Oh em gee was La Pinata tasty - and what a fun ambiance! Four of us gals stopped in last Saturday for an early dinner, around 4 o'clock. There was plenty of parking, then we were greeted and seated immediately. The decor was phenomenal and we all fell in love with their pinata painting. Leticia was our server and she was wonderful: attentive, friendly, offering up suggestions, and bantering with us throughout the evening. The food was wonderful: hot on a hot plate, lots of it (I had lunch from my leftovers for the next four days!), the rice (which I personally am not a fan of) was pleasantly spiced, there was ample cheese, the beans were ah-mazing. Fast forward to dessert: holy sh*t balls. The flan was to die for: thick, smooth, and creamy. The sopapilla was warm, fluffy, and soaked up some of the flan syrup very nicely. Side note: the flan syrup sweetened up my morning oatmeal like a charm. Then I paired the flan itself w/ the oatmeal the next two mornings. Whoa, what a wonderfully flavorful breakfast that was. Shortly after taking a picture of the large pinata painting on the wall, the owner (Peter) came over to our table. He saw us admiring the painting. From that moment on, the evening only got better! He was exceptionally friendly, had a fantastic sense of humor, and kept popping by to make us all laughing, sometimes so hard we almost spit out our food/drinks. :-) He treated us like family and we had a great time. It was hard to get up and leave, but we were all wobbling from the food and drink consumption. LOL! If you have not tried La Pinata, you are missing out. Get there, now. read more

See all

Everything and everyone! This is coming from old school Chicana! Salsa and chips were good and the food was legit to say the least . The beer was soooo cold and the glasses they served them in was freaking frosty cold. This is a must try and we we be back ! read more

Still one of my favorite places. So much so that for my shower my friends ordered off their catering menu. Buyer beware (come hungry) if you order off their catering menu and make sure your friends can put down the food. It's not for folks that play with their food but love food and lots of it. My friends ordered the Beef/Chicken Fajitas Platter and it was so good. They added orders of quesadillas because if you can't tell from my photos it's one of my favorites. So as expected ordering off the catering menu is a win-win and I highly recommend it. read more

See all

If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, this is the place. The flour tortilla chips and jalapeño cream cheese makes a great appetizer. The green corn tamale is absolutely delicious. The entire staff is friendly, attentive, and makes sure your order is right. read more

Nice Change This was our first time Visiting La Pinata and we were pleasantly surprised. As we entered the restaurant we were greeted and seated immediately. Wee were given menu's, drink orders were placed, and chips and salsa were served. On ths visit we shared the loaded nachos and mini chimichangas. Everything was fresh, tasty, and served pipping hot. This food is awesome service is great staff are so courteous. Such a busy place with lots of long time customers. read more

See all

Our family of 7 eats here very frequently and the staff is always so accommodating and never makes us wait! The food is so delicious and the service is outstanding. Definitely a Phoenix hot spot! read more

I love La Pinata! I'm so lucky that they are a mile away from me! I usually order the nachos supreme and they deliver it in a pizza box! The nachos fill the whole box! The servings are huge! I order their homemade tortilla chips and salsa too. I cannot eat the whole serving of nachos so I order the chips so that when the chips under the toppings get soggy, I can scrape the toppings off and put them on the fresh chips! Works great! But be warned, they give you a TON of chips! I separate them into three zip lock bags lined with a paper towel, so I can save them for later. I'm pretty thrifty lol! La Pinata has the best Mexican food I've ever eaten! read more

Excellent food and Excellent service. I had the carnitas, it was soo good. The house margarita was the I've ever had . Cannot wait to go here again! read more

The cheese crisps are great food is nice it very filling the flour tortillas are the size of Texas the light was nice pleasant the waitress wandered around the restaurant for about ten minutes before coming to us but otherwise it was a great experience would eat again read more

Met up with friends for lunch and the place picked was La Pinta, I had never been and was excited to try them out! We all arrived and got seated out on the patio, we were a big party of 10, and its best to make reservations if a bigger group. Staff and service was great! After checking out the menu I went a shredded beef taco and Spanish rice, this was the perfect crunchy taco, I love a good crunchy shell that doesn't crack in half as soon as you bite into it. The beef was tender and full flavor, a great pick for lunch! Glad to have given La Pinta a try and look forward to coming back! read more

Awesome!!!!! Ambiance, service and huge portions! The flour chips and queso was the best we've ever eaten! read more

La Pinata - Shrimp salad - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Wow! I had no idea this place was here until a friend asked me to go for taco Tuesday. The place was packed before 5pm so you know it's a good place. The service was really on point, very affordable, excellent happy hour and delicious tacos. I was also impressed with the ambiance. I can't wait to go back. read more

1st time there. Blown away. Good waiter but food was the star. Recommend the Pollo Queso.

never a miss! good vibes, complementary chips and salsa (hot and mild option), great food (i'm a huge fan of the spinach enchiladas), super friendly service!! read more

This is an amazing Mexican restaurant with great food, service and ambiance! It has a darling patio area. They immediately serve you chips and salsa! The artichoke dip is fantastic and 2 of our favorite meals are the steak fajitas and the Baja fish taco!! So excellent! This place is a gem and worth trying! I guarantee it will be a favorite! read more

This place is adorable. Pretty busy on a Saturday night but the wait was not too bad! I loved the colorful fun decor. Service was a bit slow due to how busy it was, but not too bad! My husband and I had chips and salsa. Was surprised by the spice in the salsa, it was good but I prefer my salsa a little less chunky and watery. We got a cheese crisp to share that was perfectly crisp and cheesy. My husband had the hot sauce and liked it! My husband ordered carne asada tacos, they were bigger than he expected! He said they were the best tacos he had ever had and he loved the seasoning on them. I got the cheese and onion enchiladas suizas. They were so so cheesy. I only ended up having a few bites and taking the rest home since it was so filling (and I had already eaten a ton of chips and salsa and cheese crisp. It was good but I think too overly cheesy for me personally. But still super good and I'd love to come back! read more

See all

Whenever I am in town I stop in at La Pinata for my green corn tamales. They have something new on the menu ... the Cabal Old Fashioned ... OMG .... yum! Did some research and the tequila they use has been aged in three different bourbon barrels ... talk about a dream drink!. Thanks to Maggie for this cocktail. read more

La Pinata - CABAL OLD FASHIONED - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

If you're ever in the mood for chicken tortilla soup, this is the place to go! It's my go to whenever it starts getting cold outside or I want to have something that's delicious without being overly filling or too heavy. They also have great customer service and are always welcoming and friendly. read more

First of, when I called to place the order the person taking the order sounded like she was annoyed or in an unfriendly mood. But since I love their chimichangas I didn't really care. I drove from Chandler because I was craving their chimichangas, usually when I eat there the food is very delicious. My favorite place for margaritas and chimichangas. I placed a pickup order for 2 pinata chimichangas. When I got home and started to eat my steak one I noticed a lot of grilled onions and I thought maybe the other side has less onions, but no it was basically a grilled onion chimichanga. I wish I could have take a photo because it' was exaggerated! Next time I'll make sure to ask for no onion just incase, but takeout isn't as good as dining in. read more

Phoenix landmark / Institution / Treasure Passed by it a hundred of times feeling adventurous we drove into town to try it! Ordered the steak Chimi Best I ever had in my life! Definitely has a family owned vibe Service was friendly and attentive We will be back!! read more

Always consistent. Solid food and atmosphere. Jose the bartender is a great server and super friendly. The workers remember your name, which is rare. Great, carnitas, steak fajitas, pollo azteca. Solid rice and beans. Give it a try read more

Food is amazing, service is top notch! Salsa is so yummy! Cheese crisp cooked perfectly, every time! Everything is fresh made, no canned frijoles here!! read more

La Pinata - Carne Machaca Dinner House Special - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Matthew is the best waiter we have had for years He is the best.. Food was awesome. Love the margaritas. Very nice place.

Good atmosphere service.. all so good. I bring everyone that visits here. And lately I've been in once a week.

Best menudo l. I wait for it every year to be October to get it. It's not sold after I think April. I have been going here since I was a kid when it was on 19th ave and I think past Indian school read more

Family oriented. Excellent friendly service. And food was delicious and filling . Definitely an excellent Mexican restaurant. read more

La Pinata - Shredded chicken taco with rice and beans.Paired this with their "Pina. Margarita . Reasonably priced . Family oriented . - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

Awesome food. I golfed today with a local who recommended this place. Great recommendation. I had Beef Machacas with flour tortillas. The tortilla is one big tortilla that I ripped into four sections. The beef was delicious. My wife had beef flautas. Best she has ever had. Staff was super friendly. read more

This restaurant is our favorite restaurant in the world. We try to come once a week and it never disappoints. Our usual waitress is Veronica and she is the BEST. So friendly and the service is always amazing.. they were short staffed today and Jose came over and helped and was the friendliest/most helpful waiter ever! This place gets 100 stars in my book. Also, the food is the most authentic Mexican food I've ever had.. it truly is amazing!!! Every dish is perfect! read more

As an origin Family, Los Bugarín have been *the* stewards of fine Tex-Mex cuisine for Phoenix and the southwest for more than 50 years. Pete Sr. famously told my mom and grandparents (Los Marin) that baby food was no good for me, and brought a dish of rice and beans. I grew up on this food and our families are very close. God bless you all! Love you! CHIPS AND SALSA Fried fresh and light, thin, crispy, salty goodness goes quick with huge scoops of the savory tomato salsa. And they're free. (My brother opened a Tex-Mex in Hong Kong and insisted that corn chips and salsa be free. They thought he was crazy -- corn is very difficult to get in china and super expensive) You can even order flour chips and they arrive just as fresh and piping hot. SPANISH RICE it's about browning the rice first in hot oil. And the pepper! And the broth! And of course the tomato! And like with the refried beans, broil them on a fiery hot plate for few seconds before served. REFRIED BEANS This comes from the ranch. My great uncle showed me. In the cast iron, a mound of beans was left from the previous night. Add lard and RE-FRY over the fire. Add cheese and broil on a fiery plate before serving. ROAST Whether shredded, or chile con carne, or barbacoa, the piñata sets the standard. Soft and forkable, simmered in the best chile sauce you've ever had, or charred and peppery, you can't go wrong. MORE Albondigas soup (my grandmother's favorite), Menudo (my grandfather's absolute favorite, and only place he'd eat it) Cocido (my dad's favorite) Chile rellenos -- the best you've ever had Spinach enchiladas Shredded beef tacos -- the best in the world. Tortilla dipped in oil and then stuffed with beef and toothpicked, THEN deep fried! Piled high with cheese, lettuce and tomato. CATERING No matter the size of your event, the piñata will show your guests the standard for Mexican food. Over decades, they have catered our family's events. My aunt's rehearsal dinner and wedding, my grandfather's funeral, countless parties and reunions. When I'm in town, the piñata is where I gather the family and closest friends for food and fun. Take my advice. Just go. read more

See all

We found this gem right around the corner from my daughter's home. We are freaks for sonoran food and this place did not disappoint. We also seek mom and pop places, staying away from the big chains phoenix is prone to. The food was amazing, the service was fast and doted over us. We sat on the patio and have been back many times. The prices were reasonable and the portions large. I would recommend this place, especially for happy hour. read more

We finally decided to try this place out. The food is delicious the vibe is great for special occasions. My picture is not the best. I took it after it was in the to go box. We didn't eat much mostly chips and their delicious salsa. It has a home like vibe to the food and atmosphere. We love we will come back. Maybe have a gathering there one day. I used a picture from their site to post for the second image. read more

La Pinata - Chicken Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

I've been coming to La Piñata for over 10 years since their original location. I am satisfied every single time no matter what I order. Today I was craving menudo it was very good and served with toasted butter bread, We also shared a Mary Lou half red & green chile both were very good but my favorite was the green chile half. Amazing Chips and salsa. read more

La Pinata - Menudo - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Met a friend for lunch at La piñata the perfect spot for good authentic Mexican food. I had a the Mary Lou with green chile it was so good and large enough to share and then had the spinach enchiladas, also great! Great atmosphere, great margaritas, Peter the owner is also very welcoming & attentive to guests! read more

Cheese Crisp (opted for hard sorry no photo) is literally out of this world! I had the green chili chimichanga and it too was delish! Salsa is also great. Next time I'm back in Phx area I will be back! read more

La Pinata - Green chile Chicken Chimi Changa - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Super friendly Excellent food! Get the quesadilla Great margaritas The hostess is so accommodating Our waitor Matthew is amazing and doesnt miss a tick I watched him handling tables across the entire dining room and he was totally aware of all his customers Love the outside patio!! read more

This spot on 7th ave is has been around the block, just a few miles away for about 40 years but have been at this location only a few years. It seems everyone knows how good this spot is; pre-pandemic, there was always a wait to get a table, my visit here last week was no wait, but the dining room was still 75% full on a Monday night. Serving up tamales, fajitas, chimichangas, margaritas, tacos, burritos and menudo for a few dollars more than a 24 hour Mexican food takeout but so many times better. The spinach and cheese enchilada is my favorite item on the menu. I went vegetarian a couple years back, still eat dairy from time to time, but no meat or other animal products. La Pinata will NOT tick the vegan box, but that spinach enchilada is vegetarian and super tasty, and those black beans are so good they will make you forget that refried beans even exist. I have a friend who is allergic to corn, ask your server for flour tortilla instead of corn, even if you're good with corn, the flour tortillas are so good with their house salsa! read more

Service was great. Atmosphere was great. Parking was a little iffy. But worth it. Enter through the back of the building. They also have outdoor seating so it'll be nice when it cools down. read more

Another spot we had to try! The decor was so fun at this place. The chips and salsa were so good and the taco salad was huge! read more

See all

Service was horrible. The person taking the order kept making derogatory remarks about my partner and I being in a gay relationship. She basically shouted "there's children around" when my partner and I were just holding each others shoulders. Very disrespectful, read more

My family has been coming to La Piñata for over 30 years, the food is absolutely incredible!!!! The Marylou, the cheese crisp, the red chili, the enchiladas, the Chile rellenos, I could go on and on!!!! Everything is made in-house and fresh and the consistency is off the charts, everything is just excellent!!!!! And then the margaritas taste like you're standing on the beaches of Mexico, so fresh and so tasty with agave and tequila and especially the frozen ones with the Chambord on top oh my gosh!!!!! Jose making margaritas is the greatest!!! My only complaint is the hours, the hours no longer feel accommodating for their customers, it's hard for my family as well as all of our friends to try to have dinner at La piñata now, as they close every night at 8:00! And that doesn't mean you can walk in at 7:45, they close at 8 o'clock sharp. We used to be very very frequent customers, as well as everyone else in our neighborhood but now we have to make a special plan to go to Piñata and all of the other nights we all go to Ajo Al's. It's such a bummer as two or three times a week we would get off work and stop in for drinks and dinner but now with closing at 8 o'clock, it leaves us trying to get off work and race home and pick up our family and try to get to La Piñata to sit down and have dinner as they close promptly at 8 o'clock. They've extended their hours until 9 o'clock on the weekends but it's beyond frustrating trying to have dinner or even pick up dinner without having an epic plan. They changed the hours during Covid and haven't gone back, I wish they would consider their customers and do 9 o'clock during the week and 10 o'clock on the weekends, like all of the other restaurants in Central Phoenix, it would make such a difference to your customers and a lot of people happy!!!!!! Gave 4 stars instead of 5 due to close early hours. read more