LUNCH IN NOGALES MEXICO

A drive from Green Valley, Arizona to Nogales, Mexico will take you around 35 minutes.   

I was driving a rental car and did not want to drive across the border so parked in the Burger King parking lot in Nogales, Arizona.  Their address is 47 N. Sonoita Avenue in Nogales Arizona, phone 520-287-5243. The cost for parking for the day is $5.  You will pay inside and will be given a receipt to place on your dash.  If you are in Tucson and don't want to drive you can opt to take a shuttle to the border crossing.  Sahuaro Shuttle offers transfers from Tucson to Nogales for $12.

A second shuttle company called Arison Shuttle is located right next door to Sahuaro Shuttle in Nogales but I did not confirm prices with them.

The walk from Burger King to the border crossing will only take 2-3 minutes. From Burger King you will head 1 block east, cross the street and head south straight down the ramp to the border gates. 

Walking map Burger King to border crossing

Ramp down to border crossing

Gate to enter into Mexico

U.S. Citizens are not required to show ID when crossing from the United States to Mexico.  ID is only needed for your entry back into the United States. I encountered no lines and no hassles as I crossed into Mexico.  My return to the United States was equally as easy, taking about 5 minutes. 

Line to return to United States

Once on the Mexican side, the day entailed exchanging currency, visiting bakeries, fabric stores, pharmacies and enjoying the sights and sounds of Nogales.  

 

It was then time for lunch.  I headed to a local favorite “Leo’s Café”. 

Myself with owner Leo

Clean, friendly staff, good food and reasonable prices made this a great choice for lunch. They also serve breakfast and dinner.­ 

Once seated Leo, the owner, presented a shot of tequila which I graciously accepted.   Chips and salsa were placed on the table and after 1 bite I decided that the salsa was a bit spicey for me.  Leo was very accommodating, furnishing me with pico de guillo which went down much easier. 

 

The menu is extensive and I found Leo to be very accommodating. 

I ended up substituting tamale for a tostado on my Mexican combination plate. The food was served fresh, hot and had wonderful flavor.  I can certainly recommend Leo’s and will frequent there again on my next visit. 

 

#Nogales #Sahuaro Shuttle #Leo's Cafe #Green Valley