Downtown Phoenix Mexican Restaurant Named One of Best in US

Huarachis Taqueria, opened by James Beard Award-winning chef Rene Andrade, earns national recognition.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Huarachis Taqueria, a downtown Phoenix Mexican restaurant opened in December 2023 by 2024 James Beard Award-winning chef Rene Andrade, has been named one of the top 39 restaurants in the country by USA TODAY's 2026 Restaurants of the Year list.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the growing culinary reputation of Phoenix's downtown dining scene, which has seen a surge of new and innovative restaurants in recent years. Andrade's success with Huarachis also demonstrates the national acclaim that can be achieved by chefs who focus on authentic, high-quality Mexican cuisine.

The details

Huarachis Taqueria is Andrade's second restaurant after his first, Bacanora, also located in downtown Phoenix. The taqueria opened in December 2023 and has now earned a spot on USA TODAY's prestigious Restaurants of the Year list, which features the dining spots that food writers across the country are most excited about.

  • Huarachis Taqueria opened in December 2023.
  • Rene Andrade won the James Beard Award in 2024.
  • USA TODAY released its 2026 Restaurants of the Year list on February 11, 2026.

The players

Rene Andrade

A 2024 James Beard Award-winning chef who opened Huarachis Taqueria in downtown Phoenix in December 2023.

Huarachis Taqueria

A Mexican restaurant in downtown Phoenix that was named one of the top 39 restaurants in the country by USA TODAY's 2026 Restaurants of the Year list.

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The takeaway

Huarachis Taqueria's national recognition is a testament to the growing culinary reputation of Phoenix's downtown dining scene, as well as the ability of chefs like Rene Andrade to earn acclaim for their authentic and high-quality Mexican cuisine.