Testal

- Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017

Located in the eclectic and vibrant Grand Avenue district of Phoenix, **Testal Mexican Kitchen** offers Arizona locals a distinct and authentic culinary journey, focusing on the regional flavors of **Chihuahua, Mexico**. This is not your typical Tex-Mex spot; Testal provides a 'keep-it-real' experience that has garnered significant local praise and multiple accolades, cementing its status as one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Valley. The name itself, "Testal," refers to the portion of dough used to make a tortilla, highlighting their commitment to the foundation of their cuisine: fresh, hand-made flour tortillas.

Testal is the ideal destination for those seeking authentic Mexican **comfort food** or a high-quality **quick bite** without compromising on flavor or tradition. The atmosphere is consistently described as **Casual** and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for individuals, friends, and families looking for a genuine taste of Northern Mexican heritage. The restaurant prides itself on intense, soul-satisfying dishes, primarily specializing in a diverse array of burritos and tacos.

Unlike the massive, heavily-stuffed burritos often found elsewhere in the United States, Testal's burritos are prepared in the traditional Chihuahuan style—smaller, more manageable, and often rolled thin with open ends, allowing the incredible filling to be the true star. This regional focus and dedication to authentic preparation is what sets Testal apart as a must-try local gem in the 85017 area.

Testal Mexican Kitchen is strategically situated on **Grand Ave** in **Phoenix, AZ**, placing it directly within the dynamic downtown/central Phoenix corridor. This location makes it an easy and popular stop for locals exploring the artistic and increasingly popular Grand Avenue neighborhood.

The surrounding area, falling within the **85017** zip code, benefits from its proximity to major routes, making the restaurant easily accessible from various parts of the city. The restaurant offers practical solutions for the often-challenging city parking situation, ensuring a smooth visit:

• Free parking lot
• Free street parking

Accessibility is a key priority for Testal, ensuring that all community members can enjoy their dining experience comfortably. The following features are provided:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

These amenities reflect a commitment to a welcoming environment for every patron in the Arizona community.

Testal operates with efficiency and a focus on providing a pleasant dining experience, whether you are stopping in for a quick solo dinner or a relaxed group meal.

• Dine-in: The primary service option allows guests to enjoy the relaxed, casual atmosphere and the fresh, hot food right on site.
• Fast Service: A standout highlight is the **Fast service**, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying meal without a long wait.
• Dining Options: The restaurant is popularly known for and primarily serves **Dinner**, though menu highlights suggest it is available for breakfast, brunch, and lunch as well, making it a versatile option throughout the day.
• Family-Friendly: Testal is considered **Good for kids**, offering a comfortable and welcoming environment for families to enjoy an authentic meal together.

While the primary dining style is dine-in with fast counter service, the quality of the food makes it a local favorite for any meal occasion.

Testal Mexican Kitchen distinguishes itself in the highly competitive Phoenix dining scene through its specific regional focus, commitment to freshness, and exceptional menu variety.

• Authentic Chihuahuan Cuisine: The menu is deeply rooted in the flavors of Northern Mexico, specifically the state of Chihuahua, which is known for its beef, pork, and house-made flour tortillas.
• House-Made Flour Tortillas: A critical highlight of the Testal experience is the quality of the **fresh flour tortillas made in-house**, which are the perfect, fluffy casing for their unique burritos.
• Signature Burritos: Their burritos, prepared in the traditional thin, open-ended Chihuahuan style, are the essential item. Popular fillings include:
  • Deshebrada: Shredded beef in a green chile sauce with potatoes.
  • Colorado Burrito: Pork in a rich red sauce with potatoes.
  • Chicharron Burrito: Pork rinds softened in a spicy green salsa with pinto beans.
  • Chile Relleno Burrito: A roasted poblano pepper stuffed with cheese and lightly fried in egg batter.
• Famous Birria: The **Birria Tacos** (slow-cooked beef stew with spices, served with a side of dipping consomé) are a major crowd-pleaser and frequently praised in local reviews.
• Extensive Vegan and Vegetarian Options: The restaurant offers a remarkable selection of plant-based dishes, including the highly-rated **Vegan Burritos** (e.g., Vegan Bean and Cheese, Vegan Colorado Burrito with plant-based beef) and a **Vegan Relleno Burrito**, which has earned local 'Best of' awards.
• Unique Beverages: Beyond standard sodas, they offer a selection of traditional **Aguas Frescas** (like Jamaica and Iskiate, a chia seed, lime, and agave nectar drink) and specialty spirits such as **Sotol**, a distilled desert spoon spirit from Northern Mexico.

The unique preparation, dedication to fresh ingredients, and the regional authenticity make Testal an award-winning choice for Mexican food lovers across the Valley.

For current operating hours, to place a phone order for pickup, or for any inquiries, local patrons can use the following details:

• Address: Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017, USA (Note: Specific street address confirmed by public data as 1325 Grand Ave, Suite 1, Phoenix, AZ 85007 - please confirm zip code on arrival.)
• Phone: (602) 384-9993 (Note: This number is publicly available for the Grand Ave location.)

The restaurant encourages customers to call for pickup orders to avoid online fees, though third-party delivery services are also available.

Choosing a dish at Testal Mexican Kitchen means embracing the authentic flavors of Chihuahua. For a truly representative experience of this highly-rated Phoenix gem, here are the must-try items:

Start with the items that consistently receive the highest accolades from Arizona locals and food critics alike:

• The Birria Tacos: These are a house specialty and an essential order. The tender, slow-cooked beef and the side of savory consomé for dipping make them an incredibly flavorful and popular choice.
• The Rajas Burrito: Often cited as one of the best burritos in Arizona, this creamy and slightly spicy filling features thin slices of roasted poblano peppers and onions sautéed in sour cream, wrapped in the signature fluffy flour tortilla.
• The Deshebrada Burrito: A classic of Chihuahuan cuisine, the shredded beef and potato filling in a mild green sauce offers the ultimate in Mexican comfort food—rich, hearty, and satisfying.

For patrons with dietary restrictions, the **Vegan options** are arguably the best in the area and are a must-try. The **Vegan Colorado Burrito** or the **Vegan Chile Relleno Burrito** showcase the kitchen’s ability to deliver deep, traditional flavors using plant-based ingredients.

In short, Testal Mexican Kitchen is worth choosing for its authentic regional focus, the superior quality of its hand-made tortillas, and its commitment to fast, delicious, and inclusive dining on the unique backdrop of Phoenix’s Grand Avenue.

Testal

Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017, USA