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Gallo Blanco Cafe
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 8 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 8 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, 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:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
396 reviews for Gallo Blanco Cafe
Review Highlights
"the best was absolutely the carne asada."
(in 90 reviews)
"They have amazing tacos, and their burger rocks too."
(in 205 reviews)
"I love the chicharron de queso, its different but soooo..."
(in 10 reviews)
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396 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa H.
Denver, CO
2/3/2012
Love, love, LOVE Gallo Blanco! I discovered this cute little hotel restaurant when I lived around the corner in one of those dodgy apartment complexes, and now it's become one of my "go-to" places.
The bf and I went here last night for our anniversary (yeah, we love it), and we scored with the Happy Hour prices!
One thing-- GET THE GUACAMOLE!! I don't know exactly what is in it (other than avocado and tomatoes), but it is so good. Legit guacamole for sure! Also, I have no idea what the commenter below was smoking, but the chips at this place are AWESOME! You can tell the chips are homemade from tortillas-- thick and crunchy and NOT greasy!
Also, their sangrias are really tasty and strong! $5 during Happy Hour... you know you want it!
I got the veggie tacos last night (2 @ $1.25 a piece) and damn were they good. I love the way they make their corn tortillas-- light and fluffy and full of flavor. The tacos were really good too-- stuffed full of grilled veggies, pico de gallo, and more of that incredible guacamole!
I'm not a big eater, so you might want to get more than one... or do what we did, and order drinks and an appetizer. Yum :)
The bf got two carne asada tacos and one pork taco... he actually couldn't choose which one he liked more! He said the carne tacos were "very flavorful" but the pork tacos were "really tender"... basically, he loved both of them.
We haven't tried dessert at Gallo Blanco (we go elsewhere for our desserts!) but I'm sure they're not half bad.
The ambiance at the Clarendon is really nice-- the restaurant itself is secluded from the hotel and is very open air concept-y... big windows so you can see outside (you can sit outside too!) and low tables inside so you have a great view of the whole restaurant.
Also, as for dress... we saw all kinds of things. People in jeans and t-shirts, people in fancy clothes (again, we were there during Happy Hour so a lot of people had come straight from work), and some people in cocktail dresses. The only thing I wouldn't recommend is dressing formally (suit, prom dress). It's not that kind of place. -
Review from Marina M.
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Well I've only been here once, but that's only because I live in Tucson. I still think about their chilaquiles a month after having had them for the first time. Must be love!
All you have to know
1) Chilaquiles: the most basic of Mexican breakfast food. The presentation at Gallo Blanco sexes up the dish by a whole lot. Whole tortillas used instead of the usual strips/bits. Alternating layers of tortilla, salsa, veggies, and egg. A minor work of art.
2) Chilaquiles at Gallo Blanco are not only good looking but delicious as well. I ate EVERYTHING on my plate.
3) Hipsters like chilaquiles. They were EVERYWHERE.
In summary:
Basic. Sexy. Delicious. Hipsters. Got it? -
Review from Norma C.
Indio, CA
1/19/2012
I was in Phoenix for a few days and stayed at The Clarendon. This little restaurant is in the hotel and I ended up eating here a few times during my stay. The hotel is very trendy, modern, kind of has the Old Palm Springs trendy look. I love it. Anyway, this little restaurant has the best of everything. My favorite was the tacos de carne asada. The meat is really tasty and has a great sweet taste. I also had the shrimp and halibut tacos all really yummy. If you go for happy hour, they are each about a $1.75. Great Deal. Okay but my FAVORITE was the Chilaquiles with egg. OMG this was SOOO good. It was a stack of crispy corn tortillas with eggs and a sauce that was to die for. Now on a different day, I had the chorizo and egg plate. This was not my favorite. The chorizo didn't have any egg so it was just too strong for my liking. I didn't end up eating it. I had a friend visit me for breakfast one day and he had the chorizo torta, that looked very good. One more thing, get the OJ. It is fresh squeezed. Ceviche was great, they'll give you a whole bowl of homemade chips with your order. Lastly the bar that is adjacent to the restaurant, is very lively with a bunch of beautiful people who are artsy, clever and very hip. Have the Sangria. This is about one of the only few places I think that can make a good original Sangria. Also rooftop bar is great too.
Can't wait to visit again. -
Review from Kehinde P.
Washington, DC
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Awesome. We will definitely going back!!
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Review from Jerry H.
Phoenix, AZ
2/9/2012
Great food. The salads are the best, makes you feel healthy after eating, not stuffed! Drinks are a little expensive, but who needs them when you have a skyline to look at from the rooftop.
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Review from Jacob P.
What to choose, what to choose. Such difficult decisions! Seriously, this normally isn't a problem. Dispite the fact that I'm a libra, I'm very decisive. Friends usually look to me to make all sorts of decisions ::diabolical laugh:: Still, this place consistently stumps me.
Is it Tuesday? If yes, then I'm definately getting the Pork Belly Tacos.
Otherwise, I'll start with an order of Ceviche and Asado Salad.
To drink I'll have Agua Fresca de Sabor.
Yes, I'm going to have an entre too, I mean I've already broken my diet, might as well :D
I'll have the Huevos Rancheros or 3 Carne Asada Tacos or the Verduras de Temporada or the Chilaquiles Verdes or the Carne Asada Torta. OMG, so many great options! Seriously, this normally isn't a problem. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to try everything.
Next up, a euphoric food coma! Life is good.Listed in: Phoenix-Love-Inducing Hot…, Sunday Funday
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Review from Jose V.
Phoenix, AZ
1/27/2012
Gallo Blanco is a great Mexican inspired restaurant that actually makes their food the authentic fresh and traditional way and doesnt just douse everything with crappy processed cheese or stick everything known to man in a deep fryer like most Mexican restaurants I have been to in Phoenix or the United States (with the exception of little family owned hole in the wall places) for that matter.
At this place you get lots of great quality food for the price you pay and believe me their food sometimes is as close as I can get to home cooked Mexican food at a restaurant. -
Review from Neil W.
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
I heard a lot of good things about this place and was looking forward to some great food. I was not impressed, but for a hotel lobby restaurant it is good.
The margaritas were just average. The beer selection was limited and there was not a good Mexican beer selection.
I tried a selection of the tacos; beef, fish and shrimp. They were overloaded. I am not a fan this, the filling either bursts the tortilla or it falls out all over the plate. The beef was a bit chewy and along with the fish was a bit bland. The shrimp taco was pretty good. I split a beef torta; it was pretty good. It had a nice balance of filling and bread, but not much flavor. There was a queso dish my wife ordered... I tried it, but I can't speak intelligently about it because I was a few drinks into the evening. I remember it was OK.
I am not sure it was hotel or the restaurant, but they have a free Flamenco dance show on Wednesday nights. The show we saw was pretty amazing. It fills up fast.
I would not go out of my way to eat here, but If I were staying at the Clarendon, I would eat here. -
Review from Shannon S.
Phoenix, AZ
1/16/2012
I like the Clarendon a lot. There's a rooftop bar, a really awesome pool, a cool feel to it, a lounge, and they have events that seem fun. My friends and I come here for lunch from time to time, and I've been in the evening a few times as well.
The bar service is Ok depending on the night in which you go. I've gone a lot of Saturday nights and had great service most of the time, although there was one night the service was incredibly slow. I like the drinks and have eaten in the cafe just a few times. The dishes I've ordered are just OK, nothin' special. The fruit salad had a lot of apples and very few strawberries (yes I know apples are cheaper). I had recently ordered a crepes dish that was supposed to have a specific cream sauce with plantains. I was disappointed to see that the crepes were covered with cheap-o spray can whipped cream and bananas! Not the same. I was craving some plantains. The guac is OK with greasy chips, but I've had better restaurant guac. I typically enjoy a sangria or a wine. One of the people in my group had ordered a drink and said it sucked, though.
I like the ambience of the place, mainly because I am usually with a large group of friends. It can get loud during certain evenings. I used to come a lot of Tues evenings but haven't been a while. Saturdays can get busy, as expected, but the lounge is a chill area to hang out while waiting for a table, and the wait staff leave us alone till the table is ready.
I love the rooftop bar area, especially during the cooler months. Sometimes the heat lamps aren't on, though. It's open late, and it's usually not busy. -
Review from Amanda L.
New York, NY
1/13/2012
Brought my parents here, and encouraged them to get a little tipsy on sangria and margaritas while we waited. They did, I did -- off to a good start.
I am all about the Ensalada Cortada. You might be thinking, to hell with corn nuts, what is a Yulu seed or a zamorano, these do not belong in my salad.
We don't know each other that well, but (and don't take this the wrong way), but you're trippin'. Just get the 1/2 price, 1/2 serving-size of the Cortada, and thank me later. And set aside the fact that the rich, creamy ranch dressing nearly negates the health-factor of "getting a salad," and focus on the crunchy tangy deliciousness up in your mouth.
My parents also watched on as I tore into the elote as if it were a weak, sick antelope in a PBS documentary. Get your buzz on before hand, so that instead of inspiring terror in those around you, everyone sort of giggles without making eye contact.
(My parents also got things to eat. I am sure those things were good too.) -
Review from Cheryl M.
Five star breakfast all the way!! Gallo Blanco is the restaurant housed inside of the Clarendon Hotel (boutique style).
We met some friends here for breakfast after reading the reviews on Yelp as well as delving into some seriously delicious guacamole the night before. Most of us took our waitresses recommendation on the Chilaquillas and I, personally, was SO glad I did. I think I literally licked my plate clean. Now mind you, it was not your typical soggy, enchilada sauce soaked, casserole of tortilla chips. This was an out-of-the world, new age way of making Chilaquillas. I'm not going to give it away, I will just say you'll never look at the traditional dish the same way again.
The restaurant is quite 70's modern as is the entire them of the Clarendon and the servers and staff of the restaurant are top shelf. Always there when you need them and not there when you don't. Perfect service. If I were in Phoenix again and needed to find a place for breakfast I would certainly go out of my way to get to Gallo Blanco again.
On a side note, we did not get the chance to go in the evening, but they do serve dinner, they do have a full bar and the one night we saw it, the place was packed so I'm sure it's just as good in the evening as it is in the morning. -
Review from Ryan S.
Tempe, AZ
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great atmosphere, even better drinks and service. The staff was courteous and attentive, offered great suggestions for a novice tequila drinker like myself. Though I didn't order food, my party had nothing but good to say about the food.
Wouldn't mind staying in hotel afterwards, the pool looks absolutely fab. -
Review from Madison W.
New York, NY
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great, casual place, especially 3-6pm Happy Hour when most of the tacos, appetizers are a dollar off.
The elote (with cheese, butter) is highly rated but I thought it was meh... At $4 it's a LOT of corn - enough for 2 people to share.
We had the cheese fondue - the corn tortillas are fantastic. The cheese which arrives in a cast iron pan does not stay melted long enough and soon you are stuck with a hunk of congealed cheese
The tacos are very good and a dollar off about $1.50-$1.75 each.
The guacamole is good.
The salad is very good.
Definitely a star in Phoenix and worth the visit. Plus outdoor seating is great. -
Review from Aimee H.
12/23/2011
Yummy yummy!
I met a friend here for my birthday dinner the other night. How have I never been here before I said to myself. So cute! The Clarendon Hotel is awesome looking too.
We were seated a little tardy however, but I will over look that. Everything the hit the table was awesome! From my wine, to the tacos to the grilled corn on the cob my friend got.
We started with the chips and guacamole, they also brought over two kinda of salsa. Both were great, one a bit spicier than the other one that was a green salsa. After a few bites we picked out our entrees. I got a pork quesadilla, halibut mini taco and she got some rice and bean and the grilled corn on the cob. My absolute fave has to be the corn. It is grilled on the cob then slathered in butter, Parmesan cheese and some spices. To Die for! I want to go get some right now.
A mist try if you are in the area! -
Review from Monique H.
Phoenix, AZ
11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had to see what all the fuss was about. I sat at the bar and the bartender was awesome, very cool, she let me try a few of the beers on tap before I settled on an IPA.
I ordered an elote. Well, it was good but I've had better and all the hairs from the corn were not removed and they got stuck in my teeth. Not cool. I also had the Naco torta. The over easy egg was the best over easy egg I've ever had in my entire life. That's where it ended for me, the meat was meh the avocado slices were more like avocado slithers.
I think this is a terrific spot to kick back and drink, perhaps have some apps but the food was like white boy Mexican food, not for me. -
Review from Celeste G.
Phoenix, AZ
1/25/2012
Their Carne Asada Tacos are outstanding, the BEST I've ever had. I don't know the process of how they cook their meat but it is so smoky and it has incredible flavor! I've also tried their watermelon frescas with vodka, oh they make a good drink very refreshing and light but packed with a punch. Their ingredients are only the best, and everything tastes so fresh! For dessert, the waitress recommended the Crepas con Cajeta which consisted of a crepe topped with fresh bananas drizzled with a caramel goat cheese sauce, it was just heavenly. Another reason I come here is ambiance is unique, you get a good sense of the Midtown Phoenix area in a trendy and cool atmosphere... definitely a top place to meet up with friends for happy hour in my book.
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Review from joseph f.
10/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Bang-a-rang!
You wouldn't think looking at the dining room that good Messican grub would come out of it. But then you'd be greatly mistaken. It reminded me of a hip little coffe shop.
Started out with chips and salsa (you get a fresh poured bottle of red (fire roasted) and green (tomatillo)) and a side of guac. (There be bits of orange in it!!) Outstanding on all fronts!! I did, however enjoy the green to the red.
Enter meat stuffs.
First off lemme learn you su'in right quick. Their Carne asada is not made with crappy cuts, they go for the gold and make 'em with RIBEYE!!! Oh, glorious fatty ribeye, how I adore thee...
Naco Torta. On butter grilled bread with an over-medium crown atop it. Disgustingly delicious!!
carne asada taco, conchinita taco, and shrimp taco. All three better than any taco I've had in the past, I'd say, 6 years! Fo' Sewius.
I want to live here, that is all. -
Review from Francesca H.
Phoenix, AZ
11/19/2011
You know, I normally love this place if I get the right food. I am picky, though. It is very hit or miss.
The corn is my favorite thing - I passionately love roasted corn. The queso chicharron thing sucks. Most of the tacos are tasty, but I have had better fish tacos...
Their halibut taco sauce tastes like Miracle Whip - I hate miracle whip. The fish was bland.
The ceviche and all salsas I highly recommend.The house salad is definitely a new favorite!!! The torta and half chicken asado is wonderful, and they have tasty, strong margaritas. Try them all! -
Review from Ming P.
Gilbert, AZ
11/11/2011
The food is consistently good. I've been many times and always, always. always love what I order. Be it the tacos, guac, ceviche, salad or dessert it's all a taste explosion in your pie-hole.
What isn't consistent is the service. It goes from being exceptional to unfriendly and cold. There are a couple of really great servers there that actually engage with you and smile, then there are the others who are either grumpy or just playing it really cool. Ugh.
It's a minor annoyance out weighed by the deliciousness. I heart GB. -
Review from Ashley W.
Apache Junction, AZ
1/7/2012
Yum! While staying at the hotel we had dessert which was super yummy lemon tart and brownie and lemon tart! The next morning we went and had breakfast the people were very friendly! My husband got the breakfast burrito and I go the eggs and toast w/ refried beans. They make there our salas which is ver flavorful for sure!!
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Review from Carrie N.
Glendale, AZ
1/3/2012
Great atmosphere. The huevos rancheros is out of this world.
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Review from Guy D.
Chandler, AZ
11/11/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The food is 5 star ... and a good 5 star!!!
The service is really 2 star. I've been a bunch of times and had one great server and the others have been very, very average. Never rude but really underwhelming.
I'll still come back for those addictive tacos but come on guys, you can do so much better on the service. -
Review from Eric R.
12/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is not your typical Mom and Pop Mexican joint, it's not Arriba's or Macayo's either. This is local fresh Mexican and is one of the best places you can hit in Phoenix. Start at the bar with a beer or a tasty margarita.
One you get a table, you can't go wrong starting out with chips and guacamole. But for a really awesome start, go with the chicharron de queso which is a yummy cheese crisp accompanied with an aioli dipping sauce-it really is out of this world. Ideally come with a group so you can justify ordering that AND the chips and guac.
The tacos are tasty and very reasonably priced-I recommend the carne asada and shrimp tacos. If you order a lot of different tacos it may be hard to keep track of which is which since they are brought to your table on metal racks. I also had a side of pint beans which were great.
The service is friendly and attentive. I planned on drinking a lot on this particular visit and followed through on my plan. Fortunately they kept my water glass full so that could stay hydrated. Thanks to them and five advil, I was 80 percent functional by mid-day the following day (I think we were the last ones to leave that night)
If you haven't already check this place out. The food and drinks are fantastic and reasonably priced-you really can't go wrong.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Patiocat B.
Phoenix, AZ
1/16/2012
After stopping by Gallo Blanco for breakfast our second and last time, I have to wonder when the last time was that Doug Robson set foot in his establishment? We have been going to Gallo Blanco since it opened on a regular basis and finally decided to try breakfast a couple of weeks ago. We showed up about an hour after they opened, requested coffee and OJ, and were told that they had no OJ because "no one worked last night, so no one made it." Uh, okay, what have you slackers been doing for the hour that you've been open this morning? Fast forward to yesterday, when we decided to give it another go. We showed up about 45 minutes after they opened, desperately wanting a Bloody Mary. Guess what? The bartender hadn't showed up yet...we were walking out to go elsewhere (we REALLY wanted a Bloody Mary--don't judge) when she did arrive and we popped over and ask if she could make them--then we would have sat back down and had breakfast. Nope, she said, she needed 15 minutes to get set up. It wasn't the 15 minute wait that made us leave--we had to drive somewhere else, after all--but her response sent us to the door. F you, Gallo Blanco, for hiring a parade of unsupervised, couldn't-care-less-hipsters that are slowly ruining the excellent reputation Robson worked so hard to earn.
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Review from Erica S.
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Gallo Blanco is housed in a delightfully kitschy old hotel decorated with midcentury modern furniture and goofy art. We waited by the colorful pool and had drinks and very yummy guacamole while we waited for our table. We had chilaquiles and queso fundido and shrimp tacos--awesome!
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Review from Rachel F.
Casa Grande, AZ
11/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Awesome Mexican food.
Chilaquiles, shrimp ceviche, tortas, and all of the tacos were delicious. Oh, and their tomatillo salsa was awesome.
I didn't care for their horchata, it lack flavor. -
Review from Esther A.
11/14/2011
We yelped a breakfast spot in the Phoenix area and came across this joint. 4 star average with 350+ reviews. It sounded promising so we headed on out. Situated right next to a boutique hotel, inside there is not a wall separating the lobby area of that hotel and this restaurant. I'm guessing it's the hotel's restaurant.
We decide to order the following:
-grilled Mexican corn. (quite tasty actually!)
-breakfast burrito with chorizo on the side (quite bland actually and required a lot of their salsa)
-carnitas and carne asada tacos
-eggs & chorizo plate
Service was great and they made sure our waters and coffees were filled. While placing our orders our server provided helpful information which ultimately resulted in my decision to share my large portioned breakfast burrito since I wasn't very hungry.
All in all nothing to write home about. I've eaten at so many great Mexican taquerias (trucks, hole in the walls, restaurants) in CA and practically grew up with this cuisine that I'm sorry to report that was pretty underwhelmed with GB's foods. -
Review from eric l.
Tempe, AZ
Updated - 9/30/2011
Went again last night.
The entire dining experience was both flawless and un- compromising.
We walked away from the table to watch some of the live performance (super entertaining) and our waiter took the liberty of placing our food under the heat lamp so it didn't get cold AND put covers over our waters. Customer service at its finest.
******Oh, and I found out they are opening a SECOND LOCATION!! It's going to be more of a venue/lounge. Roof/patio and larger stage, BIGGER BAR= LOVE- How exciting! I'll keep updates on the "detes" as soon as I find out more.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/22/2011
Excellent Atmosphere: If great food and cheap (free) entertainment, tickles your fancy, Catch this… Read more »
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Review from Rachel G.
Phoenix, AZ
9/22/2011
If by some strange happenstance, I were to try veggie tacos that were somehow better than Gallo Blanco's, my head might explode. I could write love poems to Gallo Blanco's veggie tacos. So sooo good. And cheap!
I won't rhapsodize about the guac and elote, but they are also delicious. And the drink menu is good enough that this place could stand alone as a bar.
The best part about this place, though, is the variety of ways to enjoy it: You can get tacos and drinks while lounging in the super-comfy pool area, or stake out a spot near the bar on Flamenco Wednesdays, or grab a spot on the patio on cool fall evenings. Or you could go the traditional route and get a table in the restaurant's lovely and modern and chic interior.
I can't say enough good things about this place. 5 stars. -
Review from Monika W.
Santa Monica, CA
9/24/2011
This is one of two places in town I send out of town guests when they ask for a good, authentic Mexican restaurant. One friend from Baltimore loved it so much that later in the week when his wife arrived, he took her back instead of trying something new. I am especially fond of the chilaquiles, which a Mexican friend vouches for as being authentic.
I do try to avoid flamenco night as it gets rather loud and impossible to have an intimate conversation. But other than that it's one of my Phoenix favorites. -
Review from Samantha I.
Chandler, AZ
9/12/2011
I had never heard of Gallo Blanco before my Yelpathon began. What a sad, sad life I had been living.
The restaurant and bar were so cozy, in the lobby of the Clarendon Hotel. While hanging out at the pool, we had their $5 happy hour margaritas. I usually prefer a skinny margarita - hate the taste of sweet and sour. The bartender assured me there was no sweet and sour in the bar, great news! The margarita was still a bit heavy even though it was made with fresh fruit juices. It was still yummy and you can't ask for more at $5 each.
After a day at the pool, we got ready and headed back down for dinner. I had no idea what to expect, but was very happy when I looked at the menu. I'm a girl that likes choices. Variety. I was in for quite a feast.
The tacos range from $2.50-$3.50, which means you can try pretty much all of them and not break the bank (although you may be really full). My absolute favorite was the night's special: a pork belly taco with who knows what else on it. All of the tacos (I tried the Halibut, carne asada and pork belly) were perfect.
Do not try to do the whole "with extra this, no that, substitute such and such" thing here. Just don't, you'll love them as they are! Three tacos + chips and salsa and the amazing Paloma (think Grapefruit Margarita) were enough to fill me up - though I was throwing around the idea of ordering just one more taco.
You can't forget breakfast either. I gott the Breakfast Burrito. Love. It was about a foot long and I made a severe dent in it. And even though this is a Mexican joint, the pancakes looked AMAZING.
So yes, literally everything about Gallo Blanco was perfect, and I will be back VERY soon. -
Review from Mary M.
Tempe, AZ
Updated - 9/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Another visit:
Greeeeeeat carne asada tacos, torta and that orange cake! Quesadillas, pork and chicken, were a great balance of cheese, meat and sauce.
That orange cake though?! Like, I am one of those people that would do ...things for good carrot cake, and the basic format of carrot cake done with oranges, cream cheese icing and all, was a wonderful flavor surprise.
Gallo Blanco looks like a top contender for Places to Take Visitors. Just a very well rounded place to give visitors a taste of good eats in Phoenix and examples of well done and delish Mexican cuisine.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/16/2011
Tasty happy hour drinks and tacos! Pork taco blew my socks off, sangria was delish and staff super… Read more »
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Review from David L.
1/14/2012
Gallo Blanco sits in the renovated Clarendon Hotel, and like it follows in its contemporary flare and design. The walls are adorned with mexican-themed pop and graffiti art. The dining area is casual, reminded me of a cafeteria with its symmetrically positioned chairs and tables. The menu fairly simple. It mainly consisted of small dishes, which for better or worse, requires one to order multiple things. Most of our party decidedly went for the tacos. I ordered a pork torta as we were forewarned by the waitress that the tacos were small...and they were. The tacos, having received fairly good reviews, were a disappointment. The carne asada, while great in quality of meat, was not authentic at all. It sat in a stew of juice both sweet and salty, and while tasty, carne asada it was not. The halibut tacos were nice and flaky but otherwise bland. The items that really saved the night was the pork torta which was suprisingly big in size. Its mere size made the tacos we had ordered look even smaller. The margaritas are right on point too. And lastly the complimentary red and green sauce added a nice spice to everything we ate. For possible future trips will avoid the tacos, order some more appetizers and try different varieties of their tortas. Until I decide to make that drive again, you'll find me at Filbertos or Fiesta Burrito.
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Review from Becca C.
Phoenix, AZ
Updated - 12/30/2011
Love it, best guacamole in Arizona! For reals
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/29/2011
Best guacamole in town. Great prices, cool place to go with friends. Love it here. Fun to eat here… Read more »
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Review from Andrew R.
Scottsdale, AZ
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been coming here for 2.5 years or so and now regularly eat there 1-2 times a week (sometimes more). I'm not a huge active Yelp-er but thought that I should finally give this place a review since it's well past due.
First off, their guacamole is amazing. They make it with orange instead of the usual lime, which is the first time I've even heard that people do that. Delicious. Don't think I've ever gone here once without ordering at least 1 bowl of guacamole.
I usually try to stop by around happy hour. They have great deals and their tacos are usually $1.50-2.50 each and are absolutely delicious. Love the carne asada and cochinitas tacos the best, although their ahi tuna ones are great as well.
However, if you don't want tacos they have great tortas, chilaquiles and especially their carne asada burrito.
I kind of want to go there again tonight (even though I was there last night). :) -
Review from Jonathan E.
Brooklyn, NY
10/21/2011
Good food and the place can be happening. But to be perfectly honest, there's much better Mexican food to be found in greater Phoenix at a cheaper price point.
There's nothing bad about GB, and they do many things well, but I'm not sure if they'd get mentioned in the top 10 for many Mexican dishes. In other words, I'd be happy to meet travelers staying at the hotel, but if someone wanted great Tacos, etc. - I'd suggest elsewhere. -
Review from N I.
Gilbert, AZ
1/26/2012
Yesterday a friend & I were hungry for something good, close by, & like no other. He pulled out his Smart phone, rolled the dice (in a manner of speaking), & out came "Gallo Blanco". As I drove up to the restaurant, I could already smell the love in the air! " This place has to be like no other " , I thought to myself as I walked up to the entry door & saw quite a few others doing the same.
We walked & it was already packed to the gills!!! Good music, great paintings, & a very welcoming environment!
We were greeted by Katie, who quickly drew us in with a quick story on how Gallo Blanco came about & what to expect as far as food wise. We noticed the wait time was a little long BUT we also knew that it was expected because crowd size.
We were seated and by a young man. We asked a few questions on some of the delicacies, which were answered sincerely & honest. After a few seconds we decided on the "Naco Torta" & "Carne Asada Burrito".. The young man took our order and we made small talk while we waited... & waited... & yes, waited... Again, we saw it packed, which was a little understanding as to the wait time.
" This place has to be like no other " , I thought to myself as I looked at the many paintings that caught my attention. If I'm going to wait this long before I pay my bill & get back to work.... If I'm going to go over on my lunch time & have to deal with the boss as to why I took an unexpected extended lunch, this meal better be all that & then some! Oh my GOD!!!! WAS IT WORTH IT!!!!!! I knew that this would be a place to go regularly & recommend it to our friends! A little pricey BUT WELL WORTH IT! -
Review from Conrad M.
Phoenix, AZ
12/23/2011
Great food and drinks. This place has a great atmosphere for any occasion. The guacamole is off the heezy.
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Review from Alissa A.
Phoenix, AZ
9/2/2011
Went for HH on Sunday and all I could think of when I left is, "why do I not come here more?" Seriously, I really can't think of anything I did not like here. Not only is the restaurant itself just a cool looking place, but everything is delicious!
The Carne Asada Taco alone is worth 5 stars.. They could have peed in my Malbec, and I would still give them 5 stars because that carne asada was that good. The other tacos are delicious too (I liked the Halibut), but I am in love with the Carne (in case you couldn't tell)! Also, while not on HH, the Cheeseburger & Fries were better than most that I've had in American restaurants.
The Orange Cake and Tres Leches were super delicious dessert! My nana is not a big fan of Tres Leches, but even she was gobbling it up.
PS- Interesting factoid: While watching a restaurant review of Gallo Blanco on the Public Access channel, (God I need cable) the chef said the taco trays they serve the tacos on are actually what Taco Bell uses to rest their tacos on while they get stuffed with mystery meat. Who says Taco Bell doesn't make positive contributions to the world? -
Review from Kerry M.
8/26/2011
I first visited Gallo Blanco a while back shortly after it had opened. I thought the environment was kind of interesting, but the food didn't excite me. I decided to finally return because it seems to be so popular...especially among yelpers.
The menu here is not really my taste, but there were a few options that sounded decent enough to make it worth the visit. I have to say that after another Gallo Blanco meal my opinion hasn't changed much. The place is decent, but do I want to go back? Not particularly.
Really I'd like to give Gallo Blanco more of a 2.5 star review, but because of the food, I'm sticking with a 2. And yeah, food at a restaurant is kind of a big deal. I feel like Gallo Blanco is so interested in being cool and hip that they've forgotten about their food a little.
We started off with the guacamole which comes with salsa, chips, and of course a good sized bowl of guac. The chips were good, the salsa was tasty, but the guac was just okay. We make our own at home which we enjoy much more. After reading some yelp reviews, my date decided to go with tacos and he was quite excited when our server suggested the seared ahi tacos. I had a harder time making up my mind. I really wanted some kind of chicken taco, but they don't offer anything like that. My server suggested I get the 1/2 Pollo Asada (I had no idea what this was) and that I could make my own chicken tacos....sounded good to me.
Unfortunately, we were both somewhat disappointed. My man liked his tacos, but wasn't really blown away. The ahi wasn't exactly seared (more like cooked) and the flavor wasn't anything to brag about. My chicken dish was completely ridiculous. A giant piece of chicken, some odd veggies, and three measly tortillas. Now that I've seen the plate, I honestly feel that my server mostly just wanted to upsell me. And me, being a dumbass, fell for purchasing the $14 meal. Lame. The meat was tender and tasty, but do I look like I need to eat an entire chicken? Ugh. The vegetables are a strange mix...I'll pass on the corn in everything. They also didn't provide cheese with the dish which I thought was a little weird. However, my server was more than happy to bring me a little when I requested it.
All in all, our meal was a little lacking. I'm not sure what the big fuss is over this place. I can find much better Mexican (or any other food for that matter) elsewhere.
