Tucked away in a bright yellow building at 5602 E. 22nd St. is some of the most delicious and affordable Mexican food in Tucson.

El Sur, a no-frills family-owned operation, was a secret...for a while. When people caught on, the tiny little restaurant became packed daily with people who can't get enough of the authentic cuisine.

The restaurant, which was once an old house, is much too small to meet demands. However, the service is always amazing and the meals usually come out about ten minutes after being ordered, making El Sur the perfect place to go to eat in a hurry. The owners of the restaurant are also incredibly accommodating and quick to refill a drink when they notice it is empty, which is a very good thing due to the spicy food they serve up.

Perhaps the best part of El Sur is its affordable menu. Full plates cost around $5.50... and they are huge. Almost everything is served with a generous portion of refried beans topped with melted cheese and a large side of Spanish rice. The fajitas are a great choice; always $5.50, they come with whichever meat you choose, grilled with bell peppers and onions, and a side of freshly-made flour tortillas. The shrimp fajitas are featured in the photo below.

The chips and salsa are also homemade and fantastic. Each table is equipped with bottles of salsa at all times, ensuring that you will never have to wait for someone to bring you more.

However, the most unique aspect of dining at El Sur would have to be the grilled jalapenos and onions that a server carries around on a hot tray during the meal. You can request as many as you want, and they are delicious eaten either alone or on top of your meal. But beware, they are very spicy.

El Sur is a great local restaurant for anyone looking for an inexpensive but impressive Mexican food experience.