Penca

Best service and food! Really enjoy the ambience every time we go there.

Reviewed on Facebook

Went in for lunch with a friend and everything was delicious! I went with "El Tazon" it's my new favorite! The chips and salsa are the best I've had compared to other Mexican restaurants.  The atmosphere is nice I love the big windows. Will be back. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Fantastic modern take on traditional Sonoran food.Absolutely try the bone marrow, sooooo good!Tortillas are amazing, they are clearly homemade.

Reviewed on Yelp

One of the best meals I have ever eaten. Absolutely fabulous civeche’. Everything else was wonderful.

Reviewed on Facebook

I love Penca!!!! I think ill just cut and paste that frase so this can be a review and not a tip but its the truth this place has the most delicious tacos, made with the most delicious tortillas ive ever had so good and authentic. Oh and those drinks all the way from a sangria to an awesome tepache. Make sure you check this place out More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Excellent food. Easy to find. Perfect ambience. Customer service was exceptional. Kind and friendly. Great recommendations. Happily went over menu questions. Authentic and non-pretentious. Thank you so much! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Everything about Penca is 5 stars. The quality of the food and drinks, everything is made from scratch. The service, the ambiance, everything. I wish I'd know about this place when we first arrived to town. I'd have eaten here every night!! Highly recommend the Diablo margarita! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Excellent, creative, unusual Mexican cuisine.  Highly recommended.

Reviewed on Yelp

This place deserves more than five stars. Lovely ambiance, warm, caring service, and incredibly great food. I could rave about everything we ate, but the best thing was the mole sampling. What a delight! We have to return a few times because the menu held many other promises of culinary delight. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

We hit Penca after a Sunday matinée at the symphony. Executive Chef David Solorzano has been getting good press with revamping the menu, and this was a much anticipated visit. We arrived during happy hour, and we were presented with chips and salsa. The chips are made in-house and are literally addicting, and their salsa, although medium heat, is extremely good. We started with the Elote. Tender, sweet corn on the cob with chipotle aioli, queso fresco and green onions, we could've ordered another one it was so good, but we had yet to try many other offerings, so we started choosing....Roasted Cauliflower with salsa macha and peanuts. I've had cauliflower appetizers at a number of restaurants recently, and Penca's is one of the best I've had. The difference being it wasn't deep-fried, and the salsa macha gave it an ever-so-perfect flavor. The Agua Chile de Callo is a raw scallop dish with chicharron dust, avocado, cucumber, and onion - set atop a squid ink sauce that changed my mind about squid ink forever! Oh my - this was heavenly. Not salty, fishy or overpowering in any way. I am now a forever fan of squid ink.The highlight of our meal was the Pulpo - braised and grilled octopus, habanero salsa, avocado, radish, hierba de conejo black beans, pea tendrils, and Spanish chorizo. I don't have any other words than sheer delight. Don't skip any of the dishes mentioned here. They all shine. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Great food, service, and atmosphere. Wish we knew about it before moving from downtown. Still a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. Worth the drive into town.

Reviewed on Facebook

My wife and I attended Penca's Happy Hour on Sunday, Oct. 6th about 4pm.  Their HH goes from 3-5pm on Sundays.  Rustic atmosphere with appropriate Mexican music; it put us in the mood.  We started off with the elote dish which was excellent.  Followed that with the seafood toastada which was very good.  My wife then ordered the 2 tacos--one with lengua and one with Baja rock fish; she said they were both excellent.  I ordered the scallop dish with squid ink which I liked but it was a bit too "picante" for me; a good dish, but I'd probably have something different on the next visit.  Their house margarita made with a quality mezcal is excellent--you have to ask for the mezcal.  For dessert, we had the churros and chocolate--delicious!  A very relaxing HH with very good food.  We would return. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Just happens by this Bistro Mexicano literally by accident. Really cool vibe and great atmosphere.I really enjoyed the braised Short Rib. Awesome food and awesome surprise. Oh BTW... there's no name on the building More...

Reviewed on Yelp

The food here is PHENOMENAL. We had the market fish and two different kinds of tacos, beef tongue and cheek. My husband, who usually isn't a big fan of fish, said it made him change reconsider fish as a protein. Everything was so flavorful. Cocktails too were great. My only sadness was that they didn't do a birthday dessert. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Excellent experience and the food was delicious. Recommend to try the menus.

Reviewed on Facebook

Amazing food, music and service. Sam was fantastic taking care of us late in the evening. The tacos and salsas were incredibly authentic and this will make us come back to Tucson for a vacation alone! !  Their ambiance with outstanding music from true Mexico must set them apart from the rest!!  We will be back again!!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

The atmosphere is on-point and I often find myself headed this direction for a workday lunch. This is a great place in central downtown where all can enjoy the house chips and salsa. The service is hit or miss. The food could occasionally benefit from some additional salt. I most recommend the tacos (corn tortillas made to order), el tazon, and the house margarita. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Had the Pozole and it was so fresh, healthy and satisfying:).  Great city atmosphere.  I met a friend afor lunch but would love to go back in the evening and have some cocktails from the bar.

Reviewed on Yelp

I love the food, music and drinks! the flavors remind me of my childhood, my grandmother's seasonings. I definitely recommend this restaurant!

Reviewed on Facebook

Remarkable cocktails. Super food. Terrific service and great vibe. New favorite.

Reviewed on Facebook

Excelente lugar, buena atencion y muy buena comida

Reviewed on Facebook

Muy buena comida y lindo lugar

Reviewed on Facebook

Great service, delicious food and relaxing atmosphere!

Reviewed on Facebook

We went for my birthday and I did not get disappointed. The drinks were amazing and unique. We first ordered the mole appetizer sample and it did not disappoint us at all. Then The seafood tostada which was delicious and the pozzole. I don't remember what my husband had but he was in heaven and let me try it and it was so tasty. Maybe it was some kind of short rib tacos maybe. My daughter had the coliflor tacos and they were surprisingly super delicious. I'm thinking of getting that for myself next night. I definitely recommend this place. And loved the atmosphere too. Maybe a little dark but still enjoyable. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

YOU MUST TRY PENCA!!!!!! Nothing like it!!!!Ok. Let me start with this is like NO OTHER place in Tucson !!!!!! The best drinks that you will not find anywhere. The best Molé that has ever graced my mouth. We went on a Thursday night and it was busy and everyone around us was saying how great everything is. I had the braised beef tacos and they were nothing short of amazing! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

interesting food that is clearly made with a passion for authenticity and quality. can't wait to go back.

Reviewed on Facebook

food and service was amazing! unique and extraordinary! love,love this place!

Reviewed on Facebook

We had a nice, cozy dinner and enjoyed one of the best margaritas in town.

Reviewed on Facebook

You will not be disappointed with anything on the menu. If you try the sangria and elote, you REALLY won’t be disappointed!

Reviewed on Facebook

Natalie was our server. She picked out my entire meal from drinks to entrees. She nailed it. The food was delicious and the drinks were amazing! I highly recommend this place. The owner even came out and asked about our experience. If you’re looking for a good date night spot this is the place! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

The food is great, atmosphere comfortable. It is a great local spot. It is a very small restaurant, however service seems to be consistantly ineffiecient. They seem unconcerned/unaware that patrons can't stay all day. We need to get back to the office after lunch. Getting drinks should not take 20 minutes. Sadly there have been several times when I, or others, have had to take their food in a to-go box. Not my idea of a nice lunch out with friends. I'm very sad about this but I will not be back when I'm on a schedule. I hold out hope that it will change, but this has been a constant since Penca opened several years ago. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

They have 2 of my favorite foodie items on the menu, Pulpo and Bone Marrow.  While dining here last night it brought me back to my New Year's 2019 trip to San Jose Del Cabo!  I sent pics of my meal to my brother who asked if I was back in Cabo.  I travel to Tucson once a month for work and I will be coming back every time!  Thank you, I love Penca!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Love everything the new chef is doing there and their use of the UA School and community garden produce

Reviewed on Facebook

we had such a good time here! the atmosphere is really fun and inviting, and the decor of the restaurant is beautiful. we got the ceviche, which was a bit saltier than we would have liked, and the tacos (nopales and fish) which were truly incredible. the pickled onions added so much flavor and the tortillas were perfectly made. we had a great time here and would definitely return! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

They specialize in central mexican tequilas, liquors, spanish wines - loved the handmade chips. I had the Rose Sangria (very refreshing and different).

Reviewed on Yelp

I have no review because they don't take reservations during the dinner hour. But I will be persistent. Looking forward to a real review.

Reviewed on Yelp

Excellent good and service!!

Reviewed on Facebook

The tortillas are amazing. I enjoyed the pescado and carne asada tacos with a spicy Bloody Mary!

Reviewed on Facebook

I can't fairly give 5 stars because I didnt try any food, however my husband and I stopped here both nights during our weekend in Tucson.  We loved the ambience,  as it transported us back to Mexico city with their huge array of mescal and inventive cocktails.   Staff was super friendly and knowledgeable about their booze.   We even got some delicious free churros! I wish we had this in our neighborhood. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

el servicio muy bueno asi como la comida y de fondo musica de mexico

Reviewed on Facebook

Great food! Great atmosphere. I'll definitely be back!

Reviewed on Facebook

We were in Tucson for just a few hours and what a lucky find! We were able to get two seats at the bar and lucky to have Sam take care of us! The sangria, we chose red, was excellent! The ceviche delish and the tacos were perfection with handmade tortillas! And the chips were the best! There for happy hour and what a great deal! The atmosphere did not disappoint. Wish we had something like this at home! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

This is very special place in Downtown Tucson. Great service! We had almost everything in the lunch menu!The Watercress salad is just amazing! Try the Beet soup , the Carne Asada Tacos with handmade corn tortillas are perfect!!A repeat from now on when in the area! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Just had Valentines dinner here with the wife and was amazed at the quality of the food and the superb staff! Our compliments to @chef_nicole333 for a job well done! ! For the appetizer the tamale was the best I've ever had. No joke! Followed that up with a Sea Bass in a bed of Risotto with some other yummy goodness I won't even try to describe. Then there was the dessert! The wife had a sangria poached pear dish that she said was exquisite with a great blend of flavors and I had the pleasure of enjoying a sugar cookie and some outstanding chocolate bars with pistachios embedded in them. Will stop in here when visiting Tucson in the future. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I have been here a few times in last couple of months. Growing up in Tucson, and also being Mexican I can tell you this is not your traditional, Mexican food. It is upscale and much more glamorous. Do not go expecting enchiladas, arroz com leche, or menudo. If this is what you're wanting go to El Minuto. Penca does not look like a Mexican restaurant at all. However, I really love the atmosphere, it's very modern but they play a lot of old style Mexican music that reminds me of my great grandmother and grandfather that to me is comforting. I appreciate it is not the typical mariachi music. The food like I mentioned is different from what I'm used to, but it is sooo tasty. The Queso Fundido amazing, Quesadilla amazing, carne asada tacos amazing the corn tortillas are house made and sooo damn good....but the best thing are their chips which are house made also AND their green salsa. That green salsa are what hopes and dreams are made of.The service the first two times were fine. Service was friendly, and accommodating. However, my service last night was awful! He would look at us and not bring us anything, took him 30 mins to bring our chips and salsa after asking 2 times, took him forever to come take our order. We wanted order off the happy hour menu only having a few mins to do so we were pretty annoyed that he was not on-top of it . To get more salsa and salt I had to ask a Busser to get it. She must have told him because he brought it out. He never once asked if we needed anything else, it was almost as if  he was there to just help. I'm going to call to speak with management because that's unacceptable. That one experience will not prevent me from going back. I like this restaurant much better than Cafe Poca Cosa. More...

Reviewed on Yelp