Where politicians eat in Phoenix
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President George W. Bush at Tee Pee Mexican Restaurant in 2004 with (front left) Los Angeles (Anaheim) Angels owner Arte Moreno, former Diamondbacks manager Bob Brenly and former D-Backs and Suns owner Jerry Colangelo. Photo: Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images
When the powerful come to town, they eat Mexican food.
- That's according to an Axios review of presidential and vice presidential meal choices during Phoenix visits dating back to 1987.
Why it matters: Mexican food is deeply embedded in Phoenix's culture, and a stop into one of our many excellent restaurants is a sign of respect by national leaders.
- It's also a smart political strategy in our very important swing state.
The latest: Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who was in town for a speaking event earlier this month, met Mayor Gallego for dinner at Huarachis Taqueria, the buzzy, Sonoran-inspired eatery from James Beard Award-winning chef Rene Andrade.
- They ordered carne asada tacos.
It got us thinking about which other Valley spots have been honored with a high-profile political visit.
- Here's what we found:
🫔 Poncho's, 1999 and 2024
Former President Bill Clinton stopped into Poncho's weeks before the 2024 election to find a mural depicting his 1999 visit to the south Phoenix restaurant.
- In 2024, he ordered a smattering of tacos, beans, rice, chips and hot sauce. On his first visit, mini-tamales and chimichangas were on the menu, the Arizona Republic reported.
🥩 Bacanora, 2024
During her presidential campaign, Harris made a private stop into Andrade's first restaurant and filmed a video tasting his quesadillas and discussing wood-fired cooking techniques.
😋 Cocina Adamex, 2024
Harris took her running mate Gov. Tim Walz to this central Phoenix spot for red and green chile tamales — and joked that her Midwestern running mate considered black pepper spicy.
🫘 El Portal, 2024
Former President Joe Biden held a campaign event at this South Phoenix staple owned by former local elected officials Mary Rose and Earl Wilcox.
- "We never dreamt we would have a president come and visit our restaurant," Earl told Phoenix New Times.
🍽️ Ajo Al's, 2017 and 2018
Former VP Mike Pence met with local business leaders here to discuss tax cuts in 2017.
- When he returned to Phoenix the next year, he had the restaurant deliver enchiladas to Air Force Two at Sky Harbor before take off, per the Republic.
🦜 Macayo's, 2009
Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visited the local chain's now shuttered Central Avenue location.
- Waiters later told reporters the pair loved their fully-loaded margaritas (made with Presidente brandy) so much they ordered a second round. And then two shots of an undisclosed liquor.
🌮 Tee Pee Mexican Food, 2004
Former President George W. Bush talked sports (we assume) during a dinner at the Indian School Road location with MLB executives including Jerry Colangelo, the former owner of the D-Backs and Suns.
- He ordered the #2 combo (two cheese enchiladas, rice and beans), which has since been renamed the presidential special.
🍋 Garcia's Del Este, 1990
This now-closed Scottsdale restaurant was a spinoff of the Garcia's chain, and catered dinner for former VP Dan Quayle aboard Air Force Two in 1990, the Republic reported.
🇲🇽 Estrella Tortilla Factory, 1987
Former President George H. W. Bush learned how to fry tortillas at this now-shuttered factory and feasted on a breakfast of menudo and chorizo.