655419 Sun Sep 27 21:34:07 -0700 2009 8 6 Southwest 0 5063085 Heading to Phoenix for work and looking for a couple of good restaurant recommendations. Interested in casual, maybe Southwestern and likely more on the South end of town as that is where I'm working. Appreciate any thoughts, but two that I've seen recently: Pizzeria Bianco - looks great, but can't do a super long wait with work schedule. If you go later in the evening (likely Tuesday or Wednesday) can you get in with less of a wait or are you just out of luck because everyone from earlier is waiting? Los Taquitos - Saw it on Triple D. Food looked really good - especially that spicy chicken burrito. I saw mixed reviews but it seemed to be people that were put off that it didn't have a lot of atmosphere and was in a strip mall. None of these factors bug us if the food is good (I'm from Napa and have several favorite taco trucks in the area). Other recommendations or thoughts on the above? Thanks! Sun Sep 27 21:34:07 -0700 2009 123327 teejaymoore 1 5065414 I can't speak to either of your two questions, but by "South" end of town, do you mean downtown? You should try Los Dos Molinos - there are two locations near the South part of Phoenix. I don't eat pork, but I've heard the adovada is excellent. I always get the taco and enchilada combo. Search the name on here and you should find more detailed reviews. :) Mon Sep 28 18:13:40 -0700 2009 5063085 78130 asu2usc 1 5066437 Los Taquitos is what it is; a family run little restaurant with very good food and not much atmosphere. I'm sure it's where it is because that's all that could be afforded. I'm a big fan of Over Easy, also on DDD, for many of the same reasons as Los Taquitos. I mean anyone who can give a former Taco Bell some character and produce great breakfasts deserves my business. Three other places you will see elsewhere on the board are Phoenix Ranch Market, Barrio Cafe and America's Taco Shop. Search them and you'll have lots of info. Barrio gets mixed reveiws but I have never experienced that. I think at least some of it is "operator error" like the individual who complained because the guac was lumpy. Suspect the only guac they had came from the super market. Tue Sep 29 07:34:13 -0700 2009 5063085 46819 Poerz 2 5066803 Thanks for the info. Think we'll try Los Taquitos as it's down the same direction where we are staying (Chandler). Agree that some people expect great atmosphere when it's a family run place but they can make great food but can't afford the ambience. Tue Sep 29 09:38:35 -0700 2009 5066437 123327 teejaymoore 1 5066916 I like Los Taquitos; to me, they're not really any better than any other good taco place of that type, but they're good, and it's a convenient location for me too. I like the tacos more than their other offerings. I've never been to Pizzeria Bianco, because of the wait-- as far as I can tell there's always a wait no matter how you try to avoid it. I don't know how long you're in town, but some other good casual, inexpensive places in that area of Chandler/SW Tempe include Kabab Palace (Afghan), Cafe Krishna (vegetarian Indian, mostly dosa), and Cyclo (Vietnamese). The first two have lunch buffets, but I think you can also order off the menu at lunch if you want to. In downtown Chandler, there's also El Zocalo (Southwestern/Mexican) and Guedo's Taco Shop (which I personally think is as good as Los Taquitos). There are a LOT of chain restaurants in Chandler, but some good independent places are hiding here too. Tue Sep 29 10:05:36 -0700 2009 5063085 174150 bortukan 1 5067080 Going to have to agree with Poerz and bortukan regarding Los Taquitos - it is what it is, but I certainly don't think it stands above any others in terms of food. Tasty yes, and if it's close to where you're staying, it's a solid option. I think the ambiance comes from the attractive female ownership, and they're very nice. Another option (it's really not that far of a drive via the 202) is Gallo Blanco Cafe at the Clarendon Hotel, which is probably one of my favorite Mexican places in town right now. Really well-executed food (sans the fish taco, miracle whip FAIL), and there aren't many places where you can dine and head up the roof for a nice view of downtown. Enjoy your trip. Tue Sep 29 10:56:10 -0700 2009 5063085 67548 azhotdish 1 5067115 Regarding Pizzeria Bianco, later in the evening Tuesday or Wednesday would most likely mean less of a wait, but still a wait. Last time I went there on a Tuesday night, my wife and I checked in around 8:45 PM and were seated around 10 PM. Tue Sep 29 11:04:29 -0700 2009 5063085 26466 silverbear 1 5067129 I love Carolina's Mex by the airport..super casual dive that has some of the best Mex.. Durant's in downtown Phoenix..old school steakhouse..imo, it doesn't get any better than this. www.carolinasmex.com www.durantsaz.com Tue Sep 29 11:07:44 -0700 2009 5063085 97452 Beach Chick 1 5068551 Wow - you people have it easy. Went ahead and went to Las Taquitos as it was late and we were looking for a quick dinner. Thought the food was great (we don't have a lot of good mexican in the bay area). The pork taco and the spicy chicken burrito were really good. Had fun trying the Mexican Fresca (100 calories versus the American version with zero). Even the oddly smooth guacamole had a really good cool flavor which was a nice offset to the spicy sauce on the burrito. Tue Sep 29 22:31:51 -0700 2009 5063085 123327 teejaymoore