Decided to try this spot again on a whim. I should have known when I pulled into the lot when I didn't see another car in sight. It did make me a little sad since the ambiance inside is really nice. When we walked in there was loud music playing and after a minute or so of waiting someone finally came out -- there was a sign that someone was playing live music tonight so I thought cool! As we turned the corner to the dining area there were speakers set up and some lights like there was about to be a party but there was NO ONE in there. The hostess led us clear through the restaurant to the very back of the dining area. Looking through the menu I can see why no one is here -- the prices are outrageous!! $15 for a margarita -- and it tasted like it barely had any tequila in it. And then all of the other menu items were extremely expensive. I don't eat meat and I wasn't feeling like eating fish at a place that had no one in there -- so I stuck to a veggie item, of which they barely had anything. My mom ordered a bean and cheese burro and I ordered empanadas, plus guacamole -- which also comes with beans and salsa. The guac tasted like nothing at all -- it needed spices, citrus and salt. (Also they do not have free chips and salsa) My mom's burro was so average and my empanadas were good but almost tasted cold on the inside (like maybe the unheated them but not enough?) It also came with a spinach salad with no dressing -- that was very weird. Dinner was like $70 with tip for the most average, uninspired food I have ever eaten -- I hate to say this for a local business, maybe the meat options are better -- I hope. read more

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Incredible. I love Mexican food and I can't wait to return here. We started with drinks and I got a tequila and coconut liquor with lime cocktail and it was smooth and sweet. We started with guacamole which came with chips, salsa, and beans and it was very good. I ordered the Barilla Trio and it was incredible. My friends ordered the Ribeye taco and Barilla Enchiladas. We capped it off with the churros and ice cream. The atmosphere felt like Mexico in the best way. Multiple dining rooms and a separate room with a bar. It felt both like a small neighborhood spot and a good place for a group dinner. On Saturday nights they do karaoke. Everything else in the menu looked amazing. I almost ordered the Al Pastor. And when I was looking at the pictures already posted here it seems like the menu changes. Definitely come here and enjoy incredible Mexican Food and cocktails. read more

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My wife and I visited Molcaxete Cocina Mexicana a few nights ago, and I walked away with mixed feelings. Before going, we looked at their website. Honestly, if I had not done that ahead of time, I probably would have felt better about the experience. My wife had her heart set on the Beef Machaca Chimichanga, which was listed on the site at $12. I was browsing things like three tacos around $15 or the Chicken Tinga at $14. We were expecting a solid but fairly reasonable night out. When we arrived, we mentioned it was our first visit and took our time with the menu. That is when things started to feel off. The Beef Machaca Chimichanga was nowhere to be found. No chimichangas at all. When we asked, the waitress told us they had recently changed the menu. At that point, my wife ordered the Fajitas Don Arturo for $24, and I went with the Charro Burrito for $18. Quite a jump from what we were expecting based on the website. Service was good but not great. My wife almost ordered the Charro Burrito but asked if it could be made without rice since she usually avoids it. The waitress sounded unsure but said the kitchen might be able to remove it. I nudged her toward the fajitas instead, but she never specifically said she did not want rice once she changed dishes. A sharper server probably would have caught that, but we also accept that part of it was on us. One small but notable thing was that my wife had to ask for a straw three separate times before getting one. The food itself was excellent. Flavor-wise, this place really delivers. Everything we had tasted great. The portions felt a bit small for the price, though that may be influenced by the sticker shock from the unexpected menu change. Ambiance is where Molcaxete really shines. The space is attractive, comfortable, and clearly aiming for a higher-end feel. Cloth napkins, nice decor, and a polished dining room make it feel like a date-night spot rather than a casual Mexican restaurant. The location, however, takes away from that experience. It sits in a part of Phoenix that feels half fine, half sketchy. Across the parking lot is a Dairy Queen, and behind it appeared to be a small homeless camp in the alley. It added a subtle but noticeable negative edge to what otherwise feels like an upscale restaurant. One last note on the chips and salsa. The chips were great. The salsa was flavorful for me, though a bit warm for my wife. It was extremely runny and served with spoons to put it on the chips. Without plates, it felt messier than it needed to be. Overall, Molcaxete does a lot right. The food tastes great and the atmosphere is almost spot on. However, the outdated menu info online, higher than expected prices, small service misses, and the surrounding area kept it from being a clear win for us. I can see why people like it, but expectations matter here. I would definitely consider returning, but it will be a bit before I give this place a second chance. read more

Molcaxete - Fajitas Don Arturo - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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We came in for the soft opening week. Service was great even the owner was there welcoming guests. Started out with wood fired whole shrimp. Amazing flavor and great sauces. The side of rice that came with was terrific. Next we had a chile rellano and the short rib barbacoa. Both dishes were great sizes and full of flavor. Lastly had the chocoflan for dessert. It was very dense and delicious. The dish looked like art as well when served. The cocktail service was very solid as well. We shared 3 drinks all were perfectly balanced. Can't wait to come back after tomorrow's grand opening for the full menu and experience. This is a terrific addition to the neighborhood that was lacking a nice Latin spot. read more

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Surprisingly bad experience, I should have taken the empty parking lot in the middle of lunch time as a sign. Cold food, basic, missing items in the dish listed on the menu, expensive, the whole place smelled like a bathroom. read more

Molcaxete - Cold Chicken Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

THE RESTAURANT IS PRETTY AND CLEAN!! Our server was Saudy! She was sweet and attentive! The Molcaxete was a lot of meat and great veggies! It doesn't come with beans and rice but to be honest, it's healthier without! Now the little flour tortillas were small and so good! They looked home made to me. The Birria Tacos were so good with the sauce and this came with beans and rice so perfect for two with left overs! read more

Molcaxete - Back room for private family gathering. - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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We had a wonderful experience at this restaurant, mainly thanks to our waiter Alejandro. His service was outstanding--he was attentive, friendly, and made sure we were comfortable at all times. He truly went above and beyond to make our visit enjoyable. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was welcoming, but Alejandro's excellent service really made the difference. We will definitely be coming back and hope to be served by him again. Highly recommended! Tuvimos una experiencia maravillosa en este restaurante, principalmente gracias a nuestro mesero Alejandro. Su servicio fue excelente: siempre atento, amable y pendiente de que todo estuviera perfecto. Realmente hizo que nuestra visita fuera muy agradable. La comida estuvo deliciosa y el ambiente muy agradable, pero el servicio de Alejandro fue lo que marcó la diferencia. Sin duda regresaremos y esperamos que nos atienda nuevamente. ¡Muy recomendado! read more

Molcaxete - Trompo de pastor - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

My friends and I had enjoyable dinner here a few days after their opening date. The dining areas are spacious, the decor tasteful with a modern take on Mexican themes, the service is very friendly, and the food is good: an elevated version of Mexican staples. Excellent cocktails, as well. read more

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Well we had high hopes for this restaurant. We got the chips app with guacamole, salsa and beans. That was the best part of the meal. We wanted to order the pastor. They were out of it. So we got their name sake molcaxete. It did not come in a traditional stone bowl but a Luke warm facsimile. We sent it back as it was not hot at all and the chicken was rubbery. They brought it back Re-heated. One still not hot and not re done. We said no thank you. Server really had no idea of what she was doing. We even asked to switch from flour to corn tortillas and she said she had already put it in the system and couldn't change it. Finally the bill came and they did not take off the meal. I was told it was because they were "re making"the dish. We asked to speak to the manager. Another server came back and abruptly gave us the correct bill. Will not return. read more

5 for the food, 0 for the drink (a virgin pineapple na mezcal and coconut)- but they did the right thing and took it off the check, 3 for the space- they definitely did a remodel inside and I love the decor and the flowers but it wasn't to perfection (paint, flooring, ceilings), and 4.5 for the service. Our server was wonderful but the check in process was a little clunky- they're working through it and it's just the first day. We are a little shocked that a nicer restaurant has gone in this space given the location, and I hope they do well. The food- we had the ceviche (fresh and delicious, although we wished there were chips instead of tostadas), the pork tacos (so good), and the short rib (perfection). Everything tasted fresh and delicious, beautiful presentation- we will definitely be back to try more! read more

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We stop by for first time Saturday 3:30pm the restaurant was empty it was just us. I order chile relleno. They come back with a very skinny small chile...you were able to count the rice serving and the beans were cold. Enchilada plate was also ordered and the chicken inside was also cold. This was discusting. There was no excuse why the food would be cold what so ever. We had to walk out. They tried charging for the sodas we did not even finish. - on top of that, the glasses they use to serve their drinks are not even a regular size glass If you want to experience this first hand. Stop by!!! Hands down worst discusting place ever..dont let their nice looks inside fool you! read more

Cute date spot for the area, trendy but cozy with the big booths and ambient lighting. Drinks and food were delicious. We went around 7 on a Friday and food came out in 10min. Server was very attentive. Overall a great dinner, price was just a little much for our liking but would definitely recommend and come back! read more

Molcaxete - Birria melt trio and a Sonoran spirit sooo good - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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New restaurant, pretty dead inside but won't be for long. Food was excellent. Great barbacoa, great salsas, great pricing. HH Sunday - Thursday 2-6. Honestly a great bang for your buck considering how quality the food was. Fresh and super quick. I will be back! Ramon was a good server. read more

The food and drinks were Amazing!! Highly recommend - fresh ingredients, modern flares, thoughtful flavors - we will definitely come back! Go check them out!!!! Our table had fish tacos, chicken tacos, barbacoa tacos, chicken enchiladas, and mahi ceviche, with arroz con leche withsweet potato desert and every single thing was delicious. They have a beautiful craft cocktail menu as well as a mocktail menu that we ordered from and I wish I had taken pictures of those. They were beautiful. read more

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Mariachi Friday was a fun night! Great food, nice people, and great music! The prices are fair, the chips and salsa were excellent! read more

Molcaxete - NY Steak taco - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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The staff is newer but they were polite and attentive. The volume of the music was a little loud but that could be partly due to the restaurant not being busy. I love what they did to the decor it is a welcome change, nicely done! Our food was great! I had the birria enchiladas which came with a mole' type sauce. We also ordered the chicken enchiladas with green sauce and the burria tacos with crispy shells; all were very good. We enjoyed the beans and rice as well they had great flavor. The food was far from bland, but rather very flavorful. I'm also a fan of the real ceramic plates they use versus plastic plates many restaurants around seem to use. We will be back to check out the bar area to watch the games on the large screen TV's. Let's give them our support. read more

Everything we order was delicious! The service was great very attentive and kind. Will absolutely return for the pulpo ranchero and ceviche, so yummy! read more

Molcaxete - Trompo and ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Enjoyed visiting Molcaxete. The environment is relaxing and appealing. The staff are friendly and the food.... The food is displayed nicely and the food is flavorful! read more

When you walk in the decor is gorgeous major improvement. There was no host. So we stood there for about five minutes while we waited for the only waiter to come and see us. The margaritas were very good. My husband ordered posole which was OK and I ordered what was described as crispy tacos birria meat. The tacos were extremely soggy though the flavor was good. The whole meal for soup and three small tacos and two margaritas came out to 100 bucks so I'm not sure I would do this again. read more

I was excited to try this place since it took over the old Manuel's location. They did an excellent job upgrading the decor, it looks great inside. We ordered 2 margaritas, a glass of wine, tortilla soup and a chicken chimichanga and our bill was $61 with tax and tip. They did provide complimentary chips and salsa as a starter, but I think it was a little pricey. Also, I was surprised that the main dish we ordered, the chimi, didn't come with any sides, it was just a huge chimi. I would have preferred half the chimi and some rice and beans. The tortilla soup was spicier than I expected, but it was my favorite part of the meal and a great presentation. I'll go back again to try some other things but it might just be more of a meal-sharing kind of place. read more

This restaurant just opened and raven the bartender is awesome!! Immaculate vibes!! The aguachile was so yummy. My friend ordered the bathtub beverage and it was so tasty and the bubbles have alcohol in them. How could you say no to that!! Come here if you know what's good for you read more

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This place has gotten an "upgrade" since we were last here. They completely changed the menu as well. It use to be so delicious and gave that good hole in the wall vibes. This time the food was so bland. Like bagged rice and canned beans bland. Like "salt and pepper is spicy" kind of bland. Super over priced for the size of the meals. $18 for 2 enchiladas smaller than your average street taco? That's crazy. $14 margaritas that had like 1/2-1/4 of a shot in it. Customer services was fine. Nothing over the top or in need of work. Think I surprised the girl when I said the place got a downgrade when they upgraded. read more

I have been ti Molcaxete before but today was not good. First off, they're now charging **$12 for a chips and salsa trio** -- with no refills. What happened to the complimentary chips and salsa that most Mexican restaurants offer? That change alone felt like a bad start. My meal only went downhill from there. My food came out old and cold, and after sending it back, it took forever to return. Honestly, how hard is it to heat up soup properly? Waiting that long for something so simple was frustrating. To be fair, my husband and son did enjoy their tacos and enchiladas. However, our friend -- who isn't big on Mexican food -- ordered chicken wings, and they were questionable at best. To top it all off, when it came time to pay, the server held the payment device directly in front of me and stood there watching as I selected the tip. Not exactly the most comfortable or classy way to handle checkout. Overall, it just wasn't the experience we hoped for. I truly hope they make some improvements. read more

BEWARE OF THIS PLACE FOR SCAM. My mom and her friends went to this place to enjoy a birthday. they overall had a great experience while there but once the check came, they asked if tip was included by which the server said it wasn't. they all pitched in and once they left, the person who paid the bill received an additional $90 bill taken from their card on top of their original bill. she tried getting in contact with them and was never able to get a hold of someone. she had to go in and once being there they explained that it was due to the reservation and tip. no place has ever charged for a reservation for a large party and instead includes a % tip added to your bill. they kept saying it was told to her on the phone but it NEVER was. read more

The prices are Scottsdale prices with underwhelming portion sizes. Got the fajitas, the steak was chewy, the beans were cold. $16 orange margarita was really good but was packed with ice making it 3 sips and done. I'd rather go to Scottsdale for the price and better food. The guacamole appetizer I don't think was made in house at all.. the salsa taste like pepper and saline solution. Hate to say it but with these prices in this location I'll give it 6 month till it goes under. read more

Molcaxete - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Amazing food and salsa and chips, service is also quick and friendly and places looks beautiful read more

Molcaxete - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The place is redecorated very nicely. Menu is rather limited except for alcoholic beverages. The service was fine, except that our server/manager could not communicate well, and needed an interpreter to understand our complaint about one of the dishes. The meat and the shells on two of the three tacos were burnt, and they were just covered up with lettuce, etc. and served that way. They did comp this meal. Enchiladas and beans were okay, not exceptional. Hope they can improve things in the future, but for now we won't be back. read more

I've been here a few times. Always came back because the food and drinks were good. However, the service is absolutely horrible. Last night I had it and will not return. We ordered a dish and what came out was incorrect. The bartender seemed very annoyed and told us we still had to pay for it. This restaurant needs new staff that actually care about their job. This place is always empty, I wonder why!? Get it together! read more

Came in last night with a couple of my friends. Sat in the bar, the remodel looked nice. Wasn't a huge typical Mexican vibe, but very nice! Chips and salsa were good. Salsa served in very tiny tiny dipping cups. We started to order, asked to split the checks, our waitress didn't know how to split checks, had to ask. No biggie, it's new staff. We started to order drinks, we ordered a blended daiquiri, waitress had to go ask bartender, no blender. Asked if they have carne Asada, waitress went to ask, nope, no carne asada. We asked, what about seafood? Waitress said, oh we have ceviche as an appetizer if you would like something with seafood . I came home and re read menu and saw that there is a shrimp item as a dinner choice. It was disappointing. We didn't stay for dinner. I hope this restaurant does well once the wrinkles are ironed out. If you want seafood this isn't the place. It looks to be beef or pork choices. read more

As neighbors we watched them build up a great property and were excited to try out this place. Last night the wife and I dressed up and walked down to the restaurant. At 805pm we walked up and noticed several workers barging into their cars to leave. I asked them about dinner there and they said they had just closed! Google says they are open until 9pm! They actually closed early without notice. Total disappointment ands wasted evening. Put a really bad taste in my mouth, I don't think I'll give them another chance. If the owner reads this, why spend all the money to open this place up just to monkey with the hours?? Wasted money in my opinion. Maybe in a year or so it will become something else that I might give a try. read more

I have been to this restaurant a few times and it was always fine but my most recent visit was not good and I more than likely will not be going back again. To start, not a big deal but normally, a Mexican restaurant will bring you chips but we had to ask for them. The menu has changed a little bit - prices have increased. On this visit, we tried the molcajete dish. The taste of the food was good. The salsas at the restaurant are very good. But unfortunately we had to continuously ask for more of everything as our server only ever asked if we needed more water. The molcajete for 2 people only came with 3 tortillas. We asked for more in which we received 3 more tortillas. When we paid, they actually charged us $6.00 for the 3 extras tortillas. For 2 people I don't think 1.5 small tortillas is adequate, nor have I ever had a restaurant charge me for additional tortillas. My friend never had his iced tea refilled unless he asked. And we repeatedly had to ask for salsa, etc. It was very obvious that they were trying to cut costs as you got as little as possible which leads me to assume that they are having financial difficulties. It's too bad because the food itself is flavorful but for me, it's not worth the cost and the lack of service. read more

Honestly, I want this place to do well. Since the closing of the Manuel's in this spot a couple of years ago, our locals have been waiting for something great to replace it. We dined on opening night, so expectations were set appropriately. Friendly greeting upon arrival, and OpenTable reservation acknowledged for 6pm. Clean, nicely decorated entrance with about 10 people waiting for a table. We waited for about 15 min - understandable - opening night. Dining room well lit, with fairly loud (little too loud?) music playing. Service was attentive and prompt, and we ordered fairly quickly - slow roasted pork dish, short rib tacos, guacamole/chips. 2 'house margaritas'. The 4 of us were seated at a nice, 4 person booth. Guacamole arrived in about 10 min, with margs about the same time. guac was fresh and flavorful - store-bought chips were ok. Margs ($17ea) were good - fresh juices, not a mix. Entrees arrived around 25 min. on these massive wooden, lifted mini tables that completely took over the entire table. We were left scrambling to move our app plates, drink glasses, to make room for these food trays while the waitstaff held these heavy things, waiting to set them down. Once we were situated, I realized that these raised wooden food trays put our food at an uncomfortable height, practically right under our chins. Slow roasted pork was served in a cast iron pot with tortillas wrapped in a linen napkin. Flavor was ok - somewhat bland - same to be said for short rib tacos - 'crispy' shells were chewy and meat was bland. We were about halfway finished with our entrees when the black beans and rice arrived - we'd forgotten they were part of the meal. Rice was a nice surprise - very nice. Upside- all of the produce -tomatoes, avocado, etc - all very fresh. I'm a big fan of local, non chain, restaurants and want to see them succeed. I hope the kinks get ironed out here. I'm going to wait a couple of weeks before I return, but I plan to give them another chance. read more

So every time we place an order online and we come to pick it up is never ready!! So they process the order once you pick it up therefore you have to wait several minutes until the food gets prepared, not sure what is the point of having the service online orders if they make you wait! I place an order a head of time so when I go pick it up it is ready! This is so an annoying!! read more

The food and drinks are amazing!! And the service was wonderful, our server Saudy, was lovely and attentive. The inside is modern and warm at the same time. I highly recommend!!! read more

We tried Molcaxete for the first time and enjoyed it. The atmosphere was comfortable and relaxing with live music that created an inviting environment. The servers were friendly and helpful. We were seated and served quickly. I appreciated the menu that offers choices other than Sonoran-style. If you would like to try and enjoy food from other states in Mexico, this is a good option. read more

Great food with an uplifting atmosphere! Was given fantastic customer service by Guillermo! Very friendly guy, recommended the enchiladas! 10/10! read more

Molcaxete - Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Several things! we had a party of 8 friends there 1. Server Beth P. was very rude We asked for more chips at our table and she proceeded to say "there are some over in the other side of the table. 2. I asked about drink specials which they do have but in the "lobby" but another server said we could order them at the table. Beth refused to honor that! 3. Cut me off when I wanted to order. 4. Very pricey for what you get 5. Not very tentative to us and e we were the only people there This is not a good start to a new restaurant opening up! read more

This place is very good. So glad we came to try it. We ordered the Molcajete. I wish I had a sauce inside the traditional do. The food was seasoned perfectly. The pork Barbacoa is really good. The soup lacked a little salt. The wood fire shrimp are amazing! The beans and rice are good. The Rajas are one of the best I've ha read more

Wanting a good Mexican dinner hubby, and I tried Molcaxete. Where it's a hard name to pronounce, their food is easy to digest. The Birria Enchiladas were prepared with excellence. The rice was equally done to perfection. Hubby ordered the, oh so yummy, Molcaxete Cielo. We topped off the dinner with an order of their delicious churros. Being a new addition to Cave Creek eateries, it won't take long before there will be a wait for an available table. Service was spot on. Alejandro was attentive, with a happy disposition. I, strongly, suggest adding this new dining spot to your next 'night' out experience. I know we'll be back! read more

This was our 4th or 5th visit since the restaurant opened and it's gotten progressively worse each time. It's unfortunate because we have liked the food mostly but it's been inconsistent with the same dish being excellent one visit and poorly prepared the next. The service is where they really struggle. Servers are pleasant but seem untrained. Our most recent visit might be our last. It took 3 hours to get through our meal (only 3 of us at the table) and 2 of the 3 meals were not good. A server spilled a glass of wine directly onto one of us and while she was extremely apologetic, management never came by to check. They didn't offer to comp his dinner, a free desert or anything. Between the lack of service, the poorly prepared food and the way they handled the wine incident, we left with a very negative impression. Maybe things will get better and we'd love to have them succeed but they need to get serious about turning things around. read more