The Mexicano

4.4

1251 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

Charming
Good for groups
Neighborhood gem

## The Mexicano: A Culinary Fiesta in Scottsdale Step into a vibrant fiesta of flavors at The Mexicano, Scottsdale's newest culinary gem. Inspired by the rich traditions of Mexico, our restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience that tantalizes your taste buds and transports you to the heart of Mexico City. Our chef-driven menu boasts an array of authentic dishes, each crafted with the finest ingredients and traditional recipes. From sizzling fajitas served on lava stones to the smoky grouper ceviche presented in a coconut shell, every bite is a celebration of Mexican culinary artistry. Indulge in decadent charcoal-grilled prime meats, savor the vibrant flavors of our family-style small plates, and explore the diverse world of Mexican cuisine. But the culinary journey doesn't end there. The Mexicano boasts the nation's first build-your-own Michelada bar, a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. Craft your own masterpiece with infused tequilas, Mexican draft beers, and an array of toppings ranging from oysters and dry chorizo to tamarindo sticks and habanero cheese. The vibrant atmosphere adds to the experience. Our 5,500-square-foot space features a variety of dining and socializing areas, both indoors and on our expansive patio. Immerse yourself in the lively

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm
Phone number
(602) 812-2100
Website
https://www.themexicano.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Chef Joey Maggiore

Location
4801 East Cactus Road, Phoenix, AZ 85254
Neighborhood
Central Phoenix
Cross street
Tatum Boulevard and Cactus Road
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

Popular dishes

Roasted Elote$10.00
roasted corn on the cob + chili lime mayo + cotija + cilantro
Birria Bao Buns$16.00
two fluffy buns + chile-braised beef + diced white onions + cilantro + menonita & asadero cheese + consommé
Shrimp Cocktail$18.00
poached shrimp + jicama + tomato + avocado + red onions + cucumbers + chipotle clamato + cilantro
Ahi Tuna Ceviche$19.00
citrus poached + tomato + red onion + serrano + cucumber + avocado + cilantro + plantain chips
Pork Belly Chiccharrón$17.00
chile + cilantro + salsa verde + lime
Queso Fundido$15.00
topped with rajas + chorizo + served with warm flour tortillas
Green Chile Pork Empanadas$13.00
green chile pork + tomatillo salsa + crema + cotija cheese
The Best F#*%ing Birria Nachos$13.00
beans + chipotle cheese sauce + menonita cheese + asadero cheese + pico de gallo + jalapeño + poblano cream + house made crema

Sopa y Ensaladas

add chipotle grilled chicken $5 / birria $6 / carne asada $7 / blackened salmon $8 / shrimp $8

Cristina's Pozole Rojo$10.00
guajillo chile pork + hominy + cabbage + radish + onion + cilantro + avocado + oregano + tostada or chicharrones
Chopped Salad$13.00
chopped greens + roasted corn + avocado + jicama + tomato + roasted pineapple + goat cheese + pepitas + cilantro lime vinaigrette
Taco Salad$13.00
chopped baby romaine + cucumbers + tomato + pinto bean refrito + olives + roasted corn + radish + cotija cheese + chipotle ranch + tortilla bowl
Ensalada Fresca$14.00
watermelon + cucumber + red onion + jicama + aji lemon vinaigrette + panela cheese + pepitas + fresno + tajin + fresno + salsa macha + cilantro

Tacos

handmade blue corn tortillas $5.50 each / 3 for $15 add rice + beans for $3

Al Pastor
marinated pork + grilled pineapple + cilantro + onion + avocado salsa
Cochinita Pibil
citrus-braised pork + pickled onions + avocado salsa
Chicken Tinga
braised chipotle chicken + pico de gallo + cabbage + crema + cotija
The Best F#*%ing Quesa Birria Taco
chile braised beef + diced white onions + cilantro + menonita & asadero cheese + consommé
Carne Asada
onion + cilantro + morita salsa + avocado salsa
Agave Shrimp
blackened shrimp + fajita peppers + escabeche
Baja Style Shrimp
beer battered + poblano cream + cabbage + pico de gallo + cotija cheese
Baja Style Fish
beer battered cod + poblano cream + cotija + escabeche
Pork Belly Chicharrón
chile + cilantro + salsa verde + lime
Short Rib
chipotle demi + crispy onions + pico de gallo + queso fresco

Enchiladas

served with mexican rice + pinto bean refrito

Cheese Enchilada$16.00
mild red sauce + menonita & asadero cheese + iceberg + pico de gallo + crema fresca + cotija
Mole Enchilada$18.00
carnitas + mole + melted cheese + pepitas gremolata + pickled onions + cotija + crema fresca
The Best F#*%ing Birria Enchiladas$19.00
chile braised beef + salsa roja + menonita & asadero cheese + iceberg + pico de gallo + crema fresca + cotija
Chicken Tinga Enchilada$18.00
tomatillo salsa + melted cheese + crema fresca + iceberg + pico de gallo + cotija

Burritos

make it chimichanga / enchilada style $2

Chicken Tinga$17.00
braised chipotle chicken + pico de gallo + cabbage + crema + avocado + cotija + rice + pinto bean refrito
Cochinita Pibil$17.00
citrus-braised pork + spices + rice + pinto bean refrito
Al Pastor$17.00
marinated pork + grilled pineapple + cilantro + avocado salsa + rice + pinto bean refrito
Carne Asada$19.00
green onions + cilantro + salsa morita + rice + pinto bean refrito
The Best F#*%ing Birria Burrito$19.00
chile-braised beef + diced white onions + cilantro + menonita & asadero cheese + consommé + rice + pinto bean refrito

Chef Specialties

Served with mexican rice + pinto bean refrito

Chile Relleno$17.00
roasted poblano peppers + stuffed with panela cheese + mild tomato sauce
Birria Ramen$24.00
chile-braised beef + birria consommé + six-minute egg + cilantro + radish + green onion + salsa macha
Cochinita Pibil Platter$24.00
citrus-braised pork + pickled onions + cabbage + avocado salsa + corn tortillas
Taco Platter$32.00
includes (1) of each taco: birria, agave shrimp, chicken tinga, carne asada, al pastor, short rib

Sizzling Molcajetes

served in a sizzling hot lava stone bowl with mexican rice + pinto bean refrito + warm tortillas

Short Rib Molcajete$36.00
chile-braised beef + onions + roasted cactus + mafioso salsa + panela cheese + lime + longaniza
Shrimp a la Diabla Molcajete$38.00
jumbo prawns + onions + roasted cactus + mafioso salsa + panela cheese + lime
Sonoran Molcajete$40.00
simmered shrimp + carne asada + chicken + onions + roasted cactus + mafioso salsa + panela cheese + lime + longaniza

Tomaso's Favorite Lava Rock Fajitas

caramelized onions + peppers + mexican rice + pinto bean refrito + warm tortillas + served on sizzling lava stones

Pollo Asado$27.00
Carne Asada$36.00
Short Rib$34.00
Pork Chop Adobada$32.00
Shrimp$32.00

What 1,251 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Phoenix
Great for brunch
Phoenix
Kid-friendly
Phoenix
Lively
Phoenix
Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Mexicano impresses with "fantastic food" and "excellent service," featuring standout dishes like birria tacos and a unique guacamole Ferris wheel. While the vibrant atmosphere and engaging fire dancers delight many, the "music is loud" for some. Friendly staff and creative margaritas enhance the dining experience, making it "amazing all around."

1,251 Reviews

C
Candace
Los Angeles
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 17, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our lunch at the Mexicano was good overall. However, I didn't really enjoy my tacos this time. Last time I had an excellent experience. Mind you this is a pop-up and they are opening their original location and I'm betting everything will be great once again. Service was exceptional, and everyone was very nice.
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P
Pauline
Phoenix
35 reviews
1.0
35 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Waited 25mins after ordering our bottle of Chardonnay to be told they only had it by the glass which took another 15mins to be served. Tacos took about 30mins. We tried ordering a 2nd glass of wine and were told there was only 1 glass so my sister ordered a glass of red wine. That took another 15mins and the reply from the server was ‘it wasn’t her fault as the bartender had 20 people on the patio’. We normally love this restaurant but they really dropped the ball. Will think twice about going back but we love the food. A nice restaurant should offer a choice of wine not one red or one white.
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S
Sydney
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I always love coming to this restaurant& getting food! The vibes are always good!
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M
MARJORIE
VIP
Phoenix
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 1
The food and service were outstanding. The noise level was more suitable for a dance club or a rave. The ambience was far from pleasant or soothing. I'd love to go back, but I'm not sure I could without earplugs. I would have given five stars if not for the excessively loud music.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service was awesome. We went to celebrate my husband’s birthday and had a wonderful time. The Sonoran molcajete was delicious.
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a
ashleigh
Phoenix
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Good food. Quick service. Like the location vs the other one.
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A
Ann
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The beef Birria tacos never disappoint. Wed love this place for happy hour and dinner. Great staff and the atmosphere is fantastic.
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K
Kim
Phoenix
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We like the pop better than the original. The music still tends to be slightly too loud to hear conversation but much better than the original location. There was a great fire dancer and the fajitas were great.
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M
MIKE
Phoenix
11 reviews
2.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Arrived at restaurant at 4:30. Took 45 minutes to order drinks, another 30 minutes to receive 4 out of 5. Dinner order taken at 5:45, did not arrive until 6:30. Many items incorrect. There is a management and service problem at this restaurant. Was given free desserts to make up for our problems. Would go back just for the food, but only if I had 2 hours + to eat dinner.
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J
John
Phoenix
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Chef Joey rocks! The Mexicano is 5 stars. Highly recommend.
The MexicanoResponded on December 31, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We appreciate your 5-stars and high recommendation. We are looking forward to serving you again soon.
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FAQs

The Mexicano is rated 4.4 stars by 1251 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

4801 East Cactus Road, Phoenix, AZ 85254

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Tatum Boulevard and Cactus Road
Neighborhood
Central Phoenix
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Joey Maggiore
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

Website
https://www.themexicano.com/
Phone number
(602) 812-2100

The Mexicano

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Ahi Tuna Ceviche

Chicken Tinga Enchilada

Mole Enchilada

Guacamole

Traditional$15.00

Guacamole & Salsa Ferris Wheel$18.00

Elote$16.00

Machete

Queso$28.00

Chicken Tinga$32.00

The Best F#*%ing Birria$36.00

Appetizers

Roasted Elote$10.00

Birria Bao Buns$16.00

Shrimp Cocktail$18.00

Ahi Tuna Ceviche$19.00

Pork Belly Chiccharrón$17.00

Queso Fundido$15.00

Green Chile Pork Empanadas$13.00

The Best F#*%ing Birria Nachos$13.00

Sopa y Ensaladas

Cristina's Pozole Rojo$10.00

Chopped Salad$13.00

Taco Salad$13.00

Ensalada Fresca$14.00

Tacos

Al Pastor

Cochinita Pibil

Chicken Tinga

The Best F#*%ing Quesa Birria Taco

Carne Asada

Agave Shrimp

Baja Style Shrimp

Baja Style Fish

Pork Belly Chicharrón

Short Rib

Enchiladas

Cheese Enchilada$16.00

Mole Enchilada$18.00

The Best F#*%ing Birria Enchiladas$19.00

Chicken Tinga Enchilada$18.00

Burritos

Chicken Tinga$17.00

Cochinita Pibil$17.00

Al Pastor$17.00

Carne Asada$19.00

The Best F#*%ing Birria Burrito$19.00

Chef Specialties

Chile Relleno$17.00

Birria Ramen$24.00

Cochinita Pibil Platter$24.00

Taco Platter$32.00

Sizzling Molcajetes

Short Rib Molcajete$36.00

Shrimp a la Diabla Molcajete$38.00

Sonoran Molcajete$40.00

Tomaso's Favorite Lava Rock Fajitas

Pollo Asado$27.00

Carne Asada$36.00

Short Rib$34.00

Pork Chop Adobada$32.00

Shrimp$32.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Mexicano restaurant rated?

Is The Mexicano currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information