Carniceria Michoacan

3549 W Thomas Rd #104, Phoenix, AZ 85019, United States
+1 602-272-1612
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(916 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Carniceria Michoacan isn’t your typical sit-down Mexican restaurant—it's more of a deli-style eatery embedded within a modest grocery and butcher shop atmosphere. Located on W Thomas Rd, this spot brings a very local, everyday kind of vibe that reflects the heart of Phoenix’s Mexican food scene without the frills.

The setup is straightforward: you order at the deli counter where you can watch as your food is freshly prepared, giving the experience a hands-on feel that’s common in authentic carnicerias (meat markets) across Mexico. The space is quite compact and can get crowded, especially during lunch hours, which speaks to its popularity among nearby workers and residents looking for a quick yet satisfying Mexican meal.

The menu centers around comforting staples like birria, tacos dorados, and shrimp prepared al mojo de ajo, alongside flavorful sides such as arroz rojo and ceviche de camarón. The option to customize toppings adds a personal touch to your order, making each dish feel tailored to your palate. This makes it a solid choice for folks who appreciate straightforward, hearty Mexican fare without waiting long or needing a formal dining experience.

This spot tends to attract those who know what they want and come for a filling, well-priced meal. Whether you're grabbing a burrito loaded with fresh fixings or trying the cranberry buccana for something a little different, the casual, no-nonsense vibe is part of the charm here. Visit around noon to early afternoon when locals are stopping in for lunch, and expect a lively, bustling atmosphere that feels more community deli than restaurant.

If you’re drawn to places where you can see your food being made and enjoy authentic flavors in a no-frills setting, Carniceria Michoacan fits that bill. It’s ideal for anyone who values genuine Mexican “fast food” rooted in tradition and local favorites, especially for people working nearby or looking for a quick, satisfying meal with flavor that stands out from standard takeout.

Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
No wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Tuesday

7:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Wednesday

7:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Thursday

7:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Friday

7:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Saturday

7:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Sunday

7:30 AM - 8:30 PM

916 Reviews
Pelotero818

02 Nov 2025

Bomb burritos and very fulfilling and well priced. Would recommend to anyone. Also you can choose your toppings! Awesome!

Mr Az

17 Oct 2025

Had the tacos dorados and I have to say they were the best I’ve had in a very long time. Will definitely try more of their food.

Miss Tracy

16 Oct 2025

Authentic Mexican "fast food" prepared from the deli counter as you wait and watch. Carneceria is loosely translated as a meat market -butcher, and the Michoacan is actually not a restaurant but a (very) small (crowded at times) grocery market which has a store -length butcher and deli counter . All comfortably in the style of what one would encounter in the heart of Mexico. The space itself is crowded with shelves and cooler cases packed full with what seems like all the back home favorites. The butcher counter and deli ordering is on the left as you enter, with the butcher section farthest back. There's no suggestions for where to line up to order, and the menu is posted up on the wall, on your left as you enter. I think the line for service if any exists would flow from the front door to the back, towards the butcher counter area. I'm a white senior lady in office attire, and yes I stood out from the lunchtime crowd of blue collar workers but that felt just fine. I strolled to the right, checked out the drinks and grabbed a soda, then from the back made my way over to see what the butcher had in the cases. From there I got to the front where the women and men providing lunch counter service took my order. The food was quickly prepared and handed to me, where I turned around and joined the short line for the cashier. If you aren't familiar with traditional authentic Mexican food, the menu doesn't include any English description, and since it's not a sit down place with a wait staff, that might throw off your selecting what to order a bit. There's tacos and typical food items like that though so you can definitely order and get served even if you don't understand the entire menu. Everyone was quietly polite, and no one looked at me as if I didn't belong. The men were there to eat and I was the only woman customer at the time, it was ok I got smiles from the cashier as I took photos before leaving. Cash and cards are accepted , but I couldn't see a place for tipping. Prices are very reasonable and the food delicious. I couldn't eat the entire sandwich, the portions are good for a hungry worker appetite. My co workers were very excited to see what I got and wanted to have a sample, so overall it's a great place as long as you don't expect a traditional restaurant to sit and be waited on.

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