Just left this place and we are sold!!! We ordered the nachos supreme appetizer which is a meal in of itself. My daughter ordered the mahi mahi fajitas which were to die for. The fish was spiced and grilled to perfection. My husband ordered the chicken chimichangas and it was so stuffed that he (who's got a huge appetite) wasn't able to finish. The food was plentiful and absolutely delicious!! Now, our waiter... on point! Before we reached the bottom of our drinks, our glasses were filled. Before we finished our salsa, our bowls were filled. We never had to ask for anything- he was very attentive to our needs and very pleasant. We HIGHLY recommend this place... five stars all the way! read more

Very flavorful food. The rice and beans were nice and hot. Chips and salsa were not anything to brag about. Taco meat is delicious and cooked perfectly. No lumps of fat just nice juicy meat and a perfectly fried shell. The room is small and loud and filled up quickly on a Friday morning right at the opening. read more

Super clean great food great people can't wait to go back the chimney was excellent Super clean great food great people can't wait to go back the chimney was excellent went Saturday for a birthday great time great staff read more

The best Mexican food in Phoenix! Never had a bad meal or bad service! Love this place! The flavor is awesome! Favorite is the Chimichanga, fried ice cream! Such a great place!! read more

The other day i sampled a prospective new menu item, a shrimp cocktail. Boy was it terrific. Not a traditional style rather more reminiscent of Mexico. Lots of liquid, onions, shrimp, celery, cilantro. I hope they add it to the menu. I also had a beef tamale superb, very moist and flavorful There cheese crisp with green chilis is also fabulous. I just wish they would make a one person size. Please enjoy Rick read more

I have been coming to La Piñata since the mid '70s when it was in another location. The food has always been good, but since the move to 7th Ave & Missouri, they have revamped the menu and created a much nicer, more modern and open layout. The food continues to be exemplary! The owner, Ramona is great. I 100% recommend this restaurant for quality Mexican food in the Central Phoenix area...it is ALWAYS our 1st choice.. read more

I went to La Pinata when it originally opened but I didn't remember the food and service being so outstanding. Nestled away in the the eclectic Melrose area. La Pinata really stands out. The decor is modern with a neutral pallete, but they still have traditional Mexican flare sprinkled in to add some culture. Like the three Dia Dos Los Muertos musicians pictured. The bartender was incredibly friendly. She kept checking in on us, and was always at hand for refills. I also think it was a nice touch when she brought plastic ramekins for our to go food. The margaritas she served were great. They weren't too sweet. You could taste the tequila and skip the heartburn. She also made us beer backs since we like to create our own Beer-rita. The food was awesome! Their salsa is chunky, and has just the right amount of kick to it. If you need more heat they also have the hot stuff on deck. The shredded chicken in my enchilada and taco was tender and juicy. The enchilada also had green chiles and salsa that made my mouth sing. I'm so over one ingredient enchiladas. The beans were rich and creamy, and the taco was packed with flavorful toppings. Loved every bite! read more

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New review Feb 2020. The service was good. The salsa for the chips was very good. The cheese enchilada was good. Good rice and beans. Gave a 3 last time. Up to a 4 now Went for lunch. Got a cheese enchilada. Came with rice and beans. It was good. Too much cheese and too little flavor. Too rich. But if you want the same Mexican food you get at every similar Mexican place anywhere in the country it's fine The chips and salsa to start were ok read more

There is good and there is bad. The good - taco Tuesday, with the selection of happy hour tacos, are some of the best tacos I've ever had. The bad: the menu says the taco specials run from 3 PM until close. Unfortunately, both nights the waiters have said that the taco specials ended before we were gone, which was a lot before close. False advertising! If we can still order before close, the specials should be honored. The waiter had to adjust the ordering, to honor what the menu says. The owners or management need to straighten this out. And ECfive stars except for the deceptive practice ****** Here again on taco Tuesday. 3 Mexican beers on special all night. Nice. Inexpensive tacos. The shredded beef was a bit salty, but with cold beer, plenty of lettuce, tomato and cheese it was just fine. Friendly waiter and Stanley Cup playoffs on the bar TV-- read more

La Pinata - The scene - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Came to the new location (have been to the old one over a dozen times) for my Mom's Birthday because this is her favorite restaurant. The new place is really nice but I miss the old charm of the old building and décor. Our server was really nice, just took a while to clear plates etc. but they were extremely busy....I know why....because this place is amazing!! From the queso dip to the shredded chicken tacos to the Mary Lou (OMG!!) everything is excellent. I got a Devil Horn Margarita that was really good too. Their hot sauce and salsa are excellent and the complimentary sopapillas for my Mom's birthday were great. Our server was really on point with the happy hour specials which really came in to great use. We will be back for sure. Loved everything :) PS...GET THE MARY LOU!!! Both green and red are absolutely phenomenal. This is a quesadilla filled with either red chile or green chile and it is stuffed and huge and did I mention AMAZING???!!! Spinach dip is a must too :) read more

La Pinata - Horny devil margarita :) - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

La Pinata has moved and it's for the better! Their new location is so much nicer than the old location! Not that I minded the old location, it's just that this new location rocks. The interior is nice, and they have an even nicer patio to enjoy the last of the remaining temperate days. The menu is just as good as the old menu; I might have noticed a few changes, but not a lot. The food is still spot on, just in a more appealing environment. Check them out, you won't be disappointed! JM read more

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Generally high quality delicious Mexican food. But they can be a little inflexible when it comes to special orders, like refusing my request for a mixture of shrimp and steak fajitas even though I would have been happy to pay extra! The waitress said they would mix steak and chicken, but not steak or chicken and shrimp! I also asked if they would make me a carnitas appetizer and the waitress said no! Frankly, I was surprised that the tortillas that came with my shrimp fajitas sort of fell apart when folded, suggesting to me that they were not fresh or homemade. Outstanding margaritas, homemade guacamole and salsa and great chicken tortilla soup. I will definitely try it again. read more

As I am writing this on Taco Tuesday, I am also hungry so after this review I'm calling in my order and traveling miles to pick it up then come home to eat it My favorite restaurant since it opened way back in 1971 or 1970 It was just up 19Th Ave from my High School (West Phoenix High) Best food in the area and still is The red chili Chimi is my favorite Chips and salsa, si mas por favor! Unfortunately they nor 3rd party delivery guys will deliver to you Oh well later read more

First time visiting new location. Went in for the pinata app. Didn't disappoint. Same great taste. I'm in love with their jalapeno cream cheese. You can buy a half or pint to go. I did for my bagels read more

We had a nice first experience at La Piñata tonight. We can in with time to try some things off the happy hour menu including the machaca street tacos, the house margarita and a beer. The tacos was piled high with delicious and fresh ingredients and were my favorite of everything we tried. It comes with a verde sauce that is to die for. My husband ordered the combo #4 which came with a red chili burro, crunchy taco, and tostada. We added a side of rice to try as well. He really liked his dish, especially the tostada. Our server Reese was very helpful, friendly, and quick. Based on the food, nice and clean atmosphere, and amazing customer service experience we will be back again soon! read more

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A party of six had dinner last night at La Piñata. The table was perfect the atmosphere was perfect the food was amazing. Our waitress Leticia was excellent. We had shredded beef tacos shredded beef burritos ,red chili burritos and a Mexican steak salad.. all were so delicious.. Their flour crispy tortillas with home made Guacamole was the best .. And my god the desserts were to dye for, Flan, Sopapillas with honey and fried ice cream mmmmm good The owner was most gracious and we can't thank you enough for making our evening fabulous.. We will be back soon!! read more

I live in Denver and come to PHX every month staying at a hotel nearby. This place is a must, if I lived here I would probably eat here 4 times a week and weigh 300 pounds! Great food, anything on the menu you can't go wrong! Great service as well, friendly, inviting and accommodating. read more

Really good authentic Mexican food. I had thE carnitas and the seasoning was really good. Not over powering but just right. Wife had a shredded beef taco and the seasoning was perfect on that. Wish I could go 1/2 star and give it 4 1/2. It was really good but not quite a 5 star read more

This is our go-to Mexican food place. Our family originally started going to La Piñata when it was located downtown. Although we miss the retro 70's decor at the original location, this location is closer and the design of the space is modern, bright, cheerful and very pleasant. And there are lots of booths which we love! The food is consistently good and the service is always great. We love the fresh made you-call-it margaritas (no mixer, just fresh lime juice). Get it with the Hornito's tequila. Although they are $10. But well worth it. Our favorite food items: Chimichangas Machaca - anything Cheese Enchiladas Shredded Beef Taco Cheese Crisp (get it soft, not crispy) Their chips and salsa are good and complimentary. read more

I was looking for the best chimichangas in town and this was supposed to be the place to find them. I do know that the chimichanga did not disappoint. Great flavor, fried nicely without being greasy. Served with sour cream and guacamole. My husband ordered the Carne Picada with rice and beans and was pleased with all and he's pretty picky. Service was also fantastic and great ambiance. read more

Good Mexican place! Lots of room, quick seating, and good food! I especially like the house margarita and cheese enchiladas. Our waitress was quick and brought the meal quickly. I would recommend this restaurant! read more

La Pinata - Fiesta Hour - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The new location of La Pinata is really nice... not sure why it took me so long to visit. The husband and I went to La pinata before I hopped on a plane out of town. The food was tasty and not terribly expensive (though pricier than some 'americanized' Mexican food restaurants). I had the fajita chicken burrito and he had the bean and cheese burrito. He raved about his burrito. Mine was fresh and flavorful.... maybe not rave worthy, but good. I will definitely be putting La Pinata into my Mexican food rotation. PS they have hh here and the bar looks quite nice. read more

Overall a good experience. I'd give La Piñata 3.5 stars if half stars were possible. The supremo nachos with half machaca beef & half chicken were good and plentiful, but the chips were a little soggy. I suggest skipping the chicken as the beef had much better flavor. We also had a combo plate with a cheese enchilada, green corn tamale, and a guacamole taco. All were good. It's way too much food for me though. The tamale and taco were great the enchilada was average mainly because the sauce was just average. Service was good. Good atmosphere. We dined inside , but the patio looked nice with a fire. read more

La Pinata - Combo plate - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I wish I could give this place 5 stars. The food is always really good and fast. The reason this place is receiving 3 stars is the service and the cooks. Every time I order my food, I ask for no garnish. Not too big of a request, I just don't want a side salad with my Mexican food. It never fails, they GIVE ME IT ANYWAY! EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. It seems small but I come here often and it happens every time. Second, the Grey haired older lady always has a shit attitude. Not once has she been pleasant to anyone. I don't know what her deal is but she makes the place look bad. As harsh as it sounds. Besides that, like I said earlier, the food is amazing. The waiters are awesome. The ladies who refill chips and drinks are always on it! If the kitchen could get their shit together a little and if the lady could pull the stick out, this place would be perfect. UPDATE! La Pinata is still my favorite Mexican restaurant of all time. I've upgraded my review to 4 stars. They've gotten a lot better about not giving me garnish. They recognize me because I've complained about it so much . The white haired lady is still grumpy and unapproachable. I feel like the bun on her head is going to unravel and turn into an evil serpent and kill us all!! Besides that, LOVE THE FOOD! Oh, and the bearded bartender... Damn! Sexy! read more

Exceptional food. Fresh ingredients and generous portions. Only took us three years to find good Tex-Mex in PHX! This will be our go to place without question. read more

I've been going to La Piñata for many, many years now, and I've never had a bad meal, or bad service of any kind. La Piñata, having opened in 1970, is a Phoenix landmark in the field of restaurants. It offers traditional Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine, and staple of any Phoenician's diet. The food is always excellent, and always has very nice presentation. Their new location, Missouri and 7th, the old site of Mary Coyle's is smaller than the original location, but has a similar feel and atmosphere. I've had the pleasure of knowing a couple of the owners for many years, and was very sad to see Leonard go a little while ago, as he made my experience even better, but I still enjoy visiting whenever I can immensely. I will never stop coming to La Piñata, as I have been coming here since I was very young, so it will continue to be apart of my life. read more

One of our favorite Mexican restaurants. The food is ample and hot and always delicious. The drinks are cold and reasonably priced. The service is polite and respectful and outstanding. This restaurant has been in business over 50 years and has the best tamales. The salsa is to die for and the chips keep coming. Order the guacamole and warm chips appetizer. I get the number 8 combination plate which gives me a taco, a tamale, a cheese enchilada. Comes with beans and rice. A nice combo meal to sample three flavors at once. Were greeted warmly and thanked for coming every time. It's a 40 minute drive for us, but it's so worth it. I don't think they take reservations tho. Happy hour 3-6 and taco Tuesdays for $2,50 per will dazzle your plate and impress your guests I've been a customer for atleast five years and try to visit every other month. It's our go to restaurant for a taste of Mexico. Thanks La Piniata staff for making me dinner ! read more

This is the same great Phoenix staple relocated a little uptown. The resteraunt is smaller then the previous Osborne location but the interior got a great revamp. EVERYTHING is A-Mazing here. If you like chicken the tacos are great and is your a little more adventurous the Tio Pancho Pollo Connie Queso is peeeeerfect. The Ranchero burro is fabulous. All of the staff are very friendly and many have been with this ace for years. Support a family owned Phoenix tradition. read more

La Pinata - The horny devil (jalepeno infused maegarita) and the Vampires kiss (cosmo with Chamboard and chocolate blood drips)!!!! - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I love Mexican food and I love La piñata. If you do you taco Tuesday here it's going to be hard for you to spend more than $10 on tacos. Seriously the tacos are huge. I could only eat three. read more

Excellent food!!! Great chips n salasa too! Great service... I'll be back for sure! Yum

This is absolutely the Valleys best Mexican food ever!!! The Chili Relleno is cooked to perfection with authentic white cheese! The beans and rice are the best I've ever ever had!! SO Delicious!! The bowl of Green Chili, again, is amazing!! And now I am on a mission to try everything on the menu. We have The YuccaTan Burrito today... Yep, so good. And the soft cheese crisp with tons of cheese. Tasty! Service is always the best and fast!! read more

La Pinata - Fiesta Hour! Icy Cold Modelo! - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Sopa pillas... And Mi Chilladas! Cool spot for Mexican food and cold beer! We stopped by after biking around the area on a gorgeous day. The wait can be crazy for dinner during the weekend. The Carnitas are a flavor explosion and the rice is a flaky yet tender surprise. read more

La Pinata - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I am so disappointed in this location. They took over the old ice cream shop that used to be here. Food is good but over priced. Still, good food. This has happened in multiple occasions. Called to place an order, person on the phone asks me 2-3 times what it is. I clarify my order and they repeat and give me the time frame. 20 mins. They sound busy so I give them 10 extra to be safe. We arrived to pick up our order. It's wrong. They ask us to wait for them to remake it. Businesses, if you make a mistake, and your customers have to wait while you fix it, a good practice is to redeem the experience in some way so that they return. Sadly, this has happened too many times and we're done. Adios la piñata. read more

Ok y'all. It's time to let you in on a not-so-secret secret. La Piñata is my new favorite food. Period. Some tips: make a reservation if you're going during prime dinner hours. I've enjoyed this food several times now, and have been known to speed walk from the parking lot to beat other patrons to a table. To be fair, they were speed walking too. Next tip: try to be seated in Jessie's section if possible. She's super nice, has a great smile, and will help you regain your faith in humanity. Tip her well, she deserves every penny. Next, order food. Seriously. Any food. No one I know has disliked anything. My personal favorite is the Steak Picado. Seems easy enough, but I have yet to find anyone who makes it better. Include a Bentley Margarita if you imbibe. Lastly: grab a mint on your way out. They look like peppermint but they're the buttercream wedding mints of your childhood dreams. I'll see you there. And don't burn your mouth on the beans. Mmmm. read more

We used to frequent when it was on 19th Ave. And had no idea it had moved until I found the new location. We really enjoyed our meal. Our guests ordered margaritas and were very tasty as well. Especially the Hibiscus margarita. Service good. Ambiance nice. We will be back and try other dishes. read more

They are consistent with their food and menu. The service is always good and the servers are always extremely nice. I'll definitely keep coming because it's a breath of fresh air to have servers so kind. Plus, their salsa is awesome! :) read more

We stopped in for lunch with our dog after going to a car show close by. The owner was very gracious and took great care of us AND our dog! Dog friendly patios are always a big plus for us! I had the Yucatan and it was delicious. My husband had a beef chimi and said it was excellent. And huge! We both have enough leftover to enjoy again for lunch today. I highly recommend this place and we will be back! read more

My family and I visited this restaurant when we arrived in Phoenix. I enjoyed the fundido queso, vegetarian omelette, cadillac margaritas, and various Mexican dishes. Chips and salsa is extra. Overall, we had a good time and look forward to returning. read more

Love this place! Service is great, food is always hot and the frozen margaritas are one of my favorites!

I don't know how I've lived here for over 30 years and have just discovered this place. They have a deep menu with some really interesting dishes, but all the typical stuff you expect to find a Mexican place. I've been a few times and the service has always been great.The Hawaiian margarita is one of the best cocktails that I've ever had. read more