- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Aqui Con El Nene
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Food Stands Mexican, Food Stands [Edit]
W Wetmore Rd & Flowing Wells RdTucson, AZ 85707
(520) 312-1666
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
About This Business:
Gentle Bens has been a fixture in Tucson's' restaurant and night life scene for more than 40 years. Located just west of the University of Arizonas'… read more »
32 reviews for Aqui Con El Nene
Review Highlights
-
"Sonoran Hot Dogs on the Northwest side of Tucson." In 6 reviews -
"...a great baked potato covered in carne asada, beans etc." In 3 reviews -
"...been to BK's yet, but El Guero Canelo is not as handy for..." In 3 reviews
Loading...
31 reviews in English
-
Review from Ariel T.
Tucson, AZ
3/1/2012
Best sonoran hot dog and caramelo cart in town. It's a bit of a drive for me, but always worth it. The tacos are also good, but no other place in Tucson even comes close to this wonderland of sonoran hot dog flavor. I always get the large caramelo, the small just is never enough.
There's a salsa bar, blaring music, y muchas bebidas frias. -
Review from Shawn O.
Tucson, AZ
2/18/2012
Three huzzahs for the Sonoran hot dog
Aqui Con El Nene, you're my food truck king
You are the lincoln to my log
Your praises I will forever sing
Spicy mustard balances mild mayo
A combination everyone should taste
With a soft CRUNCH of onions and diced tomato
Pero, no me gusta frijoles
And the tacos, don't get me started
All meats are packed with bold flavor
The only reason I am broken hearted
Is cause Aqui Con El Nene is not my neighbor
Perhaps I will pitch a tent in the parking lot
And wait for them every day
Free toppings and economical prices
I have nothing negative to say -
Review from Brett S.
Tucson, AZ
5/24/2012
Best sonoran dogs in town.
-
Review from Ana T.
MIND: Seriously, a food truck? No way.
STOMACH: Just give it a chance. It could make me happy.
MIND: There is no way a food truck is going to make you happy.
STOMACH: *grumbling* ...but it's cheap, and right around the corner.
MIND: It was named a finalist in America's best hot dog contest... WTH, alright.
(sitting under a canopy chomping away)
(silence)
MIND: We're sitting on the corner of a dirty street.
STOMACH: Yeah, but check out that condiment cart--complimentary access to fresh cucumbers, radishes, limes, salsa, pico de gallo, and guac.
MIND: Not a bad deal for a $2 Sonoran dog. WTH is a Sonoran dog anyway?
STOMACH: Beans, tomatoes, onions, mayo...
MIND: On a HOT DOG?!
STOMACH: Yes on a hot dog. How about you quit overthinking everything? This $#*^ is amazing.
MIND: The chicken bits in the taquitos are what look amazing. You know, those things only cost me $1.50 a piece.
STOMACH: Dude, the chicken is the shiz. It's juicy, tender, and seasoned to #$%*&@ perfection.
MIND: Well, if it's cheap and makes you happy, then I'm happy.
STOMACH: ...nam nam nam...I'm officially Aqui Con El Nene's #1 fan...nam nam...numba one.Listed in: ¡Ándale, ándale!, ROTD, what what!
-
Review from Lisannette R.
Tucson, AZ
10/25/2011
WOW. Just wow.
I've never had a Sonoran Dog before and a fabu Yelper's review just made me want to try it --so we did.
Saturday night, we drive up and it's packed under the tent. Which we always take for a good sign. We step up to make an order and as soon as we step away from the window a line had magically appeared behind us, and it didn't let up the whole time we were there. This place is that good!
Less than 5 minutes later the dogs are served up! They were already piled high but after taking one look at the condiment bar I could not resist piling it even higher with guacamole, pickled red onions, cheese and pico, and there was a lot more we didn't sample. I mean it was serious!
The dogs were awesome! The buns were toasted and you could tell they use quality hot dogs.
Now, while we're waiting for our dogs, I spot the Empanada guy chilling out at the side of the cart! This gentleman, like clockwork, every Saturday would knock on our door selling empanadas filled with various fruit at the apartment complex where we used to live. I had never bought from him when he came around and once we moved away I vowed the next time I saw him I would buy, and I did. Glad I did too; they were PUMPKIN filled. It was the perfect ending to an already satisfying dinner.
I def planning on heading back to sample other menu items mmm.Listed in: Globe Trotting in Tucson
-
Review from Ron R.
11/16/2011
Awesome food! Great meat!! Good job!! Almost a 5 star. The super long wait (20 mins) was the only bad part.
Definitely going back. -
Review from Gabriel W.
Tucson, AZ
7/18/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This is the real Tucson.
Hailing from Phoenix, food trucks had a really terrible connotation of being dirty, greasy, disgusting food that you were likely to catch some sort of terminal disease from. For anyone who feels this way, YOU ARE DEAD WRONG, at least when it comes to Tucson.
My first time, I had to be dragged here by a friend because of my predisposition. Had I not gone, would have been one of the worst decisions of my life. I have since dragged well over 20 people here who have in turn done the same. I get serious, heroin-style withdrawal from not eating here often enough, so be forewarned!
Aqui con el Nene, or "Nene's" as they are often referred to, has THE BEST chicken I have ever had at any mexican restaurant EVER. Did you hear me? Cuz ill say it again if I have to. BEST CHICKEN EVER. So juicy and flavorful, my mouth is watering thinking about it.
Carne Asada...fantastic. Sonoran Hot Dogs: most of the people Ive brought here who have also been to guero canelo (widely regarded as best sonoran hot dogs in town) have preferred Nene's take better.
I have tried many of their items: burritos (best tortillas in town), caramelos (kinda like quesadillas with meat), Tortas (omfg delicious)...the list goes on and on. Salsa bar is extensive and well stocked. You could practically make a meal out of just that. All meals come with fresh grilled green onions from their mesquite grill in the back. At night, theres a guy who sells homemade empanadas in several dessert flavors that are a good deal and really really delicious.
The food is cheap and good with only one exception in my mind. The soft tacos, while delicious, are pretty small and not quite worth the price IMO, considering the burritos are like 10 times the meat and only double the price. Sundays are hot dogs only, which i really wish they didnt do. And not going to lie, there has been once or twice that Ive rolled on over, and the cart was...gone! And my heart broke. Despite all that, I still give this place 5 stars. Read my other reviews, that should tell you something.
Go here, for goodness sake. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! -
Review from Ray D.
Phoenix, AZ
8/18/2011
OMG! Nirvana in a Bun!
Wished I had greater capacity as I was only able to eat three (3) and had to separate each by about a ten minute wait in order to do that.
Have it with everything and there isn't a taste like it anywhere. I know, I know - "mayonnaise on a Hot Dog?" That was my initial feeling when I first saw the list of condiments, but I was wrong. YES, mayonnaise on a Hot Dog! The steamed bun (I think "Bollo") with all the trimmings for around $2 is absolutely the best Hot Dog of any kind ever - NOT just Sonoran Hot Dogs. An I have eaten a few hot dogs.
Served with a Roasted Chili (which I only ate one of so I could consume three fabulous dogs) this is really a taste sensation.
The Condiment Cart under the tent is equally as fabulous, but if you order it with everything there will be no room for condiments, although my fellow dinners were eating their condiments off of a paper plate.
Do NOT miss it, a few minutes off of the I 10.
No hours posted, but take a chance! -
Review from Riley J.
Palm Springs, CA
2/8/2012
For a roach coach Aqui Con El Nene is really good. We've had Sonoran hotdogs at other food trailers but none have been all that good Too many places use poor quality meat and this can't be disguised with toppings alone. El Nene seems to use better dogs. The buns are really great too. Definitely not the type of food you want to eat all the time but great if you have a craving. Negatives? One. The Mexican drinks, horchata and jamaica, taste like pure syrup. Get a soda, or better yet, water instead.
-
Review from Geoff S.
Wilmette, IL
3/2/2011 2 photos
I just visited Aqui Con El Nene a couple of days ago during a visit to my aunt's house and I'm about ready to get on an airplane to fly back for a second visit.
Living in Chicagoland, I've had hundreds (maybe thousands) of Chicago dogs and hadn't heard of a Sonoran dog until a few days ago. My AZ relatives raved about this place, so we had to check it out.
I was a little skeptical at first when we pulled into the parking lot and saw the setup (trailer/grill/van), but once we got close enough to get a little aroma...I knew I was in for something special.
For the uninitiated, the Sonoran dog is a hot dog wrapped in bacon and then grilled over an open flame (this alone was enough to hook me) and served in a bun with beans, mustard, mayo, tomatoes and onions. Wow. Just an explosion of flavors.
My hat goes off to the owner(s)/cook(s). Outstanding. This rivals the best Chicago dogs I've had (Superdawg, Gene & Judes, Hot Doug's, etc.) and is probably in my all-time Top 3. -
Review from Sylvian F.
Tucson, AZ
11/19/2011
Best Sonoran dog. Best Tacos. You can smell how amazing this place is if you drive past - and if you do drive past and don't turn around and stop here after smelling the grills of Aqui - you are probably dead inside. I haven't yet mustered up the courage to try the head tacos, but hope to get there soon. The hours are listed as 10-11 mon-thurs. and 10-1 fri-sat, but truthfully it's a little hit or miss whether this place will be there at night. Cash only.
-
Review from Nick W.
12/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
This humble and perhaps extra sketchy looking taco van brings it harder than Ke$ha parties. While I don't know exactly how hard that is, her music has led me to believe that is indeed VERY hard.
I first grabbed a bite of a quesadilla from these fine folks. Melty, salty, delicious white cheese and a crisp tortilla... everything I could have hoped for.
Not soon after I went to pick up my own meal. I strolled past the bootleg DVD salesman and placed an order for a Sonoran Hot Dog. A 5 minute wait was easily killed looking at movies and then I got to dive in.
This little cart may not have made appearances on Man Vs. Food or Food Wars... but the next time I'm looking for a SHD, I'm certainly coming back here. The slightest little bit of extra flavor, cheese added if you choose, and it melts away perfectly.
It's much better than it sounds, but I'm almost certain there was a dirty free for all in my mouth. Very luckily for the other visitors, I did not do as Ke$ha would have done and "take it off". -
Review from Cheryl M.
4/6/2011
I've been reading reviews for Nene, as me and my kids call it, for weeks now and I finally decided to pull the trigger. I'm not a "hot dog" kind of girl but really wanted to check it out. This was my very first Sonoran Hot Dog since moving to Tucson almost 20 years ago!!! Shush...I can hear your gasps now!!
Well...I LOVED THEM!!! Can't go wrong with onions, tomatoes, beans and bacon on anything! The dogs were pretty small, much to my surprise, but quite tasty. I will definitely be eating Sonoran dogs from now on. My big beef...hahaha...is that the actual hot dog was so freakin' small! Looked like it possibly sat there for a while and dehydrated a bit. There were more toppings on my dog than dog! The "bun" or bolillo roll was melt-in-your mouth yummy. Fresh, soft and warm.
I totally don't mind eating at truckster places of the side of the road so it was awesome! Learned to jump onto that wagon when I moved here! For those of you that do mind...put aside your pre-conceived notions and partake for goodness sake!!!! You will never get the best meal you've ever had if you don't!!
For all my MN, CA, CO, OR, SC homeskillets, let me translate Sonoran Hot Dog for you:
A bacon-wrapped hot dog shoved into a soft Mexican roll or bolillo roll (pronounced: bo lee yo roll), topped with pinto beans, chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeno sauce, cheese, mayonnaise (NO THANK YOU), ketchup and mustard. They usually come with a roasted chili on the side - sometimes even with roasted green onions.
Easy to make at home!!!! -
Review from Mark S.
Tucson, AZ
11/28/2011
The Sonoran dogs are great. But on your second visit, try a Carne asade Carmello. It will leave the others in the dust!
-
Review from Jonathan K.
Tucson, AZ
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Gives guero cannelo a run for the money as best carne asada in town. The sonoran hotdog is the best I've had, the favors balanced and the whole thing doesn't fall apart. Nice salsa bar too. What is the name of the hot, ochre colored salsa?
-
Review from brett a.
Tucson, AZ
3/11/2008
Sonoran Hot Dogs on the Northwest side of Tucson. Open-air eatery serving hot dogs, tacos n such out of a trailer and mobile grill. Covered pavilion style seating area with folding tables and chairs.
They're located in the parking lot of the Rusty Nail. It's a neighborhood bar that lets El Nene store some of their equipment in back. They will set up on the corner around mid-morning and start preparing for lunch. So, if you happen to drive by early in the AM and don't see them, take another gander later in the day, they'll be there. Except Sundays, which is my only beef. Silly Catholics.
I love this little street-side grill. Sonoran style dawgs n tacos served hot and fast!
Here's a little tip for beginners: When you order, they will give you a post-it note that lists your hot dog order. The other items you order will not be on this slip of paper. They make the tacos n such in the trailer where you place your order and you'll receive those items when they call your name. Take the slip listing your hot dog order to the bro working the cooker on the other side of the pavilion. He'll have your dogs out in no time. He's quick!
Second tip: Because they are so quick, I always space our orders out so we don't have a bunch of food staring at us while we're busy with a taco or the first round of hot dogs. If you order tacos AND hot dogs, I suggest you not turn your slip over to the bro until you have finished your tacos, or whatever else you have a hankerin for. Then you have a minute to relax and clean your palette with the bubbly and acidic burn of a cold Mexican coke before your dogs are ready. If you want mulitple dogs, order just enough for a first round, then go back and do it again.
This method of only ordering what you will handle immediately, works well in all seasons. In the winter, your food will be fresh and hot. In the summer, you won't risk dumping your dog in the dirt while shewing flies away from the food that's waiting "on deck."
I recently moved here from Austin and knew nothing about Sonoran Hot Dogs. I've had plenty of sidewalk dogs south of the border, bacon-wrapped and all, but these are unique and fantastic!
In case you don't know, a Sonoran Dog is served bacon-wrapped in a large, soft bun amongst beans, onions (grilled AND fresh), chopped tomatoes, mayo, mustard and green sauce. They also include a tasty grilled white jalapeno on the side. Throw in a Mexican Coca-Cola or any of the Mexican sodas they have to offer, and you'll be right.
The tacos are pretty darn good as long as you doctor 'em up by making a trip to the condiment shuttle that's usually parked in front of the mobile grill. It's filled with tasty offerings such as salsa (red, green, etc.), a variety of veggies and other sauces n stuff. I like to plate up some cucumbers and drizzle a little green sauce on top as a little appetizer.... and there is no charge for that, ladies and gentlemen. The condiment shuttle is free range! Yum.
You could go to BK or El Guero Canelo for Sonoran Hot Dogs. I haven't been to BK's yet, but El Guero Canelo is not as handy for the NW siders, and it's LOUD. Plus, I like the "crust" factor at this street-side, portable fast-food joint.
There is another open-air Hot Dog Joint on Grant near Stone in a Church parking lot. It's also good, excellent, in fact. But El Nene is just a few blocks from our neighborhood.
Cheap, fast and tasty. Not open on Sundays gets four stars.
UPDATE: Regarding my tip about ordering; No need to keep going back to order more dogs. If you just tell the Bro making your dogs to make one or two and hold off on making the rest, he's cool with that. He'll only need a nod of the head to get started making your remaining dogs. -
Review from Thomas M.
Tucson, AZ
4/1/2011
Heard about this place from a co-worker of mine after she brought me some food back from it. Been coming here for months now.
Hands down, best Sonoran hot dog in town. These things are great here. Perfect every time.
Carne Asada tacos are great as well, but everytime I go I just get the hot dogs lol
This place is awesome give it a try! -
Review from Aaron L.
Chicago, IL
8/9/2011
5* Sonoran dog with Cheese
-
Review from Sergio S.
4/8/2009 5 photos
First of all--props to Brett A. for reviewing this place. Second of all, great name! Trans. "Here With the Child." There is an epic, untold, story ring to it. The service is fast and furious and the dogs and tacos are outstanding. Ambiance in good weather is peaceful yet exciting--at least to a tourist like me.
The most exciting thing about El Nene with me is seeing the meat being grilled out in the open air. El Nene is unlike the taco trucks I'm used to chasing. Slab after slab being cooked to perfection. The hot dogs are good, but not as good as BK's dog. Still a pretty decent contender for top dog prize though.
The real winner for me was the Cabeza tacos. Moist and great, great flavor. In contrast, the Adobado was a little bland and dry. I think they may have been out and seasoned it on the spot though, not allowing it to marinate. So maybe it's usually a knockout?
A great spot to catch a meal. There's a steady flow of clientele waiting for their order to be yelled out of the little window. The cook has got some lungs on him!Listed in: Taco Addiction
-
Review from R G.
El Paso, TX
6/1/2011
We had been eyeing this place for a trip through Tucson ever since we saw it featured in a Rachael Ray magazine. Nene was one of the finalists for the best hot dog in America - had to try it! Nene is an instant classic. It's just a good 'ole Mexican lunch truck that sets up on the corner of Wetmore and Flowing Wells and looks to be a local legend. They have a menu that includes tacos, quesadillas, stuffed potatoes, and of course, the Sonoran hot dogs. It's really all about that hot dog here for us. It really was everything we hoped it would be - did not dissapoint. We also had a stuffed potato with cheese and steak which was quite delicious as well. Grab a little soda-pop out of the coolers and you're good to go. It was a nice touch to "dine-in" under the canopy with the locals watchin' the cars go by. Nene is a hidden gem...this boy cooks it up! I will no longer visit or drive through Tuscon without stopping by.
Beware, however ....they do no set up on Sundays. Your heart will be broken if you gear yourself up to eat there on the Sabbath.
Cash only. -
Review from chris c.
Tucson, AZ
12/26/2011
The best Sonoran hot dogs in town! Plus all kinds of other things, tacos, burros, and carmellos. Plus you gotta try the Pappanacha. A giant potato stuffed with either carne asada or chicken plus bacon, cheese and sour cream all for $4.95
-
Review from Kris C.
5/30/2011 1 photo
Their hot dog (sonoran dog) is off the hook! The service was fast, the place was packed. They even have a full "bar" of side items such as salsa(s) and pickled/hot items. Really good stuff. The prices are fair and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to find. The directions from the Yelp page works really well. Let it also be noted that I did not stay and eat. I went there with the intention of doing take out. Hey, it's the desert, it's summer time and sitting out in it with ricketty table and chairs with the good 'ole fashion still of the day breeze just isn't what I had in mind while enjoying my dog. ;)
-
Review from Dan A.
Gilbert, AZ
5/7/2011
This has become our Friday night must stop place. We have recently discovered Sonoran Hot Dogs as a result of one of those food shows. We have stopped for Sonoran dogs at many places in both Phoenix and Tucson and Aqui con El Nene is the best! We also love the Tacos and panachas, haven't tried a Tortas yet but they look good too. Sitting at the folding tables on the street corner adds a gritty urban flair and makes the meal unique. Add a Mexican Coke made with sugar the way it should be and you have a great meal and experience for 2 that wont cost much over $20!
-
Review from Cherie D.
Tucson, AZ
4/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hands down, best hot dog place I have ever been to!
-
Review from Deb S.
Tucson, AZ
12/7/2011
My husband said this place redefines the "hotdog"....ya just gotta try the Sonoran for yourself!
-
Review from Mike L.
Tucson, AZ
3/10/2010
Hands down the best Sonoran Dogs in Tucson...it puts Guelo Canlo to shame.
I have eaten here for years...from when they were just a hot dog cart. I tried pretty much everything on the menu. My favorites are the camelos and papanacha (a great baked potato covered in carne asada, beans etc. -
Review from jacky k c.
Fremont, CA
5/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Need more shade! Only a few chairs with shade on an usual hot day, but what did you expect from a food truck stand? I gotta say, bk dogs are better. At least no flys hovering around the condiments. pork taco was alright, i've had better.
-
Review from Greg E.
Tucson, AZ
8/3/2010
Best Sonoran hot dogs in Tucson. Super cheap and super delicious. Carmelos and Hot Dogs are the things to get here . They have soda in glass bottles and all the Mexican fixins (aguamole, salsa, radishes, cucumbers, lime, grilled onions). Seating is outdoor only. Located in the parking lot on the NW corner. Normally there until about midnight-ish. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED one of my favorite places in Tucson.
-
Review from Jennifer L.
Springfield, MO
3/3/2010
This is one of those places you have cravings for when you haven't eaten there in a week or so. My favorite place for sonoran dogs in Tucson, so amazing. I love the fixings bar and the sodas in the glass bottles. Recently tried the papancha, which is a stuffed baked potato that was incredible. Really, this place is one of my favorite places to eat in town.
-
Review from Karen F.
Tucson, AZ
7/10/2011
Best Sonora dogs in town for only $2.75! The line moves quickly.
-
Review from Hunter H.
Tucson, AZ
10/28/2009
I've only had the sonoran hotdogs, and they are indeed nothing but epic epic epic win. If you like sonoran hotdogs even a little, this place will send you over the top. Many people say el guero canelo is better - I strongly disagree. Buttered & grilled buns, and the toppings are always fresh and tasty. A must-try, a hotdog and a mexican coke (made the *right* way, w/ cane sugar) costs less than $375, and is quite a filling happy little lunch.
Read more reviews for this business:
Spanish (1)
