FRANCISCO'S AND FRANKIE'S - TUCSON, AZ

We love this restaurant and have been eating here since the beginning of Tucson #2. Its a small hole in the wall place with all that description entails. Everything is slightly dirty and no one knows the word updated, the tablecloths are worn, there is no decoration to speak of except for family photos on the wall and a list of their specials. But my oh my their food is good and very reasonably priced and the service is always excellent.

There's a few counter seats but mostly tables in the L shaped room. The salsa bar is good and there's always a big pot of charro beans.

My usual order is the tacos dorados plate. very good rice and beans with queso fresca on top, lettuce and tomato and avocado and 3 of the best crispy tacos with sour cream, chicken and potatoes. The flavor is incredible.

Bill's usual order is 2 soft tacos Francisco's style (which means the meat is grilled with peppers and spices and onions) with carne asada.

During the day, this restaurant goes by the name of Frankie's and the atmosphere is so very different than the evenings when it transforms to Francisco's. When we go for dinner, there are always other patrons but it is quiet and laid back and everyone moves at a leisurely pace. but during the day (i've been here twice for breakfast and once bill and alicia and i came during one of her visits) it is bustling!!!! it is packed and there is usually a wait.

There is a small outdoor seating area and that is full also. The waitresses are moving at a rapid clip and the noise can be overwhelming but the food is just as good as the evening. Usual breakfast fare with Mexican dishes too. They bake their own raisin cinnamon bread and for a QUARTER extra you can get that toast instead of the usual white or wheat.

A great place. Its located on Pima and Alvernon.