El Rinconcito Del D.F.

- 8901 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020

El Rinconcito Del D.F., whose name translates to The Little Corner of Mexico City (D.F. being the former name of Mexico's capital), stands as a cornerstone for truly authentic Mexican street food in the North Phoenix area. This Latino-owned establishment has built a loyal following for its commitment to traditional recipes and flavors that transport diners far from the standard Tex-Mex or Sonoran fare often found in Arizona. As one enthusiastic customer noted, Totally an authentic taco shop… so if you’re looking for cheesy tex mex this is not the place for you. This is a critical distinction that defines its identity in the local culinary scene.

The restaurant is celebrated for its wide-ranging menu that embraces the vibrancy and variety of the Mexico City street food scene. Specialties go well beyond basic tacos and burritos, showcasing unique regional dishes like massive, flavorful Huaraches and the more exotic Quesadillas, which include fillings seldom found elsewhere, such as Huitlacoche (corn smut, prized as a Mexican truffle) and Flor de Calabaza (squash blossom). The focus here is on authentic flavors and quality ingredients, creating comfort food with a distinctive D.F. style.

While the physical location, which is noted to be not fancy and sometimes described as a hole in the wall from the outside, is casual, the experience inside is consistently warm, clean, and inviting. The restaurant maintains a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere that appeals to a diverse Crowd including Families, Groups, and Solo diners. Service is a strong point, with one diner commenting, Service was fast. Food delicious. Had to wait 5 minutes for table, highlighting the balance of efficiency and popularity.

El Rinconcito Del D.F. serves all three major meals—Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner—and even offers Late-night food, catering to the diverse schedules of Phoenix residents. Weekend dining is a special occasion, featuring traditional, slow-cooked items. On Sábados y Domingos (Saturdays and Sundays), diners can enjoy Rica Barbacoa and Pansita with a side of Consomé de Barbacoa (Lamb soup). Sundays bring the addition of Ricas carnitas (Carnitas Pork chunks) and the classic Menudo (Tripe soup), which one reviewer praised as delicious even in the traditional style without hominy.

Whether you're craving a quick bite of street tacos, a hearty Torta, or a traditional weekend soup, El Rinconcito Del D.F. offers an authentic taste of Mexico City that is highly valued by local residents seeking a true cultural culinary experience.

Conveniently located in North Phoenix, El Rinconcito Del D.F. is an accessible destination for locals across the Valley:

• Address: 8901 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA. This location places it near the intersection of North 12th Street and Dunlap Avenue, making it a key spot in the Sunnyslope area of North Phoenix.
• Parking: The restaurant provides ample Free parking lot access, in addition to the option of Free street parking, ensuring a hassle-free visit for all guests.
• Accessibility: The establishment is fully committed to accessibility, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating. The indoor dining area, while not large with about 10 tables, is described as clean and manageable.

As a full-service, all-day eatery, El Rinconcito Del D.F. provides a variety of options to accommodate every dining need:

• Dining Types: Serves Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, with the notable addition of Late-night food.
• Service Options: Guests have the choice of comfortable Dine-in seating with Table service, convenient Takeout, or the highly practical Curbside pickup.
• Special Services: Offers Catering for events, allowing guests to bring the authentic flavors of Mexico City to their gatherings.
• Beverage Offerings: The menu includes Coffee and a range of non-alcoholic options tailored to complement the rich flavors of the comfort food and quick bites.
• Crowd Appeal: It is a Family-friendly environment, well-equipped with High chairs and a dedicated Niños/ Kids menu, making it suitable for Groups and all family members.

The authentic nature of the food and the overall experience are the primary highlights of this little corner of D.F. in Phoenix:

• Authentic D.F. Cuisine: The key highlight is its specialization in Mexico City street food, which means a focus on dishes like Huaraches (oblong masa cakes), various Tortas (sandwiches), and a deep menu of Tacos including cuts like Suadero (rose meat), Tripas (tripe), and Cabeza (head meat).
• Unique Ingredients: The Quesadillas feature traditional and distinctive fillings such as Huitlacoche and Flor de Calabaza, offering a culinary adventure not often found in the Southwest.
• Weekend Specials: The rotating weekend menu (Barbacoa, Carnitas, Menudo) provides a traditional experience highly sought after by those familiar with authentic Mexican home cooking.
• Value and Service: Known for Fast service and offering both Comfort food and Quick bite options, making it efficient for a meal on the go or a relaxing sit-down experience.
• Latino-Owned Business: The restaurant proudly Identifies as Latino-owned, supporting the local community and ensuring a deep cultural connection to the food.

To place an order, inquire about catering, or confirm the daily specials, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 8901 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA
• Phone: (602) 943-5933

The restaurant accepts various forms of payment, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, adding to the convenience of the visit.

El Rinconcito Del D.F. is worth choosing for any Arizona local who is tired of the typical Sonoran or borderland style Mexican food and is eager to explore the sophisticated and varied flavors of Mexico City. This is the spot to experience a truly authentic Mexican meal that prioritizes quality and tradition over fusion or Americanized comfort food.

We highly recommend starting with the unique regional items. The Huaraches are a must-try, offering a hearty, flavorful foundation for various toppings. For the adventurous palate, the Huitlacoche and Flor de Calabaza Quesadilla is a non-negotiable choice, delivering flavors that define D.F. cuisine. The Tacos menu is exhaustive and allows for true customization, but be sure to sample a Suadero or Tripas taco for an authentic street-food experience. For those seeking comfort, the Green Chilaquiles have been hailed as some of the best I have ever had.

The value of this establishment extends beyond the food; it’s a friendly, unpretentious, and clean neighborhood gem that serves the entire community from breakfast to late night. By choosing El Rinconcito Del D.F., you are supporting a dedicated Latino-owned business and embarking on a genuine culinary journey to the heart of Mexico’s capital, right here in Phoenix.

El Rinconcito Del D.F.

8901 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA