Everything about this place = yes. This place makes my Quintessential Tucson list. The ambiance is classic Tucson-casual, and the food is incredibly fresh and delicious. My best friend visiting from out of town and I (both fairly easy to please vegetarians) went for lunch and were immensely impressed. Every bite was better than the one before. Seriously. It actually had us wondering at what point what on earth could be so delicious about it. Perfect combinations of flavorful veggies, not too much or too little of anything. We tried a number of items on the menu (a few different tacos, burritos, beans, jamaica hibiscus drink, etc...) and were in love with each of them. My friend has this saved on her list of places-we-must-go on her next visit. We don't say this often but, we will definitely be back. read more

My favorite taco spot in Tucson! The food is the best and now that I live in New York, this is my first stop always. Don't bother going anywhere else!!!! The best best best food read more

We stumbled into this joint drunk after a Yelp event and ordered one of each taco. We knew nothing about Martin's and were pleasantly surprised by the attention to detail. A small dish of thick chips, adorned with beans, arrived quickly, accompanied by a syrup-container of reasonably spicy salsa. We devoured those. The tacos were a real (unexpected) treat! First of all, the corn tortillas are made in house, and are thick and fresh and almost bread-like. Very tasty--probably the best corn tortillas I've ever had. The fillings are abundant and flavorful. My favorites were the chicken mole and the fish. My husband was a huge fan of the carne asada and carne con chile. I also enjoyed the simple bean and cheese taco. We had mixed opinions on the vegetable one--there were a lot of things in it, and some bites were tastier than others. In any event, we ate everything and scraped the plates. This is a low-key meal. Plates are paper and forks are plastic (we needed the forks to scrape the plates). We enjoyed sitting outside and watching the traffic on 4th Ave. With tax and tip, the whole meal was about $18 for two of us! Will be back. read more

Small portions Relatively pricey for what it is Only pinto beans available Bland hot sauce Terrible service Their complimentary chips were dribbled with like 6 pinto beans and accompanying sludge sauce - it looked like they pulled it out of a trashcan. Check it out if you want to waste your money. read more

My first dining experience in Tucson. I wasn't sure what to expect...I wanted a light meal and to sit outside amongst the festive Saturday night foot traffic.I walked in not knowing if it was table service or not, and perhaps annoyed the busy server (owner?). But despite that, he was still friendly, gave great service and quite a hearty, jovial character. I had a carne asada burrito with greens. A little surprising for a restaurant that has "vegetarian and vegan" on the sign. But I didn't mind. I eat anything. While I often stick to vegetarian foods, I was in the mood for some beef. I have traveled Mexico, am a former chef and married to a Mexican...so I think that somewhat qualifies me to say...Perfecto! I wasn't very hungry, but couldn't stop eating! Served with cabbage and a basket of fresh chips and beans. My husband always makes not-too-spicy "gringo salsa" for the guests and "regular" salsa for us.The salsa here was authentic, had the perfect taste and picante, but not too spicy. A little on the "gringo" side for salsa, but delicious. Clearly fresh. It is easy to distinguish authentic Mexican from not-so-authentic-canned-beans-and-canned-salsa Mexican. Well, it's easy for me. This is authentic. I cannot wait to try more! I will surely update.... Oh...and love the art! Update: 2nd experience. Tried a medley of the tacos...Chicken Mole, Fish and carne asada. Five Stars again. Fresh grilled Tilapia and a perfect blend of flavors for the Mole. You really can't go wrong here.... read more

The rave reviews for this place are over rated. Not authentic in my view, but good none the less. The green chili chicken was very good. The guy behind the counter was pushy and rude which set a bad tone. You must have to be a regular to get respect. Fondly reminds me of the Seinfeld Soup establishment. The masks on the wall were cool but not enough to get me to come back. read more

I was expecting so much more. I always judge Mexican food on their house salsa (which theirs was really good and spicy) and a good ol bean burrito. Sounds boring but if a Mexican restaurant can't that right, I don't want to try anything else. The beans were not even refried. And it lacked flavor. My husband ordered a carne asada burrito and they wouldn't add onion or cilantro. Really? I guess this is a good place for tourists that are not familiar with authentic mexican food. Or if you are looking for a vegetartian option. But I am mexican and I didn't find it to be very authentic. read more

I was pretty disappointed with this place since I sought it out based on reviews of vegetarian, Mexican restaurants. I got the veggie burro with zucchini, soy chorizo, and spinach. It was meh. The table salso also wasn't very spicy. The burro was so tiny!!! For $8?? And the last part was that the soy chorizo was pretty artificial tasting. The best soy chorizo is from Trader Joe's and it doesn't have that fake taste. This one did and it was all I could taste. read more

AMAZING food. if you are looking for authentic, street style, well done Mexican food - look no further.

I came here for a late lunch/early dinner on the Saturday before the Salsa Madness contest closed specifically to compare Martin's salsa to Ole's so that I could place a fair vote. Unfortunately, Martin's was closed when I arrived shortly after 4:00 p.m. The guy who (I assume) owns the shop next door selling Nepali clothing beckoned me in since he noticed I was wearing something that I'd probably purchased from him at the last 4th Ave street fair. I killed as much time as I could in there, left $40 poorer, and still had more than an hour to kill. Figured I'd just finally walk down 4th and see what else there was to see sans street fair. Um, not much, folks! I'm kind of puzzled about why this street - in a city of this size - is touted as a touristy shopping Mecca. Head shops and thrift stores? Whaaaa? When I finally made it back to Martin's, at a bit after 5:30, I was the only person there. Took a bit longer to get the chips (with beans) and salsa than you'd expect as the ONLY patron, but I'm easy. Ordered the chilaquiles based on another Yelper's thumbs up (plus the fact that I wasn't hungry enough to eat the three taco minimum). So. The salsa? Very good. Had AZSTARNET allowed me to vote, I would have given mine to Martin's over Ole's by a nose. But the chilaquiles? Ugh. I ate the egg and beans and left all but a bite or two of the muddled mess that made up the rest of the plate. read more

Four of us went to Martin's for dinner after a recommendation from a friend. Most of the food was really good. Still, it was easily the most awkward/terrible dining experience I've had--and I've had a blind date's mother join us for dinner. We ordered a few things including one fish taco. The fish tasted terrible to all of us (we passed it around to confirm). So, I just scraped it off and ate the tortilla. Worried that the fish might be bad (it tasted bad to two of us), one of our party mentioned it to the waiter as he was clearing our plates. The next thing we know the cook (the owner, Martin) is out at our table with one of those stainless steel containers full of fish pushing it into our faces and aggressively yelling at us to "smell it. It's not bad!" We all declined, (because, what was this man doing?)and he stormed back into the kitchen yelling about us. Also we ordered flour tortillas and got corn. We ordered a pineapple empeñada and got pumpkin--which we didn't even know was an option. And, the waiter forgot about us at one point (he literally walked in the door and suddenly looked surprised and worried when he realized he'd never put our empeñadas in). Minor mistakes I ordinarily wouldn't mention. Still, they were the cherry on top of an incredibly awkward, weird, and terrible dining experience. I'm giving it three stars for three reasons: 1) most of the food is quite good--especially the vegetarian tacos and torta. Just don't order the fish. 2) This was probably my bad for ordering fish in a desert. 3) there must have been something going really wrong in Martin's life for him to shove uncooked fish in his customers faces. It seems like people have started to mention his increasing brashness more and more in reviews. Many of the earlier reviews say really nice stuff about him. So, I'm assuming there's something going wrong for him personally that's underlying his bizarre defensive/aggressive reaction to someone not liking one taco. read more

The owner is a little testy sometimes, but this is some of the best Mexican food on the planet, bar none.

Martin is from the glorious city of Nogales. Need I say more? Perhaps. The food is AWESOME. As a vegetarian, I appreciate the high quality veggie food including the veggie mole burro and the standard veggie burro. If I recall correctly, Martin makes his own veggie chorizo. Either way, it's ESPECTACULAR! Also, you can BYOB. Brooklyn Pizza is across the street. If you can hold your nose (and avoid the stinky hipsters long enough), you should be able to get a six-pack to enjoy your food with. Viva Martin's! read more

OMG!!! This place is amazing. Had the carne asada tacos. Excellent. Not a single fatty piece. Great job! Hubby had the torta. Nothing left behind on his plate. He raved. Very unique restaurant. Great playlist. Private and quiet. Enjoyed getting to know our waiter Scott. He was very attentive. Even had a chance to chat with the owner Martin. You can definitely taste the quality and the love. We will for sure be regulars. Thank you. read more

I'd heard about this place several times but hadn't tried it yet because I'd always heard it was expensive. We finally went the other night and not only was it awesome I didn't find it expensive at all. I didn't really check out any part of the menu aside from the tacos, but the tacos were about $2.50 a piece, which seemed really reasonable. It's also bring your own alcohol so you don't have the additional cost of drinks. I tried the Chile con Carne, Carne Asada and Chicken Mole tacos. They were all delicious, but the Chile con Carne was by far my favorite. I also really enjoyed the salsa that came with the chips. The location is great, the tacos were great, we'll definitely be back. read more

We were told that this was the best place in Tucson for vegan tacos, and the teller wasn't kidding. My husband and I split a jackfruit burro and some mushroom jamaica veggie tacos that were both outstanding. The flavors were rich and complex, the ingredients clearly fresh and high quality, and we were both completely sated. Before this meal, we didn't even think we liked jackfruit. Be sure to bring your own wine or beer if you like such things. read more

Without a doubt, the most authentic Mexican food in all of Tucson. Beyond tasty, the food isn't the typical greasy type that I've grown accustomed to having lived here for 20 years. Though a vegetarian (Martin's has been voted Best of Tucson - Vegetarian) and a lover of the soy chorizo as well as the chilaquiles and ridiculously perfect tortas, my friends all swear by the carne asada tacos. If they are open, Martin will be there himself preparing your food and is particularly understanding of dietary needs. Just don't ask for sour cream; like I said it is authentic Mexican. Portions are generous and often I am scolded for not finishing a too large portion and I go 240lbs. Still, every time I leave this place I have that "perfectly fed" feeling you get after Thanksgiving dinner at your grandmas. This place is perfectly suited for 4th Avenue. Tasty food, great ambiance (music and lucha libre murals), patio dining and all served up with flavors that will have you telling your friends. Maybe not the best place if you are looking to get all fancied up and eat before you hit up the Opera but, then again, maybe it is. read more

Ok so this is not my first time eating at Martins!!! I just had to say I've eaten here a few times and tonight I ordered out and everytime it is hands down the highlight of my day!!! THE FISH TACOS I know that might be a bit much for some but never in my life have I had such Amazing fish tacos! So much so that I have yet to stray from them, that are always delicious!! I also had an avocado tonight and as always it's amazing!!! Xoxo this place and this owner!!!! read more

Visited very recently on a very slow day. Service was good and waiter seemed knowledgeable on Mexican food,culture, and the history of the owner. Owner himself came out several times to check on us and answer any questions we had. The service was fast, we got our food in less than 15 minutes. They offer chips and salsa while you order and those were very delicious. They have a unique bean dish that is highlighted in several menu items and the beans are delicious. However, my main concern was with the taste of the food. A big part of the menu included and highlighted the soy chorizo and as a Mexican growing up with Mexican cuisine every day I was very excited to try it and have a taste of home, the first problem came up when I tried to order a simple dish of rice, chorizo, and potatoes. The waiter was very stumped with my request and basically told me they couldn't do that and I had to order the menu item with eggs and beans. I was okay with that since I don't have a big problem with eggs and I had already tasted the beans. However when the food came out it was very disappointing, the soy chorizo had a very distinct flavor and was seasoned with a sweet herb which I believe is cinnamon and it made it taste like it should've been sweet but it wasn't. It took a lot of salsa and a lot of lime to try to hide that flavor and just eat my food. The food was fresh, cooked very well, but the flavor was just not good. I was informed that the owner is from Sinaloa so I'm not sure if it's just a different type of Mexican food that I'm used to but at least from my culture and my palette it wasn't very traditional or authentic. As other reviews have stated the owner did seem a little rude or sarcastic. I asked him about another order we had placed and he made a smart comeback, he also had a problem with us splitting our check, and I also overheard him arguing with some elderly women about his chocolate flan. Everyone else at that table thoroughly enjoyed their food and form what I sampled it was good. I probably got the most experimental item on the menu and it was just not very palatable. I will give them props for the vegan options! You don't see that a lot in Mexican cuisine and my vegan family member seemed to enjoy the jackfruit tacos a lot. If you are a meat eater there are many more authentic places to eat all around Tucson that don't berate you or give you sarcastic comments. read more

I'll admit that the name sold me the place (via Yelp, always... of course!), but the reviews sealed the deal. Tacos might be a little overpriced based on the size of the tortilla, but they are very tasty. I ordered 3: Bean and Cheese, Carne con Mole and Fish (this one wasn't a hit with me, but fish tacos -mostly tilapia- hardly ever are.) A few reviews really trash talk the owner... I don't know if the dude with curly hair was the owner, but he definitely acted like he owned the joint and was super cool. He noticed I didn't have a menu -yet- and offered some chips with beans (sweet!) and something to drink. Tamarindo was tasty and refreshing (and includes "a" refill). Guy at the counter was also very helpful and friendly. Sweet empanadas were delicious. I think I had guayaba. Just the kind of place you wish you had around the block. read more

This place rocks. It had been seven years since I'd last hit up Martin's on my way through Tucson, and the opportunity presented itself on my last cross-country trek. I was five hours from San Diego, and I was starving. Martin's to the rescue! I had the veggie mole burro and horchata (nom nom nom). The mole was to die for, and Martin was charming and attentive as usual. This place is seriously one of Tucson's best -- hip atmosphere, great service, and affordable prices. Highly recommend! read more

The food is So FuKing GooOOooD! Yes Yes YES YES YES. Veggie Mole Burrrrritoe all da way. The recipes are from Martine's personal family recipes from Mexico. He has had his restaurant in downtown Tucson for some 15-20 years and you can still find him in the restaurant feeding people and chatting with customers. Everything about this place is wonderful. The restaurant is so cute decorated in Luchador artwork and is BYOB! read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! Martins is a whole family favorite, me and my grandpa count down the days until we can come down for a bite to eat. I come here every time I'm in town. Not only is the food incredible (best mole I've ever had), you get to enjoy your food while basking in the artwork of many local artists all while listening to 80's alternative. Martin makes the world go 'round. read more

I apologise to all my friends and family. The owner was rude and so was the server. When they spoke rude to my guests it gave me knots in my stomach. The food is not worth mentioning because of the sevice. None of us will be returning. read more

Yes!! Great food, awesome ownership, great service. I always get treated like I'm special here, and I love that. I personally like the carne asada tacos - tilapia was good, too. This place is casual and comfy and very cool... with a focus wrestlers (not really American wrestling). Oh, I also got a t-shirt that I will be wearing from this restaurant. - thanks Martin! :) read more

Easily one the best and most unique restaurants in town. Great vegetarian options, and overall all the dishes are healthier than most Mexican restaurants (made to order, fresh ingredients). Service has always been good to me. And not sure if they still do, but they allow for BYOB. No TVs for the game heads up. Really good food. Thx Martin! read more

This is a neat little place. Has a really laid back, artsy kind of hipster atmosphere that reminds me more of a coffee house than a restaurant. I had a chicken mole burrito, which was pretty good, but would've been better with more mole sauce. There is better Mexican food in Tucson, but this is a nice spot and the location is great. Service was really good too. read more

I stopped on my way home for a burrito, because I saw this on the "burrito bucket list". It was really good! I liked the 4th avenue vibe of the place, with funky old furniture, and the Doors music that was playing. It was very casual. I ordered the carne asada and greens burrito. It came with chips and salsa on the side. The salsa was excellent! Perfectly hot and a good consistency. The burrito had big chunks of steak and rice and beans. The tortilla was authentic, and had a good color - fried perfectly! The chunks were a bit big for more, my one and only complaint. I want to go back and try the mole burritos, and I'd like to try a breakfast burrito. read more

When I say I want a burrito what I really mean is "I want to go to Martins". There is something about the simple but insanely delicious bean, cheese and rice burro that just owns my soul. I can't bring myself to stop here without getting jamaica. Aside from the burros (all of which are tasty creations of love) the tacos are amazing. They have a wide array of veggie options too. Oh and if somehow you still have room for dessert ask about the empanadas. Mmm-mm! read more

K Rico. As a self-professed Tucson foodster and a 4th ave. frequenter, I'm a bit embarassed that I have just tried Martin's. Best. Calabacitas. Ever. I had the Veggie Burro (sin soy chorizo) which included not only squash, queso, and corn, but also broccoli, onions, beans, and rice. I don't think I can bring myself to try anything else on my next visit, the 'citas were so good. I also loved that it was BYOB, and Brooklyn had a variety of beer right across the street. The Lucha Libre theme also set quite the fiesty tone for the rest of the evening... I'm not sure the District and Congress were prepared for post dinner wrestling antics. Bravo, Martin's! read more

I got the huevo rancheros, and it was really good. It's a decent portion. I wasn't terribly hungry, so I didn't eat it all. The complimentary chips had beans on it which was neat. The outside seating is right on the sidewalk, so it made for great people watching and just a good atmosphere overall. My friend got the horchata, and I was not a fan. It reminded me and another girl of that fake lipstick that comes in makeup play sets for girls. Ew. The interior art is reaaaally cool though. read more

I don't know how I forgot to post my review! It's been a few weeks now since I have gone, but I am definitely wanting to drop by again! . . .I don't even know where I want to start. Well, I got a Chicken Mole burrito when I went and boy was it awesome. I haven't run into too many places that serve mole, let alone mole as good as that was. The decor was different from most any place I've been, but it was pretty dang cool. I'm not sure if they make some of the Mexican "aguas" in-house, but they are really good as well. A definite place to try if you're near by, or even worth making a drive for :] read more

Been meaning to give Martin's a try? Then go. Definitely, go. Martin's has been on my To-Try list for so long, I'm sorry I didn't go sooner. Loaded with vegetarian options, the menu is fresh and perky. My friend and I both ordered the Burro Natural made with soy chorizo, calabacitas, spinach, beans, and eggs. Sooooo good. We drank unsweetened jamaica (hibiscus tea) and pineapple Jarritos. The pre-meal chips were really fried tortilla wedges, which are totally not the same thing as tortilla chips and offer a satisfying hefty crunch. A one-star removal for paper plates and the requisite we-keep-the-doors-open flies. However, it won't keep us from coming back. Martin's Comida Chingona is on regular rotation now. read more

Each time I come here, I find myself craving their food more and more. I've pretty much been begging my boyfriend to go here everyday this week. Order anything with CARNE ASADA on it. It's BOMB. That's pretty much all I order every time I go. I love the Carne Asada tacos the most; my boyfriend always has the Carne Asada and Spinach Burro because they're HUGE. Chips and salsa and frijoles is muy bien, as well. x] I wish they increased their hours of business. I've came here many times, including today to find that they were closed (sad face). read more

Delightful restaurant with interesting artwork and fabulous molè veggie burritos. Tortillas are amazing too!

This place was a great find! I got 3 tacos: 1 veggie, 1 bean and cheese, 1 fish. They were all delicious and a little spicy with fresh veggies, and fish that didn't come out of a frozen dinner package. The huevos rancheros came on a dark tortilla that was delicious and filling. The horchata was one of the best I have ever had! And save room for the empanadas - both the pineapple and cream tasted homemade and shouldn't be missed! read more

Martin's Comida Chingona - Horchata and empanadas - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

3-1/2 to 4 STARS. I am not Mexican, but I have been eating Mexican food lotsa years. Do I sound politically incorrect yet? Good, cause this is not a politically correct place. I have eaten here a lot and gotten take-out a lot. The owner, forgot his name (Martin?) is a great chef and runs his restaurant his way. Period. I won't go into specifics - there are a few - but just don't piss him off. He cares about his food and his customers. Just be cool - your food is usually if not always going to be good. Sorta a home-cooking place. A welcome surprise. read more

I have been going to Martin's for years, this place is a once a week stop worthy treat. Martin has a great side room you can rent out for private events. I had my bday there this year and we just had my gf's bday there. We always have a great time. Martin is fun and a joker, his staff is always very attentive. The carne asada tacos and the chicken mole are our favorites. Great food, good people watching on 4th ave, and a fabulous decor. read more

Such a great experience- I don't often review, but I had a great meal at Martin's the other night! My wife and I have been cooped up for far too long and managed to sneak away for some fish tacos and a carne asada torta - we had original plans to take out but decided to eat at the patio tables out front, and I couldn't have been happier. Food came out at the right temperature with very friendly staff - torta was in real! 10/10 will be back! read more

Went here with husband and kiddos right when they opened on a Saturday. They service was awesome! The tacos were good- mole, fish, veggie and steak. The horchata was not great, one was watery the other was so thick that it was like chewing sand. They just needed to mix before serving. I would go back again. I love their chips and salsa. read more