The Bottom Line
La Fuente, "the fountain" in Spanish, is one of Tucson's mainstays. They have nightly Mariachi entertainment, the decor is pleasant and the food surprisingly good. A solid notch up from most Mexican restaurants while the prices remain moderate.
Pros
- Mexican village ambiance.
- Music nightly.
- Traditional and gourmet Mexican food.
- Reasonably priced.
Cons
- Not a neighborhood where you would go for an after-dinner stroll.
Description
- La Fuente is located in Tucson, Arizona.
1749 North Oracle Road
Tucson Arizona 85705 - Phone: (520) 623-8659
- Reservations: Recommended on weekends. May not be necessary on week nights.
- Prices: Moderate- Main Courses for dinner range from $9.95 to $22.95.
- Liz's Tip: La Fuente is located not far from I-10, Grant Road Exit, then right on Oracle.
Guide Review - La Fuente Mexican Restaurant - Tucson, Arizona
La Fuente, "the fountain," in Spanish, is one of Tucson's mainstays. La Fuente has steady customers from all over the world along with having served Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, J.F.K., President George W. Bush along with many more! So as we walked past the bubbling fountain, past the celebrity photos, we felt we were in for a treat.
And, we were not let down. It was a weeknight and the Mariachis were playing. We were seated in what appeared to be an outdoor courtyard, complete with live plants, but it was an indoor room. The restaurant has the feel of a little Mexican village.
As the Mariachis went from table to table, we made our decisions. Of course we started with a Margarita and felt adventurous so ordered "Ceviche" from the "apertivos" section of the menu. The lime marinated raw fish was excellent. We then decided on the main course. He tried the "Carne Asada Estilo Sonora," which was an savory broiled New York Strip topped with green chile sauce, guacamole and beans. I wanted something a bit lighter so opted for something from the vegetarian menu, Spinach Enchiladas. For both of us, the surprise came in the sauces. Not the standard Mexican fare at all! While La Fuente serves traditional Mexican dishes such as Menudo and Enchiladas, they prepare their more involved dishes in the style which has earned them great respect over the years.
And, we were not let down. It was a weeknight and the Mariachis were playing. We were seated in what appeared to be an outdoor courtyard, complete with live plants, but it was an indoor room. The restaurant has the feel of a little Mexican village.
As the Mariachis went from table to table, we made our decisions. Of course we started with a Margarita and felt adventurous so ordered "Ceviche" from the "apertivos" section of the menu. The lime marinated raw fish was excellent. We then decided on the main course. He tried the "Carne Asada Estilo Sonora," which was an savory broiled New York Strip topped with green chile sauce, guacamole and beans. I wanted something a bit lighter so opted for something from the vegetarian menu, Spinach Enchiladas. For both of us, the surprise came in the sauces. Not the standard Mexican fare at all! While La Fuente serves traditional Mexican dishes such as Menudo and Enchiladas, they prepare their more involved dishes in the style which has earned them great respect over the years.
