A self-guided or guided tour of Old Town Scottsdale's best taco spots and Mexican restaurants, sampling different regional Mexican taco styles, agave spirits, and craft margaritas across 4-5 venues.
Scottsdale Food Tours leads the Taco and Margarita Trail through Old Town Scottsdale, a walkable grid of restaurants, cantinas, and rooftop bars that has become the Phoenix metropolitan area's most concentrated destination for regional Mexican cuisine and craft agave spirits. The 2.5-hour tour visits four to five venues, sampling distinct taco styles representing different regional Mexican traditions — from crispy birria de res tacos dipped in consommé, to al pastor carved from a vertical trompo, to char-grilled carne asada served with handmade tortillas — alongside craft margaritas and an introduction to the Arizona agave spirits scene. Each taco stop pairs the food with culinary history of the regional style: why Jalisco-style birria arrived in Arizona through mid-century migration, how al pastor's Lebanese origins spread from Mexico City northward, and the ranching culture behind carne asada as a staple of northern Mexico and Arizona. Margarita tastings move through classic lime-and-blanco expressions into cucumber-jalapeño and hibiscus variations, with the guide explaining the difference between blanco, reposado, and añejo tequilas and how Arizona bartenders incorporate native desert botanicals like prickly pear and mesquite into cocktail programs. Old Town Scottsdale's compact footprint means the tour rarely exceeds half a mile on foot, making it accessible for most fitness levels. The $55 ticket covers five taco tastings and two to three drink tastings. Groups average ten to sixteen participants and the tour operates in English. A self-guided version of the trail map can also be downloaded for visitors who prefer to explore at their own pace across Old Town's participating restaurants.
What is included
- 5 taco tastings, 2-3 drink tastings
Good to know
- Operator
- Scottsdale Food Tours
Highlights
- Multiple taco styles (birria, al pastor, carne asada)
- Craft margarita tastings
- Agave spirit education
- Old Town venue variety
Tips for visiting
- Arrive reasonably hungry; five taco tastings amount to roughly the equivalent of a light-to-moderate meal.
- Weeknight departures tend to have smaller groups than Friday and Saturday evenings, when Old Town Scottsdale is considerably busier.
- Designated drivers and non-drinkers can substitute agua frescas or specialty sodas at margarita stops without additional cost.
- Old Town Scottsdale's main streets are accessible, but some venues involve short entry steps; contact Scottsdale Food Tours in advance if mobility assistance is needed.
- Wear layers in winter months — December and January evenings in Scottsdale can drop into the 40s Fahrenheit during the 2.5-hour outdoor route.
- Photography of food at each stop is welcomed; confirm flash photography policies at individual venues, which vary.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Scottsdale Taco and Margarita Trail guided or self-guided?
The standard tour is fully guided by a Scottsdale Food Tours host. A self-guided map option is also available for independent exploration of Old Town Scottsdale taco venues at visitors' own pace.
Are alcoholic margaritas required to participate?
No. Non-alcoholic substitutions — aguas frescas, specialty sodas, or mocktails — are available at every drink stop at no extra charge. Participants are not required to consume alcohol at any point.
What taco styles are typically featured on the trail?
The trail typically includes birria de res, al pastor, carne asada, and one or two seasonal or chef's-special styles rotating among Old Town Scottsdale's participating restaurants. The mix changes periodically as new restaurant partners join the trail.
How far in advance should the tour be booked?
Weekend departures in high season (October through April) sell out 7–10 days in advance. Weeknight tours have more availability, though advance booking is still recommended to secure a spot.
Is parking available near the Old Town Scottsdale departure point?
Old Town Scottsdale has public parking garages and street parking within a short walk of the tour's departure location. Rideshare services are also widely available and recommended for visitors who plan to enjoy the margarita tastings fully.