Anyone who has suffered the crowds and commotion at the original location would be shocked how quiet this one is. Same great menu, plus on-site meat smokers that someday will offer smoked oxtail and tri-tip. Much nicer decor than the original location and the staff is really friendly. The variety is incredible - not a chain run by poseurs. Plus things that aren't so common for those not either "into" or "of" the culture, like nopales, tripa, Melinches and other items. Two things El Rustico is reknown for is the Birria (a classic stewed pot roast), slow cooked forever in the middle of the night, and Costilla (BBQ beef ribs). Very reasonable pricing. I've now been to this location 3 times and will keep going!

    Carne asada quesadilla
    Monica S.

    First timers. It was very small but nice. Cashier was helpful and polite. The food was fresh, hot and delicious. The carne asada quesadilla is big, just a warning. It's delicious. The drink selection is not a big selection.. The fresh juice was very refreshing. Overall it was good. I recommend it and I go back.

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    1 year ago

    Stopped by for lunch while visiting Tucson. The quesobirria tacos and cabrito were excellent. Service was fast and friendly.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    It was pretty amazing the food and the service thanks alot to helped me Elizabeth and Adrian

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Amazing service and outstanding food! Prices were great for amount of food received. Will be back!

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    2 years ago

    Best damn Birria in Tucson. Can't wait for the BBQ portion to open. Had a sample taste and it was amazing

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    El Rustico 2 - mexican - Updated May 2026

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