Cocina La Ley

I travel to Nogales every so often, and when I finally arrive to visit friends, they know that the very first question out of my mouth is, "Is Cocina La Ley open today?" It's true. I've been going there for about 10 years, and without fail, their seafood is always consistently delicious. Although most of the locals are probably very aware of this small yet mighty restaurant, it's tucked away in an unassuming location - it doesn't look like much from the outside, but as they say, "Don't judge a book by its cover."I always order the large ceviche, which comes with tostadas, and I also get a side of warm tortillas. When I get that large bowl in front of me, I just can't wait to dig in. But first, I absolutely must put a couple of drizzles of their out-of-this-world made-in-house tamarind hot sauce on top of each bite. I can't begin to describe how amazing this sauce is - just a little sweet, but hot enough to burn your face off. What makes it amazing is it's flavor is so unique and complex. One time I visited, and I saw that there wasn't any hot sauce on the table. I asked the server and he said that they were in the middle of making a new batch. After telling him that I came all the way from Florida for their sauce (and ceviche, of course), the owner came by and sold me a couple of jars of the deliciousness. We had a great conversation about their food, their hot sauce, and how much love they put into their 30 year plus establishment. Back to the food - the shrimp in the ceviche is perfectly bite-sized and always tender, in perfect proportion to all of the other ingredients. The liquid is delicious enough to slurp up at the end of the bowl. I also started ordering the fried shrimp tacos the last few times I went to La Ley. A small plate comes with a simple warm tortilla and perfectly breaded fried 2-3 pieces of shrimp. Their sauces and toppings bar has everything you need to complete the taco - pickled onions, cilantro, tomatoes, onion, etc. With some of their creamy sauce and more of the tamarind hot sauce, each bite is a moment in heaven. Like the ceviche, the shrimp is tender, the breading is fluffy, not oily, and when you put together spicy, creamy, salty, sweet, and sour, you've got one of the most satisfying dishes I can think of. Clearly, I love this place. As I sit here writing this over a thousand miles away (having just visited), I wish I was back in Nogales to visit La Ley.

Shrimp tacos and fish tacos are delicious. Good portion. We never had any issue with the services offered.

If you are looking for an authentic taco spot, this is it! We took a mini day trip to try these tacos and it was definitely worth it! The restaurant is off the road a little, but you will find it easily. There is a little outdoor area and inside, just so you know they do not serve the outside, so you can order your food wait and bring the plate outside if you want to eat there.We got the birria tacos and broth, cameron (shrimp), and dorado tacos. *Tip* Drip the dorado taco into whatever broth you get!!!! Everything was very good and came out very quickly. Do not worry if there is a long line, they will get you food out quick. Nothing was bad, would definitely go back and try all the other tacos and ceviche!

Well I found my new go-to in Nogales. Will post pictures on the next stop! I has a couple birra tacos and a fish taco .

Our Tubac Airbnb host and lots of Yelpers rate this #1 in Nogales AZ and though our first visit to the area and maybe the Only one haha (not much tourista happenings here ) we have no other dining to compare it to, but I can't say we disagree, lunch was very satisfying and such a deal for seafood!Shrimp Tacos $2.90 = 2 large shrimp on a single corn tortilla. Would not usually order any fried food in my taco but this Batter is light, airy and such a fluffy crisp while maintaining the juiciness of the shrimp, am I ever glad I listened to y@ll! Even better dressed up with a tango to the Salsa Bar, cabbage, onion, pico de gallo, picked onions, cilantro, and a hit of fresh lime, this dance you don't want to miss! Incredible value, couldn't touch a single shrimp taco due North at the price of 2 here. Dreaming about that magical crisp bite rn as I revisit with this review, Mmm.Cabeza Taco $2.90 meat from head of cow, another First for moi. Very tender stewed meat with more pronounced beef flavor than your regular shredded beef taco. Hubby ordered it, happy to try, and happy to return to him ;D Great to many, well made, just not for me. Ceviche Small $9.35 kinda $$ for this joint but very tasty fresh. Ordered with all the trimmings but as owner?elder server with glasses said, we can add more of the same at the salsa bar as it has all the same ingredients. So hindsight maybe you get more shrimp? with the minimal add-ins, so order the most plain version.Marisco Seafood Soup small $2.90 wow really? can't get Campbell's tomato served you for that price lol. Fills a small styro cup, clean thin tomato cilantro onion broth not fishy with a few small bites of fish and shrimp. Got small just in case it was fishy but It's quite moreish.Mexican coke reg size $2.50. Watching my glucose I took in a lemon seltzer with me and they didn't seem to mind. Soft drinks only here + house Barley& Rice Milks/ Horchata and Jamaica. We also took our bamboo cutlery as noted plastic and styro in the pics. As close as you'll get to the sea in the Sonoran Desert @CocinaLL and swimming in deliciousness :D!!

Very interesting and delicious experience. It's a hole in the wall. Maybe hole against a wall would be more accurate. But it's a destination place. It's at the end of this obscure street that has two or three auto repair shops, a dumpy street. Couldn't tell if the parking lot was for the restaurant or for the adjoining auto body shop. Driving in, a team of cyclists were pedaling out, arriving, there was another team standing and waiting for their orders. So it is well-known, obviously.I had the shrimp paste street taco, fish taco, and birria taco. Didn't care much for the shrimp paste taco. The fish taco was good. The birria was nice and juicy and flavorful. Still can't beat Taco Fish here in Tucson, though.The dining area is interesting, kind of dark and dank. Service was very friendly and accommodating.5* = A top favorite. Mind-blowing good. I will definitely return and I will go out of my way to go here. Worth every dime of my money.4* = Outstanding. Tucson-top-tier. Some elements not quite as good as it gets, but it still is worthy of my regular business.3* = Good experience. I might do repeat business if it is convenient, the only option, the only one in its category, or on a whim, but would not be among the first thing to come to mind. Would definitely recommend you trying it to get your own take on it.2* = Not so good. Would not recommend at all. Waste of money.1* = How are they still in business? Stay away at all costs!

I've been going to La Ley for years and always loved their food - UNTIL yesterday. Prices have increased AGAIN - $30 for a quart of shrimp soup to go AND the shrimp were mealy - NOT fresh, and they wanted to charge extra for chipotle sauce - I won't be going back, and I'll no longer tell friends to check out this restaurant that's clearly in decline

Local favorite. Soup is really good paired with warm tortillas. Tacos are also good. You can't go wrong eating at this place

This place was suggested by border police that searched my vehicle and fortunately they were kind enough to suggest this restaurant. The food was very good and the service was as well. They made the food very quickly and the vibe overall was calm.

Drove down from Green Valley to check out Nogales and found this place through yelp. Based upon the parking lot (full to capacity) I knew this was the place! Packed tables inside and a short line but it was moving fast. The tacos were excellent! I got five...3 shrimp, 1 fish, and 1 shredded beef. This will be my new taco spot in Nogales. My wife and I got out of there for $25 bucks for 8 tacos and 2 drinks.