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Aunt Chilada's
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Mexican, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
7330 N Dreamy Draw DrPhoenix, AZ 85020
(602) 944-1286
Announcement
Free buffet Monday through Friday during Happy Hour (4:30 pm - 6:30 pm)!
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 2 am
Sat-Sun 10 am - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
126 reviews for Aunt Chilada's
Review Highlights
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"The chips and salsa were so good." In 28 reviews -
"A very cool patio during the nice months of the year." In 28 reviews -
"Aunt Chilada's has a great happy hour." In 14 reviews
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126 reviews in English
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Review from Lindsey F.
Scottsdale, AZ
5/9/2012
If only more restaurants could be like Aunt Chilada's. I'm happy that I have been able to visit several times and look forward to many more visits in the future!
First of all, this place is oozing with history. Did you know that long before Arizona was even a state, this establishment used to be a brothel? Yes, a brothel! Well now, it's of course the furthest thing from a brothel but you can still feel the history living in the walls and parts of the restaurant feel like stepping into a different decade all together.
Second of all, the environment. If there's a restaurant that screams party, this is it and I'm talking about a party for all ages. Whether you're visiting with family and looking for a lively establishment with plenty of patio seating, fun games and hearty food, or you're out with friends eager to share some laughs over margaritas, live music and trivia night, this restaurant's got your covered. This is the ideal restaurant for large parties, private parties and more. They have two very large patios with two outdoor bars, a huge indoor bar area, a spacious main dining room and a more private dining room in the back (that happens to be the original building that housed the brothel!)
Third, let's talk about the activities. This restaurant knows how to keep their guests entertained! They have live music, trivia nights, bocce ball tournaments, chocolate fountains on Sundays, and special events including a fiesta bash on Cinco de Mayo...just to name a few.
Fourth and finally, the food. The food is solid Americanized Mexican food. The Nachos are hefty, the pollo Fundido is cheesy & creamy and the quesadillas are a good greasy (the kind you want when eating a quesadilla). This food is exactly what I would expect and hope for when visiting Aunt Chilada's. It's the perfect type of food for this family-friendly, fiesta inspired establishment.
PS - did you know that these fine folks also happen to own Rustlers Rooste...that awesome cowboy establishment in Tempe complete with a live bull, slide and two stepping? Yes, these folks know how to have fun! -
Review from Jessica H.
Concord, CA
I went to Aunt Chilada's at the recommendation of a friend who used to bartend there.
When I arrived, I was immediately asked if I was meeting a party here. Nope, it's just me... I was seated and brought a menu along with flour tortilla chips (yum!) and salsa.
I started with the cheese crisp. This thing was amazing!! It was a cross between a sauceless pizza and an open faced corn quesadilla. So good. In retrospect, I would've finished that and eaten less of everything else.
From there, I ordered the 2 combo plate: Cheese enchilada (how could I go to a place named Aunt Chilada's and not order one...) and chicken taco. The enchilada was good, and the sour cream I ordered with it had an almost whipped texture. I took one bite of the taco, and decided against it. It was a crunchy corn tortilla, the chicken was breaded and fried (crispy chicken in a taco?).
If I went back, I'd stick to the cheese crisp and a 1 entree plate.
There is also a banquest room, and a large outdoor seating area with a bar and bocci ball court. -
Review from Michelle G.
Scottsdale, AZ
5/4/2012
If eating in a filthy daycare center is your idea of a great dining experience, this is a must try place for you! We stopped in for brunch last Saturday when we were feeling in an adventurous mood and looking to deviate from our tried and true brunch spots. It was a beautiful day so we asked to be seated outside and as the hostess lead us to our table, it became apparent that there was NOWHERE on the patio and perhaps the entire restaurant that would offer us any solace from the excessive number of running, screaming, sticky fingered children who had apparently consumed too much sugar at the chocolate fountain.
Now, I understand that when sitting outside in the Phoenix area, tables and chairs aren't always spotless due to the dust factor, but one would have expected that our plastic tablecloth would have at least been wiped down sufficiently to remove the layers of food that had accumulated over what I'm guessing was at least the past few months. After a significant wait, a server (not ours) showed up with some water that was served in glasses designed to hold enough liquid to quench a toddler's thirst (although, given the number of toddlers present, perhaps this was intentional) and some chips, salsa, and hot sauce. The chips were of both the flour and corn tortilla varieties and were rather heavy on the grease. The salsa was so mild, the only real flavor that it had was that of the sliced black olives in it, which is not necessarily a quality one seeks in a salsa. The "hot" sauce was actually just as mild as the salsa and was served in a glass bottle that was so filthy and had so much food stuck to the outside of it that my hands were actually sticky from touching it. At long last, our waiter finally showed up to take our drink order: a mimosa for me and a bloody mary for my husband. After another ten minutes, he finally reappeared with the drinks and had I not been quick to cover my white shorts with my napkin, we would have been heading home for me to change since he'd spilled the bloody mary while carrying it and cluelessly reached across me with it to set the drink in front of my husband, causing a stream of spilled tomato juice to run down the plastic tablecloth and onto my legs.
The only redeeming factor that pulled this place up to three stars was actually the food. I ordered a two item combo with a cheese enchilada and a bean & guacamole tostada and when the food finally arrived, it was clear a one item combo would have been more than enough as both items were huge. All of the tostada ingredients were fresh and tasty and the cheese enchilada was flavorful too. My husband had the huevos rancheros which he also thought were quite good. This place is definitely a good value for the price as it's very inexpensive, but having heard that they actually host wedding receptions here, I would have expected a lot more in terms of the atmosphere and service. It's a place that we won't hurry back to, but won't cross off the list as I've definitely had far worse food and overall dining experiences at other Mexican restaurants in the Valley. -
Review from Paul V.
5/3/2012 6 Check-ins Here
Every time I have come to Aunt Chilada's I've had a great time along with some delicious Mexican food. I've tried their fajitas, enchiladas, quesadilla, torta, taquitos, and even the fired ice cream (don't typically get dessert at Mexican restaurants) and all have been very good. For what it's worth, I once went with a friend who doesn't like Mexican and she said Aunt Chilada's had one of the best burgers she's ever had. I can't vouch for that though. I recently tried the El Pollo Fundito and it was awesome. Probably about 2000 calories, but awesome.
This place is huge! Lots of indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor patio is my favorite on a beautiful spring evening. Great happy hour. A perfect place for group events. Live music on Friday nights. Trivia on Wednesday nights. Bocce Ball outside. Friendly staff each and every visit. Nice view of Piestewa Peak!
I really don't get some of the negative reviews of this place. Each of my dozen or so visits to Aunt Chilada's have been very positive and I will continue to return. -
Review from S R.
Carpentersville, IL
5/16/2012
We frequent the Phoenix area once or twice a year, and Aunt Chilada's is usually a stop for us.
We love sitting outside in the patio area. It used to be nicer, now they have a bocci ball court and the tables and chairs seem a bit worn. They immediately try to upsell you their premium margarita because it's a better deal, but in the end, it's expensive. I'm a $2.99 rita fan @ Via Delosantos or Mi Patio.
The food is quite good and of course, portions are huge. The only thing is they serve this weird pasta side dish instead of rice. Bizarre.
Always have good servers and everyone is friendly. -
Review from Travis B.
3/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
Aunt Chiladas hosted the latest Yelp event and what an event it was. The food was excellent. i was especially partial to the tamales...ate several. the chips and salsa at each table were excellent as well. the margaritas from the bar were nice and sweet/salty, just the right ratio.
we'll definitely check them out again for their regular menu! -
Review from Daren C.
3/28/2012
AZ icon at its best.
The place itself is amazing, the owners and staff are freakin cool. The food is always great even if you go for the happy hour only!
If you can check this place out and bring 1 or 17 of your buddies,.,, -
Review from Abigail R.
Phoenix, AZ
5/9/2012
I love this place! The atmosphere is really great, especially the patio when its not too hot outside. The bocce court is a plus as well. I've been here to watch sports events as well as to hang out with friends on the patio; Aunt Chiladas is good for both! They have a wide variety of beers as well as really great margaritas. I've never been disappointed with the food, although the service has been a little slow at times. I'm not sure of the exact schedule, but they also sometimes have a free food buffet outside!
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Review from Andre E.
3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Yet another fabulous Yelp event held at this locale. Great food.....and I am not a Mexican food lover at all....but again the food was very good. The atmosphere is authentic Mexican....a Bocce court right next to the walkway....fantastic patio for our yelp event....good live music....and there was even a "Hell's Kitchen" celebrity chef serving up shrimp in a grille pineapple.
Yelp done it's usual prize giveaways....which are always fun....there was fiesta theme for this event and there was even a "Adult" penyata which I don't think anyone was able to break open....LOL!!!! I found out they even do a free buffet during happy hour Monday-Friday 4:30pm until 6:30pm.....that's awesome. So while I don't drink or really like Mexican food.....I highly recommend this location for it's authentic feel and great patio to sit under the stars and Eat, Drink, and be Merry my Friends!!!!! -
Review from Ann P.
Corona del Mar, CA
4/1/2012
I've had waaaay better Mexican. I grew up across the way from the barrios in Santa Ana so I know me some good Mexican.
Pros:
-Cute outdoor decor. That was it.
-the cheese crisp was ok.
-they had flour tortilla chips that were pretty tasty and a nice change from corn.
Cons:
-Food was not good. I can make better Mexican, and I'm Asian.
-ceviche tasted like frozen shrimp mixed with salsa.
-drinks were watered down. I ordered a margarita and it came with a side tumbler so I was excited until I tasted it...watery.
Verdict:
Would not go again although it was fun following the chilies on the path back to my hotel. -
Review from Erin H.
Phoenix, AZ
4/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Every Friday night, there is live music and every single time we've been there, the band has been awesome. It's a great atmosphere. You can hang out inside and dance or go outside and sit down with your friends and still hear the music.
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Review from Colin G.
Phoenix, AZ
3/22/2012
I used to live walking distance away from Aunt C's, and it was always a good time no matter what night we'd pay a visit even before the bocce ball court was installed. The prices I think are a little inflated for their attachment to the Squaw Peak Hilton but as a regular you figure out that the flour chips and salsa fill you up VERY well and a couple of cold beers/margarita's go a long way with an appetizer and can be considered a meal.
There may have been (very) few slip-ups over the years of visiting thus the 4 outta 5. But I have to admit we had our wedding rehearsal dinner here in the back room and they handled everything exceptionally from the whoops, we need another table, to wowing my new family here in AZ as well as my family from back east with great food and sopapillas (yum!), as well as keeping the margarita pitchers filled all night. The outdoor patios and gardens make this place feel as though it's your own back yard, keep up the good work Aunt C's!!!!!!!!!!! -
Review from Darlene G.
Phoenix, AZ
3/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is a little tucked away hidden treasure! The venue is awesome with so many areas to sit and enjoy. The Yelp event I went to had the exclusive use of the large outdoor patio - totally cool, right? It is so open and had great space for the stage, the buffet set up and other little fun attractions set up around the place....hello beer burro! It immediately had me thinking about what kind of party or celebration I could have on this patio...guess that means I'm sold on the venue, huh?
The food was great and offered a lot of variety. My favorites were the tamale and the desserts. The service was excellent and the staff was super friendly. Definitely a fun place to stop by for a good meal, a good drink or if you want to have a full on fiesta with you and 50 of your closest friends! Ole! -
Review from Jill C.
3/29/2012
Was here last night for a Yelp event.
Reason for the missing star - The handicapped stall in the ladies room on the patio - Its door latch/lock is broken. Couldn't keep the stall door closed.
Being almost 30 weeks pregnant and maneuvering in a regular stall - Not fun.
Other than that - I've always loved this tucked away location!! :) -
Review from Aimee C.
Peoria, AZ
3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Attended a yelp event here tonight with my boyfriend.....never been here before. The food was excellent and it was served buffet style. Had beef tacos, taquitos, tamales, chicken wings....followed by fried ice cream, sopapillas and flan. All of the food was wonderful, tasty and packed with flavor. Enjoyed all of this on the outside patio.
Will come back again. -
Review from Janet M.
3/18/2012
Aunt Chilada's is one of my favorite places to eat outdoors in Phoenix, when it's not cold, and when it's not 100 million gazillion degrees.
They have rockin happy hour specials, great margaritas, and pretty good Mexican food. It's a little gringo, but it's yummy, and when my parents were buying, it was great! ( I ate here a lot in college).
I'm a fan of the chips and salsa, too. -
Review from Bill J.
Laveen, AZ
5/21/2012
ok food, good service
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Review from Lakota D.
3/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
What a great spot! Fun atmosphere outside ! I had some friends visiting from Seatlle & this was the perfect " welcome to Arizona spot !" they loved the kitchy name, friendly bartenders & the bar food was pretty tasty to boot!
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Review from Tish C.
3/28/2012
Okay so we had an awesome Yelp event here tonight! I thought the service was superb! I thought the drinks were great! I thought the party favors were a hit! Just a note on the food... it was buffet style & I enjoyed all of it! I especially loved the corn tamales... they were spectacular! Cheesy, Creamy, and Corny.... just like me! LOL =) I loved the atmosphere... there was a lot of old town feel & history here! You should stop by & pay a visit. Nice going Aunt Chilada's, you know how to throw a party... real live donkey & all!
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Review from Diane S.
3/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
the event was great! A live donkey, pinata, open bar and free food. The event was great with live music. Make your own tacos, and free lip balm! Two words corn flakes!! They have a new meaning as ice cream was rolled in it, yummy!! Also spinach cheese dip, flan chips galore with a ton of other dishes so yummy and all free!! so much fun! margarita contest was great as well as the crowd. The patio was great and was packed! can't wait till the next event excited! Definitely will be hitting this place up for happy hour next week :)
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Review from C. R.
Phoenix, AZ
4/1/2012
Great old AZ, neighborhood Mexican restaurant. Great atmosphere and food and Margaritas, I love this place!!
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Review from Jim M.
Milwaukee, WI
4/16/2012
What the hell? I have never experienced a restaurant go down the toilet so fast. Its like a bad night in mexico. Service sucked, but the food sucked more. if by chance you want the blandest food this side of england, this place is for you, but if you want any form of mexican fare, you'd be better off going to taco smell, and I am no fan of fast food, whether it be from north of the border or farther north of the border. I used to be a big fan of the Aunt, but I can confidently say I will never, ever give this place another try, it was really that bad.
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Review from Jan W.
Napa, CA
4/14/2012
We have been going to Scottsdale in April for the last 20 years for the Scottsdale Culinary Festival. About 10 years ago the consierge at our hotel recommended Aunt Chilada's for great Mexican food. We have been going back for lunch ever since. We fly into Phoenix, have lunch at Aunt Chilada's, then drive to Scottsdale. We always look forward to their great salsa and chips, especially the flour chips. Last year I ordered my regular taco salad and was very disappointed when it no longer came in a flour tortilla shell. My new favorites are the fish tacos and chile rellenos off of the lunch menu.
This place doesn't necessarily have the best mexican food in the country but the outdoor dining, pleasant atmosphere, and very cold beer on a hot day, always hits the spot. -
Review from Meredith E.
Rochester, MI
1/7/2012
I had expected more greatness from this place. The salsa was good, service good, atmosphere ok. I was a lone diner, and they sat me back in a dark corner. I had brought a book to read while eating, but couldn't even see the pages.
The best part of the menu was the ceviche. If a restaurant has ceviche, you know the food is good. I cannot resist raw seafood.
The tortilla soup was ok, and the chips and salsa was above average. The chips were REALLY good actually.
The bloody maria (tequila rather than vodka) was also average, nothing special. Heck, it was even on special and the waitress charged me full price.
With all the advertising saying this was the best mexican place around, I expected alot better.Listed in: Sauce Boss
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Review from Kellie O.
Phoenix, AZ
1/8/2012
My friends go to the free buffet most Fridays after classes so I joined them.
I was excited because they rave about how good the food is and the drinks are cheap!
HOWEVER....the buffet was set outside on the patio where it was freezing so the food was cold and gross.
Why would you put uncovered hot dishes outside. Sternos cant keep up with that.
I guess starving students are less likely to notice cold food??
I would rather pay than eat that buffet again.
Makes me wonder how their regular quality and care to food temps is.
Not excited to try that again.
Cute outside space, games and places for dogs.
Spring may be a better time to enjoy this venue -
Review from Ryan S.
Scottsdale, AZ
4/1/2012
There is better Mexican food around. This place is just ok and will do in a pinch.
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Review from DestinationFamilyVacation M.
Phoenix, AZ
Updated - 1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
We took the family out for dinner on a Thursday night. The kids wanted chips & salsa, gotta love'm!
It is a bit hidden of the beaten path but Yelp & iPhone map took us right to the front door.
The patio is really interesting. It was a bit chilly for our taste, but others were bundled up and enjoying the patio. We sat inside near the fireplace.
The chips & salsa were good, not the best, but not the worst by far. Three of us shared fajitas and our son had a cheeseburger & fries, very authentic "Mexican", only my son!! The burger didn't last long, it must have been awesome because he had already had a basket of chips on his own. We enjoyed our fajitas, our daughter has been on a fajita kick for about three months now. Guess its less expensive than the Prime Rib kick she was on the eight months prior.
We had a nice evening, but Aunt Chilada's is a bit far for us to drive for Mexican food.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/8/2010
Met friends for happy hour and dinner. Outdoor patio was fantastic! Decent margarita at a decent… Read more »
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Review from Michelle B.
Phoenix, AZ
11/15/2011
We went there this past weekend. There are always private parties going on during weekends, so be prepared to wait to get seated. Once we got seated, we were right in the middle of traffic, which was not very pleasant. My husband ordered a chimichanga, which he was not impressed with. I ordered the fish tacos, which were really good. We do love their salsa and chips.
In the past we used to come to Aunt Chiladas frequently. The atmosphere is fun and laid back. We felt like something had changed this past trip, aside from the menu. We didn't get that warm fuzzy feeling we used to get while visiting. I don't think we will be back. -
Review from karen p.
11/12/2011
Great local place. I was staying with a friend right down the street so Aunt Chiladas became the "go to" place when we didn't want to drive anywhere.
I tried the chicken and spinach enchiladas as well as the seafood enchiladas on different visits. The chicken and spinach enchiladas were bland but the seafood enchiladas were very good, containing shrimp and bay scallops. Each was accompanied by rice and beans, traditional although I thought that the beans had an overwhelming lard flavor.
The complimentary chips were good - including both flour and corn chips. The mild salsa was flavorful, with black olives in it...interesting. -
Review from Rayna S.
1/25/2012
Forgive me Aunt Chiladas! I`m so ashamed to admit that I live in your neighborhood, have been coming here forever and just now writing a review! Better late than never!
Ok what I like about this place: Best Happy Hour around- drink specials and free buffet! On Fridays they have live music and it gets packed. On beautiful weather the patio areas are great to be hanging out!
Sundays- awesome brunch with a chocolate fountain.
Margaritas- frozen, on the rocks, top shelf, etc- love them here!
Chips and salsa- love the flaky, crispy chips here! Not a real fan of the chunky salsa( I like mine hot!) but you get two kinds- the chunky and a red mole style which is spicer so me likey!
Grreat place for groups!!! And the patio is dog friendly!
For Cinco De Mayo- come here! All day live music fest!!
ps, the inside is more intimate for dinner, I am a fan of the sour cream and chicken enchiladas! I love coming here!! -
Review from Laura K.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2012
We went with family who go here on a regular basis and were underwhelmed. While I see the appeal of the all you can eat Happy Hour, the rest of the experience left a lot to be desired. If all you want is a couple of drinks and a couple of small plates of free mediocre tacos - then by all means, knock yourself out.
We wanted an actual dinner so we went to the other side of the restaurant to get a real table away from the happy hour crowd. And there we sat, with nothing but chips and salsa, for at least 25 minutes. Two different servers took orders and attended to other tables within view and not one person even acknowledged our existence. When we attempted to get their attention, we were ignored. We finally got up and left and went elsewhere. Based on the menu options and the quality of the food at Happy Hour, I'm willing to bet there are probably a dozen other Mexican restaurants in the area that offer better food and service. -
Review from vegegirly C.
Phoenix, AZ
Updated - 8/26/2011
Yep. Still sucks.
Went their recently for a friend's birthday. Didn't want to but it was for one of my oldest friends and I didn't want to disappoint her.
I only ordered drinks and had some chips and salsa. Drinks were good but the chips and salsa weren't great. The server seemed annoyed I wasn't ordering food, but do you blame me with my past experiences? I had a taste of my friend's cheese enchilada and vegan black beans the staff is so proud of. Not impressed.
Yelpers please keep in mind that some of the 5 star reviews you see posted for Aunt Chiladas quite possibly may be an employee. How do I know this? Because I got a message from an employee after my last update. She said that she knows which bartender I am talking about that was rude at my HS reunion and said "he is really great, just not for banquets." She also said "I do not know why any server would yell at you, that is just ridiculous." And my personal favorite "And yes, there is bacon and lard in our re fried beans. I have no hispanic background, so I am not sure what is traditional. But they are pretty tastey." But then she says "
With that said, I really hope you come back."
Direct quotes. And this employee has a glowing 5 star review for Aunt Chiladas and she says nothing about being an employee. Isn't this breaking some sort of Yelp rule? And what business does she have messaging me unless she is a manager?
Sorry but I wouldn't trust any Mexican restaurant in the Phoenix area that has less than 4 stars. There are many better choices.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/16/2011
Hmmmm... got a message from a manager/owner of Aunt Chiladas regarding my review. Still not sure how… Read more »
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Review from Bill F.
Centennial, CO
12/26/2011 8 photos
After my review is a History of Aunt Chilada's from their site- excerpted:
We went for lunch Saturday around 11:30am. A Group of 6 adults. My wife and I visiting from Denver, the rest live in the area. My son recommended the place and we went with him, his wife and their Realtors. We thought the restaurant was nicely decorated, they have an area for bocce ball play, they say they are dog friendly. My wife liked the lit fireplace. When we arrived, there was only 2 or three other parties there for lunch. When we left, they started filling up. Guess we need to leave a place more often to help the business :-)
What we Ordered: Soft drinks for everyone.
Sour cream enchilada, El Pollo Fundido, Two item combo, Lunch Rellano, Spinach Chicken Enchilada, Chicken Avocado Salad, Caramel Flan, Sopapilla (nice they served the honey in a small bowl with a spoon), Caramel Flan
We also had chips and salsa. Chips were a combo of puffy and toasted. Salsa was mild. Over all thought they were okay. I happen to prefer crispy chips myself.
Everyone thought the food was delicious, I had the Chicken Avocado salad, it was okay. I'm not much on Mexican food, and usually it doesn't agree with me, so I ordered a neutral dish. I've ordered sopapllia before, these were triangular in shape, and I thought over done, and more chewy then I remember from other places. Flan tasted pretty good. The place seems okay, the Realtors, said they felt it was good and would try the other one that's in the area to see how it was. I don't think the other Aunt Chiladas is associated with this one.
I think it would be a good place, and would try the other dishes, as well as come back some evening to see how it is. We came because my wife and I always enjoy visiting places with a history.
Below is History of Aunt Chiladas from their site abbreviated:
Shortly after the reluctant surrender of Geronimo (1886). Arizona was still an untamed territory, and Aunt Chilada's North Room was built on the foundation of the only general store serving the laborers working the Rico Mercury Mine... After a long day deep in the mines, the men emerged appearing somewhat inebriated and dreamy-eyed from inhaling the mercury fumes. As they walked down the dusty road to the general store, people were heard to remark, "The men are back from The Dreamy Draw".
Following the repeal of prohibition, Dave and Jesse Noble, the land's owners at the time were granted the first liquor license issued by the State of Arizona.
The store was later reopened as The Peek Steak House, getting its name ..from a uniquely placed and somewhat revealing window set in the ceiling of the bar (now the Tienda). Throughout the night, scantily clad women would climb into the attic and perform a hootchy-kootchy dance while patrons sneaked a peek through the window.
This infamous bar and restaurant again found notoriety as it began a new life as George's Ole! George Cocherham was..a captain in the Phoenix Fire Department ... He used over 3,000 Santa Fe railroad ties, native stone from the area and a little help from his off-duty firefighter friends, George expanded the building to its present size.
George made one other important addition, he purchased Arizona's Original smoker from Gentleman Jim's Barbeque at the corner of 16th and Oak Streets, and moved it to the Garden Patio where he not only smoked traditional meats and fowl but would also smoke game animals brought in by his customers....
The same tradition exists today. Aunt Chilada's still slow roasts a variety of delicious meats, chicken and vegetables over aged mesquite wood every day....
In the early 80's, Bob Gosnell bought the restaurant, renamed it Aunt Chilada's and made it a member of The Pointe's growing family of restaurants. It became known as " The Hideaway", by the locals...
Ken was the overseer of food and beverage operations.... in January of 1995 Ken along with his partner, Lee Midtun, purchased the restaurant.
The Nagels - Ken, his wife Candice and their four daughters - now greet and serve guests. -
Review from Amy D.
8/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Birthday party. 30 people. Buffet style.
I wouldn't go there again, but it was nice enough for that night.
Food wasn't spectacular, and there wasn't any sort of view.
I guess it's a great place for a party, though. -
Review from Brandon R.
Phoenix, AZ
10/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good food, good atmosphere, friendly staff.
Patio is dog friendly, they even brought out water for our 130 pound rottie, he loved it! Great place to take the kids, they love the free chocolate fountain.
Chips and salsa are fabulous! -
Review from Logie Z.
Tempe, AZ
6/30/2011
Happy Hour time!!!
This review is purely based on HH. We met up with friends on a celebratory boozing. It was jam packed on a freakingly hot afternoon. I order me some cold margarita. It must be their HH itty bitty version of the drink which was decent. Hey, my friend bought us the first round, so can't complain!
Then, I had some White Russian...nasty stuff. Hubby was smart to chug beer instead. The freebee food bar consisted of chips, beans, salsa, hot wings, tamales and cheese enchiladas (chafing dish of the last two was empty). Should've ordered food instead. I decided to forgo the fruit and veggie platter with flies feasting and buzzing around. My son asked me to Google "What do flies do to food?", I decided that I don't care much for fly vomit. Aunt Chilada's should invest in acrylic food covers!
Several round of shots came out. The extra star is for our server's awesomeness. I had to have some ginger ale after that and guzzled some water. After all that I had to go to the outhouse...it was like a sauna in there!!!
It's not a place I would go back to, if I had the choice. -
Review from Sindi S.
Phoenix, AZ
10/5/2011
Ate dinner here a week ago. They advertised a free buffet for happy hour but turns out it is nothing more than chips and salsa. They also have a fruit platter but who is going to eat that with the cantaloupe killing so many people. When we saw the "Buffet" we decided to try dinner. Did not like the food. Just a tiny step above fast food. The side dish was sone kind of noodles but they were cut up in about 1 inch pieces. The beans were mashed and I almost gagged on them. The chile relleno was the best part of the meal but still not up to par with the Barrio Cafe, I do not plan on going back here again. Can't believe their quality of food since they are located in a high class neighborhood.
Their adsvertising photos below are terrible. Photgrapher used very bad lighting and it shows. -
Review from Ike D.
Phoenix, AZ
1/19/2012
Chips were great, enchiladas were great, and the ladies loved the margaritas! It's got a fun atmosphere and excellent service, will definitely go again! It is a little hard to find tucked behind the hilton and some apartments.
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Review from BassnMan Mike H.
Ridgecrest, CA
10/12/2011
We went here while visiting our son and grandson in Phoenix
I cant say that I was too impressed with the meal. I got a beef tamale and 2 beef enchiladas which were OK but far from anything special. The Fiedo was pretty tasty and we both thought that the chips and salsa were good, especially the flour ones.
Will we go back, possibly during happy hour for the free buffet and because the chips and salsa here are very tasty. -
Review from Greg F.
Glendale, AZ
12/28/2011
Best tortilla chips I have had even if the salsa is half ass. The entrees are also above average and the ambiance really does give you that Mexican cantina feel.
