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I will start by saying it's decent but I definitely don't see what all the hype is about. Nice place, good service, decent food. Nothing to get excited about though. I live in San Diego with some of the best Mexican food this side of the border so to me Elote Cafe is Mid. We had the elote, tasted fine, didn't stand out as anything out of the ordinary. What did stand out was the goat cheese balls and the brisket enchiladas. Those 2 dishes got the stars. They were delicious. Again, everything else was just okay. I know it's hard to get reservations here so if by chance you can't get in, don't worry about it, there is always next time.
Came here for the first time (to pick up to-go - not a dog friendly establishment unfortunately) during our recent visit to Sedona on 07/03/26. Was unable to previously because they were already on their vacation last year for July 4th weekend. Luckily we were able to catch them before they went on vacation this July 4th weekend (Closed July 5th - 21st, 2026). Althought they OPEN at 5pm, they allow you to call in for pick-up orders starting at 3pm. Between the 4 of us, we had ordered a variety of items --Botanas (Snack)-- ELOTE - fire roasted corn with spicy mayo, lime, and cotija cheese Decent sized bowl of juicy, flavorful corn mixed with creamy mayo and cotija cheese topped with some lime juice. PERFECT snack with included chips (or your own chips). I ordered 2 of these because im a piggy and i just heard that its yummy .... PORK BELLY TACOS (2) - Slow roasted house cured pork belly with mango arbol salsa Surprisingly LARGE slab of pork belly topped with a nice bright mango salsa, cilanto, and shards of radish with a sice of pickled onions. Did NOT feel heavy/fatty at all. Their tortillas are nice and soft as well --Platos Fuertes (Main Courses)-- served with rice & refried black beans LAMB ADOBO - braised Superior Farms lamb shank served with a robust ancho chile sauce HUGE lamb shank with a deep roasted chile sauce, also topped with pico de gallo and their pickled onions. Had a very NICE lamb flavor. Meat was falling off the bone. Went amazing with the included rice and beans. If you had small tortillas, can make little wraps with it too ! SMOKED BRISKET ENCHILADAS - 14 hour smoked Prime Niman Ranch brisket with roasted tomato chipotle sauce and crema Deliciously fatty and tender brisket drenched in that tomato chipotle sauce, crema, pickled onions, and sour cream. Only took a bite of this but was delicous SHRIMP AND PORK BELLY - Grilled wild Mexican shirmp with slow roasted pork belly with arbol salsa and cilantro crema The ONLY dish we didn't get to "try". Friend had ordered this for himself and requested the sauce on the side. He said the shrimp was delicious in comparison to the pork belly. Id assume its probably similar/same pork belly as the previous pork belly tacos. The shrimp looked quite large though ! DUCK CARNITAS - Slow roasted duck served with pasilla chile sauce and guacamole Yummy roasted duck with chile sauce, good amount of guacamole and a ton of various veggies, pico and fresh jalepeno. Weirdly the duck wasn't in slices but all sorts of varying sizes. There were some good pieces on top but lots of small pieces hiding around. Elote Cafe offerings ARE on a pricier side BUT they are ALL delicious. It is actually kind of DIFFICULT to find a GOOD restaurant in Sedona, weirdly. Would definitely eat here again in the future, if i come back to Sedona
We didn't know we had to make reservations for this place ahead of time but I guess there was a lot of hype concerning this place so I made sure we did the reservation a day before. When we arrived it was pretty packed but we were seated right away. Unfortunately, we were seated outside where the sun was beaming right into our faces and it was a little hot. No fans or anything out there btw. The tables were also very close to each other so we could hear the whole entire conversation of the table next to us and in order to tune out we would have to speak louder to each other. No go. Anyway, so the food was okay. We are all used to authentic Mexican food and the food was just okay. We did try the famous elote here and it was pretty tasty compared to the other dishes we had. Not enough seasoning or something was quite missing in those. The drinks were not strong at all and honestly could've used less salt. Our waiter was pretty attentive but he ended up probably giving up at the end because he could kind of see our disappointment. We took most of the food to-go because we were tired of the heat and the loud conversation of the lady next to us.
Very surprised. I am not a fan of sauce, but the sauces here are very good. I ordered the duck carnitas with the pasila sauce on the side and it was delicious. My friends tried the halibut, the brisket enchiladas, and the carne asada and all the sauces were very good. The chips and salsa was also very tasty. Strong drinks. I liked the sauce so much that I bought the chef's cookbooks that were on sale at the front desk. I love experimenting with recipes and excited to try to make my own sauces. Parking lot was full so we parked next door. We also made a reservation. Please come and create your own adventure.
Good food and good portions. Not usually a frijoles person, but wow the rice and beans were amazing.
Wow, what an incredible meal! My hubby made a reservation exactly one month ago because this place gets packed, and now I completely understand why. I feel so lucky to have tried it! The elote appetizer was bursting with a charred corn flavor and coated in a creamy, tangy sauce with just the right amoun of spice. The goat cheese balls were crispy on the outside and warm ant flavorful in the inside, and the freshness of the veggies with each bite was absolutely balancing. For the mains, I had the smoked pork cheek, which was unbelievably tender and savory. My hubby's shrimp and pork belly dish was cooked nicely. It was juicy and well cooked shrimp with tender pork belly that combined nice with the sauce. Both dishes were easily 9/10 or higher. The salsa deserves a shoutout too. It was fresh and chunky, with a nice balance of heat and flavor. We finished with the Mexican chocolate pie, and that was rich and decadent, and not overly sweet. Absolutely to die for. MUST TRY!
The corn bisque was next-level--rich, creamy, and layered with flavor. The natural sweetness of the corn paired beautifully with the earthy depth of huîtlacoche, while the white truffle crema added a subtle, luxurious finish. It struck that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory that made it hard to stop eating. The elote appetizer was just as memorable. The fire-roasted corn brought a nice char, while the spicy mayo gave it a gentle kick. The squeeze of lime added brightness, and the cotija cheese tied everything together with a salty finish. Every bite was creamy, tangy, and full of bold flavor. For entrées, we tried both the brisket and chicken enchiladas. The brisket enchiladas were standout--made with 14-hour smoked prime Niman Ranch brisket, they were rich, tender, and deeply flavorful. The roasted tomato chipotle sauce and cream added a smoky depth that complemented the meat perfectly. The chicken enchiladas were also delicious, featuring house-smoked organic free-range chicken with salsa verde and a chipotle crema. They had a lighter, slightly tangier profile but were still packed with flavor and very satisfying. Both dishes came with black refried beans, and rice. Unfortunately, those sides didn't quite match the quality of the main dishes and were the only part of the meal that fell a bit short. One thing to definitely plan for--this place stays packed. Reservations are a must, and honestly, you should try to book a month or two in advance. Even the bar seating requires a reservation. We arrived right before they opened at 5:00, and by 5:20 the restaurant was already completely full. Overall, the main dishes were incredibly well-executed and full of flavor--absolutely worth the effort to get a reservation.
The stories and reviews are true. If you're in the Sedona area, you need to eat here. We got lucky when someone canceled and we were able to grab their 5:00 reservation. If you're planning to visit, make a reservation so you don't miss out. The service, atmosphere, and food are all top-notch. When you walk in, you're greeted by the hostess and shown to your table. The décor feels like a blend of Southwest and Mexican styles. Shortly after being seated, they bring out chips and salsa. Our server, Eric, was very knowledgeable about both the food and the tequila (I got the El Tesoro flight, which he and I had a nice conversation about). For food, we had the elote, pork belly tacos, corn-crusted scallops, and the buffalo mole poblano. The elote had a slight sweetness from the corn, the pork belly in the tacos literally melted in your mouth, and while the scallops were slightly overcooked, they were still very good. The buffalo mole poblano was also excellent, and that's coming from someone who isn't a huge fan of mole.
The biggest tip I can give you is if you want to eat here and can't get a reservation - ask to be put on their cancellation list. We showed up without a reservation- couldn't get in - but then the next day they called and gave us 3 different time options. This place is absolutely worth the hype! Their cocktail program is on point! If you like tequila or mezcal- give their sotol based cocktail a go. It's a different more earthy flavor. I believe that the mark of a good Mexican restaurant is its salsa -- and this one had a smoky flavor that kept us going back for more. I had to force myself to stop eating it so as not to ruin my appetite for dinner. No matter what you order -- their namesake dish is an absolute must! The elote is incredibly well made. Great kick to it. We licked the bowl clean. Even my picky teenager devoured it. The lamb adobo was epic! A gorgeous lamb shank perfectly cooked in a sauce that I ate with a spoon! Kids ordered pork belly tacos and seafood tacos and ate every last bite. The flan was delicious. I don't like it's very goopy. This was firm and custardy all at once. The Goldilocks texture!
This place was definitely all the hype and it delivered. We were able to get a reservation although they do allow walk-ins if available. We got there right as they were opening and were welcomed right inside. We were greeted with chips and we immediately ordered some margaritas. We ordered a mezcal margarita and hibiscus margarita to start the night and these were delicious. We also ordered an Elote because can't come to Elote and not order an Elote. Our waiter was on point and gave us great recommendations. We went with the Lamb Adobo and shared it as it was a massive portion. The waiter served us quick and the food came out rather quickly. We had some dessert cocktails to end the night and then made our way to explore the rest of what Sedona's night had in-store for us. Will definitely be back!
During our recent stay in Sedona we were fortune enough to secure two reservations at Elote fefe & it truly exceeded our expectations. Their new location is classy, warm & Inviting with a rustic Southwestern vibe. Parking was surprisingly easy to find, thanks to the numerous public lots in the uptown area. The staff at Elote are incredibly attentive and helpful, ready to make suggestions if you have any questions about the menu. The drinks at Elote are simply incredible. On our first night we indulged in the unique and creative Blackberry & Prickly Pear Margarita & the stronger, more traditional Fresco. On our second visit we tried their refreshing Red & White Sangrias. Every dish we ordered was beautifully plated & an explosion of flavor. The Elote appetizer is their signature dish and I highly recommend it to everyone! The Smoked Pork Cheek melts in your mouth and pair so well with the cascabel chile sauce & "grandma's corn cake". The Chicken Enchiladas were also amazing but it was the Beef Brisket Enchiladas that stole the show at our table. On our second visit, we opted for a combination of appetizer and larger plates. Our server recommended the goat cheese balls and they are deep fried balls of deliciousness. The Calabacitas Chile Relleno was a very tasty & creative vegetarian dish. The Seafood Tacos are a great option if you want a lighter meal. Perfect contrasting flavors with the honey marinated sea bass & shrimp, the spicy cabbage and creamy avocado. The Pork Belly Tacos were also very tasty, but it was heavier than the seafood tacos. We made sure to save room for something sweet as we remember Chef Jeff's unique spin on desserts. The Mexican Chocolate Pie is decadent - a frozen chocolate pie with a candied almond crust and strawberry drizzle. The Pastel de Elote is a unique sweet corn cake studded with sweet corn kernels & served warm in a cast iron skillet along with dulce de leche and vanilla agave ice cream. It's a flawless way to end two perfect dining experiences! Elote once again exceeded all our expectations and we can't wait to dine here when we next visit Sedona!
3.75/5. the server was very accommodating to my sister who has a lot of dietary restrictions. they also found room for our large party at the last minute. the elote appetizer was tasty, as was the sweet corn and huitlacoche soup. i was disappointed by the texture of the brisket (stringy and tough the night we visited!) and the green corn tamal was lacking cheese, but others i was with loved their mains. the lamb adobo was particularly yummy. worth a try, i think.
A friend recommended this café in Sedona, and I'm so glad we tried it, it was amazing! It's centrally located right in downtown, which is super convenient, though parking can be a bit tricky. Totally worth it, though. We started with the elote and the nopales salad, wow. The elote was packed with flavor, and the nopales salad was incredible. I'm not even usually a big nopales fan, but this completely changed my mind. It had so much flavor and was so well balanced, such a unique and robust flavor profile, definitely try it! For our entrée, we had the carne asada, and it was phenomenal. You can really tell the owner cares deeply about the quality of the food and the flavors being served. Everything tastes intentional and thoughtfully prepared. The space itself is super cute, and the staff was amazing, friendly, welcoming, and attentive. I'm so glad I got to try this spot and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Sedona!
8 days ago
Thankfully there was a cancellation and we were able to get seated. Even though reservations were late (at 8pm) I'm glad we went. We got the brisket enchiladas and the elote. And definitely did not disappoint. Enchiladas were Very delicious and unique flavor. The waiters were very attentive and made sure we were taken care of. I think his name was Jose, not sure. But again I'm thankful I was able to enjoy the food and the ambiance of this place! I will definitely recommend this restaurant to friends that visit Sedona. read more
I was able to make a dinner reservation for 8:15 a few weeks in advance, but typical dinner times like 7:00 or 7:30 were not available. You'll probably have to reserve pretty far in advance if you want one of those times. I was there after a long day of traveling, so I arrived pretty hungry. They have a small parking lot out front, but I wasn't able to find a spot there. Thankfully, there are nearby free parking lots as well. You might be thinking, won't you be rushed to have dinner since they close at 9? I had the same question, but apparently, even though they close at 9, each customer gets 1.5 hours to eat, so no issues if you have a late reservation. Ordered the Elote and Quesadilla de Costilla as appetizers. It took quite a while for them to come out, but the Elote was absolutely amazing. The tanginess of the lime goes really well with the spicy mayo and corn. I'd highly recommend it. The Quesadilla de Costilla was also fantastic. For my main dish, I ordered the Carne Asada. The steak was good, but I didn't like the dish too much overall. I definitely enjoyed the appetizers more. If I were to go back in the future, I'd most likely just order appetizers like the Elote and quesadillas. Those alone would be enough for me! read more
Visited Elote Cafe for dinner on our first night in Sedona, and was left dreaming of -- you guessed it -- the elote for the remainder of our trip. We made our reservation a few weeks before our visit, which seems necessary given the popularity of Elote Cafe. The restaurant has a small parking lot that was full when we visited, but we found a space in one of Sedona's free parking lots a few blocks away. Note: the restaurants in Sedona seem to close fairly early. Elote Cafe technically closes at 9 p.m. and our reservation was for 8 p.m., although the kind hostess informed us that every table is given 1.5 hours for their meal. We sat inside and if you run cold like me, bring a jacket. Now, what we came here for. The food! This may be an unpopular opinion, but we both loved the appetizers but thought our entrees were just okay. Given how great the apps are and the massive price difference between entrees and appetizers, we will just order multiple appetizers next time. To start, we ordered both the Elote and Quesadilla de Costilla (short rib quesadilla). The quesadilla came with four slices that were packed with short rib and topped with a variety of saucy drizzles and a heap of fresh, creamy guacamole. It could easily be an entree for someone who isn't starving. The Elote was enough for four people to share, and included plenty of spicy mayo and tangy lime juice. To drink, I tried Elote Grill's homemade limeade, which was nice but a little tart. My table also ordered the White Peach Cooler mocktail, which was slightly more expensive but much better. We enjoyed Elote Cafe's complimentary warm chips and homemade tomato-jalepeño salsa. For our main course, we ordered the Carne Asada and Smoked Brisket Enchiladas. The Carne Asada was plated atop a sea of smokey guajillo chile sauce and served with homemade corn tortillas. The enchiladas were also smokey, however included less meat than the quesadilla appetizer. We enjoyed the side of rice with pieces of corn in it (very on brand). I'd return to Elote Cafe for the delightful appetizers and friendly service. Next time, we'll try to leave some room for dessert (the on-theme Pastel de Elote is calling my name). read more
I will start by saying it's decent but I definitely don't see what all the hype is about. Nice place, good service, decent food. Nothing to get excited about though. I live in San Diego with some of the best Mexican food this side of the border so to me Elote Cafe is Mid. We had the elote, tasted fine, didn't stand out as anything out of the ordinary. What did stand out was the goat cheese balls and the brisket enchiladas. Those 2 dishes got the stars. They were delicious. Again, everything else was just okay. I know it's hard to get reservations here so if by chance you can't get in, don't worry about it, there is always next time. read more
Came here for the first time (to pick up to-go - not a dog friendly establishment unfortunately) during our recent visit to Sedona on 07/03/26. Was unable to previously because they were already on their vacation last year for July 4th weekend. Luckily we were able to catch them before they went on vacation this July 4th weekend (Closed July 5th - 21st, 2026). Althought they OPEN at 5pm, they allow you to call in for pick-up orders starting at 3pm. Between the 4 of us, we had ordered a variety of items --Botanas (Snack)-- ELOTE - fire roasted corn with spicy mayo, lime, and cotija cheese Decent sized bowl of juicy, flavorful corn mixed with creamy mayo and cotija cheese topped with some lime juice. PERFECT snack with included chips (or your own chips). I ordered 2 of these because im a piggy and i just heard that its yummy .... PORK BELLY TACOS (2) - Slow roasted house cured pork belly with mango arbol salsa Surprisingly LARGE slab of pork belly topped with a nice bright mango salsa, cilanto, and shards of radish with a sice of pickled onions. Did NOT feel heavy/fatty at all. Their tortillas are nice and soft as well --Platos Fuertes (Main Courses)-- served with rice & refried black beans LAMB ADOBO - braised Superior Farms lamb shank served with a robust ancho chile sauce HUGE lamb shank with a deep roasted chile sauce, also topped with pico de gallo and their pickled onions. Had a very NICE lamb flavor. Meat was falling off the bone. Went amazing with the included rice and beans. If you had small tortillas, can make little wraps with it too ! SMOKED BRISKET ENCHILADAS - 14 hour smoked Prime Niman Ranch brisket with roasted tomato chipotle sauce and crema Deliciously fatty and tender brisket drenched in that tomato chipotle sauce, crema, pickled onions, and sour cream. Only took a bite of this but was delicous SHRIMP AND PORK BELLY - Grilled wild Mexican shirmp with slow roasted pork belly with arbol salsa and cilantro crema The ONLY dish we didn't get to "try". Friend had ordered this for himself and requested the sauce on the side. He said the shrimp was delicious in comparison to the pork belly. Id assume its probably similar/same pork belly as the previous pork belly tacos. The shrimp looked quite large though ! DUCK CARNITAS - Slow roasted duck served with pasilla chile sauce and guacamole Yummy roasted duck with chile sauce, good amount of guacamole and a ton of various veggies, pico and fresh jalepeno. Weirdly the duck wasn't in slices but all sorts of varying sizes. There were some good pieces on top but lots of small pieces hiding around. Elote Cafe offerings ARE on a pricier side BUT they are ALL delicious. It is actually kind of DIFFICULT to find a GOOD restaurant in Sedona, weirdly. Would definitely eat here again in the future, if i come back to Sedona read more
We didn't know we had to make reservations for this place ahead of time but I guess there was a lot of hype concerning this place so I made sure we did the reservation a day before. When we arrived it was pretty packed but we were seated right away. Unfortunately, we were seated outside where the sun was beaming right into our faces and it was a little hot. No fans or anything out there btw. The tables were also very close to each other so we could hear the whole entire conversation of the table next to us and in order to tune out we would have to speak louder to each other. No go. Anyway, so the food was okay. We are all used to authentic Mexican food and the food was just okay. We did try the famous elote here and it was pretty tasty compared to the other dishes we had. Not enough seasoning or something was quite missing in those. The drinks were not strong at all and honestly could've used less salt. Our waiter was pretty attentive but he ended up probably giving up at the end because he could kind of see our disappointment. We took most of the food to-go because we were tired of the heat and the loud conversation of the lady next to us. read more
Very surprised. I am not a fan of sauce, but the sauces here are very good. I ordered the duck carnitas with the pasila sauce on the side and it was delicious. My friends tried the halibut, the brisket enchiladas, and the carne asada and all the sauces were very good. The chips and salsa was also very tasty. Strong drinks. I liked the sauce so much that I bought the chef's cookbooks that were on sale at the front desk. I love experimenting with recipes and excited to try to make my own sauces. Parking lot was full so we parked next door. We also made a reservation. Please come and create your own adventure. read more
18 days ago
Good food and good portions. Not usually a frijoles person, but wow the rice and beans were amazing. read more
5 days ago
Wow, what an incredible meal! My hubby made a reservation exactly one month ago because this place gets packed, and now I completely understand why. I feel so lucky to have tried it! The elote appetizer was bursting with a charred corn flavor and coated in a creamy, tangy sauce with just the right amoun of spice. The goat cheese balls were crispy on the outside and warm ant flavorful in the inside, and the freshness of the veggies with each bite was absolutely balancing. For the mains, I had the smoked pork cheek, which was unbelievably tender and savory. My hubby's shrimp and pork belly dish was cooked nicely. It was juicy and well cooked shrimp with tender pork belly that combined nice with the sauce. Both dishes were easily 9/10 or higher. The salsa deserves a shoutout too. It was fresh and chunky, with a nice balance of heat and flavor. We finished with the Mexican chocolate pie, and that was rich and decadent, and not overly sweet. Absolutely to die for. MUST TRY! read more
The corn bisque was next-level--rich, creamy, and layered with flavor. The natural sweetness of the corn paired beautifully with the earthy depth of huîtlacoche, while the white truffle crema added a subtle, luxurious finish. It struck that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory that made it hard to stop eating. The elote appetizer was just as memorable. The fire-roasted corn brought a nice char, while the spicy mayo gave it a gentle kick. The squeeze of lime added brightness, and the cotija cheese tied everything together with a salty finish. Every bite was creamy, tangy, and full of bold flavor. For entrées, we tried both the brisket and chicken enchiladas. The brisket enchiladas were standout--made with 14-hour smoked prime Niman Ranch brisket, they were rich, tender, and deeply flavorful. The roasted tomato chipotle sauce and cream added a smoky depth that complemented the meat perfectly. The chicken enchiladas were also delicious, featuring house-smoked organic free-range chicken with salsa verde and a chipotle crema. They had a lighter, slightly tangier profile but were still packed with flavor and very satisfying. Both dishes came with black refried beans, and rice. Unfortunately, those sides didn't quite match the quality of the main dishes and were the only part of the meal that fell a bit short. One thing to definitely plan for--this place stays packed. Reservations are a must, and honestly, you should try to book a month or two in advance. Even the bar seating requires a reservation. We arrived right before they opened at 5:00, and by 5:20 the restaurant was already completely full. Overall, the main dishes were incredibly well-executed and full of flavor--absolutely worth the effort to get a reservation. read more
The stories and reviews are true. If you're in the Sedona area, you need to eat here. We got lucky when someone canceled and we were able to grab their 5:00 reservation. If you're planning to visit, make a reservation so you don't miss out. The service, atmosphere, and food are all top-notch. When you walk in, you're greeted by the hostess and shown to your table. The décor feels like a blend of Southwest and Mexican styles. Shortly after being seated, they bring out chips and salsa. Our server, Eric, was very knowledgeable about both the food and the tequila (I got the El Tesoro flight, which he and I had a nice conversation about). For food, we had the elote, pork belly tacos, corn-crusted scallops, and the buffalo mole poblano. The elote had a slight sweetness from the corn, the pork belly in the tacos literally melted in your mouth, and while the scallops were slightly overcooked, they were still very good. The buffalo mole poblano was also excellent, and that's coming from someone who isn't a huge fan of mole. read more
The biggest tip I can give you is if you want to eat here and can't get a reservation - ask to be put on their cancellation list. We showed up without a reservation- couldn't get in - but then the next day they called and gave us 3 different time options. This place is absolutely worth the hype! Their cocktail program is on point! If you like tequila or mezcal- give their sotol based cocktail a go. It's a different more earthy flavor. I believe that the mark of a good Mexican restaurant is its salsa -- and this one had a smoky flavor that kept us going back for more. I had to force myself to stop eating it so as not to ruin my appetite for dinner. No matter what you order -- their namesake dish is an absolute must! The elote is incredibly well made. Great kick to it. We licked the bowl clean. Even my picky teenager devoured it. The lamb adobo was epic! A gorgeous lamb shank perfectly cooked in a sauce that I ate with a spoon! Kids ordered pork belly tacos and seafood tacos and ate every last bite. The flan was delicious. I don't like it's very goopy. This was firm and custardy all at once. The Goldilocks texture! read more
This place was definitely all the hype and it delivered. We were able to get a reservation although they do allow walk-ins if available. We got there right as they were opening and were welcomed right inside. We were greeted with chips and we immediately ordered some margaritas. We ordered a mezcal margarita and hibiscus margarita to start the night and these were delicious. We also ordered an Elote because can't come to Elote and not order an Elote. Our waiter was on point and gave us great recommendations. We went with the Lamb Adobo and shared it as it was a massive portion. The waiter served us quick and the food came out rather quickly. We had some dessert cocktails to end the night and then made our way to explore the rest of what Sedona's night had in-store for us. Will definitely be back! read more
During our recent stay in Sedona we were fortune enough to secure two reservations at Elote fefe & it truly exceeded our expectations. Their new location is classy, warm & Inviting with a rustic Southwestern vibe. Parking was surprisingly easy to find, thanks to the numerous public lots in the uptown area. The staff at Elote are incredibly attentive and helpful, ready to make suggestions if you have any questions about the menu. The drinks at Elote are simply incredible. On our first night we indulged in the unique and creative Blackberry & Prickly Pear Margarita & the stronger, more traditional Fresco. On our second visit we tried their refreshing Red & White Sangrias. Every dish we ordered was beautifully plated & an explosion of flavor. The Elote appetizer is their signature dish and I highly recommend it to everyone! The Smoked Pork Cheek melts in your mouth and pair so well with the cascabel chile sauce & "grandma's corn cake". The Chicken Enchiladas were also amazing but it was the Beef Brisket Enchiladas that stole the show at our table. On our second visit, we opted for a combination of appetizer and larger plates. Our server recommended the goat cheese balls and they are deep fried balls of deliciousness. The Calabacitas Chile Relleno was a very tasty & creative vegetarian dish. The Seafood Tacos are a great option if you want a lighter meal. Perfect contrasting flavors with the honey marinated sea bass & shrimp, the spicy cabbage and creamy avocado. The Pork Belly Tacos were also very tasty, but it was heavier than the seafood tacos. We made sure to save room for something sweet as we remember Chef Jeff's unique spin on desserts. The Mexican Chocolate Pie is decadent - a frozen chocolate pie with a candied almond crust and strawberry drizzle. The Pastel de Elote is a unique sweet corn cake studded with sweet corn kernels & served warm in a cast iron skillet along with dulce de leche and vanilla agave ice cream. It's a flawless way to end two perfect dining experiences! Elote once again exceeded all our expectations and we can't wait to dine here when we next visit Sedona! read more
3.75/5. the server was very accommodating to my sister who has a lot of dietary restrictions. they also found room for our large party at the last minute. the elote appetizer was tasty, as was the sweet corn and huitlacoche soup. i was disappointed by the texture of the brisket (stringy and tough the night we visited!) and the green corn tamal was lacking cheese, but others i was with loved their mains. the lamb adobo was particularly yummy. worth a try, i think. read more
A friend recommended this café in Sedona, and I'm so glad we tried it, it was amazing! It's centrally located right in downtown, which is super convenient, though parking can be a bit tricky. Totally worth it, though. We started with the elote and the nopales salad, wow. The elote was packed with flavor, and the nopales salad was incredible. I'm not even usually a big nopales fan, but this completely changed my mind. It had so much flavor and was so well balanced, such a unique and robust flavor profile, definitely try it! For our entrée, we had the carne asada, and it was phenomenal. You can really tell the owner cares deeply about the quality of the food and the flavors being served. Everything tastes intentional and thoughtfully prepared. The space itself is super cute, and the staff was amazing, friendly, welcoming, and attentive. I'm so glad I got to try this spot and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Sedona! read more
We sat at the bar because we didn't plan ahead and snagged a reservation a couple of hours before. But it did not disappoint! Service and food was on point. It was so good that we ended up coming back here the next night. Our fave was their sweet corn bisque and the elote ....omg they are definitely a must have! My hubby had the Carne Asada which was flavorful and tender. I had the Seafood Tacos which I thought was just so so. For desert, we tried the Mexican Chocolate Pie which was rich and decadent. As for the ambience, it's definitely more casual and loud. Lots of birthday dinners. read more
Came in as walk-ins but got there early enough so we were seated right away. Ordered some drinks and guacamole. Both were fine but nothing to write home about. But the short rib quesadilla! Omg! Flavor, Flavor, Flavor! There was one cube of meat in each one but it was just enough. It was so tender and what I imagine all meat should really taste like. My friends had fish tacos and raved about those as well. It's pricey but on oar with most Sedona restaurants in the area. read more
Perhaps the best dining in Sedona, this Mexican restaurant is the winner! Incredible food, service, ambience, and views! You're gonna wanna come here when visiting Sedona! I would suggest making a reservation before you come into town as this is the most popular spot and the hardest place to get a reservation. I'm probably gonna go out on a limb and say it's the best Mexican restaurant I've ever eaten at. The smoked brisket enchiladas was the best Mexican creation I can remember! All of the flavors that they somehow manage to conjure up in putting smoked brisket into an enchilada was just too much! I love the service here as well as the incredible ambience inside! This will be the highlight dinner of your trip. I can assure you! Highly recommended for a night to remember in Sedona Arizona read more
Long overdue review... I have been wanting to come here forever! I have their Cookbook, so yeah! And truly did not disappoint! We were in Sedona end of March (Spring Break!). Definitely make reservations. We had the Elote Appetizer, my Husband had the Duck Carnitas and I had the Calabacitas Chile Relleno. So so amazing! If you're in Sedona, this Restaurant is a can't miss! read more
4 months ago
I want to write this review in hopes of saving someone else from making the same mistake I did. I was incredibly excited to dine at Elote Café and managed to score a dinner reservation less than a week before my trip to Sedona, which is practically impossible if you've ever tried to get in. The anticipation was high, and unfortunately, the experience did not live up to the hype. For context, I'm from California and am accustomed to fresh, authentic Mexican food. To be fair, Elote Café does not claim to be authentic Mexican cuisine. If that's what you're looking for, this is not it. The menu leans much more toward a Tex-Mex/fusion style. Drinks The margaritas were fine. We requested Tajín rims, which they accommodated, but the presentation felt underwhelming for a restaurant of this reputation and price point. High-end cocktail programs typically include thoughtful touches--dried citrus, smoked cinnamon, herbs, or something that elevates the experience. These arrived as basic margaritas with salt and a lime wedge. Appetizers The complimentary chips and salsa were just okay. The salsa had an unexpected sweetness that didn't work for me. The famous Elote, however, absolutely deserves the praise. It was the best thing I ate all night--savory, balanced, and packed with flavor. Easily a 10/10. The guacamole was also excellent. No complaints there. Entrees The chicken enchiladas had flavorful chicken, but the green sauce was overwhelmingly tart and lacked the seasoning needed to balance that acidity. The shrimp and pork belly dish was disappointing. The pork belly was good, but there were only two very small pieces. The shrimp were underseasoned and lacked flavor. The carne asada was the biggest letdown of the night. It arrived covered in a red sauce that seemed to be attempting an enchilada-style sauce, topped with pickled onions and a slice of bleu cheese. While I appreciated the pickled onions, the bleu cheese felt like a strange addition to a carne asada dish. More importantly, despite being described as a prime cut skirt steak and cooked rare as requested, the meat was surprisingly tough. Rice&Beans The entrees came with rice and beans. The beans were acceptable, though nothing memorable. The rice, however, tasted like boxed or instant rice. At a restaurant where a dinner for four can easily approach $300, I expect better than something that tastes like it came from a pantry packet. It's a small detail, but details matter when a restaurant has built its reputation around being a must-visit dining destination. Dessert By this point we had no intention of ordering dessert, but we were celebrating a birthday and received a complimentary ice cream dessert. It was actually very good. The vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and caramel sauce all tasted house-made and had a rich dulce de leche flavor. Final Thoughts Our bill was nearly $300 for four people, and the overall experience simply wasn't worth the cost. Aside from the elote and guacamole, most dishes felt underseasoned, unbalanced, or failed to justify the restaurant's reputation. What puzzled me most was seeing several empty tables throughout service. Given how difficult reservations are to obtain, I expected the restaurant to be completely full. This is one of those restaurants where the hype far exceeds the reality. If you're worried about missing out, don't be. In my opinion, you're not. read more
Thankfully, I'd made reservations after reading reviews, where I'd secured an 8 P.M. reservation (later than normally desired, but eagerly accepted it). We were fortunate to have our wish granted, to be seated at the bar top, where we were privileged to be served by Adrian -- a true ambassador for Elote, with his friendliness, professionalism, enthusiasm, helpfulness, positivity, and attentiveness -- making us feel like valued regulars from the start! He was clearly highly-trained and knowledgeable guiding us in -- and describing -- our food and drink selections. The teamwork among the staff was impressive! The complimentary chips (light, crispy, and delicate) and savory salsa along with their much-talked-about Elote were great starters. Both of our entrees (Smoked Pork Cheeks, $29, and hubby's Duck Carnitas, $32) were unbelievably tender and full of fabulous flavors. Their sides of rice and beans were unlike any we've tasted -- absolutely delicious! We had to finish with their Pastel de Elote (sweet corn cake), $13 -- also delightful! Such an exquisite dining experience, full of wonderful, savory flavors and fine service! A definite when in this area, again! read more
5 days ago
5 months ago
I feel Elote is overhyped. First, there is no view. Second, the food is solid but also a tad on the bland side. The dishes were not especially inspired nor unique either. The service was also middling. Perhaps they are very busy but we received few check ins during our meal at the bar. While it is a good meal, there seems to be better choices available in the area. read more
5 days ago
Elite is a reservation only restaurant- so book early if you want to go! Food is delicious and fresh and it is a cool place. We didn't have reservations so we did take away. We got the elote appetizer, nopales salad, carne asada and the vegetarian chilie relleno. The elote is very creamy and so delicious, it comes with their very fresh and light tortilla chips. The nopales salad is just that- nopales, tomatoes, radishes and jalapeños. Very light and delicious. The 2 main dishes were large enough to feed 3. They came with beans and rice which was terrific too!! read more
Our first visit to Sedona was magical except for two less than impressive things: the roundabouts that was worst than going to the dentist and our take out food from Elote Cafe that was only good to vortex it down the drain. (Please look at my photo of the sad leftovers). We had written down all of the suggestions of things to do in Sedona and Elote Cafe was at the top of our list of things to do. Apparently getting a reservation at this place is super difficult to get, so we decided to order takeout. Elote dip, pork cheeks, green tamale, carne asada, pork belly tacos and corn cake for dessert. The elote dip was enjoyable especially when eaten with chips, the green tamale was better off used as a trampoline at a kids party (it was spongy, flavorless and possibly good to scrub your dishes), the carne asada was dead like the cow it came from and flavorless, the pork belly tacos were barely edible because of the overwhelming sour taste of lemon, and last but least was the corn cake, it was dry and about as exciting as a retirement home party. We wasted our money thinking that a place with a waiting list to get on would be an experience just like everything else we experienced in Sedona but instead Elote Cafe is a bad tourist trap that has as much charm and taste as Del Taco. Save your money and look elsewhere for some great Mexican inspired food even if it means you need to travel to Tucson. read more
2 months ago
Good. Elevated Mexican. Drinks were good. Elote was good -felt had to try. Glad we tried it. Nice atmosphere and staff. read more
5 months ago
Wow! Really wanted to like this place. Made the reservations a long time ago. All the hype and we are ready to have the best mexican food in Arizona. We lived in Texas for 30 years and Scottsdale for 3, so we have had a little Mexican food. First the hostess was rude and very curt to us. She directed us to a booth. Atmosphere was like a chain restaurant and very plain. Server was no nonsense and you could tell he was tired of the tourists. Not very friendly. We started off with elote and a Jeff's and Luxury Margarita. Jeff's was too tart and the Luxury was way too sweet. Be nice to mix the two together. 1. Elote was a DIP. Very creamy and not a ton of taste. It was good but not great. Liked it but not near the best we have ever had. 2. Wife had the halibut over a corn cake. Halibut was slightly overcooked and had an amazing sauce. 3. I had the Chicken enchiladas. They were amazing. The sauce was sublime. Very light smoke on the chicken. Some of the best I have had. 4. Rice and beans for each of us. Rice was bland and red and was a one taste and skip. Beans were creamy black and a 8 out of 10. Could have been a little overcooked and dry. Good solid food, Very average Margaritas at best. Service is what makes or breaks a restaurant. The staff were not well trained or they just do not care. Never came back to ask about or food or clear plates away. Ambience is like Chili's, but the food is way better. The entrees are the best part and the Elote was disappointing how bland it was . I have a signed cookbook from a friend, and I may make the enchiladas. I see this service in a lot of resort towns all the time. Locals are tired and really don't want to be a server or be in service industry. I would give two stars, but the entrees were so good. read more
Believe everything you read. Elote was FAB!!! We made our reservation several months ago in advance of our trip to Sedona, and were very excited to try it out after reading all the rave reviews. We were just two people. We ordered red sangria (red wine, hibiscus and orange liqueur - perfectly not boozy!), the mezcal drink special (neat), chips and salsa (refill was offered at no cost), and we shared the elote corn appetizer as well as the smoked brisket enchiladas. This was PLENTY of food - really no need to order more than one entree when we ordered an entree (plus we ate so many chips after that refill LOL). The elote was delicious and creamy and had some slight heat to it, but it wasn't overpowering or hard to handle. The smoked brisket enchiladas were tasty, although I would have liked a bit more sauce on the plate since we're sharing. The photo looks like there was a lot of sauce, but I probably should have ordered a side of the sauce since my eating partner ate from the original plate so I didn't get as much. Omar was very pleasant and responsive as our server -- he went out of his way to make sure our food didn't include any cilantro since one of us is cilantro averse. :) He also answered all of our questions and gave great personal recommendations. Even though we were stuffed, we still ordered the pastel de elote (sweet corn cake with vanilla ice cream) and wow was it rich!!! Very delicious and the dessert that Elote Cafe is known for. And even though we were stuffed, one of us still wanted to try the Mexican chocolate pie, so we ordered that to go. :) Yum!!!!!!! Elote is a must and we'd love to come back and try the shrimp and pork belly the next time. And we'll be sure to pass on the extra round of chips and salsa so we don't leave so stuffed. :) read more
6 months ago
Elote Cafe is an upscale Mexican restaurant with excellent food, service and drinks. Our waiter was professional, knowledgeable, friendly and very nice. Elote is a very nice restaurant and delivers an excellent meal. We started with very good drinks then the Elote appetizer and the tamale. They were both very good but we really enjoyed the Elote corn off the cob. I had the lamb shank with mole as my main course. The lamb was excellent, but the mole was a bit bitter for my taste. The restaurant really nice and has a cool vibe and is relaxing. This is my second time at this restaurant and it did not disappoint the second time. read more
7 months ago
Besides the hostesses at the front being a bit curt, the rest of the staff was friendly as always. Elote Cafe accepts reservations via Open Table, but you have to make them via their website as Elote Cafe doesn't come up in the Open Table app when you search for it. Armando was my server for the second time. He is so warm and attentive, offering to even swap out my dish when it came to me greasier than usual. I ordered the elote appetizer (a classic must with a bit of spice) and the seafood tacos (which were delicious and balanced and even better with the house-made habanero hot sauce). They always start the meal with a huge basket of chips and salsa. They refilled my water at least five times and made me feel very welcome. The place is always buzzing with good lighting and a reasonable level of music playing in the background. read more
6 months ago
It was okay. Needing to make reservations months out I was expecting to be blown away, however that was far from the case. If it didn't come with all the hype it would have been good. But with all of the hype I was pretty letdown. The lady to my right ate 2 of 4 scallops. Lady to my right said her local Mexican joint made a better dish. I also only ate about half of my meal. It was clean inside. Service was friendly. I guess I just didn't understand the hype. read more
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Ask the Community - Elote Cafe
Is this place fancy or casual?
Plenty of folks wear jeans, while some opt to dress up. The ambiance is on point but casual.
If you don't have a reservation, do they take walk ups?
Nope they are not taking when I tried in Jan 2025
Is this place Kids friendly?
Yes. My daughters are pre-teens, but I saw families dining with younger children.
Solo traveler. Can you walk in for bar seating?
I don' think so. We ate at the bar with a reservation.
Should we try a last minute walk up?
You mean like an uninvited guest? I wouldn't. You pay a premium for the great quality and service.
Do they have gluten free options?
Yes they do my wife has a gluten allergy and enjoyed her meal at Elote.
How can i get a reservation i've been calling for days and website is not available?
I have found that the website is not always accurate regarding open slots for reservations. I have always called and have been successful in talking with a real person and getting a reservation. Keep trying.
Is the patio worth sitting out at on a cold night? I know they have heat lamps but didn't know the vibe and views of the patio area.
Not too much of a view, specially at night. We went on a cold night and the patio was completely empty. I think sitting outside might be fun during the summer but unsure of cold nights.
I don't see any time slots on open table. Do you guys take walk-in?
Yes. You can walk in but there may be a wait
I'm trying to reserve a table for 3 people (05/29/2021) and the app don't let me do it. So I tried to call but not body answer the phone. Can you please give me an option to reserve a table for this date ? Thanks 😊
Hello-- Good question! We currently accept reservations up to 31 days in advance at 12:01AZ time via our website. www.elotecafe.com At this time, your reservation date is not yet available to book. As always, if you need any further assistance feel…
Do you take phone reservations? I have open table app but it doesn't locate the restaurant. It is frustrating. I will be visiting from 4/29-5/2. Thank you so much!
Access OpenTable reservations for Elote by linking from Elote's website. As discovered, you won't find it via OpenTable search.
Since reservations are only for indoor dining, how does one get an outdoor table?
In you reservation, note you want an outside table. They accommodated our request.
Do they cater?
Hello, at this time we do not offer any catering. Thank you for your inquiry.
Do they have the correct number listed? I'm trying to call to make reservations and it's constantly "busy" tone. I've called (no joke) 50 times 😂 thanks in advance!
Yes, it is possible that you have called over 50 times and there has not been an answer, they are that popular and better yet, that much tastier! Took me 45 minutes of continuous trying and finally got through. Made reservations for the three…
Is the vegetable mole VEGAN or vegetarian?
Our vegetable mole verde dish is vegetarian however with a few modifications it can be a vegan entree as well.
Is Elote finally open yet😭? Been waiting to return to this place ever since my last visit in spring before they closed. I want to bring my family this time so if anyone could let me know that would be awesome!
Call the Arabell hotel because it's part of the hotel.
Are they open Thanksgiving 2019?
No, they beautifully allow their staff to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with their families.
Are there VEGAN (not vegetarian) options beyond salad?
Why don't you just call the restaurant and ask?
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