Birrieria Obregon

Authentic Mexican cuisine and beverages can be found at Birrieria Obregon on Van Buren Street in West Phoenix. The menu doesn't pack any surprise punches, but there are tasty versions of tacos, tostadas de camarón, pozole rojo o blanco, menudo, and burritos, including cabeza, tripa, and chicharron. The restaurant also has breakfast offerings like pancakes, huevos rancheros, and omelettes. The food won't disappoint, but the real prize to be found at Birrieria Obregon is the selection of aguas frescas, refreshing and flavorful enough to be deemed some of the best in the Valley. Unlike many Mexican restaurants' versions of horchata, this one isn't a sugar-water solution dispensed from a machine. The earthy rice and cinnamon concoction is prepared fresh daily and scooped out of a giant water jug. There are four other flavors to try too: cebada (barley), jamaica, limón, and piña. Bits of fresh fruit float around in the pineapple and lemon flavors -- proof that they're made from the real stuff and not some powdery mix.