Tacos Apson — Review by J. Kenji López-Alt
Tucson, United States — Mexican/Sonoran
Kenji visits Tacos Apson in Tucson and is impressed by their excellent tacos made with quality ingredients and traditional grilling techniques. He praises the flavorful ribs tacos, the roasted green chili taco hass, and the well-seasoned beans, all served on thin, high-quality flour tortillas. The restaurant's open-grill cooking method produces nicely charred, delicious results.
What was great: Juicy and flavorful grilled ribs tacos with charred bits, roasted green chilies in the taco hass with excellent green chili flavor, well-seasoned and smoky beans, high-quality thin flour tortillas, nice salsa bar with green and avocado options, charred meat from open grill
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Kenji ordered two tacos that showcased the restaurant's skill with traditional Sonoran-style preparation. The first taco featured grilled ribs, a cut Kenji loves for its fatty connective tissue and intense flavor. The meat arrived juicy and delicious with beautiful charred bits from the grill, topped with a vibrant green salsa. The second taco, called the taco hass, combined roasted green chilies, carneasada, and cheese. With an avocado salsa and pickled onions infused with Mexican oregano, this taco delivered excellent green chili flavor and showcased the restaurant's commitment to charring ingredients properly on their open grill.
On the side, Kenji sampled the beans which were dark, thick, and complex - well-spiced, smoky, and meaty at the same time with a sophisticated flavor profile. The standout element across all dishes was the flour tortillas themselves, which Kenji noted are surprisingly hard to find good versions of in the Sonoran Desert region. These tortillas were thin with just a hint of stretch and flakiness, providing the perfect vehicle for the grilled meats.
The Experience
The restaurant features an open counter design with a large grill visible to diners, allowing customers to watch the cooking process. The open flames and smoke from grilling create an authentic, energetic atmosphere. The restaurant also maintains a salsa bar with multiple options, including green and avocado varieties, giving customers choice in customizing their tacos.
The Verdict
Tacos Apson delivers excellent Sonoran-style tacos with quality ingredients and traditional grilling techniques that produce perfectly charred, flavorful results. The combination of skilled preparation, quality meats, homemade tortillas, and attention to detail makes this a must-visit destination for taco enthusiasts in Tucson.