Yeah, this is mundane, uninspired, and on the verge of pathetic, but I was so busy all day that finding a photo was low on the list of priorities.

Lunch here, though, is excellent. Tee Pee Mexican Food has been a local Phoenix favorite now for more than 40 years. The place is not upscale; it is retro by every measure. The food makes up for any lack of ambiance, although if noise from a busy clientele is your version of ambiance, then this is the place you must get to. Tee Pee may be best known for its Chili Relleno, which is ginormous. I love the enchiladas and green corn tamales; the green chili burrito comes in a close third, while the homemade salsa will force you to eat way too many chips before your meal arrives. Be warned, the plates are delivered sizzling at finger-burning temperatures.

Tee Pee is located at 4144 E Indian School Road in Phoenix, Arizona, and is open seven days a week. During lunch and weekends, the wait can be quite long, upwards of an hour for weekend dinner guests. George Bush ate here last year; I give him credit for finding good eateries.

Other must-visit Mexican restaurants while in Phoenix:

Los Dos Molinos – 8646 S Central Ave – Awesomely spicy hot food served up New Mexico-style from old cowboy movie star Tom Mix’s former home. Closed July for vacation.

Barrio Cafe – 2814 N 16th Street – South Mexican cuisine is the specialty here, and you will not be disappointed by stopping in; the food is terrific. An example item from the menu: Filet mignon in a chipotle/tamarindo red wine sauce served over a grilled nopal cactus pad and chorizo.

Carolina’s – 1202 E Mohave Street and 2126 E Cactus Road, Carolina’s offers great Mexican fast food and has been the winner for many a year of the New Times’ Best Tortillas title in Phoenix, Arizona