At The Mexicano Scottsdale, Flavor is the Destination

I had a few errands to run in Scottsdale the other day, and while I was in the area, I decided to finally check out The Mexicano Scottsdale. I'd heard good things, and the promise of a build-your-own margarita bar was too tempting to ignore. Plus, it was the perfect way to cap off a visit to the nearby Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix – a little zen followed by some seriously flavorful food.

The Mexicano Scottsdale has a casual, welcoming vibe – the kind of place where you can kick back and relax. It’s not fancy, but it's comfortable, and the service is friendly and efficient. Think of it as a perfect stop after a stroll through Arizona Falls or a day spent at Enchanted Island Amusement Park with the kids.

Of course, the main draw is the food. The menu is packed with classic Mexican dishes, but with a few interesting twists. Since it was Happy Hour, I started with a CLASSICO MARGARITA ($5) – simple, refreshing, and a great value. Then, I dove into the taco selection. The POTATO TACO ($2) was a standout – the creamy potato filling paired perfectly with the crisp lettuce and tangy avocado salsa. I also couldn't resist trying the CHICKEN TINGA TACO ($3) and the COCHINITA PIBIL TACO ($3). Both were bursting with flavor, the tinga having a satisfying smokiness and the cochinita pibil offering a rich, citrusy depth.

I couldn't leave without trying something a bit heartier, so I went for THE BEST F#*%ING NACHOS ($9) with the chicken tinga add-on ($2). The name doesn't lie – these nachos are seriously good. The chipotle cheese sauce is addictive, and the toppings are fresh and plentiful. It’s definitely a shareable portion, but I’m not sure I wanted to share. Another interesting item that caught my eye was the CHICKEN TINGA TACO SALAD ($8), which seemed like a lighter option, and the TOSTADA CAMARON ($10), which I will definitely be trying next time.

If you’re looking for something even more substantial, the molcajetes are worth considering. While I didn’t try one on this visit, the SHRIMP MOLCAJETE ($42) and SONORAN MOLCAJETE ($48) looked incredible, served sizzling in lava rock bowls. Perhaps next time I'll bring some friends and we can share one of those behemoths.

All in all, The Mexicano Scottsdale is a great spot for a casual, flavorful meal. It’s not trying to be anything it isn’t – just good food, good drinks, and a good atmosphere. If you're in the area and looking for a satisfying bite that won't break the bank, I highly recommend stopping in. Just be prepared to crave those potato tacos again and again.