Where You Can Celebrate National Salsa Month In The Valley

Ah, summer. You can’t beat summertime when it comes to food. It’s a time of year when the love of flavor really wins out. That’s right — it’s National Salsa Month in May, and a border state like Arizona can’t really escape something as pervasive as the idea of salsa. It’s everywhere. With Mexico only a few hours south of the Valley, it’s only right that Phoenix has a plethora of places with astounding, flavorful salsas. So, if you’re looking to celebrate salsa the right way — by dousing it, dipping it, or some other form of eating, you’re in the right place. Let’s get you familiar with the places known for their salsa.

La Santisima

4117 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016

La Santisima is a gourmet taco shop using local ingredients, and it exudes a coolness you want to be a part of. With dozens of taco types to choose from, anyone who’s familiar with Mexican food will know that gluten-free is an option for everyone, as long as you stay away from the bread and the flour tortillas. There are even vegan options for tacos and dishes alike. What really takes the cake here, though, is their salsa bar, hailed for its variety and its taste alike. 

Vecina

3433 N 56th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018

This modern American eatery located in Arcadia Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria has a spirit of its own, and that spirit is Latin-inspired. From their spin on elotes to their pork belly tacos, there’s a lot of Latin cuisine influence in every dish. Don’t forget to do what you came here to do: try their salsa trio, appetizer chips & dip experience that includes a salsa cruda, a roasted tomato salsa, and a habanero salsa. You can also enjoy many salsa variations depending on the dish you get, like their Adobo Grilled Duroc Pork, which comes with a salsa aguacate!

Casa Corazon Restaurant

2637 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Delicious things are sure to come your way at Casa Corazon, where the carne asada tacos are made with a gluten-free homemade green salsa, and where the enormous Camarones Cucaracha are served grilled and whole with a spicy dipping sauce all their own. At the end of the day, salsa just means “sauce”, so don’t split hairs — just eat! This rustic-chic eatery with seafood and tacos has your name written all over it!