Tacos Chiwas, the beloved restaurant known for bringing authentic Chihuahuan flavors to Arizona, is gearing up for its next big step. The taquería will soon open a new location at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, inside Terminal 4 near Gate B.
A construction barrier was recently set up at the site, displaying the restaurant’s logo, taco images, and the words “Coming Soon.” Grupo Chiwas first announced the expansion in an Instagram post last October, but an exact opening date has yet to be revealed.
Tacos Chiwas will join a prestigious list of Arizona-based restaurants at Sky Harbor, including Blanco Tacos + Tequila and O.H.S.O. Brewing—recognized by USA Today readers as one of the best airport restaurants in the country. Right next door, travelers will find another Phoenix favorite, Matt’s Big Breakfast.
According to airport spokesperson Greg Roybal, the grand opening is expected by late April 2025.
A menu designed for travelers
Unlike its Phoenix and Mesa locations, the airport branch will be operated by SSP, which means the menu will differ from the original restaurants. In an interview with Phoenix New Times, the owners shared that the airport menu will feature tacos, burritos, and salads. However, some specialties, like the gorditas—which were showcased on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives by Guy Fieri—won’t be available.
Husband-and-wife duo Armando Hernández and Nadia Holguín have made Tacos Chiwas a staple of Chihuahuan cuisine in Arizona. Their culinary expertise earned them a nomination for Outstanding Restaurateur at the 2024 James Beard Awards, which also recognized their sister restaurant, Cocina Chiwas, opened in Tempe in 2023.
Beyond their own success, Hernández and Holguín frequently collaborate with acclaimed chef and James Beard nominee Roberto Centeno, known for his work at Bacanora in Phoenix and Espiritu in Mesa. Together, they launched Santo Arcadia, a modern Mexican eatery, and recently opened Main Burgers in Mesa.
Their commitment to quality and authenticity has been widely recognized. The Republic named Cocina Chiwas and Santo Arcadia among The 100 Essential Restaurants in Metro Phoenix 2025, while Tacos Chiwas was included in the 2024 edition.
Tacos Chiwas Locations
- Tacos Chiwas Phoenix – 1028 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Phone: 602-358-8830
- Tacos Chiwas Mesa – 127 W. Main St., Mesa. Phone: 480-590-7163
- Cocina Chiwas & El Jardín – 2001 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe. Phone: 480-916-3690
- Santo Arcadia – 4418 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix. Phone: 480-272-6799
- Aruma Café – 2011 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe.
- Main Burgers – 161 W. Main St., Mesa.
