Willie's Taco Joint

- 333 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Willie's Taco Joint stands as a vibrant, essential destination for Mexican cuisine right in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. Located ideally near major sports and entertainment venues, this establishment is far more than a simple taco stop; it’s a casual, trendy, and high-energy spot embodying a motto that color is flavor, a principle evident in both its lively ambiance and its bold food offerings. Arizona locals and tourists alike flock here for its reputation for fast service and creative, generously portioned takes on classic Mexican fare, particularly tacos and burritos.

The menu is designed for a variety of appetites and occasions, whether you're looking for a quick, authentic street taco experience or a hearty, satisfying meal. They proudly feature their Award-Winning Green Butcher Taco, a crowd favorite that secured the People's Choice Award at the 2017 New Times Tacolandia Festival, showcasing their commitment to quality and unique flavor profiles. Beyond the tacos, the Joint Munchies section is popular for sharing, including favorites like Carne Asada Fries, Nachos, and the surprisingly delightful Elote Bites. From a morning refueling stop to a late-night craving, Willie’s is equipped to handle the bustling pace of downtown life.

A significant highlight is the establishment’s full-service bar, which boasts an extensive selection of tequila, mezcal, whiskey, bourbon, scotch, and local draft beers, all complementing their signature Margaritas. The atmosphere is specifically cultivated to be welcoming and inclusive, positioning Willie's Taco Joint as an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace, in addition to being family-friendly. This creates a comfortable and cozy environment for college students, large groups, or those simply dining solo.

Customer feedback consistently praises the quality of the food and the convenient location. For instance, the Big Fatty burrito is described by patrons as legendary and incredibly filling—a perfect meal pre-game. Furthermore, the availability of four different house-made salsas allows diners to customize their heat and flavor experience, from a refreshing salsa verde to a surprising yellow option akin to a sweet-and-spicy mango-habanero blend. While the speed is appreciated, the ability to linger with a craft cocktail or enjoy the outdoor seating makes Willie's a flexible choice for various dining needs.

Willie's Taco Joint is strategically located in a high-traffic area of Downtown Phoenix, making it exceptionally convenient for anyone visiting the city's main attractions.

• Address: 333 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.

The location is situated conveniently at a light rail stop on Jefferson Street, nestled between major downtown landmarks like Chase Field (home of the Arizona Diamondbacks) and the Footprint Center (home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury). This makes it an ideal pre- or post-event dining spot.

The restaurant provides excellent accessibility features for all Arizona patrons:

• Full Accessibility: The premises feature a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking lot, wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating.
• Parking Options: Diners have multiple choices, including free street parking, as well as paid parking garage, paid parking lot, and paid street parking during busy periods.
• Payment Versatility: The establishment accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and modern NFC mobile payments for hassle-free transactions.

Willie's Taco Joint provides a comprehensive range of dining and specialized services to accommodate individuals, groups, and events across the Valley:

• Full-Day Dining: Offering counter service dining options for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Full-Service Bar: A bar onsite providing a wide selection of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard Liquor, Wine, and specialty drinks like the WTJ Margarita and San Cosme Mezcal Smokey Margarita.
• Happy Hour Specials: Dedicated Happy Hour for both food and drinks, offering budget-friendly options for college students and groups.
• Late-Night Food: Service extends to late hours, making it a reliable option for late-night cravings after events or a night out.
• Takeout and Dine-in: Offering both quick Takeout service and comfortable Dine-in options with ample seating and Outdoor Seating (where Dogs are allowed outside).
• Catering and Events: Comprehensive Catering services are available, including customizable packages such as:
  • Willie's On Wheels (Taco Cart service with a minimum of 25 guests).
  • Build Your Own Taco Bar (served in 20 taco increments).
  • Enchilada Platters, Fajita Fiesta, and Appetizer Favorites like the Nacho Bar (Serves 15) and Chips & Specialty Salsas (Serves 12).
• Dietary Options: Menu includes dedicated Vegan options and Vegetarian options, catering to diverse dietary needs within the community.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi and clean Restrooms are available for the convenience of all patrons.

The restaurant stands out in the Downtown Phoenix scene with several notable features:

• Award-Winning Cuisine: Home of the Green Butcher Taco, a recognized award-winner featuring a Hatch chile tortilla, green chile pork, and a vibrant array of fresh toppings.
• Signature Burritos: Known for the massive and satisfying The Big Fatty burrito, alongside favorites like the California Burrito and a variety of substantial Breakfast Burritos.
• Extensive Drink Menu: A focus on high-quality spirits, featuring over a dozen Tequila and Mezcal options, including premium brands like Don Julio 1942 and Casamigos, plus an impressive range of regional Draft Beer and house cocktails.
• Fresh and Diverse Salsas: A selection of four distinct salsas, allowing diners to choose their perfect flavor, from mild to a sweet-heat combination, as praised in local reviews.
• Joint Munchies for Sharing: Unique appetizers that include Mini Chimichangas, Elote Bites, and the popular Carne Asada Fries, perfect for groups enjoying the casual, Sports-centric atmosphere.
• Unique Local Vibe: The restaurant has a Cozy, Trendy, and Casual atmosphere, designed to be a fun gathering spot for diverse crowds, including being LGBTQ+ friendly and recognized as a Transgender safespace.

For general inquiries, catering quotes, or to confirm current business hours, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 333 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
• Phone: (602) 559-4059

For anyone in the Arizona area, Willie's Taco Joint is worth choosing primarily for its exceptional location and its ability to seamlessly merge the authentic, bold flavors of Mexican street food with a vibrant, modern dining experience. It is the premier choice for a pre-game or post-event meal or drink in Downtown Phoenix.

The must-try item is unequivocally the Green Butcher Taco ($6.50). Its award-winning status is a testament to the quality and fusion of flavors—the Hatch chile tortilla paired with savory green chile pork is a true regional standout.

For a truly filling experience, the Big Fatty Burrito ($17.00) or the Carne Asada Fries ($18.00) are highly recommended; these are the kind of hearty comfort food dishes that Arizona locals appreciate after a long day or before a major event. The portions are substantial and the ingredients are fresh.

Equally worth choosing are the liquid offerings. Whether you opt for the house WTJ Margarita ($14.00) made with LALO Blanco Tequila, or one of the specialty cocktails like the San Cosme Mezcal Smokey Margarita ($15.00), the drink menu provides the perfect complement to the food. Their emphasis on local beer, such as Papago Orange Blossom and Joy Bus Wow Wheat, also allows patrons to support other Arizona businesses.

Finally, Willie's should be the destination of choice for event planning. The extensive catering options, including the highly convenient Willie's On Wheels Taco Cart for larger groups, provides a full-service, flavorful Mexican fiesta that can be brought right to your Arizona gathering or party location. This flexibility, coupled with the fun, casual, and fast environment, establishes Willie's Taco Joint as a top-tier Mexican dining experience in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Willie's Taco Joint

333 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA