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Michael in Phoenix
- Thread starter oli
- Start date
michael-in-phoenix
Well-known member
Yes, there are a few good choices, depending on what you are looking for.
How do your tastes run? I can give you a few based on what you are looking for. Some of the best places are in pretty sketchy areas, so if you are skittish about such things, go during the day.
Our current favorite for an authentic, family-owned and operated, sit-down restaurant for all the Mexican food you know and love is Comedor Guadalajara in Phoenix. 1830 S. Central Ave. is not a great neighborhood, so be forewarned, but the food is good and the locals flock to the place. In fact, since they don't take reservations, the wait for a table on weekend peak times can be 45 minutes to an hour or more. We usually go on Saturday, mid-afternoon, and the wait is only a few minutes.
If you like Mexican seafood, the top place is Mariscos Playa Hermosa at 1605 E Garfield Street in Phoenix. Again, this place is not in the best neighborhood, but it is quite good, and well-supported by locals. Good seafood prepared well, and a nice atmosphere to boot!
Both of these first two are near major freeways, so they are easy to get to.
For the absolute best Mexican chicken burros (burritos) and good fajitas, plus the standard Tex-Mex and Sonoran taco-enchilada-tamale-beans-and-rice combo, there is Manuel's at 2820 E Indian School Rd in Phoenix. I LOVE their chicken burro (off the a la cart menu). Big, fat non-fried burro (burrito, chimi, whatever you want to call it!), stuffed with stewed and shredded Mexican chicken (done in-house, of course), and slathered with a green chile "Norteño Sauce" on top. It's my standard order at Manuel's, and I recommend it. They have good fajitas, and those come to your table sizzling loudly on a hot, cast iron platter.
In the mood for a west-coast style taco shop experience? The best Carne Asada Burritos and Shredded Beef Tacos we have found is at a little place in a shopping mall called, Los Favaritos in Scottsdale. It is located at 8489 E. McDonald in Scottsdale. They have other locations around the valley and we've tried them, but we always come back to this location, as their food is the best. Walk-up counter to order, with limited seating inside, but the carne asada burritos and shredded beef tacos and tostadas are OUTSTANDING.
If you want a truly different take on Mexican food, the Barrio Cafe in Phoenix is one place to experience many authentic dishes interpreted by a very talented chef. I will provide a link to the Barrio Cafe so you can check out their current menu and get a feel for the place. They are located at 2814 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, in 'the barrio', of course!
Looking for HOT food? Good, hot, Hatch-chile laced Mexican food can be had at Los Dos Molinos at 1044 E Camelback Rd. in Phoenix. The food is really good, but be forewarned that you must like HOT food in order to enjoy it. It is New Mexico inspired, so Hatch chiles are used in nearly every dish. Good stuff, but HOT.
There are others, of course, since Phoenix is the 6th largest city in the country and we do actually have a quite vibrant restaurant population.
Need a total DIVE for good Thai food? I have that too, but it is a dump in a war zone neighborhood. Tom Yum soup to die for (literally, if you go after dark!)!
Let me know if you need a few more...
Michael
https://www.barriocafe.com/
How do your tastes run? I can give you a few based on what you are looking for. Some of the best places are in pretty sketchy areas, so if you are skittish about such things, go during the day.
Our current favorite for an authentic, family-owned and operated, sit-down restaurant for all the Mexican food you know and love is Comedor Guadalajara in Phoenix. 1830 S. Central Ave. is not a great neighborhood, so be forewarned, but the food is good and the locals flock to the place. In fact, since they don't take reservations, the wait for a table on weekend peak times can be 45 minutes to an hour or more. We usually go on Saturday, mid-afternoon, and the wait is only a few minutes.
If you like Mexican seafood, the top place is Mariscos Playa Hermosa at 1605 E Garfield Street in Phoenix. Again, this place is not in the best neighborhood, but it is quite good, and well-supported by locals. Good seafood prepared well, and a nice atmosphere to boot!
Both of these first two are near major freeways, so they are easy to get to.
For the absolute best Mexican chicken burros (burritos) and good fajitas, plus the standard Tex-Mex and Sonoran taco-enchilada-tamale-beans-and-rice combo, there is Manuel's at 2820 E Indian School Rd in Phoenix. I LOVE their chicken burro (off the a la cart menu). Big, fat non-fried burro (burrito, chimi, whatever you want to call it!), stuffed with stewed and shredded Mexican chicken (done in-house, of course), and slathered with a green chile "Norteño Sauce" on top. It's my standard order at Manuel's, and I recommend it. They have good fajitas, and those come to your table sizzling loudly on a hot, cast iron platter.
In the mood for a west-coast style taco shop experience? The best Carne Asada Burritos and Shredded Beef Tacos we have found is at a little place in a shopping mall called, Los Favaritos in Scottsdale. It is located at 8489 E. McDonald in Scottsdale. They have other locations around the valley and we've tried them, but we always come back to this location, as their food is the best. Walk-up counter to order, with limited seating inside, but the carne asada burritos and shredded beef tacos and tostadas are OUTSTANDING.
If you want a truly different take on Mexican food, the Barrio Cafe in Phoenix is one place to experience many authentic dishes interpreted by a very talented chef. I will provide a link to the Barrio Cafe so you can check out their current menu and get a feel for the place. They are located at 2814 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, in 'the barrio', of course!
Looking for HOT food? Good, hot, Hatch-chile laced Mexican food can be had at Los Dos Molinos at 1044 E Camelback Rd. in Phoenix. The food is really good, but be forewarned that you must like HOT food in order to enjoy it. It is New Mexico inspired, so Hatch chiles are used in nearly every dish. Good stuff, but HOT.
There are others, of course, since Phoenix is the 6th largest city in the country and we do actually have a quite vibrant restaurant population.
Need a total DIVE for good Thai food? I have that too, but it is a dump in a war zone neighborhood. Tom Yum soup to die for (literally, if you go after dark!)!
Let me know if you need a few more...
Michael
https://www.barriocafe.com/
Michael, since we're talking AZ mexican I wanted to see if
you have a recipe for the Mexican rice that is on every plate with refried beans in any Mexican restaurant in AZ. I have tried several recipes but it's not the same and I miss it. I've got the refried down to a tee but not the rice.
you have a recipe for the Mexican rice that is on every plate with refried beans in any Mexican restaurant in AZ. I have tried several recipes but it's not the same and I miss it. I've got the refried down to a tee but not the rice.
WOW, what a great write-up, more than I expected, THANK YOU
We ended up Barrio Cafe before seeing your response, was quite surprised by the prices.(Yelp recommendation)Luckily we made reservations ahead as some people who walked in just before us, were told there was a three hour wait, so they left. We went to see the 4 Tops and The Temptations so it was a nice evening out.
Will visit the other recomendations, other than the HOT, on our next visit next year as we are trying out being snow birds. We are out exploring RV resorts to find one that is not too far out such as Casa Grande but not too close in, that traffic will not be a problem, close to shopping and good eats.
Thanks a lot.
We ended up Barrio Cafe before seeing your response, was quite surprised by the prices.(Yelp recommendation)Luckily we made reservations ahead as some people who walked in just before us, were told there was a three hour wait, so they left. We went to see the 4 Tops and The Temptations so it was a nice evening out.
Will visit the other recomendations, other than the HOT, on our next visit next year as we are trying out being snow birds. We are out exploring RV resorts to find one that is not too far out such as Casa Grande but not too close in, that traffic will not be a problem, close to shopping and good eats.
Thanks a lot.
Thai recommendations accepted.
We like Thai so I am listening for your recommendations.
I have another help request. When we lived in SoCal we had a favourite Mexican for above all, the Chicken soup. We are now living in a Mexican food wasteland and want to be able to make the Mexican chicken soup. I've written to the restaurant for the recipe but they have not responded.
I am wondering if you would know of a restaurant here in Phoenix that they would be able to give you their recipe.
Thanks
We like Thai so I am listening for your recommendations.
I have another help request. When we lived in SoCal we had a favourite Mexican for above all, the Chicken soup. We are now living in a Mexican food wasteland and want to be able to make the Mexican chicken soup. I've written to the restaurant for the recipe but they have not responded.
I am wondering if you would know of a restaurant here in Phoenix that they would be able to give you their recipe.
Thanks
Is it tortilla soup--or what is it "like".
AHA!! I see I have REALLY been missing something. Googled it and now can't wait to try one of these recipes. Definitely NOT tortilla soup, which we also love,
https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=6BZvWo39F8bvzgLn442wCw&q=mexican+chicken+soup&oq=mexican+chicken+soup&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i131k1j0l4j0i20i264k1j0l4.836.4808.0.7881.21.12.0.8.8.0.127.1324.0j12.12.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..1.20.1367.0..35i39k1j0i67k1j0i131i20i264k1j0i131i67k1.0.pemxzynSil0
AHA!! I see I have REALLY been missing something. Googled it and now can't wait to try one of these recipes. Definitely NOT tortilla soup, which we also love,
https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=6BZvWo39F8bvzgLn442wCw&q=mexican+chicken+soup&oq=mexican+chicken+soup&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i131k1j0l4j0i20i264k1j0l4.836.4808.0.7881.21.12.0.8.8.0.127.1324.0j12.12.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..1.20.1367.0..35i39k1j0i67k1j0i131i20i264k1j0i131i67k1.0.pemxzynSil0
michael-in-phoenix
Well-known member
Comedor de Guadalajara is somewhat known for their soups. Their Mexican Chicken Soup is excellent!
It is exactly what you describe and the broth is clearly homemade.
The portions are generous as well. I don't have a recipe, though. Sorry!
Michael
It is exactly what you describe and the broth is clearly homemade.
The portions are generous as well. I don't have a recipe, though. Sorry!
Michael
michael-in-phoenix
Well-known member
I'm not a huge fan of the typical Mexican rice served by restaurants. It is too dry for me...
...and most of it doesn't really have much taste. If you want a recipe for Mexican rice like the restaurants typically serve, I suggest searching the internet for "mexican restaurant style red rice". Cook's Illustrated also has a recipe for "Mexican Rice" that is like the restaurants serve.
My recipe for "Arroz a la Mexicana" or "Mexican Rice" is more moist and a family favorite. I have posted it before on this site and will repost here, in case you missed it.
Michael
ARROZ A LA MEXICANA (MEXICAN RICE)
Michael Rodgers, 1984
Mexican Rice (Arroz a la Mexicana) is one of my absolute favorite Mexican Rice recipes. I think it’s so much better than the typical stuff you get slopped on the side of your plate at restaurants!
4 Tbsp salad oil
2 Tbsp butter
2 cups long grain rice (uncooked)
1 large yellow or white onion, chopped
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1 (4oz. to 6oz.) can diced green chiles
1 14oz. to 15oz. can of diced tomatoes
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
4 cups regular strength chicken broth
1/4 cup firmly packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (Optional. Omit it you don’t like cilantro)
Drain the tomatoes and add the juice from the can to the chicken broth to make 4 cups of liquid.
Heat oil and butter in a 4 to 6 quart pan over medium high heat. When butter is melted, add rice (dry) and cook, stirring, until lightly browned (3 to 5 minutes).
Add onion, garlic, and chiles; continue to cook, stirring, for 5 more minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato paste and broth; stir well to mix.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer on very low heat until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender and there is no liquid remaining (35 to 40 min.). Remove from heat. Fluff rice with a large fork or spoon and mix in cilantro.
Makes 6 servings.
*******
My notes:
Use a heavy gauge pot for this recipe. As with all rice cookery, it tends to stick to the bottom of thin, un-lined pots. A large 12” non-stick pan with high sides and a lid would be ideal, if you have one at your disposal.
When the cilantro is stirred in, the rice should be light and fluffy, not heavy and pasty. I have good success using a very low flame and a pan that is low and wide, as described above. If the rice is too wet when you get to 35 or 40 minutes, just let it go a little longer, maybe 5 more minutes.
Enjoy!
Michael
...and most of it doesn't really have much taste. If you want a recipe for Mexican rice like the restaurants typically serve, I suggest searching the internet for "mexican restaurant style red rice". Cook's Illustrated also has a recipe for "Mexican Rice" that is like the restaurants serve.
My recipe for "Arroz a la Mexicana" or "Mexican Rice" is more moist and a family favorite. I have posted it before on this site and will repost here, in case you missed it.
Michael
ARROZ A LA MEXICANA (MEXICAN RICE)
Michael Rodgers, 1984
Mexican Rice (Arroz a la Mexicana) is one of my absolute favorite Mexican Rice recipes. I think it’s so much better than the typical stuff you get slopped on the side of your plate at restaurants!
4 Tbsp salad oil
2 Tbsp butter
2 cups long grain rice (uncooked)
1 large yellow or white onion, chopped
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1 (4oz. to 6oz.) can diced green chiles
1 14oz. to 15oz. can of diced tomatoes
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
4 cups regular strength chicken broth
1/4 cup firmly packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (Optional. Omit it you don’t like cilantro)
Drain the tomatoes and add the juice from the can to the chicken broth to make 4 cups of liquid.
Heat oil and butter in a 4 to 6 quart pan over medium high heat. When butter is melted, add rice (dry) and cook, stirring, until lightly browned (3 to 5 minutes).
Add onion, garlic, and chiles; continue to cook, stirring, for 5 more minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato paste and broth; stir well to mix.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer on very low heat until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender and there is no liquid remaining (35 to 40 min.). Remove from heat. Fluff rice with a large fork or spoon and mix in cilantro.
Makes 6 servings.
*******
My notes:
Use a heavy gauge pot for this recipe. As with all rice cookery, it tends to stick to the bottom of thin, un-lined pots. A large 12” non-stick pan with high sides and a lid would be ideal, if you have one at your disposal.
When the cilantro is stirred in, the rice should be light and fluffy, not heavy and pasty. I have good success using a very low flame and a pan that is low and wide, as described above. If the rice is too wet when you get to 35 or 40 minutes, just let it go a little longer, maybe 5 more minutes.
Enjoy!
Michael
michael-in-phoenix
Well-known member
The population of Mesa, east of Phoenix, used to drop by a full 2/3 on May 1st. Snowbirds...
....would return October 1st, once the weather started cooling off. The whole town was emptied by a whopping 66%!
That isn't true today. There are still good RV parks out there, but less and less snowbirds come here for the winter these days. Various factors are in play, but the Phoenix metropolis, including Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, etc., has grown so much that we are pretty full up all year 'round.
Hope you find what you like, and maybe we can get together over some Mexican Chicken Soup some day!
Michael
....would return October 1st, once the weather started cooling off. The whole town was emptied by a whopping 66%!
That isn't true today. There are still good RV parks out there, but less and less snowbirds come here for the winter these days. Various factors are in play, but the Phoenix metropolis, including Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, etc., has grown so much that we are pretty full up all year 'round.
Hope you find what you like, and maybe we can get together over some Mexican Chicken Soup some day!
Michael
michael-in-phoenix
Well-known member
Chanpen Thai Cuisine serves delicious Tom Yum Soup, and their version of Crispy Chicken is...
...excellent!
But, I will warn you that it is a DUMP (no other word for it) that will scare you from the outside. Ramshackle, and in a war zone of a neighborhood. I would not go there after dark. It is at 2727 E. Broadway Rd., in Phoenix.
They also have another location in Tempe, probably in a much better area, but we haven't eaten there, so I can't vouch.
Michael
...excellent!
But, I will warn you that it is a DUMP (no other word for it) that will scare you from the outside. Ramshackle, and in a war zone of a neighborhood. I would not go there after dark. It is at 2727 E. Broadway Rd., in Phoenix.
They also have another location in Tempe, probably in a much better area, but we haven't eaten there, so I can't vouch.
Michael