Tortilla Fish

- 1320 W Elliot Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284

For residents of Arizona looking for an authentic taste of coastal and Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine without leaving the Valley, **Tortilla Fish**—which also operates under the name Santa Madre Taco Shop—is a well-established local favorite. Located in South Tempe, this casual restaurant has built a strong reputation since 2013 for specializing in deep-fried fish and shrimp tacos and quesadillas, offering a menu that perfectly blends traditional flavors with generous portions. It's a go-to spot for a quick, high-quality meal, serving up a diverse menu that goes beyond seafood to include beloved Mexican classics like carne asada, al pastor, and chicken.

The core of the Tortilla Fish experience is its commitment to fresh ingredients and customizable flavor. Diners appreciate that the tacos are generally served plain, giving them complete freedom to build their perfect meal at the famed, expansive salsa bar. This bar is a major highlight, featuring a rich assortment of homemade hot sauces, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo, limes, and unique dressings like homemade tartar, cilantro, avocado, and chipotle sauces. The ability to load up your meal exactly how you like it is a key reason for the restaurant’s strong following.

While the business name on file is Tortilla Fish, patrons in the area often recognize it by its current operating name, Santa Madre Taco Shop, at the same location. It offers a fast, friendly service model focused primarily on convenient ordering, making it ideal for the local community, students, and busy families in the South Tempe/West Elliot Road corridor.

Contact Information:

• **Address:** 1320 W Elliot Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA
• **Phone:** (480) 820-2323 or +1 480-820-2323

Tortilla Fish is conveniently situated on West Elliot Road in Tempe, AZ, making it easily accessible for residents across the southern part of the city and those coming from the neighboring communities in the Chandler and Phoenix area. The location is in a commercial center, providing simple access for drive-up service. While the primary focus is on takeout, the site generally offers ample parking options for patrons stopping by to pick up their orders, including dedicated spots in the adjacent lot.

The restaurant’s layout is designed for a no-fuss, fast-casual experience. For those cycling in the area, bike parking is also provided. The primary service model emphasizes speed and convenience for customers on the go. While a dining area may be present, the information highlights the streamlined, quick-service nature of the establishment, prioritizing fast delivery of fresh food.

The focus of Tortilla Fish's services is on rapid, convenient meal access, built around a menu that is both satisfying and reasonably priced, appealing to individuals, large groups, and families.

Services Offered:

• **Takeout Service:** The core service option, ensuring meals are ready for fast pickup.
• **Menu Variety:** Serves a full selection of Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, and Combo Platters, offering Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner options.
• **Kids' Menu:** Provides a dedicated menu for children, confirming its family-friendly appeal.
• **Payment Options:** Accepts Debit cards for quick and easy transactions.
• **Salsa Bar Access:** Allows customers to personalize their dishes with a wide variety of fresh, homemade toppings and sauces.
• **Beverages:** Offers a selection of Mexican Sodas, Aguas Frescas, and standard Fountain Drinks.
• **Dietary Inclusivity:** The menu includes fish, shrimp, chicken, beef (carne asada, barbacoa), and veggie options, catering to different preferences.

Tortilla Fish is distinguished by its specialty items and its unique approach to customization, creating a memorable and value-driven experience for its Arizona customers.

Features / Highlights:

• **Signature Fish and Shrimp Tacos:** The restaurant is famous for its Baja-style, deep-fried fish and shrimp tacos, a staple of the menu that draws high praise from customers.
• **Expansive Salsa Bar:** A critical highlight, offering numerous homemade salsas, fresh toppings (cabbage, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo), and unique house-made dressings (chipotle, avocado, cilantro).
• **Authentic Sonoran Flair:** Known for incorporating traditional Sonoran elements, including the use of high-quality Sonora, Mexico flour tortillas for many of its steak tacos and quesadillas.
• **Creative Specialty Items:** Menu includes unique and popular items such as the 'Full Taco' (battered fish, shrimp, and a cheese-filled yellow pepper) and the 'Surf & Turf Burrito' (battered shrimp and grilled steak).
• **Hearty Combo Meals:** Offers excellent value with various combo platters that include tacos, burritos, rice, beans, and a soft drink.
• **Family-Centric Model:** The provision of a Kids' menu underscores its commitment to catering to families in the surrounding Tempe neighborhoods.
• **Speed and Value:** Highly regarded for providing fast service and affordable, yet substantial, portions, making it a great option for budget-conscious diners.

For an Arizona resident navigating the many Mexican food options in the Valley, choosing Tortilla Fish (Santa Madre Taco Shop) is a decision to prioritize authenticity, flavor, and convenience. The restaurant's longevity and reputation for excellence in a highly competitive market speaks volumes.

What is worth choosing here is the specialization—you are coming for some of the best Sonoran-style battered fish and shrimp tacos in the Tempe area, a regional favorite that is often hard to find perfected. Unlike many fast-casual taco shops, Tortilla Fish offers an authentic experience centered on quality seafood and other flavorful meats, such as the succulent carne asada and tender barbacoa.

Moreover, the famous salsa bar transforms a simple taco or burrito into a highly personalized culinary creation. It allows customers to control the spice level and texture of their meal, moving beyond the standard toppings found elsewhere. This level of customization, combined with the convenience of its takeout model and easy-to-access location on Elliot Road, makes it an indispensable asset to the South Tempe dining scene. When you are looking for fresh, fast, and authentically prepared Mexican fare—whether it's the signature Fish Taco, a hearty Surf & Turf Burrito, or one of their acclaimed combos—Tortilla Fish offers consistent quality and flavor that has delighted local diners for years. It's the ideal spot for a quick, delicious family meal or a satisfying solo takeout on the way home.

Tortilla Fish

1320 W Elliot Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA