Tacos Calafia

- 414 S Mill Ave Suite 115, Tempe, AZ 85281

Arizona locals and visitors to the Valley of the Sun searching for authentic street-style Mexican cuisine need look no further than **Tacos Calafia** on the vibrant Mill Avenue in Tempe. More than just a simple quick stop, this establishment is a dedicated **Taco restaurant** bringing the distinctive, bold flavors of Tijuana street food directly to the ASU community and the greater Phoenix metro area. Tacos Calafia has made a name for itself by focusing on a select menu of high-quality meats, fresh, hand-prepared tortillas, and a genuine taqueria experience.

The core of the menu revolves around classic, savory meats like **Taco Carne Asada**, **Taco Al Pastor**—often visible spinning on the traditional vertical spit, or trompo—**Taco Pollo**, and the traditional, tender **Taco Cabeza** (slow-braised beef cheek). They proudly skip the non-traditional add-ons like lettuce, sour cream, and hard shells, maintaining an authentic feel. This dedication to tradition is complemented by modern convenience, offering signature dishes like the **Vampiros** (meat and melted cheese on a crunchy, open tortilla) and **Mulitas** (meat and cheese sandwiched between two tortillas).

Tacos Calafia is an ideal dining choice for those seeking **Comfort food** in a **Casual** yet **Trendy** environment. It is exceptionally **Popular for** both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, fitting perfectly into the fast-paced Mill Avenue lifestyle with its reputation for **Fast service**. Its welcoming atmosphere caters to a broad **Crowd**, specifically embracing **College students**, **Tourists**, and being actively inclusive as an **LGBTQ+ friendly** and **Transgender safespace** location.

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Strategically situated in the heart of downtown Tempe's entertainment district, Tacos Calafia is easily accessible for anyone visiting or residing in the area. The central address is:

414 S Mill Ave Suite 115, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Being on Mill Avenue, the location benefits from heavy foot traffic and proximity to Arizona State University, making it a bustling and convenient hub for great food. The restaurant is committed to ensuring a comfortable visit for every guest with extensive accessibility features and various parking options:

• Accessibility: The restaurant features a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, a **Wheelchair accessible parking lot** nearby, a **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**.
• Parking Options: Given its prime downtown location, the restaurant offers multiple options to accommodate drivers, including a nearby **Free parking lot**, **Free street parking** (where available), and both **Paid parking lot** and **Paid street parking** options.
• Transit Access: The location is conveniently close to the Tempe Streetcar route and other public transportation, providing easy access for the **College students** and others who rely on transit.
• Outdoor Seating: Guests can enjoy their authentic tacos al fresco thanks to available **Outdoor seating**, perfect for soaking up the Arizona weather, and it is **Dogs allowed** in the outdoor area for pet owners.

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Tacos Calafia offers a full-service experience that balances the speed of a taqueria with the amenities of a modern **Restaurant**. Their service options are designed for maximum flexibility, catering to every dining need in the Mill Avenue environment:

• Dine-in and Takeout: Customers can enjoy the casual, lively indoor atmosphere with comfortable **Seating** or quickly grab their food for **Takeout**.
• Delivery Service: For those who prefer to stay in, the restaurant provides **Delivery** service through third-party partners.
• Flexible Dining Hours: The menu is available for both **Lunch** and **Dinner** and extends to **Dessert** options like their traditional drinks.
• Beverage and Bar Service: A standout service is the availability of a full **Bar onsite**, offering **Alcohol**, **Beer**, and **Cocktails**, perfect for social gatherings. They also feature dedicated **Happy hour drinks**. Traditional Mexican beverages like **Horchata** and **Jamaica** are also served.
• Self-Service Condiment Bar: Patrons have access to a generous selection of condiments—including fresh **Salsa Verde**, **Picosa Hot Salsa**, **Guacamole**, **Onion**, and **Cilantro**—allowing for full customization of their meals (though some key condiments are listed with a small charge for larger takeaway portions).
• Group and Family Options: The menu includes a substantial **Family Pack** option, as well as **Carne Por Libra (Meat by the Pound)**, making it simple to feed **Groups** or host an event.
• Kid-Friendly Amenities: The venue is **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs** for young diners.
• Digital Amenities: Free **Wi-Fi** is provided, enhancing the experience for **College students** and casual diners alike.
• Payment Methods: All modern payment forms are accepted, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

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The true appeal of Tacos Calafia lies in the distinct features that set it apart from other quick-service Mexican restaurants in Arizona:

• Authentic Tijuana Taqueria Style: The commitment to authentic, no-frills Tijuana street food is a major highlight, focusing on expertly prepared meat and fresh, simple toppings rather than heavy, Americanized additions.
• Unique Specialty Items: Beyond the classic tacos, the **Vampiros** and **Mulitas** offer a fun, savory, and unique twist on the taco concept, with the **Naked Taco** and **Naked Mulita** even catering to keto-friendly diets by using toasted cheese as the shell.
• The Trompo and Al Pastor: Seeing the **Al Pastor** pork revolving and being freshly carved from the vertical spit (**trompo**) is a key visual and flavor feature that confirms the authenticity of the preparation.
• Full Bar and Happy Hour: The availability of **Cocktails**, **Beer**, and a dedicated **Happy hour drinks** service in a casual taco joint is a significant draw, especially for the Mill Avenue **Crowd**.
• Inclusive and Friendly Atmosphere: The restaurant actively cultivates a welcoming, lively environment and proudly identifies as **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**, attracting a diverse and open-minded clientele. The staff is consistently described as friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Large-Format Catering Options: The **Carne Por Libra (Meat by the Pound)** menu blocks are perfect for parties, tailgates, or large **Family-friendly** gatherings, offering a practical and delicious catering solution.
• Vegetarian Options: The menu includes the unique and flavorful **Taco Nopal** (cactus paddle), as well as Nopal versions of Burritos, Quesadillas, Mulitas, and Vampiros, providing dedicated and traditional vegetarian choices.

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For those in Arizona planning a visit or needing to arrange a large order from this celebrated Tempe **Taco restaurant**, here is the necessary contact information:

• Address: 414 S Mill Ave Suite 115, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
• Phone: (480) 640-7593
• Mobile Phone: +1 480-640-7593

Please note that while they offer **Delivery** through third-party services, customers wishing to place large **Family Pack** or **Carne Por Libra** orders are often advised to contact the restaurant directly by phone for the best experience.

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Tacos Calafia on Mill Avenue is worth choosing for Arizonans looking for an authentic, energetic, and value-driven culinary experience that captures the true essence of a Tijuana taqueria. It is a welcome deviation from the more mainstream Mexican-American fare prevalent in the Valley.

The must-try items are the **Taco Carne Asada** and the **Taco Al Pastor**—the latter's preparation on the visible *trompo* is a testament to its authenticity. Furthermore, the specialized offerings like the **Vampiros** and **Mulitas** are highly recommended for a delicious twist. The restaurant's combination of a lively, inclusive atmosphere, the convenience of being on Mill Avenue, and the appealing addition of a full bar with **Happy hour drinks** ensures it is a fantastic spot for both a quick **Quick bite** and a fun evening out with **Groups** of friends. While one customer noted some initial concerns about seasoning, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the friendly staff, atmosphere, and the quality of the traditional meats like the **Cabeza** confirms that Tacos Calafia remains a true gem in the Tempe dining scene, constantly striving to deliver delicious, authentic food with a smile.

Tacos Calafia

414 S Mill Ave Suite 115, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA