It is almost impossible to separate Sonoran food traditions from the history of Arizona. Native residents grow up understanding that the cuisine of Old Mexico is intermingled with the history of the state much like “lobster and Maine” go hand-in-hand because so many of the original Phoenix families were Hispanic transplants from Sonora, Mexico.
However, newcomers and visitors to Phoenix, Arizona rarely have the opportunity to experience, let alone appreciate, the fine gourmet traditions of Old Mexico in the Valley of the Sun. Eight of these restaurants are located within 10 miles of the downtown area, and represent the oldest, finest, and most historically authentic Mexican eateries that the Valley has to offer.
Having eaten often at all these restaurants in the past 45 years, there nothing left to say except to beware of the chile content in many of the entrees served by these restaurants. Most Mexican food establishments today accommodate palates not used to such spicy food, but one is still advised to ask the waitress how spicy each dish is before ordering, since even “mild” can bring a tear to the eye in some cases. For those who are faint of stomach, just ask for your chile peppers and hot sauce on the side when ordering.
Carolina‘s–Opened in 1968 by Carolina Hernandez, this restaurant is the hub of its ghetto neighborhood in downtown Phoenix at 1202 E. Mohave Street. One of the most popular lunch spots in town, visitors are stunned by the number of Mercedes and Bentleys outside this cafe which sports bullet holes from occasional neighborhood shootings that occur in the middle of the night. The specialty here is the mouth-watering homemade tortillas, simple fare, and down home service; even more incredible, most lunch meals are around $5. To this day, Carolina still offers her “restorative” menudo on a take-out basis Saturdays and Sundays for those difficult weekend mornings. Open Tuesdays through Sundays, Carolina’s is an unforgettable experience that has been consistently ranked as the “#1 Mexican food Restaurant” by a local publication, The New Times. http://www.carolinasmex.com/
Fuego Bistro–Tucked away in the Fountain Court Plaza at 713 E. Palo Verde Drive (7th Street just south of Bethany Home Road), this restaurant serves up a Latin/Southwestern cuisine in a cantina atmosphere. Highlights include a great outdoor patio, full bar, and reasonable prices. Music lovers will want to visit on Friday or Saturday nights to enjoy live jazz music. Numerous specialty entree items are featured at this unique, out-of-the way place that blends Mexican cuisine with modern entertainment. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Original Garcia’s– Established by the Garcia family in 1956, this hometown cantina is located at 2212 N. 35th Ave. Still operated by members of the Garcia family, the original business grew to multiple locations that the Garcias eventually sold to a restaurant corporation when “there were more locations than there were family members” to operate them. Open 7 days a week, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10:30 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Features a full bar with outside patio and a quaint cantina atmosphere. Most dinner entrees are still under $10 and the bar offers a Happy Hour with great drink prices and free food! Known for very large portions with an extra plate charge of only $1! Quaint adjacent building next door serves those visitors who are on a tight schedule and want to take their meals to go. http://www.garciasmexicanfood.com/
Los Dos Molinos–A delightful family-owned restaurant that began in northern Arizona in rural Springerville over 20 years ago, “The Two Grinders” features Mexican food with a New Mexico flair and a reputation for spicy! Located at 8684 S. Central Ave. in Phoenix, this cozy location replicates a colorful and authentic Mexican cantina and offers reasonable prices like chimichanga plates at $10. Enjoy a full bar complete with specialty drinks and numerous original menu items, but watch out for the Sopapilla Ala Mode unless you have an enormous appetite! Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner. This restaurant even boasts a Manhattan location in New York at 119 E. 18th Street! http://www.losdosmolinosaz.com
Los Olivos–Located in the heart of Old Scottsdale not far from central Phoenix, this historical site dates back to 1928 when cowboys were still tying up their horses to hitching posts in front. Located at 7328 E. 2nd Street (Scottsdale), this restaurant is a huge favorite of many locals including former Senator Barry Goldwater. During the reconstruction of downtown Scottsdale, rumor alleges that Goldwater himself kyboshed plans to level the restaurant for a parking lot. The food is authentic, the architecture unique, and prices are in the medium range. Although food quality can be inconsistent from time to time, this restaurant is well worth the risk if you are planning to venture into the incredibly unique historical downtown of modern “old” Scottsdale for a day of sightseeing! Here’s a coupon site to get you started: http://www.azeats.com/LosOlivos/coupon.html
Macayo’s–Originally known as Little Woody’s, this restaurant has been the trend setter in Mexican food dining since 1946 when this family opened their first location in Phoenix. Today, the business has grown to 18 locations in Arizona and Nevada, yet continues to be run by members of the Johnson family. The well-known Valley location at 4001 N. Central Avenue is open seven days a week, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Featuring a fabulous and well-attended Happy Hour, this restaurant truly has it all…atmosphere, specialty drinks and dishes, and great service in a convenient central location. Slightly upscale prices are offset by an exciting atmosphere that is frequented by both local and national celebrities. Enjoy a wonderful Mexican meal, but make sure to get there early to avoid the rush. http://www.macayo.com/
Manuel’s–Founded in 1964, this family has opened eight locations that offer excellent Mexican cuisine at affordable prices. Friendly personal service is the cornerstone of this business as established by founder Manuel Salazar who just passed away in February of 2008 at age 80. His family intends to protect his legacy as they continue to operate his restaurants using his “secret” recipes. The oldest location still in existence is located at 2820 E. Indian School Road and offers daily lunch specials as well as most dinner combinations in the $10 range. Customers enjoy a full cantina bar as well as separate family dining areas. The restaurant is celebrated for its three types of homemade salsa (mild/medium/hot) served with fresh, warm chips delivered free of charge to every table as well as a Deep-fried Ice Cream dessert sure to appeal to any appetite. Open seven days a week. http://www.manuelsaz.com
Tee Pee–A Valley staple for the past 40 years, even President Bush snuck into this busy restaurant on one of his last trips to Phoenix! Located at 4144 E. Indian School Road, this Mexican restaurant serves up authentic homemade Mexican food in a small retro cafe environment complete with orange booths and bright lights. Very reasonably priced ($4-$10), this place is usually packed, but serves huge Chili Rellienos that take 20 minutes just to bake and will easily serve two people. Open seven days a week at 11:00 a.m., the establishment serves only beer along with soft drinks, great coffee, and iced tea, but is noted for some of the best Mexican food and friendliest service in the Valley. Despite the consistent hustle and bustle, you may want to look around carefully because you never know who may be sitting in a booth across from you!
