FRANCISCO'S - TUCSON, AZ

This is a small neighborhood Mexican restaurant mostly peopled by Mexicans. Its located at Pima and Alvernon and we love this place. The prices are very reasonable; the food always good; the atmosphere lively and friendly and the portions are large.

There are maybe 10 tables in an L shaped room and a few counter seats. Lots of pictures on the wall and red and white checked tablecloths; what my mom would have called oilcloths. During the day the restaurant is called Frankie's and they serve breakfast and lunch. I've never been there during those hours.

I always order the same thing; tres tacos dorados. 3 crispy tacos with chicken and potato smothered in lettuce and queso fresca with sides of sour cream, tomato, grilled onions (so sweet!) and avocado. The dish also has beans and rice which i always give to Bill. He always gets the same thing too! dos tacos francisco's style with carne asada. His tacos are on soft flour tortillas.

There is always a big pot of charro beans that you can help yourself to and a nice salsa bar with several varieties and pickled onions, cucumbers, radishes and cilantro.

We always leave this place happy and content having communicated with the little bit of  Spanish that we know. On this night, we finished the gustatory evening with a stop at U-Swirl yogurt at the El Con mall. We have finally finished our punch card so the next visit will reward us with a 16 oz. free yogurt.