CRUjiente Tacos

When I think of street tacos, I think “easy to assemble.” Y’know, you’re on the street selling tacos, so you probably want to keep it as simple as possible—a few meats, the same toppings on everything, some salsas. CRUjiente tacos doesn’t believe in any of that. Instead, they preach the gospel of the maximalist street taco. One that might have Korean fried chicken on it, or big hunks of sliced steak. Somehow they’re not messy though—these are elegant maximalist tacos. They’re complicated, but you're not going to have sauces and crud all over your face at the end.

Camelback East - 3961 E Camelback Rd

Reviews, Articles, and Awards

+1 Yumpoint (each) | APR 26, 2024

Foodists Awards: 2024

Best Dish In A Supporting Role: Grilled Street Corn - Winner
Restaurant Team Member Of The Year: Carlos De La Cruz - Finalist

+1 Yumpoint | JAN 16, 2024 / Bahar Anooshahr

AZ Central: 100 essential restaurants in metro Phoenix: The best places to dine in 2024

This modern taqueria is the brainchild of chef Richard Hinojosa and oenophile and sommelier Jason Morris, who is the former co-founder of Quench Wines. CRUjiente offers chef-driven crunchy (crujiente) and street tacos and some of the best margaritas in the Valley.

+1 Yumpoint | APR 24, 2023

Foodists Awards: 2023

Best World Flavors - Finalist

+.5 Yumpoints | FEB 21, 2024 / SARA CROCKER

Phoenix New Times: 10 great spots to sip margaritas in metro Phoenix

At the Arcadia taqueria and cantina CRUjiente Tacos, the neighborhood gets a namesake drink. The Arcadia Margarita combines tequila, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeno, house agave syrup and fresh lime. CRU’s bar team also is infusing unique flavors, including cinnamon, coconut and a version with passion fruit and serrano.

+.5 Yumpoints | JAN 22, 2024 / HUNTER WREN MIELE

Tasting Table: 16 Absolute Best Taco Spots In Phoenix

As the grand champion of the Arizona Taco Festival two years in a row, CRUjiente Tacos has a lot to brag about. Its menu is eclectic yet unpretentious, boasting an array of taco options that feature a fun and unconventional Korean-Mexican fusion of flavors. Try the Korean fried chicken or the red curry grilled pork belly taco for an innovative take on a dish you know and love.

+.5 Yumpoints | JUL 25, 2023 / LAUREN MILLINGTON

Female Foodie: 10 Best Tacos in Phoenix

The fusion tacos at CRUjiente are the most out-of-the-box on this list, combining influences from multiple cuisines. In fact, the only thing keeping them true to the taco is the tortilla holding it together. For the purists in the group, stick to the tacos in the Crujiente, or crunchy, menu section for a more classic taco. For the more adventurous eater, try one of the fusion tacos that made CRUjiente famous.

+.5 Yumpoints | JUN 21, 2023 / NIKKI BUCHANAN

Eater: 15 Top Taco Destinations in Phoenix

Although chef Richard Hinojosa’s menu features Mexican food standbys such as guacamole, grilled street corn, ceviche, and tacos, only a few of them are conventional. Hinojosa gets a little wild (in a good way) with the tacos, combining unusual ingredients to excellent effect.