Rosa's Mexican Food

This used to me one of my all time favorites. I have more than a few of their Holiday Calendars around my house. I can't say that I recall ever being there early on a weekday. I'm guessing that may have been the problem. The Chef wasn't there yet and being a weekday they let things slide unlike an all day busy Saturday or Sunday. The rice: straight from having been saved in the refrigerator - zero flavor. The re-fried frijoles - the same and not even an attempt to make it seem fresh with a drop of cheese on it. The enchilada - another epic fail but what was most miserable, and insulting, was the poor, sad,shriveled up chunk of what might have been, long ago, before it was made in a batch and frozen, a tamale. Whoever was in the kitchen was allowed to make an attempt at a taco. Hint: strain the meat so it doesn't soak the tortilla. It may seem ""authentico"" to tourist, but at my Nana's house the taco's didn't disintegrate the moment you lifted it leaving a jumbled mass of a mess. The idea is that a taco isn't a pile of ingredients; it's something you hold in one hand and eat. Not something you use a spoon and knife to wipe up. I could mention a Mexican Restaurant or two on the south side where the families have never, ever, rested on their reputation. There is always someone actually cooking in the kitchen. To top this disaster off was the, ""I so don't want to be here.."" personality challenged (but so superior because it's her family that owns what is left of what used to be a great place) girl at the register. She was about two feet from the register on a stool and never leaned forward at all. Pleasantries or conversation? Forget about it. Can someone so young have their face immobilized by Botox? 2 stars. Off my list. None of this made me feel like it's worth another try anytime soon. more

My visit to Rosa's was good. The food and people were excellent, but the place seemed a little dirty and had dust on the ceiling. more

I have been going to Rosa's for years, Wonderful service. more

Chips and Salsa are unlimited and fantastic with lots of spice and a great garlicy finish. Chile Relleno's can not be beaten anywhere in Tucson; creamy white enchilada sauce with beans and rice...order with a hot tortilla on the side. Enchilada's are fantastic and always piping hot when served. Casuela Soup as a white board special is a must but serves as an entire meal. more

My wife and I went here a few times when we moved into the area. Our first experience was pretty good. The food was good, but the service was very slow. It was down hill from there on. We have tried this place at least 4 or 5 times since, and it is now to the point that I am writing this because I am disgusted with the place, mostly because of how we have been treated on more than one occasion. Go to Nico's taco stand across the street for mexican food that is more than half the price, and you won't have to deal with the arrogant staff of Rosa's. I will NEVER patronize this overpriced place again. Cons: Overpriced, arrogant staff, poor service more

THE BEST CARNE SECA IN THE CITY. I ALWAYS TAKE A PINT OF SALSA HOME WITH ME SINCE I AM THERE! Pros: SALSA AND CARNE SECO. MY WIFE ALWAYS ORDERS JORGES! Cons: NOT THAT CLOSE TO MY HOUSE. SOMETIMES HAVE TO WAIT FOR A TABLE. more

Restaurant has great salsa ... after that it is all downhill. Last time I was there, the server brought out the wrong order (a beef chimichanga) - not once but twice. First time it was a chicken burro, the second time it was a burrito (again) and the server insisted it was a chimi (even though it wasn't cooked). Pros: Salsa Cons: Everything else more

I recently went to Rosa's Restaurant, and surprising enough I found a rubber band in my bean burrito! I was speechless, I told the waiter (who speaks absolutely no English) but by then I just wanted to get the check and leave. I asked for the manager, and (10 mins. later) she told me she could bring me another one, that?s it. I just said ?No, thank you? and we left. I was shocked that they were so nonchalant about the situation and not friendly what so ever. They have no customer service. The food is overpriced, it takes the staff an incredibly long time to seat and serve you, which is quite unacceptable. I'm certain that the FDA would not approve of what happen. Overall, I would not recommend anyone going to Rosa's. Pros: None. Cons: Service, food, parking, unpleasant hospitality more

Sometimes TOO busy, but there's a reason. Rosa's serves terrific food, traditional Mexican with their own marvelous salsa and some of their own twists, like the combo plates, including David's Special, which should please all vegetarians with the green corn tamale & avocado enchilada & more. If you're more of a meat lover, their green chile, or carne seca, should satisfy you very well. Terrific for families, and they do very good takeout, but allow 20 to 30 minutes MORE for takeout than they tell you on the phone, particularly if it's at one of their busy times. My one con would be that they don't treat takeout orders with as much speed and kindness as they do dine-in people. But that won't keep me from ordering their terrific food. We live close, and my family's happy when I bring Rosa's in. I'd say: put them on speed dial. Pros: great food, great location, cerveza fria, lively Cons: very slow on takeout orders, sometimes too busy more

The food is excellent, especially the chicken chimichanga with guacamole. Crispy on outside, moist and succulent on the inside. The salsa has just enough kick to make it interesting. However, the staff almost seemed like I was a bother to them. No smiles and they asked me questions like it was causing them pain. It was a little busy but they could still act like they wanted my service. Perhaps if you go when it isn't busy the attitudes might be better. Pros: THE FOOD Cons: Service could be nicer more

I was really disappointed in this place. I was expecting great things but all I got was oversalted, overpriced, poorly served disgusting food. The salsa was on the same lines as something you get in a jar from the grocery store. The chips were stale. The menu is confusing in a very small font. The food is overpriced because most things don't include rice and beans so you have to get them on the side if you want them. And they are definitely NOT worth the extra money. You can get better rice and beans at a fast food taco shop. I am a huge fan of enchiladas and this is the only place I have gotten them from that I didn't like them. How does a Mexican place mess up enchiladas, rice and beans, AND the chip and salsa? I am a big fan of family run operations, but this place is just horrible! I tried to like it, they just messed up everything. Pros: The sign for the place is attractive Cons: Everything else! more

I have lived in AZ all my life. I had a dollar for every Mexican joint I've dined in from Nogales to Page and Yuma to Springerville I could open my own place. I have never had a more delicious chili. The chili relleno is nothing fancy but they use extra garlic to make a melt in your mouth treat. This is typical Sonoran blue plate home cooking. The waiter Chuy was excellent and the beer was served crackling cold as it should. I can't wait to go try some other items! Pros: Traditional Sonoran, Great Service, Cold Beer more

I have been in Tucson for just over a year. Of course I have eaten alot of mexican food BUT!!! ROSAS was wonderful. The food was cooked just right...all side dishes/sauces were just the right amount. I have been served having MOUNDS of beans and rice, and sauce dripping off the plate there was so much. Of course, when I began to eat, I had to move the extras around to find the main dish. Even the temperture...good. And, this was take-out. The texture and taste was pleasing to the tongue and satisfying to the appetite. Last but not least, the service...That was GREAT too. I was there when it was so busy people were outsdie waiting. The Lady was nice...and talked to people. The waitress looked busy not disgusted. OK..I am done. (* Pros: Service, Food, Cost Cons: Needs seating, A better location, Serve Seconds Free more

This is a great family run Mexican restaurant. Rosa oversees the daily operations. The food is excellent. The level of custome service and attention is extremely high. more