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Sonora Mesquite Grill
- Limit 1 voucher(s) per table.
- Promotion lasts for 1 year from date of purchase. After that period, your Certificate is redeemable for the amount you paid. Not valid with other certificates or offers. Gratuity not included; please tip on full value. Must use in a single visit. Only 1 certificate(s) can be purchased for own use. Up to 1 can be purchased as gifts for others. Subject to the Yelp Deals General Terms.
- Reg. Price $14
- Discount 43%
- Savings $6
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 7:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
157 reviews for Sonora Mesquite Grill
Review Highlights
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"The carne asada was tender and beautifully seasoned." In 74 reviews -
"Holy guacamole this place is good." In 48 reviews -
"The beans, rice and tacos were absolutely amazing." In 50 reviews
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156 reviews in English
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Review from Brian B.
Phoenix, AZ
5/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Found this place thanks to Yelp! and couldn't have been happier. Fresh salsas and guacamole served with chips were all outstanding and the fish tacos and carne asada tacos were both fantastic. I want to go and steal all of their recipes because this is authentic and delicious Mexican food.
The woman behind the counter during my visit was the mother of the owner and I presume she is the genius behind the food. She lives in Mexico and was only here visiting for a few weeks and helping out but she was very friendly and accommodating. I will definitely be back here time and time again. It's quick, clean, and delicious. The prices are decent too. -
Review from Deniche L.
San Diego, CA
4/5/2012
If there were 6 stars, this place would get it!!! I love love love this place! The staff service, was super nice and friendly. The carne Asada Tacos they recommended were fantastic and they helped us navigate the Raspado (Snow Cone) selection, much to our delight :-). We asked to be surprised with something great and the manager came through. He brought us the Coconut and Strawberry Raspado (Snow Cone). A warm, cheesy, flavorful shrimp nachos! Just what we were looking for! Words cannot describe how AMAZING the food is. Thank you Sonora Mesquite Grill!!! Great atmosphere, amazing fresh food, and outstanding service! I am definitely taking all my friends and family here in the very near future.
Hopefully next time ill get my table sooner since it was very busy, when i got there during lunch time. -
Review from Christopher T.
Phoenix, AZ
3/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Stopped by this place on a lark. Never heard of it before and never seen the reviews on Yelp. It was around 2pm on a Saturday so the place was not crowded. The food was really fresh and really good.
We had guacamole, veggie burrito bowl, and chicken tacos. Everything appeared to be homemade and well seasoned. The service was fast and friendly. The mushrooms in the veggie bowl were fantastic. Not sure how they are prepared, but just a unique taste.
Menu is pretty straight forward and place is pretty small. I would definitely repeat. -
Review from Lauren C.
Scottsdale, AZ
5/18/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Delicious homemade food! Everything was so great and fresh, and the service was very friendly! We had the shrimp tacos, nachos, and quesadilla. Even the picky little boy we were with liked this place....better than McDonald's...which is a huge feat!
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Review from Amber P.
Phoenix, AZ
5/4/2012
We were craving Mexican food and since we were in the area I decided to check on my trusty yelp app on my phone to find a perfect food joint to check out. Sure enough, it came through for us and told us about this little gem tucked away in an area I had been several times but had never noticed it before. I am so very glad I tried it as it will now be my go-to place for Mexican food. The food is delicious and fresh and reasonably priced. The guacamole is a must try and the carne asada is so good. If you're in the mood for Mexican and in the area, I would definitely recommend this place.
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Review from E O.
Scottsdale, AZ
5/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very tasty lunch... Good portion size. Loved the different "temperature" salsas. Friendly staff. Must check it out yourself.
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Review from Valerie M.
Phoenix, AZ
3/30/2012
I've ordered almost everything on the menu and everything is fresh and delicious. The prices are very reasonable I would pay way more to eat Mexican food this good. My favorite items on the menu are nachos with half chicken and half carne asada. The chicken is just as awesome as the carne asada so that's why I do half and half. I also love the fish tacos and tortilla soup. You really can't go wrong with anything here and if you have enough room dessert I recommend finishing off your meal with a raspado. You're welcome!
Listed in: Phoenix Gems
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Review from Vern G.
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Pretty good food for a decent price.
I had a @groupon for $16, and was able to feed two people with it.
Their salsa selection is pretty good, too.Listed in: Restaurants, Phoenix
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Review from Scott B.
Phoenix, AZ
1/24/2012
The reason this restaurant gets 5 stars is because of the good food to price ratio. You pay about $8-10 per plate and it is very delicious. Everything looks and tastes homemade and they tell me they don't use any lard. I could not expect any better at this price point. The tacos and the beans are delicious along with the tomato onion, and pepper salsa that they bring out with the chips and salsa. I have had better taco's but for much more money. I have never had better beans.
Congratulations on a good food for a good price. -
Review from Jesse J.
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yelp I finally admit you wronged me on this place. It's the first time this has happened and I am a little sad about it.
I don't get it Best in Phoenix Carne yes I admit it was good but nowhere did I go wow this is the best I ever ate.
So it's a small little joint Owner/Chef was very friendly and nice. The food was good or A-OK in Yelp terms but nothing that blew me away to think I totally need to come back here. Prices honestly a little steep for what you get. These are street tacos not vanity tacos.
Green Chili Cheese dip was nothing I expected and very very greasy.
Horchata was um weird I can't say anything else it wasn't Horchata I can say that.
So overall the Tacos were A-OK but that was about it. So I'll be nice and say 3 stars when really more like a 2.5 -
Review from Martin B.
Gilbert, AZ
2/29/2012
Stopped in yesterday for a 1st time visit. Had a $16 New Times Voice coupon and really just wanted to see whether or not I agreed with their 2 Best of Phoenix awards (2010, 2011) on the carne asada. I was headed to a family cookout, so I opted for 6 carne asada tacos on corn tortillas to go.
Well, I definitely became a believer. First, the portion was very generous for a $2.50 taco: the soft but sturdy white corn tortilla was about a 6 incher, and it was filled with tender, moist chunks of expertly seasoned beef. If I had to guess, I would say most likely sirloin tip chunks -- no icky gristle or hunks of fat . Just enough pico and a little amount of greenery. Plus key limes cut in half. Really delicious. I mean, probably the best I've ever eaten.
Combine that with their 3 delicious salsas, and let's just say that the order was gone in about 2 mins.
Oh, and being a food guy, I don't really pay attention to decor or cleanliness that much, but this place was sparkling. The floors shined, and the bathroom was spotless and smelled really nice. It stood out that much to me.
I'll definitely be back and try a combo plate and other items. -
Review from Jenn L.
1/10/2012
And yet another delicious hidden gem found thanks to yelp!
My parents and I were vacationing in Scottsdale, and my mother had a certain suspicion that Arizona would be home to some damn good Mexican food. After a little research, I stumbled upon Sonora Mesquite Grill, and we made the trip out for a quick dinner. (Note: Not really a dinner place, def more like a quickie lunch hour ambiance) We started out with chips and salsa, but don't knock off my credibility here--it isn't your typical chain restaurant fare. There's 3 different salsas (we also got guac which was phenomenal), each with a distinct flavor but all DELICIOUS.
As for entrees, it's a bit like chipotle, formatting wise. You choose whether you want a burrito, tacos, bowl, etc., and I, of course, ended up with the carne asade burrito. It came out very hot, with the tortilla perfectly toasted and the carne asade was seasoned very well, without having an overwhelming taste. My parents got the tacos which were also very good.
I wish I could get here more often! -
Review from Eric M.
Scottsdale, AZ
1/11/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal 1 Check-in Here
Since I been spending a fair amount of time in this area, I thought it would be good to know where the best local Mexican spots are at. The reviews alone would have been enough for me to try this place out but they also had a Yelp Deal, so I bought it and the next day, Abby and I were walking through the doors after a beautiful morning hike up Piewesta Peak.
We were hella hungry and would have been satisfied with the dollar menu somewhere but with the Yelp Deal already purchased the night before it seemed perfect. So I ordered the Carne Asada Burrito and I think Abby got the Carne Asada Quesadilla platter. Both were amazing. I love their simple menu they have and there was enough leftovers to make a 2nd meal for us.
The staff working were the nicest people and making sure we were taken care of. THIS is the reason why I love finding the local places over a Chipotle. Plus, we got a ton of fresh salsa, and you can taste the freshness with every bite in the food.
Next mid morning hike we go on, this will be our stop afterwards fo sho. -
Review from Aren G.
Burbank, CA
12/2/2011
I'm house shopping. It is bittersweet. Yeah, I'll get out of this dumpy area near 48th and Van Buren but after I move I'm gonna have to drive back into this depressed neighborhood. I'll do it happily though, just as one would absolve any dignity for some meth because Sonora's is just THAT good.
Their carne asada is not hyped up. People are only stating fact; it's goddamn exceptional. If you've had a bad experience here then it was your fault. That's right it was your fault. The owners are great, service has always been great, it's always clean and orderly and the food was birthed by Satan himself because it causes feelings of lust and gluttony.
If you're debating whether you should eat here or not you need to reconsider your existence. What you do with your life, I don't care. But you should definitely eat here and you may decide not to off yourself after all. -
Review from Francisco H.
Phoenix, AZ
3/19/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal 1 Check-in Here
Carne asada tasted good. Well cooked and marinated. Service is not bad just a little different. You order at counter. Horchata was good. Salsas are average.
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Review from Tamara M.
Douglas, OR
4/13/2012
My husband and I flew into Phoenix, AZ on our way to the Grand Canyon. I found this place via my Groupon app on my phone and since it was 3-4 miles from the airport, we decided to try it out. What a delicious start to a wonderful trip! We have been to various parts of Mexico on vacations and such and this is the BEST Mexican food we have both ever had. We got to the restaurant around 3 pm for a late lunch/early dinner and were greeted by a friendly Hispanic lady who offered suggestions on the various dishes. I had the two shrimp taco platter and my husband had a chicken burrito. We were brought out four dinner types of homemade salsas and a dish of delicious, authentic guacamole. The waitress told us a bit about each salsa, what which pepper was used and how they were roasted. The flavor was AMAZING! Beats any chain restaurant, hands down. Prices were very reasonable (even had I not have been using a Groupon). We look forward to going back the next time we happen to be in Phoenix.
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Review from Taylor Momo J.
Phoenix, AZ
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Weird location. Near a Chipotle.
Surprisingly good food. I tried it with a Groupon and they often have a Groupon Now deal too. i would go again I think.
There was only one other party there when I went. Not sure how they stay in business. Maybe lunch is their big time. I went at dinner time.Comment from David A. of Sonora Mesquite Grill 2/9/2012
Thank you for your great Review! we appreciate your… More » -
Review from Violet B.
Scottsdale, AZ
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Selena and David are awesome owners!
Make sure you buy their kgb deals, living social deals and yelp specials! -
Review from Nick R.
12/14/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal 2 Check-ins Here
This place has really great mexican food. Carne Asada is quite good and the three salsas you get with each order are all great. They actually toast their burritos on all sides. Nice touch that adds nice flavor.
I orderded a carne asada burrito and one shrimp and one fish taco. The carne asada part was great. Thing is they put rice and beans in the burro so I am not getting that mouth full of the wonderful beef that I would like. It is on the menu that way so can't really complain.
The shrimp taco was good, nothing crazy but I did enjoy.
The fish taco was great! Great sauce and perfectly cooked fish. I'll be ordering that again for sure.
The first time I went I also got an asada burro but got a barbacoa taco also. The barbacoa is very good also and the burro was identical to the first time, which is a good thing.
I have to say that I was a little put off by one of the owners over a Yelp coupon. He eventually said he would accept the coupon.
Must say I'll be back though.
Prices are a little higher than the norm (so is the quality) so buy the Yelp gift cert or groupon.
Enjoy.Comment from David A. of Sonora Mesquite Grill 12/14/2011
Thank you for your review and your business. Like I told you… More » -
Review from Sheila L.
Scottsdale, AZ
3/27/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal 1 Check-in Here
I was so disappointed to have 2 bad experiences here since its close by and would have really been convenient. They seem to have 2 owners, one nice and one just really strange. I had a groupon or yelp on so I thought it would be great to get a couple entrees and be able to try some stuff since I planned on eating there pretty often, grabbing take out on the way home from work...yes me and SMG were going to be new BFF's. Loving carne asada, i ordered that and the manager kept trying to get me to order an app like guacamole which is wierd,...the apps are all around 6-7 dollars, same price as entrees...he was so annoying, i thought perhaps was upset since prob everyone was ordering entrees off that 2 for 1 groupon so I thought, I would make it easy on him and just get the green chili dip..well it was awful and so spicy, it burned my lips off at home so I was so disappointed that I didnt just go outside with the menu so I could focus and order what I really wanted. So I called him and he was really argumentative and kept insisting it wasnt too spicy...so anyway he finally agreed to let me get something else, well actually he only told me he would exchange it for the guacamole. so whatever, i took back the nearly full container of it the next night and he kept insisting it wasnt spicy. In Phoenix, customers are garbage so Im used to really lousy service plus I think he was more of a woman hater too but anyway, I took pics, which I will have to post as they are SO hilarious..but my guacamole was also so spicy...I guess they put maybe jalapeno juice in everything there...it all seems to have that burning quality...but my quac comes in a smal plastic container wtih 2, not one, but 2 of the avacado pits. Unbeliveable...so I guess he wanted to give me the LEAST amount of guac he could. Anyway I never went back, I go to Loco Patron where they treat me like gold and their food is so awesome...but I will post these avacado pit pics soon, they are hilarious.
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Review from William R.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was in town to visit relatives last Saturday, and we wanted to find a great Mexican restaurant within a 4 mile radius. It is fun to do Yelp exploration in new cities. Sonora Mesquite Grill is the one that came up with the highest ratings.
Now to the food.... incredible!!! I had the carne asada taco, and my relatives had the carne asada burro and a quesadilla. The 3 hot sauces were very diverse and flavorful - not cliche hot for the sake of hot. The mother of the owners, and the person who prepares and cooks all of the food, came over to talk to us. We were so glad she did. She is a health-conscious artisan meistro of the Sonoran kitchen.
She is originally from Nogales, and is true to the authentic Sonoran recipes. Incredibly, she hand makes all of the salsas, tortillas, chips, carne asada, etc... EVERY MORNING with only natural, non-preservative ingredients. Everything is fresh - daily, which is an incredible amount of work. And you can taste it in the quality of the food. You don't walk away feeling bloated. The quality of the ingredients is apparent in every bite. She is very proud of the quality and authenticity of her food.
I was born and raised in Phoenix, so I should know a bit about Mexican food. My parents are going to be bringing their friends back to this jewel of a restaurant in a city filled with unsatisfying imitations. -
Review from Desiree O.
Scottsdale, AZ
2/9/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Wow! Who would have thought something so good could be found in the strip mall behind Coco's? With just one bite of their carne asada nachos, I knew that this was, indeed, a find. $9 will get you a basket filled with thick tortilla chips, pinto beans, shredded cheese, melted cheese, carne asada, and pico de gallo. They give you three freshly-made salsas, on the house. I particularly liked the one that looks like stewed onions and bell peppers. It has a nice home-made feel to the restaurant. The owner was very nice and welcoming. I will be bringing my out-of-town guests here for good Mexican food.
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Review from sunny b.
Aye Dios Mios! I think I have died and gone to carne asada heaven. The reviews were right, Sonora Grill is astounding! I was so impressed with everything I ordered. The carne asada, hands down is the best in the valley. The shrimp was plump and flavorful, the tortillas were fresh and the guacamole... Oh the guacamole... Mas deliciosa!
While the chips may not have been fresh they were still the perfect vehicle to scoop up the 3 salsas I devoured. I was even impressed with the rice and beans and usually these seem to be an afterthought in most Mexican meals. At Sonora they paid as much attention to the flavorful sides as the rest of the menu. Qué bueno!
The girl that helped us behind the counter was friendly and helpful and really knew her stuff. If I owned a restaurant I would try and steal her away! This is a new favorite that is now in my regular rotation. -
Review from billy c.
Phoenix, AZ
1/23/2012
Some co-workers brought me here because they know how much I enjoy authentic Mexican food. The Carne Asada burrito may have been the best I have ever had. The perfect amount of cheese, rice and meat. Adding lime juice on top of the food only made the flavor come out more which is always a plus.Tortillas were also delicious. Staff was friendly and helpful and the atmosphere was nice. I will definitely be back.
Comment from David A. of Sonora Mesquite Grill 2/9/2012
Thank you for your great and positive Review! we appreciate… More » -
Review from Rand H.
9/3/2011
Got together with Robyn N. today to give this place a try. It's tiny inside, but a little stylish, & clean. I ordered a Taco Platter, which came with two Carne Asada soft tacos, Charro Beans, & fancy rice. As an additional side, I added an order of tortilla chips, which came with a little bowl of hot orange salsa, one of a mild green salsa, & another with about 1" square pieces of a mild, roasted chile.
Everything tasted good, & I especially liked the Charro Beans, but the servings of both the beans & the tacos were small. The serving of tortilla chips & salsa, however, could serve two.
All in all, I thought this place was a little pricey for what you get, & didn't impress me enough to bring me back.
Taco Platter $7.60, chips & salsa $1.50. -
Review from Jennifer O.
Mesa, AZ
10/12/2011
The BF and I went here for lunch today because we had a living social deal that was expiring next week, so we needed to eat here pronto. Anyway, I was really looking forward to the 'amazing' carne asada. We ordered at the counter, I got the carne asada burrito, the BF got barbacoa tacos and we got a side of guac. The guac came out with three other salsas and some seemingly home made chips. The chips were good, as was the guac. The red and green salsas were too watery and not very flavorful. The chunky salsa with onion and peppers was very tasty, so I was excited for the meal. Unfortunately, it did not live up to expectations. I thought both the barbacoa and the carne was bland and too chewy. Both meals were in desperate need of salsa to make them taste like something. Pretty disappointing. The beans and rice were alright, but not enough to go back.
PS although the people who worked there were nice, the lady at the counter complained to me that they don't make any money with LS deals.... Sorry, but I thought that was unprofessional. No one forced them to participate in the deal.Listed in: I am glad to live in Phx for…
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Review from Molly H.
One word: Raspados.
Oh. My. God.
Seriously, I didn't even know this place existed and now I'm already craving it again. This is simple food done absolutely right. Not loaded with extra ingredients, but each bite is bright, fresh and bursting with flavor. The guacamole was creamy but chunky and perfectly salted. The tacos were amazing... but what really made the meal was dessert- Raspados. Shave ice flavored with your choice of fruits (I had strawberry with pineapple) and then topped with a scoop of ice cream. I'm salivating as I type this.
What made it even better was the cook, who is the owner's mother, came out and visited with us for a few minutes. She was the nicest lady, and boy does she cook like a mofo.
Eat here for dinner tonight. You wont regret it. -
Review from Max A.
8/25/2011
Please eat here.
Just do it.
It's amazing.
It's delicious.
It's sex in your mouth... All the sex.
If you're a food nerd that likes food porn and taking sexy instagram pictures of your food - go here and order something. Then try not to shove it in your face hole before you remember to whip out your phone and snap a picture.
Then you can tweet your half-eaten burrito photo to your friends who won't understand why it's so good because they're looking at your teeth marks in a half-eaten burrito.
The owner's mom is the cook I think - sweetest lady ever. Whoever is cooking is a genius - an artist. I'm going to go back a hundred times. One of the best burritos I've ever had.
It's next to a Hungry Howie's in an invisible old tiny strip mall. It belongs somewhere posh and fancy going by the quality of the food. I'm glad it's not somewhere posh and fancy. I don't like getting burrito and guacamole and salsa all over my nice shirts... -
Review from Heather C.
Scottsdale, AZ
7/26/2011
Holy guacamole this place is good! Why have I not been here before? Why do I continue to frequent mediocre establishments that are more convenient? Deciding to try something new and actually use one of my usually worthless Groupons before it expired, we made the long and difficult 6-mile trek to SMG.
I was soon greeted with chips, two full of flavor, but not too hot salsas, and a bowl of that delightful guacamole. Granted the chips were not my favored thin, crispy, and lightly greasy chip, but they sufficed for scooping salsa and scraping the last bit of guac from the sides of the bowl...restaurants tend to frown when you lick a bowl, which is why places like SMG offer take-out thankfully.
Soon to arrive at my table would be the carne asada taco plate. Two of the most delicious tacos I have ever had. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about those wonderfully seasoned morsels of beef surrounded by the best corn tortillas this side of wherever has the best corn tortillas. Beans and rice are not just empty fillers here either. The charro beans are worthy of a meal on their own. I should also note I was somewhat envious of my husband's carne asada burrito which was toasted. Living my childhood 30 miles from the Mexican border, I foolishly assumed everyone toasted their burritos (only we called them burros). I grew up quickly when I realized the harsh reality was that this wasn't true in most parts of the world. It's a sad reality, indeed. Luckily, SMG knows how things should be.
We had wonderful service from the owner who reminded us that everything is made fresh. As if you wouldn't know after one bite. -
Review from Jeff T.
Scottsdale, AZ
1/11/2012
Great carne asada and unique salsas! Wasn't starving so I ordered the carne asada quesadilla instead of the burrito. Didn't make a difference, it must have been 2lbs of meat and cheese and came with rice and beans (both tasty in their own right.). My wife got the carne asada burrito bowl thinking along the same lines as myself and ended up with what seemed to be a huge carne asada salad. Go hungry! Great value with coupon.
*They lost a star because the people that ordered behind us received their order and noted that the woman had ordered the shrimp tacos (which we heard her order), she got shredded beef instead. Instead of just replacing her order, the guy behind the counter insisted she got what she ordered and it was left at that. -
Review from Jay M.
8/31/2011
100 reviews for Sonora Mesquite Grill!
I am a fan. Do not expect much ambiance, but do try an assortment of the soft tacos and authentic salsas with their family recipe horchata beverage!
One disappointment, they did not use real shredded cheese on the nachos, they used something similar to a velveeta/cheese whiz. -
Review from Alison B.
Well, I'm in love. So happy this place is near my office. My coworkers favor Chipotle down the street for burritos and such, but since I discovered Sonora, I haven't been back to Chipotle.
The biggest difference for me is the tender, flavorful chicken SMG uses in their burritos and tacos. Seriously good! And no matter what I order I get a side of their fresh guacamole. Stop eating at the chains and go here. -
Review from Joe G.
San Diego, CA
1/10/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Outstanding Service
Outstanding AUTHENTIC Food
Outstanding Overall. -
Review from Wayne W.
Elk Grove, CA
3/15/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
I purchased the Yelp deal knowing it was located close to our hotel. We walked over Tuesday night. (Closed Sundays) I had a chicken quesadilla. And the wife ordered the barbacoa tacos with rice and charro beans. Food was good and hot. Of course I got to eat some of my wife's rice and beans. Interesting seasonings on both. I think to owners would do better in a nicer location. But what do I know?
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Review from Robert G.
9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of my goals coming into Phoenix was to find a great, local Mexican or Latin-influenced place for lunch one day. Mission accomplished.
I got a two-taco combo with horchata. For one, I picked up the apparently legendary carne asada, and the other, barbacoa. The combo comes with a side of rice and beans. I even got guac on the side, and there was three more salsas coming with my meal. So maybe I did pay $12 for lunch, but... holy cow.
I knew I was in for a good time when I sampled the rice. It's wonderful with a bit of fresh cilantro and lime will do to a side dish. I turned my attention to the beans, and they were also not overlooked; what's the secret ingredient? Bacon fat? Salt pork? Whatever it is, I thoroughly enjoyed the beans.
The horchata I got with my meal was excellent! They use more cinnamon than I'm used to, but it wasn't hyper-sweet and was just what I needed on another 100 degree day.
The tacos were fresh, served with a lime, and perfect. I liked the barbacoa since it had a nice flavor from the marinade, but the carne asada was the star of this meal; not overcooked, not bland, not rubbery, not any other slew of adjectives that come to mind when I think of bad beef. It was juicy, and bright, and meaty, and perfect.
The sauces were wonderfully complimentary and I found myself wishing that I had chips as an excuse to eat up all the sauce (including the grilled green pepper / onion/ chile sauce that turned into a four-alarm in my mouth).
I didn't get a chance to do dessert since I was filled to the brim with what I had already ordered. But I find myself really hoping I go back to try it.
I can't speak for authentic Mexican food places, since I haven't been to many (or to Mexico). But I can speak to the food served at Mesquite; it's a great bargain! -
Review from Anthony P.
Phoenix, AZ
5/24/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Dear every other Carne Asada spot in the 602,
It's not you- it's me, not liking you anymore.
Sonora Mesquite Grill is SO flavorful and delicious, it makes me grateful I wasn't chosen to go to heaven for the rapture.
As others have mentioned, the carne asada is the star here. Well, that and the service. To say this place is sweet and the people are charming, is the understatement of the year. This place is owned by a Mother and her son, and both times I have been there, they have been just outstanding.
Today I phoned in a takeout order, and the Mom would answer with 'Yes dear' in the sweetest, non-condescending way ever. She literally exudes warmth, and it is not only in her customer service, but also her food. The carne asada burro is tremendous. It comes with beans and rice in the burro, but I am a purist, and I ask for those items on the side, as I just want to taste carne goodness in the burro. If you order chips and salsa you get a few different salsas, a verde, rojo, and thicker rojo. The salsas are so delicious and tasty- you can taste the freshness and care that goes into it. In fact, the salsas are so amazing, if I ran out of chips- I would dip lucky charms cereal into the salsa, because anything that good you cannot waste!
The restaurant is small, but impeccably clean, and care is taken throughout the establishment to keep guests comfortable. The food is very, very good, and it is so cool to have business owners so proud of their product, and at Sonora Mesquite Grill- they have much to proud of.
Also not to be missed is their fresh made lemonade. I read here on Yelp that it was tasty- and my fellow Yelpers did not let me down. It is very fresh and tasty- without being too sweet.
The only thing I am curious about is that they serve bagged tortilla chips, as opposed to making them fresh. Not the end of the world, just kind of curious. I would recommend if they can't make their own, to consider using the 'My Nanas' chips, or another type which is more consistent with Mexican restaurants. This is just minutia, and doesn't change anything, the place is just that good. Try for yourself, you will not be disappointed. Ciao! -
Review from Dang N.
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
So I'm in Phoenix, really close to Mexico and I figure there shouldn't be a problem finding a great Mexican restaurant here. Pull out the phone and open up the Yelp app and voila! I find this little place.
I really love Mexican food. Seriously. My dream is to find a little Mexican girl with long jet black hair from the old country and all she does every night for me is cook Mexican food. This is how much I love Mexican food.
So when I got here I decided to start with two tacos, pork and beef and I got myself some horchata. Love me some horchata! Took a little while, I was surprised as there was only one other couple in the place talking Spanish with the guy behind the counter. When my tacos came, they're open-faced, a good sign towards authenticity. Taste? Not bad. Not great, but not bad, about a 3. In fact, I was a little surprised as ratings in this place seem to indicate the food is really outstanding here. I check my Yelp app again to make sure I didn't order the wrong thing. I read lots of people love the guacamole.
So after finishing my tacos, I decide to get the big nacho plate and make sure to ask for guacamole. I notice the Spanish speaking couple ask for a free refill of horchata which I notice isn't indicated anywhere on the menu. FREE refills? Hmm, maybe they're not free but because the guy just gave a free refill to the other couple he's got no choice now. I couldn't be sure to be honest but I asked for a free refill anyways and he was pretty accommodating.
So my nacho plate comes out and? It's terrible. I mean really, really terrible. Like a 1. Why? Because the chips are completely marketplace bought. And they're not even good marketplace quality. They're terrible. A Mexican place that serves a nacho plate needs to make their own chips. Seriously, if you're not going to do this, don't have nachos on the menu at all. I was thoroughly disgusted and disappointed at this point. But, the good news is the guacamole is pretty good.
So overall just a 3, but a 3 that I wouldn't go back to. Sorry Phoenix but y'all don't really know what great Mexican food is. And you live so close to the border! What's up with that?! -
Review from Liz B.
7/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Why would a vegetarian go to Sonora Mesquite Grill, you might ask. Well, the menu offers three "vegetarian" items, unlike a lot of places in Phoenix. What the menu forgets to mention is that the beans are NOT vegetarian. They are cooked with pork.
I was highly suspicious about charro beans being vegetarian so I asked point blank: "Are the beans vegetarian?" The very nice and cheerful lady behind the counter replied, "Yes. The charro beans are beans cooked with some bacon." Last I checked, pork and pork products were still considered meat. Oh well.
However, the rice is vegetarian and you can get the three veggie items (burrito, burrito bowl, and quesadilla) without the non-vegetarian beans.
The only reason I am giving this place three stars is due to my horchata and my boyfriend's love of their salsas.
For $2, you get a large, flavorful horchata with bits of coconut at the bottom. Yum.
The salsas: Maybe it was just Thursday's batch, but the salsas were extra spicy, so I tossed them in the fridge at home and told my boyfriend they were his. I think my boyfriend drank the salsas as he ate them so fast. He says they are good and spicy and he has been putting the red salsa on everything. Everything.
Overall, I guess Sonora is a meat place; not meant for my kind. So, I do not think I can adequately evaluate the entire restaurant. However, it is very sketchy and annoying to claim to have vegetarian items when in reality, the items are just without meat. -
Review from Wilbert O.
Washington, DC
1/23/2012
This little shop gave some surprises. First, I didn't expect it is such a small shop. You cannot believe such a tiny eatery enjoy a high a reputation; second, the food is really good. The shrimp taco is a really delight. It is worthwhile my efforts to make a special detour to this restaurant during my trip to Grand Canyon.
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Review from Larry S.
Phoenix, AZ
7/22/2011
This review will be similar to a scolding I might give my kid when he comes home with 5 A's and 1 B. I know you are doing GREAT, but you CAN improve !!! :)
I can see where all the love comes from. The food sold here tastes "fresh and home-made" for sure.
But not too much I have had here (and I have eaten there 4 times now) has really made me say, "Wow, this is some of the best food around."
The salsas and guacamole are very good.
The carne asada does have a very nice taste - however, it's shown a tendency to be a little bit (just the tiny, TINIEST BIT) dry on occasion.
The chips (served room temperature and costing $1.50) are store-bought and not up to par with the rest of the food.
The charro beans are definitely among the top contenders in the Valley.
I'd up this to a 5-star if they'd fry their own chips, or change to a style they can serve warm, and maybe leave some of the juice in the carne asada.
A nice place to eat. A smidge away from about as fresh as food can taste.
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