It’s no secret that the down economy is taking a toll on all of us. But rather than throw a pity party, the SacFoodies are on a mission to maximize fun on a minimal budget. That’s why we’re bringing you tips for dining throughout Sacramento on a shoestring! Every Tuesday, we’ll post our latest “tightwad tip” that will keep both your appetite and wallet happy.

For our very first Tightwad Tuesday, we bring you Azul:

Photo courtesy of Richard L. on Yelp.

Azul Mexican Food & Tequila Bar, located in Midtown’s MARRS building, is the perfect place to satisfy cravings for Mexican food without compromising your budget. When I went there the first time, I was pleasantly surprised with the prices as well! For just $1.90, you can get a soft taco with your choice of Asada, Carnitas, Chicken, Chorizo or Al Pastor. Granted the tacos are on the small side, but my recommendation is to get two chicken tacos for under four dollars and load up on chips and salsa! Your budget will thank you.

By Brittany Mohr 

It’s hard to imagine it has already been one year since Azul opened its doors and offered Midtown diners an affordable yet appetizing Mexican menu.  In the past year, my stand-by order has always been the quesadilla. Stuffed with cheese, mushrooms and caramelized onions then topped with pico de gallo and sour cream, this tasty treat is a steal at only $3.90!  And when I feel like splurging, I’ll upgrade to the Azul Burrito that includes your choice of meat and is topped with guacamole and served with a side of rice for only $10.90.  Happy Birthday Azul!

By Julie Ficker 

Azul Mexican Food and Tequila Bar
1050 20th Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
916-447-4040

Just because Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday this year, doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate with a fiesta or two! Looking for mariachi and margaritas? Craving tacos and tequila? Pick your poison, because the Sacramento area is the place to be this Cinco de Mayo!

Azul Mexican Food and Tequila Bar

1050 20^th Street, Ste 140, (916) 447-4040

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

May 3rd, 4th AND 5th

Mariachi and Live Music

Daily Drink Specials

See what others have to say about Azul:

• TwinSoup
• SacBee
• Sacramento Magazine

Centro Cocina Mexicana

2730 J Street, (916) 442-2552

Monday, May 5

Live Music

Margarita Bar

Taco Bar

Maria’s Mexican Restaurant

226 East Main Street, Grass Valley, (530) 274-2040

Saturday, May 3 at 6:00 PM

Live Music by Levi Thomas

Zocalo

1801 Capitol Ave, (916) 441-0303

Got Cinco?

Saturday, May 3 at 6:00 PM

Live Mariachi

Drink Specials

$2 Tacos

If you’re planning to stay in, celebrate with this tasty Margarita Slush from Rachael Ray. Fellow SacFoodie Jenna Kirkwood has tried it and reports that it’s “tangy and sweet because of the lime sherbet and lemon sorbet, which also gives it a refreshing frothiness.”

Happy Cinco de Mayo!