Phoenix Burrito Bracket 2026: Vote Now for Wild Cards
The Arizona Republic's third annual Burrito Bracket competition is here, inspired by the excitement of March Madness. This year, 14 out of 16 contenders have been chosen from the Republic's list of 100 essential restaurants, with readers able to nominate their favorite burrito spots for the two remaining wildcard positions.
The first Burrito Bracket winner was Rito's Mexican Food in 2023, after a contentious battle against The Original Carolina's Mexican Food in the championship round. In 2025, Carolina's fans voted with a vengeance, taking the crown for the longtime hole-in-the-wall.
This year, we've added a new rule: former Burrito Bracket winners are no longer eligible for the competition, giving new restaurants a chance to shine. You can pick the 'wild cards' by submitting your favorite burrito restaurant at azcentral.com/things-to-do/food-dining. Be sure to include the restaurant's location, your go-to order, and what makes it special.
Submissions end at 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 8. Here are the 14 Burrito Bracket contenders:
- Asadero Norte de Sonora, Phoenix - Offers affordable burros de carne asada, barbacoa, pastor, pollo, cabeza, and lengua.
- Beach House, Phoenix - Known for their baja shrimp and fish burritos with cabbage slaw, seasoned rice, and homemade pinto beans.
- Birrieria Obregon, Phoenix - Offers 10 types of burritos, most famously the birria burrito with either beef or goat.
- Casa Corazon, Phoenix - Known for upscale sirloin asada and marinated pork.
- Chula Seafood, Phoenix - The popular California burrito with grilled fish or shrimp, crispy fries, guacamole, and Baja sauce.
- Elmer's Tacos, Chandler - Fans love their hot and spicy grilled green chili chicken burritos.
- La Casa de Juana, Tempe - Juana's burrito comes enchilada style, with rice and beans, and the option of creamy jalapeño.
- Lulaá Oaxacan Street Food, Phoenix - Known for Oaxacan-style bean-and-cheese burros.
- Los Dos Molinos, Phoenix - Known for super spicy red or green chile burros.
- Mis Nietos Cocina, Avondale - Burritos Sinaloense filled with onions, green chili stew, potatoes, bacon, beans, and cheese.
- PHX Burrito House, Phoenix - Specialty is the shrimp burrito topped with avocado, lemon juice, cabbage, pico de gallo, and hot sauce on a housemade flour tortilla.
- Ta'Carbon, Glendale - Featuring the hazz burrito with tender carne asada, cheese, and grilled chilies.
- Tacos Chiwas, Mesa - Red or green shredded beef burritos wrapped in house-made organic flour tortillas.
- Tacos La K'lera, Tolleson - Giant burritos filled with melted Monterey Jack cheese, french fries, and warm beef birria.
- Wild Card 1: You tell us!
- Wild Card 2: Who did we miss?
