santa cruz chili & spice

SalfromIL

Whenever we're in the area, we make a beeline to Santa Cruz for a spice and sauce run, The store isn't big, but the selection is. Lots to choose from and you can see where they pack the spices in the glassed in background. All the chilies are grown locally and their mixes are terrific.As to sauces, there is a tasting area where you can sample around 10 different sauces. We particularly love the picante and chipotle sauces, but try them for yourself.It's a must stop place for spice lovers.

269JanetL

Lots of spices, not just the chili ones. Also shelves of salsas, marinades, jellies, etc. We had lots of fun picking out items to ship to family members for the holidays. There are unusual candies too, lollipops in jalepeno flavor, cactus candy, a sucker with a scorpion in it, etc. Don't' miss the room with books, soup and dip mixes, etc. If you are going to the National Historic Site at Tumacacori, it is less than .25 miles

DeutschDiana

...because your luggage will smell like this Spice Factory when you're done!Love this stop along 19 - you can get almost any spice you want or need in bigger quantities and of much higher quality than you could at any grocery store. It's not just Mexican/SW spices, either (although those are all so amazingly delicious) either!Some of my favorites:Lime Pepper (genius - and much tastier than the usual "lemon pepper" situation)Chardonnay Sea Salt (sprinkle this on unsalted butter and serve with crusty French bread for a heavenly pre-dinner course...)Taco Supreme (because, well.... TACOS)Fajita Seasoning (I stock up here once or twice a year and never get anything else)Guacamole mix (makes a spicy guac SUPER easy to make).Honestly - I've never gotten anything in which I've been disappointed, but those are my "must buys" every time I come.Did I mention I live in Seattle?! So worth it.

KarenF446

Give this place a try when you're traveling near Tubac. Well worth the extra few miles south. Tons of spice options, a salsa tasting table.Good prices and unique gifts to share with friends back home, as well as stocking up your own kitchen. The serving staff on the day we went were less than enthusiastic, so we spent less. They could learn a little salesmanship and marketing.

PLewis4040

What a great place for fabulous spices! Local and unique, there are also special gifts to catch your eye!

NYU62

When we drive down to visit the Mission, we always stop at the Santa Cruz Chili & Spice Company. They're just across the street. We shop for ourselves, and we shop for our Massachusetts friends, who love these spices, and cannot get them readily and fresh in New England. As soon as you walk in, the aroma hits you. It's a small place, but the shelves and tables are loaded with spices. There are so many, that most often (for us) it is hard to choose, but then the staff there is very friendly, and will help you out. They, also, sell postcards (6 for $1.00, so it's worth getting your Grand Canyon postcards here, as up there, the same ones are 59 cents each!)You can taste salsa, and when we were there a few days ago, we tasted the most heavenly honey. No pressure about buying, they are happy if you just come in to enjoy the smells. In fact, you can browse all you want, while they go about their work. Should you want service, you ring a bell. The bathroom is super clean.

DannyDDD

They are great folks, Love to go there. Have been buying spices from them for 20 years! They want more info! I don't have any more!

Trixi61

We visited family in April and restocked on several favorites... Tried something new - the Harmon's Sweet Lime & Cilantro Pepper Jelly. It has been the biggest appetizer hit EVER!! I've served on baked brie or mini baked brie bites in phyllo shells (in grocer freezer section) and sure it's just as great over cream cheese. So fresh and light - the men have gobbled this up like crazy!!Just called and ordered a case to save and share - it's that good!God Bless and many thanks, Santa Cruz!!

Concierge67

We followed a store clerk's recommendation and drove the five minutes from Tubac to check out this store. It was so worth it. The minute we walked into this property we were surrounded by the most enticing smells. You could probably spend hours perusing the many different offerings of spices and condiments this store has to offer. Simply fabulous.We walked out with a bag full of goodies and my pantry smells almost as good as the Santa Cruz Chili and Spice Company.

jschwane

We live in WI and have been getting the prime rib seasoning from here for many years. It is the best rub for all steaks and roasts. The other spice are also fantastic. We don't buy from any place else anymore. Reasonably priced and worth the trip if you are within a 100 miles. You can also have them shipped to your home. My family also loves the place. My brother who lives in Tucson will make a visit there before he comes home and bring a big order for the family in Wisconsin.

LynnGetman

If you are looking for spices, rubs, salsas or any number of Southwestern products this is the place to go. I make the trip here at least once a year to buy spices and chilies.

CarolB446

They have a tasting area with CHIPS and if the salsa has a row of starbursts next to it, you've been warned. They have the REALLY HOT stuff! And really good. And really authentic. We try to figure out how much hot sauce we will use in a year until we visit again, and buy accordingly. (trust me, the stuff would survive nuclear attack.). We found the store when we were prowling around the Tubac area during the last 10 years of visits. Tubac isn't worth the gas to drive there anymore, but Santa Cruz is.

slsgallion

Worth a stop and a shop! Friendly people, hard at work. If you're a Southwestern flavor foodie, give this place a look, you might find a must have among the great selection they offer.

Golfcondo1

Had so much fun going thru the store.There was so many different spices to see and try.recipes books,ideas on how to use the spices.There were some I have never seen so I picked then up to try.Can't wait to whip up some new dishes.Don't be surprised when you fisrt walk in all the different smells in the air of the spices.

Tucsontilly

This place is just great! It's located off the freeway near Tubac, next to the mission. Their spices are terrific, they grow much of what they sell, process it all on site. Very fresh, 'best by' dates on most. Prices better than grocery chains and from our experience, better product! Love the curry powder, Az. Fiesta mix, citrus pepper....well, everything we've tried!We live in Southern California and try to get in when visiting Tucson. They are happy to take phone or Internet orders, and get them off quickly. Ours arrived by mail three days after ordering.A fun and funky place to visit. There is an old mission and park very near. If you live in the area, a nice excursion. If visiting make time to stop by on your way back from Tubac. You won't be disappointed. Check for business hours.