Willie's Taco Joint Tempe

- 511 S Farmer Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

For Arizona locals seeking a vibrant, flavor-packed dining experience in the heart of Tempe, Willie's Taco Joint stands out as a must-visit Mexican restaurant. Far from a typical taqueria, Willie's combines the casual, lively spirit of a neighborhood spot with a menu of bold, substantial Mexican-American comfort food. Situated in an easily accessible location near Arizona State University (ASU), it has quickly become a favorite for everyone from students and downtown residents to families and groups.

The restaurant’s motto is often expressed as "color is flavor," a philosophy that is evident in their inventive, award-winning menu items and the overall lively atmosphere. Willie's specializes in tacos that are famously loaded with meat and flavor, often exceeding expectations for a quick-service taco joint. Customers frequently praise the generous portions and the high quality of ingredients, with one reviewer noting that the tacos are so large, they can be a meal by themselves. It’s the perfect place for those who love their Mexican fare with a hearty American twist, offering everything from classic Authentic Carne Asada to the legendary Carne Asada Fries.

Willie's Taco Joint maintains a relaxed and Casual atmosphere that makes it welcoming for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quick morning bite, a midday meal, or a late-night feast, this establishment provides a friendly and engaging dining environment, with staff noted for being amazing, nice, and quick with perfect recommendations.

Location and Accessibility

Willie's Taco Joint Tempe boasts a unique and highly convenient location, making it a central hub for food enthusiasts in the region. The restaurant is cleverly positioned within the Vīb Hotel by Best Western, located on the southeast corner of Fifth Street and Farmer Avenue, just west of Downtown Tempe and only a short distance from the ASU Main Campus.

The primary location details are:

• Address: 511 S Farmer Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

This setting offers dual-dining possibilities: the main floor restaurant is perfect for grabbing tacos and burritos in a laid-back setting, while its affiliation with the hotel often provides access to a vibrant social scene, including a nearby rooftop bar (UPBAR Tempe at Vīb Hotel) for pre- or post-meal drinks. Accessibility is a high priority for all patrons:

• Accessibility Features: The premises feature a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a designated Wheelchair accessible parking lot, a Wheelchair accessible restroom, and comfortable Wheelchair accessible seating.
• Parking: Guests benefit from convenient parking options, including a Free parking lot and access to nearby Free street parking.
• Pet Policy: In a friendly nod to Arizona's outdoor lifestyle, Dogs are allowed outside, making it a great stop during a walk.

Services Offered

The service structure at Willie's Taco Joint is designed for maximum convenience, supporting all aspects of the busy Arizona lifestyle:

• Dining Options: The joint is open for Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, and crucially, offers a full BREAKFAST menu. This all-day service is popular for Solo dining as well as for Groups.
• Service Speed: A highlighted feature is the Fast service, ensuring patrons can enjoy a quality meal even on a tight schedule.
• Flexible Ordering: Customers can choose between Dine-in, convenient Takeout, or direct Delivery to their home or office.
• Beverage Program: The venue provides a full selection of drinks, including Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, and Coffee, with a dedicated Bar onsite. The fountain drinks selection includes classics like Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Lemonade.
• Meal Types: Offerings include hearty Comfort food, Quick bite options, and savory Small plates for sharing, catering to diverse appetites and occasions.
• Family and Kids: Willie's is Family-friendly, featuring a dedicated Kids' menu with options like Grilled Cheese and Chicken Poppers.
• Payments: Transactions are easy with support for major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

Willie's Taco Joint’s menu is packed with crowd-pleasing specialties, blending traditional Mexican flavors with indulgent creativity. The highlights demonstrate why this spot is a local favorite:

• The Green Butcher Taco: A signature and award-winning dish. This taco features tender green chile pork served in a Hatch chile tortilla, topped with onion, cabbage, salsa verde, and queso fresco. It's lauded for its perfect balance of spice and richness.
• Over-the-Top Burritos: Beyond the standard, the burritos here are massive. The California Burrito is a local favorite, stuffing marinated steak, cheddar cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, and—critically—crisp French Fries into a flour tortilla. The Big Fatty is also a legendary choice, combining steak, carnitas, rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, guacamole, and sour cream.
• Joint Munchies: The appetizer section is a feast of comfort. The Carne Asada Fries are highly popular, drowning crisp fries in chile con queso, carne asada, sour cream, and guacamole. Other must-try items include the WTJ Rolled Tacos and the cheesy Elote Bites.
• Full-Service Breakfast: Starting the day right is easy with their extensive breakfast menu. Options range from the rich Chilaquiles and Willie's Breakfast Plate to the decadent Flan French Toast and lighter options like Acai Bowl and Guacamole Toast.
• Unique Dessert Offerings: To cap off the meal, the dessert menu features inventive items like the Raspberry Cheesecake Chimis and the luxurious, caffeinated Licor 43 Affogato Dessert, alongside classic Churros.

Contact Information

For reservations, takeout, or general inquiries, please use the contact information below:

• Address: 511 S Farmer Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
• Phone: (520) 552-8485
• Mobile Phone: +1 520-552-8485
• Note on Hours: Operating hours can vary, especially with the dual location (lobby and rooftop) inside the Vīb Hotel. It is always recommended for Arizona residents to call ahead or check the restaurant’s official online platforms for the most current service schedule, especially when planning a visit on weekends or for breakfast.

What is Worth Choosing

Willie's Taco Joint in Tempe is an excellent choice for Arizona diners because it successfully delivers on its promise of big, bold flavors and generous portions in a cool, casual setting. The quality of the food—particularly the substantial meat content in their tacos and the perfect execution of favorites like the Carne Asada Fries—offers superb value for the quality. This is the place to go when you are seriously hungry and craving a satisfying and flavorful meal.

The combination of an all-day menu (spanning decadent breakfast items to late-day munchies) and a full-service bar featuring Hard liquor and craft cocktails ensures that Willie's caters to any occasion, whether it’s a morning study session near ASU or a lively dinner with friends. The location inside the modern Vīb Hotel adds an elegant and sophisticated touch to the otherwise chill atmosphere, creating a truly unique and memorable dining experience in Downtown Tempe.

Willie's Taco Joint Tempe

511 S Farmer Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA