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Ajo Al's Mexican Cafe
- Hours:
Mon, Sun 11 am - 9 pm
Tue-Wed 11 am - 9:30 pm
Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 10:30 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Tarrah C. said: "O.M.G.... this place is the bomb!! It's funny thinking how to describe the cusine.... it's like when you have an old sofa and finally put a new slipcover on it, making it look modern and fresh. That's how the food is here...oh, no, it…" read more »
43 reviews for Ajo Al's Mexican Cafe
Review Highlights
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"...are both specialties: Mushroom Enchiladas Blancas and Pollo..." In 2 reviews -
"The chips and salsa are fresh and flavorful and plentiful." In 7 reviews -
"If you know me, you will soon learn I love a happy hour." In 4 reviews
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43 reviews in English
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Review from Brian T.
Phoenix, AZ
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Oh so Yummy! Letter E lunch special! I've been going to Al's for YEARS now. They have some of the BEST Tex-Mex food anywhere! Their chicken has *ALWAYS* been very moist and tasty. I highly recommend trying them out!
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Review from Jeremiah K.
Tempe, AZ
12/12/2011 9 Check-ins Here
This is my go to lunch spot by work. Service is quick and the food is good. Definitely order the hot salsa with your food; the regular salsa is kind of bland. Menu is full of Mexican/American favorites. Nothing is really spectacular or revolutionary, but it's all pretty solid. I've never been disappointed.
If you're looking for decent Mexican food near the Biltmore/Camelback area, this is always a good choice. -
Review from Alissa G.
Phoenix, AZ
3/7/2012
I live super close to here so I've gone along with friends when they invite me, but every time I end up regretting it. Their chips & salsa are good but I have yet to have a good meal or drink here. My friends say their margaritas suck, and the food often comes out lukewarm. The service is slow and the servers often forget things and don't check on you very often. I'll continue avoiding this place.
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Review from Brian O.
Phoenix, AZ
3/5/2012
Good, but nothing really outstanding. Service is friendly and attentive here. The salsa has quite a kick. I ordered the Seafood Enchiladas. Good flavor, wish they had a bit more of a cream sauce or something. Unfortunately, they did a number on my digestive system the next day.. Good choice for Mexican but does not really stand out from any of the other various choices.
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Review from Keith T.
Phoenix, AZ
4/22/2012
Ordered steak fajitas which were very tough. Both the side servings of retried beans and rice were bland. Overall there was a lack of favor as it seems their recipes do not allow for some spices. A little cumin in the beans would make a huge difference The rice was the most bland. The quantity was great but this is no trip to flavor town.
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Review from Julie R.
8/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Go here for happy hour... which I believe is until 6:30pm? Great deals on drinks and the food selection isn't too shabby either.
We (me & the BF) ordered the chicken quesadilla per recommendation of the bartendress- great recommendation. That lil pocket of deliciousness is STUFFED with chicken and cheese plus you get all the naughty fixin's on the side (guac, sour cream, salsa...) as well.
All of the other food is still your standard, delicious Mexican... still very reasonably priced.
Ditching your vehicle is very convenient, plenty of parking in the back. Air conditioning is always 'full-blast.' Can order pitchers of margs frozen or on the rocks during happy hour.
Couldn't ask for more on a 115 degree day :) -
Review from C L.
Tucson, AZ
9/8/2011
I had almost given up on Mexican food in Phoenix. I tried this place on a Friday during lunch. I had a combo meal that included a taco and cheese enchilada. This restaurant is one of my new favorites. The cheese enchilda was a great choice. Excellent flavor.
The taco was also nice and crispy, and the beef had great flavor.
The chips and salsa were very good. The salsa was not the best I have ever had, but very good. I wish they would put the salsa in bowls. I cant stand eating salsa off of plates.
I will definitely return to this location. Great food and service. -
Review from Eric R.
12/31/2011
I'm originally from L.A. and as I bitch about constantly, it is HARD to find good Mexican food in Phoenix and Ajo Al's was a bit of a disappointment. However if a step above Taco Bell works for you, then you'll love this place. My friends and I were on a kick for a time coming here, mainly because they have a decent Happy Hour. If anything, you should check these guys out for that. The restaurant itself is nice on the inside and they have a nice bar so you won't be disappointed if you want a drink and some munchies on the way home from work. My advice, if you're going to hit this place, is to grab a seat at the bar, order a drink and an appetizer, have maybe another drink (or two) then move on.
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Review from Michele K.
Gilbert, AZ
2/27/2012
Ok, Ajo Al's is not really mexican food, but it's the best darn tex-mex you'll find in these parts. To be fair, all Ajo Al's are not created equal. I've eaten at the other two in Scottsdale, and this location is superior, by far. Great food, great service, super strong margaritas, a girl couldn't ask for more. I also appreciate their willingness to substitute on menu items. Here I can get the pollo fundido with shredded beef, which is a big deal for me, considering I'm allergic to chicken. If only more places were as awesome and as accommodating as Ajo Al's.
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Review from Melissa T.
Phoenix, AZ
12/18/2011
One of my most favorite places to eat. I've been there no less than a 50 times over the years. Love the chips and salsa and everything I've tried has been delish.
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Review from Rand H.
10/13/2010
I was up in this part of town at lunchtime today, so I whipped in here to Al's. This is a stylish, good-sized place, & it was already almost full of lively diners at 11:45!
Things got off to a good start, with a whole pitcher of ice water landing on the table, along with a basket of excellent chips & a nice carafe of tasty salsa. I ordered a #7 Combo, which arrived pretty soon as a roasting hot platter with a Chile Relleno, a beef tamale, a hard shredded beef taco, & a bit of salad.
The prices are a little high (but obviously they are getting away with it), & they give you a small plate to scoop up your salsa from, instead of a more useful bowl. With that said, the service was good, & this was a big, delicious lunch. I don't know if Al is really an A-Ho.., but he can cook! :-))
#7 Combo $11.45 -
Review from Charlene K.
Gilbert, AZ
5/6/2011
Ajo Al's has been one of my favorite locals only places in the Valley. The food is great, the portions are large, and the atmosphere is homey. It's the kind of place that feels like if you started coming every week, people would know your name.
My two favorite dinners are both specialties: Mushroom Enchiladas Blancas and Pollo Blanco Enchilada. Both have their delicious white jalapeño sauce.
While you are here, check out the bathrooms. Very nice! -
Review from Tom D.
8/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Mediocre at best. Not too tasty. Salsa blah, beans and rice too salty. Only thing I feel confident in recommending is the Mexican pizza app w/ chicken. Big enough to share. Other than that, the price is too expensive for the food served.
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Review from Susan D.
6/29/2010
--Conveient location.
--Food is pretty good...the meat portions are generous for the fajatias.
--Service was quick and effcient.
--Good chips and salsa -
Review from Joshua O.
Phoenix, AZ
2/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place, so much so that we're having our rehearsal dinner for our wedding here. There's a good story to that, too. When we first spoke to the manager (I'm pretty sure it was the manager) he said that the patio was taken the night we wanted to reserve it. A few months later though, the patio opened up and he called us to let us know. I was pleasantly surprised to know he had kept our contact information all this time and thought to follow through with us, too.
Besides having great customer service, their food is good, too. I love their beef chimichaunga and it's delicious every time. -
Review from Lynn W.
3/26/2009 ROTD 5/21/2009
This was the second time I have been to Ajo Al's. The first time was about 10 years ago when I first visited Phoenix. I remembered it well. I like the atmosphere. Warm and welcoming, lots of cool are and things to look at. I did not know this was a chain until I read the other reviews. This is no Chevy's though. This is far better, in my opinion. The chips and salsa are fresh and flavorful and plentiful. The basket they bring you is huge! I had chicken flautas and they were delicious. They topped them with guac and pico de gallo. The rice was fluffly and moist and the beans were good too. I only had ice tea but that was some of the best ice tea I have ever had. I don't know what made it so good.......I mean it's ice tea, but I downed two glasses of it in no time flat.
I know there are tons of other non-chain mexican places in Phoenix and I will try them all!! I love mexican food!! But I will come back to Ajo Al's too. I'd like to try a margarita next time. :) -
Review from Larry S.
Phoenix, AZ
2/4/2011
I'm going solid 4 stars, but with a caveat....:)
The chips were hot and crispy - 4.5 stars.
The "hot"salsa was nicely done - 4.5 stars.
The "green" salsa was one of the best I've had - 5 stars.
The show-buster which gets 6 stars is the "Spicy Chicken Soup." I read the review of this soup in the New Times 2007 "Best Of..." and have to agree that it's one of the better chicken soups around .
Perfectly salted (meaning not overly salty) and with the right amount of pepper. Nice big chunks of obviously 100% "REAL" chicken breast (no fillers, nothing fake about it ) and zucchini and whole baby carrots. Sprinkled with a touch of corn and rice and small slivers of onion.
Very tasty combo of flavors. Hits the spot on a cold 50 degree day.
The caveat?
My other friend had the lunch combo with a taco and a cheese enchilada, refried beans and rice. Absolutely nothing special or very tasty about any of the stuff on his plate. Bland. Boring. Cheap-looking and cheap-tasting.
So if you are in the mood for some good, decently flavored chicken soup, and some above-average chips and salsa, give it a try.
If you're gonna order a combo meal, I'd say take your business elsewhere. -
Review from Sara O.
Phoenix, AZ
4/26/2008
4/26/2008 I went here today with a group of 8 women. We had a lovely lunch. We even pulled out a craft project and it felt totally comfortable. The food was wonderful. The staff was really easy-going and tentative considering the size of our group and our crafty nature. :)
11/26/2011 We held our wedding rehearsal dinner at Ajo Als on the patio. It was perfect. The service was wonderful. The food was plentiful and great. The space was nice for a large group of people. We had around 40. The patio could have easily fit many more!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Diana F.
Phoenix, AZ
5/29/2007
Good ambiance, great service, comfortable enough, and the prickly pear margarita was delicious! So what gives with the two stars?
The food was abysmal! I've never had worse mole sauce. I wouldn't even call it mole sauce. It was more like "black bean paste." Another member of my party had the same dish as I, and we both only ate about half and turned down the offer of the box. And I love almost everything! It was just bland, which is really bad in my book. A person orders mole because they like flavor! No one else in my party complained aloud about their food (but neither did I since I was eating for free), but I heard few compliments about anything except the wonderful margaritas. Stick with happy hour at this joint. -
Review from Iain B.
Phoenix, AZ
4/4/2009
Pretty darn average. Went tonight. Interesting decor but the food was blah, and boring with a capital B. I only give it 3 stars because it has been there forever and people seem to like it.
Its the usual enchilada with those damn rice and beans with cheese crap all over again ("watch out the plates are hot from the microwave")
....Zzz, wake me when its over.
Got some enchilada thing stuffed with chicken and mashed potatoes, sounded good but it was dull and uninspiring. The chips and salsa were nice and warm but the chips were like baked and while it may be better for you, it didn't taste better. Service was competent. Salsa = boring, cilantroesque, no kick at all.
Pepsi products = yikes and no Pepsi is not OK, I wanted a coke! Why do servers always say "is Pepsi OK?" when they don't have Coke anyways, where did that originate from? Do you learn that response in Servers school?
Won't rush back anytime soon. Maybe I should order something else if there is ever a next time? I can still taste the cilantro from the so called salsa. Really this is not very good food.
Update: Cilantro taste lingers the next day, much extra toothbrushing required. I have put Ajo Al's in its place with 2 stars. They can do better. For $35 with tip I should have had a better meal. -
Review from Dakra T.
Phoenix, AZ
9/3/2009
It appears that as I get older, I get cheaper. Such is my reinforced experience with Ajo Al's yesterday. I stopped in for lunch with my blind friend, who despite having lost his vision years ago can "feel out" good food from eight miles away. We were seated quickly and I started to peruse the lunch menu, only to be shocked that everything was $9. Since when in the hell is everything $9 for lunch? That's a dinner entree price, not a lunch price. Lunch should be $6 or at most $7.
After getting over my Scrooge-like reaction at the menu prices, I ordered the pollo con queso (shredded chicken covered with cheese and a spicy baja cream cheese suace). It was heavenly as I remember it from years ago. My dining companion chose the mushroom enchilada, which also was quite tasty.
I still hate the way they serve the salsa here, in tall narrow tumblers. It's impossible to dip your chips in the salsa container (where is a damn bowl when you need one!) so I had to pour it onto my salad plate and scrape up the salsa from there. Overall, the salsa is only average. It needs more kick and this is a big issue for Mexican restaurants in my head.
You do end up with large portions, but I'd like to see them pare down the portion sizes and the prices accordingly. Two for lunch cost as much as three for dinner the other night at Juan's on Thomas and 16th Street. That's not right.
So, overall Ajo Al's gets a B for food quality but a D for prices. The salsa helped me arrive at my three-star rating for this place. With minor changes, this could easily be a four-star place. Make it so, oh culinary gods! -
Review from Eric S.
Los Angeles, CA
6/16/2008 4 photos
Ajo Al's, I don't know why I keep coming back to you. Perhaps it's because I've eaten at the 90th Street location since I was a pre-teen. I've had good experiences and horrible; guess this is a trait at all Al's locations.
This is the second time that I've visited this location, last time being a year ago and the food was ok. This time the food was mas o menos. We ordered Sangria, however, the sangria served was unlike any other I've had. The server told us it consisted of watermelon juice, brandy and he couldn't remember what else. No wine in sangria? Hmm... Anyways, the appetizer of guacamole was great with a lot of garlic and lime to it; the entrees, at least mine, was downright nasty. I ordered the Garden Fajitas light oil, to be served Garden Fajitas swimming in oil. So much oil I think that by consuming my entree it might serve as a laxative as well as a meal. I didn't eat the fajitas, or the rice because I'm sure it contained chicken broth. On the bright side the Mushroom Enchilada I had was good. Now I know why I visit Al's on an annual basis, if that. -
Review from Christina R.
Seattle, WA
12/19/2008
Every year on my uncle's birthday (December 31st) my entire extended family (and usually some friends) goes to Ajo Al's.
Every year my Father (or one of my uncles) gets me to split a giant (GIANT) plate (really enormous platter pan) of nachos.
Every year there are at least 20 of us.
Every year the food is good and we have an amazing time.
The menu is expansive, but not overwhelming, so anyone can find something he or she likes (even if you don't care for Mexican food, you can find something more American...without this place feeling like an Applebees...because it certainly doesn't).
The service is not always the best (always nice, but sometimes slow), ESPECIALLY if they sit you on the patio (they usually forget about you there).
I only go there about twice or three times a year, but it certainly isn't because it isn't delicious. Definitely looking forward to it this year! -
Review from Jeff H.
Phoenix, AZ
6/10/2011 15 Check-ins Here
A favorite of mine. Probably the one restaurant that I've been to the most in the 10 years I've been here in Phoenix. Love the Mexican Short Stack.
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Review from sunny b.
2/15/2009
For a chain Ajo Al's is pretty decent. Shrimp fajitas, tacos morongo and fish tacos are all really good. All their taco plates come with great side sauces (tomatillo, chipotle cream, avacado puree). They also make a pretty yummy breakfast burrito.
I'm not a huge fan of their salsa, but they have a decent hot sauce. Their sangria is not actual sangria made with wine, but a fruit juice blended drink (beware). Top shelf margs are awesome.
The place is usually packed and I have always had great service. -
Review from Kristin C.
Phoenix, AZ
3/6/2007
The food is good, but my favorite thing about the place is the art. I know I'm weird, but they really do have some great pieces to peruse as you nibble those chips and salsa.
While this isn't my #1 Mexican spot, it's location has a been a great center meeting point with friends. The food is never disappointing and service has always been good. Very good actually. Oh the stories I could tell about our friend doing some super heavy flirting with one of the waiters. Though at that level it's hardly even flirting anymore. More like a direct offer. But anyhow... He handled it smoothly as silk. This would lead me to guess they have a pretty good bar, which my friend was enjoying of course. -
Review from Jake C.
San Francisco, CA
3/6/2007
While Ajo Al's easily holds the crown for most bearable tex-mex food in town, imho, I still am a far cry from a big fan of here.
One of my best friends LOVES this place. LOVES it. And I could never figure out why, but I have since turned him onto El Molino in Scottsdale and I haven't heard much about Ajo Al's lately, so maybe he just didn't know any better.
Also, I did hear murmurings of trouble with health code violations here a few months back. Those usually don't scare me too much, in all candor, since perfectly good restarants get the whistle blown on them for relatively minor infractions so often that I've grown somewhat callous to their warnings.
Further, I'm sure any problem that once existed is now long gone since there was some press about the incident when it happened.
A good after work place to grab a drink or watch the game with friends, but do yourself a favor and grab some authentic mexican that us Phoenicians are blessed with when it comes time to eat. -
Review from John R.
Pittsburgh, PA
Updated - 1/17/2009
A year later, I'm back at Ajo Al's and still like it just as much as last time. It's a little heavy on the salt, but whatever. The steak Chuy's Chimi was awesome, not overcooked. The waitress made sure to let me know it's covered in green sauce, and substituting red wasn't a problem.
The service was great - never had to ask for a refill, the chip bowl never went empty.
Delicious, reliable, what more do you want?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/17/2008
Sure, it's a chain. But I thought it was very good! We were promptly seated, our waiter checked on… Read more »
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Review from Eddie N.
Phoenix, AZ
4/30/2010
Funny...when I return to my office after eating here, my colleagues raved about how awesome it it. Not as funny, I didn't agree. I did like the atmosphere and the service, but I thought the prices were a little high for lunch although the serving was good. I had the chicken fajitas which were ok. I thought it was a different kind of style than I am used to so I wasn't impressed.
I'd like to give it another shot before I totally condemn a place that is obviously popular, but it's back to Chuy's and Ernie's for now.... -
Review from Nick S.
Phoenix, AZ
12/5/2010
This place is a good average mexican food restaurant. I would say its comparible to Macyos. We did get something on there menu that I have not seen anywhere else . It was enchiladas with mashed potatos shredded beef and a really good sauce on it. I would get it again for sure when ever i make it back . They get packed for lunch!!!
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Review from Ryan S.
Scottsdale, AZ
1/22/2011
I think this is the 4th or 5th different Ajo's I have been too. Anyway, this location is great. The Mexican pizza is just stupid good. Chips and salsa are delicious. I am not a fan of chain restaurants but Ajos has seemed to do a good job of controlling quality and they have never let us down.
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Review from Cheryl S.
Phoenix, AZ
7/14/2007
Abysmal food and service. Has gotten progressively worse over the years. Just an expensive Taco Bell.
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Review from Brooke P.
Phoenix, AZ
7/31/2008
Ajo Als rocks, but this location is hit and miss. For some reason their chips are consistently not as good as the other locations - it's like they are soaked in grease. If you can go to either of the Scottsdale locations, you are better off, based on my experiences.
The pollo con queso is great!!! It's the best thing on the menu if you don't care about calories (deep fried chicken burro, smothered in cream cheese and cheddar cheese, mmmmmmm). If I don't want 2,000 calories in one meal, I go for the Salad Carbone with Chicken. It's seriously one of the best salads I have ever had. They marinade the chicken in something wonderful, it's so tender and flavorful, and served with the best jalapeno ranch. !Muy bueno! -
Review from Brenda L.
Tempe, AZ
4/8/2010 3 photos
OK I hated it! I have eaten Mexican food all across North America and this is by far the worst! Seriously I would prefer to eat at Taco Bell than return here!
The building is all they have going for them.
Service is mediocre. If you read the menu you will see at the bottom that they will not split checks for a table and a few other will not rules! Come on people, how tacky and inhospitable can a eatery be!? My waitress was some young girl. She was okay but obviously not to experienced.
My food, left me dumb founded! I was having lunch. I ordered the steak fajita $11. It was a big meal with rice, beans, guacamole, Pico de Gallo, the fajita had lots of colorful peppers w/ onions and mushrooms! Never have I had mushrooms in a meat fajita, but okay I'll go with it. Then I bit into something that set my mouth a blaze! But beyond all that the food was SALTY! Yes the rice and beans as well! I could not eat it. I set there contemplating my hunger, what set before on the plates and the girth of my waist size, or to doggy bag it for my hound - I was ready to walk away when the waitress showed up and noticed my plate. When presented with the idea of a to go box, I broke down and told her it was to salty. She kindly offered to get me something else. Off the top of my head I said a chicken enchilada. It came out, and it was even worst! When asked if it was to my pleasing, I told a bold face lie! I said it was better, only meaning it was not as salty. Then I asked for a small sour cream, to cover the taste up in an attempt to make it look like I had eaten more of it then I intended. I picked at it but left more than half of it on the plate along with the sour cream (2 Tablespoons) that they charged me $2 for!
I wanted a Sangria but opt not to attempt that recipe after experiencing the kitchen's recipes. Besides $7 for a glass of Sangria was a bit steep in my mind as well.
If you know me, you will soon learn I love a happy hour. I read their happy hour brochure and was not impressed. Basically half price on chips & two different dips and $5 drink specials. I'll pass on this as well.
Wild horses, horny handsome straight men, nor hunger or thirst will get me to return to Ajo Al's or recommend it.
Oh and it's not cheap for lunch nor dinner either, considering it's Mexican food and awful. Sure glad my Uncle Al could cook better than this. -
Review from Ken B.
Phoenix, AZ
7/1/2009
Don't go here expecting light food. Everything is deep-fried and covered in cheese and crema (of some variety). It tastes okay, not particularly special but wow, really really heavy. Like I felt like the people who hang out at the pizza buffet all afternoon. You ever see them? Two chairs to accomodate everything.
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Review from Don H.
Phoenix, AZ
8/18/2011
I enjoy going here although it is far from authentic Mexican cuisine. You gotta get the mushroom brown sauce it's killer. I enjoy combo number eight with the brown sauce added. Stay away from all of the chicken dishes they are bland and dry.
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Review from Tony P.
Phoenix, AZ
6/22/2010
Ajo Als on 16th Street es no bueno, my girlfriend and her brother got food poisoning from here yesterday! that's just gross!
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Review from Phoenix O.
Phoenix, AZ
8/18/2011
I have been going to this place for years, but have been slacking lately... so I returned a couple of weeks ago. I was craving a chicken taco salad, and remembered how great theirs was. It is served in a tortilla bowl, and while I suppose you could eat the bowl, I don't... and go straight for the chicken...and there is plenty of chicken.. which is quite filling. It is shredded chicken on top of fresh greens, cheese, tomato, and a black olive or two. I had the italian dressing with my salad and my friend had the jalapeno ranch. We were both happy. The chips are hot and crispy, and the salsa is good. While I normally go during the week around happy hour time, I went on a Sunday afternoon. The service is great, the place is nice, and the bathrooms are clean, My favorite server was always Myra...but I'm not sure is she is there any longer.I will have to go back and check!
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Review from Carmelo R.
Glendale, AZ
6/29/2010
I went with my co-workers today and I had a Chicken Taco Salad. The service was fast enough for the place being full, the price was average, there was plenty of parking, and I had a great experience. I'd go again.
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Review from Steve B.
Scottsdale, AZ
3/28/2010
Clean, no wait and plenty of parking but that's where the positive stopped. Service was insultingly slow, food was luke warm and ooverly sally...won't be back..
Listed in: Places to Avoid
