Taco Viva opened June 22, 2024 at 2815 E Indian School Road with brothers James Greaves and Rigo Neri bringing Tijuana-style tacos to the Arcadia area.
The newly built space with towering ceilings and modern bright dining room features a vertical spit trompo spinning behind white-tiled counters while red-and-white color palette creates romance of taquerias of yore.
Walk through the door and a chorus of “Buenos días!” welcomes you from the staff waving behind the counter setting the tone for everything that follows.
What Makes Taco Viva Special
Greaves lived in Mexico City as a teenager while Neri grew up in Sonora, Mexico creating the combined perspective that informs the menu pulling from both regions.
The pastor adobada slowly roasts on the vertical spit creating caramelized edges and smoky flavor that defines authentic Tijuana-style preparation rather than shortcuts.
Fresh handmade tortillas get made on the spot while salsas and condiments come from recipes prepared fresh daily creating the foundation that makes every taco better.
The 2025 Best Carne Asada Fries from Phoenix New Times validates what the packed dining room already proved – this Arcadia spot delivers authentic taqueria experience Phoenix was missing.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Greaves and Neri wanted to bring a taste of their childhoods to the new spot with northwestern Mexico’s taco culture that wasn’t well represented in Austin despite the city’s taco obsession.
They opened in the former space creating drive-thru convenience alongside dine-in experience with that speakeasy feel of finding something special.
The brothers remember a taquero at the end of their childhood block who knew their names, their relatives’ names, and their favorite orders – that personal connection inspired the open format where taqueros interact with guests directly.
The mural-decorated exterior instantly fit into the neighborhood while the open kitchen lets you watch preparation and smell meat roasting from the moment you enter.
Food Highlights
- Pastor Adobada Tacos: The authentic vertical spit preparation creates caramelized edges and smoky flavor that defines Tijuana-style from northwestern Mexico with meat slowly roasting for maximum flavor. 🌮
- Carne Asada Tacos: The never-frozen meat grilled “con fuego” showcases quality ingredients and proper technique earning signature preparation status alongside the 2025 Best Carne Asada Fries award. 🥩
- Fresh Handmade Tortillas: The tortillas made on the spot rather than using prepared ones create the foundation that elevates every taco from good to exceptional. 🫓
- Carne Asada Fries: The 2025 Best Carne Asada Fries from Phoenix New Times arrive loaded with never-frozen beef grilled properly creating award-winning excellence. 🍟
- Grilled Cactus Quesadilla: The nopal preparation offers a vegetarian option that respects the ingredient with authentic Mexican technique rather than treating it as afterthought. 🌵
- Piña Colada Soft Serve: The pineapple soft serve creates cool relief from the spicy salsas while the Tajin and chamoy version adds more heat for those who want it. 🍦
Atmosphere
The 2815 E Indian School Road location features modern bright space with tables, booths, salsa bar, and drive-thru creating options for different dining needs.
Loud Spanish pop blares overhead while high-energy staff serve customers throwing in dance moves behind the counter between orders. The chorus of “Buenos días!” when you enter and “Buenas noches!” for every customer, leaving creates the welcoming energy that makes this feel like Mexico.
The section selling red and white Taco Viva merch (only $7 for hats and tees) adds to the vibe, while ample parking in the Arcadia area makes access easy.
Bottom Line
Visit Taco Viva for authentic Tijuana-style tacos where brothers from Sonora brought northwestern Mexico’s taco culture to Phoenix with proper technique earning 2025 Best Carne Asada Fries.
The pastor adobada tacos, carne asada, and fresh handmade tortillas prove this kitchen respects traditional preparations and quality ingredients. The grilled cactus quesadilla and piña colada soft serve show the range from savory to sweet and maintains authenticity.
Since June 2024, this Arcadia spot has packed dining rooms with Latinx-owned authentic taqueria experience where vertical spit trompo spins, tortillas get made fresh, and that chorus of “Buenos días!” welcomes everyone who enters. Order through Toast. 🌟
Address: Taco Viva
2815 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (480) 360-2324
Hours: Sun, Mon-Wed: 11 AM – 9 PM | Thu: 11 AM – 10 PM | Fri-Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
Features: 2025 Best Carne Asada Fries | Opened June 2024 | Latinx-owned | Fresh handmade tortillas | Vertical spit trompo | Drive-thru | Salsa bar | Merch $7
Links: Website | Instagram | Toast | Phoenix New Times