Such a cute Mexican spot in downtown Chandler! From the outside it looks pretty small, but once you walk in you realize it actually has a surprisingly large indoor space plus a great outdoor patio. We ended up sitting outside since the weather was beautiful, and it was the perfect way to enjoy the evening. The outdoor patio had a really fun vibe with lots of flowers and colorful decorations that made the whole place feel lively and inviting. It definitely felt like a great place to relax, chat, and enjoy good food with friends. One of the highlights is their happy hour from Monday-Friday (3-6 pm), which has some great deals. I ordered off that menu and got the fried mahi mahi taco and shrimp taco for $5 each -- such a steal! Both were really tasty and the corn tortillas were especially delicious and fresh. My friends also loved their food. One ordered the build-your-own taco platter, which came with lots of options, and another got the skirt steak tacos, which she said were super flavorful. Only critique is that my friend was bummed that there was no cheese included on her build your own taco platter, even though it was included in the menu description. Additionally, bugs can definitely make an appearance if sitting outside and at one point a big fly flew straight into my water and did not make it out. Also, since it's in downtown Chandler, parking can be a little tricky depending on the time. Overall though, it's a great spot for a date night or a fun night out with friends. Good food, great atmosphere, and an awesome happy hour definitely make it worth checking out! read more

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I'm still in awe. We arrived for a late lunch on Saturday. The service was some of the worst I've ever experienced. I was the last on my party to arrive and waited over 30 minutes for ANYONE to come ask if I'd like a beverage. I had to go up to the bar and interrupt a staff conversation and ask for a server. Finally a server came and took drink and food orders. Our food arrived before our drinks and we sat and stared at it getting cold. Again I had to go inside the restaurant and ask for plates and utensils. The host brought 4 plates for our party of 8. The final embarrassment was the manager came over to ask my children to "pick up their mess" This party included a GM of a local establishment and a professional athlete. I was shocked that anyone, let alone management would approach a table that way. read more

Food here was SPECTACULAR. Not sure why the place was so empty when we went, but one of the best meals I've had in a while. The service could've been better, but honestly the food is too good not to go. read more

Recreo Cantina - Steak / Shrimp Platter - Latin American Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

Came here for Valentine's brunch. Super yummy. Service was great. Our waitress was kind and attentive. The spot is really cute too! Definitely a hidden gem. read more

Recreo Cantina - Patio area - Latin American Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

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I went with a group of about 6 for lunch on a Wednesday afternoon. It was very slow in the restaurant and only seemed to have one person serving and hosting. It took about 5 minutes to be greeted and then sat. Not bad. It then took about 10 minutes to get menus and water. The staff was very nice but it was clear they did not have enough staff working. We got to order around another 10 minutes later and then it took about 40 minutes for our food to come. I am thinking maybe just one cook in the kitchen too? I don't know. The server kept coming and saying it was almost done. The food was fine. Not very authentic but honestly I am fine with that. The prices were quite high. I know its in downtown Chandler but lunch was pretty high. I think around $25 and up is a little high for a casual lunch spot but that is just me. If you are having drinks and apps it could easily be $40 per person for lunch. The ambiance is where they shine. The back patio is gorgeous, welcoming and very relaxing. I could see how it was be fun on a Friday or Saturday night. read more

I visited Recreo and I was once again impressed. I have no idea why this restaurant isn't more crowded than it is. I ordered the Chicken Burrito and it was amazing. Atmosphere-- Amazing Chicken Burrito---Outstanding Service--Impeccable We will definitely be back! read more

Recreo Cantina - Chicken Burrito Enchilada Style - Latin American Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

First time here, ! Our waiter, Eric was great! Food was delicious! Atmosphere was chill! read more

Recreo Cantina - Velvet Cherry Martini - Latin American Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

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We stopped in the other evening for a quick bite because this place was sort of dead and didn't have any wait. We were greeted right away and asked inside or outside. We chose outside. It took a bit for a server to get to us, but she apologized and said there was some confusion. This happens sometimes and didn't really bother us. We ordered drinks and food at the same time. The cocktails tasted good, a little light in alcohol though. She brought us 4 small glasses and a sort of wine bottle with water. The glasses were warm probably from the dishwasher, and the water was warm as well. We had to ask for ice. She brought us 4 new glasses each filled with ice. They need to change this practice of non iced water, especially in AZ. My friends nachos looked killer, my other friends flauta was huge, almost like a burrito, and my green chile mac n cheese was off the hook. The only other small issue we had is that my friends soda came out in a small glass, maybe 8oz?? Anyway, after filled with ice and sprite, he only had a couple of sips before he needed a refill. She then brought him a refill out in a pint glass. Perfect! The food was great, but it seems like all of the beverages need to be corrected. I'll definitely stop in again. I almost forgot. There was four of us and 3 put of the 4 menus matched and one was different. They all sort of looked the same, but some dishes were moved around, some of the ingredients for said dishes were different, and some prices were also different. After we told them, hopefully they went through all of the menus and corrected this issue. read more

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My friends and I decided to go to Recreo Cantina for Happy hour yesterday and it was an amazing experience. We got appetizers and drinks. During HH, their margaritas are 5 dollars (!!!!), and apps are half off. For the table we got chips and guac, nachos, elote as well as few chicken tacos. The food was so good the camera forgot to eat first. This is also such a fun place, we played games outside including a huge connect four. Our server was amazing, made sure our drinks were filled and we were doing good. This was seriously one of my new favorite HH places in Downtown Chandler. read more

Recreo Cantina - Elote - Latin American Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

Came in on a Friday night and got seated right away. Happy hour was good, shout out Aidan for being so personable and making the experience very enjoyable! read more

Today was my first visit to Downtown Chandler when I was on a work retreat with colleagues. We decided to go to Recreo Cantina for lunch. We learned that Recreo Cantina was established only two years ago and is a Mexican-inspired restaurant. "Recreo" is Spanish for "Recess," which makes sense as Recreo Cantina is a lively place typically where people can have fun. We chose to sit in the 6,000 square foot patio area outside with fun decor and patio bar swings. Some of the decor include the back of a bus coming out of a wall in the patio and the front of a car coming out of the front entrance of the building. The service was great, and the food was tasty! We were given both food and cocktail menus, and we started with chips, salsa (spicy and mild options), and guacamole. Then, while most of my colleagues ordered street tacos, the green chili mac and cheese, or burritos, I went for the grilled pollo fajitas with onions, peppers, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, flour tortillas, rice, and beans. I was offered the option of corn tortillas but stuck with the three flour tortillas. The fajitas were delicious! They certainly tasted authentic and were quite filling. We learned that it was actually happy hour while we were there. Happy hour is on weekdays from opening until 6 PM and all day Sunday, and includes $5 Mi Casa Margaritas, $5 Draft Cervezas, half price appetizers, and $3 street tacos. Daily specials include Margarita Mondays (BOGO free), Wednesday Wonders (half-price wine), Tacos & Tequila Thursdays ($3 tacos and half price tequila), Featured Friday (ask the server), Cinco Saturday ($5 Coronas all day), and All Day Happy Hour Sundays. They are closed on Tuesdays, but their other hours include being open weekdays from 11:30 AM to 10 PM, Fridays from 11:30 AM to Midnight, Saturdays from 11 AM to Midnight, and Sundays from 11 AM to 10 PM. They host private events. Anyone can go to https://www.recreoaz.com and sign up for the club to be the first to hear about upcoming events, promotions, specials, and other surprises. They also have a social media presence through Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/recreochandler). I certainly recommend Recreo Cantina in Downtown Chandler for some tasty Mexican food! read more

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I was impressed with the quality of food and service. Downtown Chandler can be hit or miss and this was a hit for sure. Unfortunately didn't get any photos since my friend and I were busy catching up. I had their dark berry Margarita - verrry good. Their enchilada plate was good, and I was a fan of their beans and rice. We also got an appetizer order of guac which was alright, but I did really enjoy the red and green salsas that we added. The restaurant has a lot of outdoor seating space, out front and their large patio. Definitely excited to come back and try more. read more

Located conveniently in Chandler Downtown! Parking is limited though. $6 Casa margaritas and 25% off Appetizers for Happy Hour. The margaritas and the nachos were delish! Portions were generous. We didn't love the Watermelon Salad or the Crudo. Our server was very sweet and efficient. We had a party of 10. We sat at the back patio. Thank goodness for the misters and margaritas! We felt much cooler! read more

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I wasn't very impressed by Recreo which was a shame because it's so close to home. From the service to the food, it just wasn't good. I got the steak & shrimp - probably the worst $26 that I've spent. The meat was almost grey? Not very good quality in my opinion. I took a few bites of the food and couldn't finish it because of how bad it was. Now the server? Extremely un-attentive, maybe saw her once. I sat at the table for a little over 20 minutes waiting for my check. Another server noticed and came over to help me. I went Monday after work and it was extremely dead so I was confused as to why the service was so slow. I've been a server, I've been a host, and usually I'm understanding but this was just not a good experience. Coconut margarita was the best thing I had. Very unimpressed. I will say, the ambiance and vibe of the restaurant is really cute inside. read more

Recreo Cantina - Latin American Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

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A casual and chill wine right starting at Mingle + Graze with friends turned into hopping to four locations on a recent summer's Friday night in Downtown Chandler. This location was how we ended the night, and we really enjoyed the atmosphere. I felt like this location had a balance of music without being too loud where you can't hear your party. The service was friendly and quick to get drinks/refills. Additionally, the food items ordered were delicious and quick to come out of the kitchen. We only did starter items, so I can't weigh in on the food. Though, we did feel those food items were perfect accompaniments to drinks. Overall, it was definitely a location I would try again! read more

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The waitress was very kind and attentive. I came in hoping to order the gluten-free chips and guac. While there are gluten-free items listed on the menu, I learned they do not use a dedicated fryer, and items like churros and other gluten-containing foods are cooked in the same oil. For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, cross-contamination can be a concern, so the restaurant should clarify this on the menu. read more

Even if you have tried this place before, it's time to try it again! Amazing experience! Food was out of this world! Service was impeccable! Even though there were big parties and an event on the patio, Kyla was calm cool and collected! Loved the pitchers of sangria! We have walked by this place and never went in until today. So glad we did! Green chili pork enchiladas for the WIN!! I ordered the cantina bowl and it was flavorful and refreshing! Kudos to the chef! We will be back again soon! read more

Recreo Cantina - Cantina bowl with carnitas - yummmm - Latin American Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

Went here for lunch and also for dinner. The chicken Tinga is the best. I had it as a taco and I had it as a nachos. The dinner we ate on the patio however the music was more than we were comfortable with, but the weather was fantastic. The margarita had was the strongest one I've had in a long time!! Great though. At lunch, it was very quiet. We ate inside as it was too hot to eat on the beautiful patio. I had tacos that day very impressed and we also tried all their salsas. The service was very friendly on both occasions and overall I'll come back. Looking forward to more chicken, Tinga . read more

Always the BEST! Travis is so sweet! All of the staff is great and food is AWESOME! Happy hour open to 6! M-F and all day Sunday! read more

Recreo Cantina - Nachos with Fresh shrimp not farm raise! DELICIOUS!!!!! - Latin American Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

Friendly staff,celebrating my husband BD with family,order all came together.delicious.We gathered outside with great service. I ordered off happy hour fish and shrimp taco and margarita ,wonderful and the best shrimp taco I ever had. read more

Great spot with lots of seating and solid happy hour and Sunday deals. Service was quick and friendly and even though I'm not in old town chandler too often, I'd totally stop here again. Tacos were solid and my family enjoyed their fajitas. If you're getting a starter for the table, you can't go wrong with the nachos read more

Recreo Cantina - Tacos with beans and rice - Latin American Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

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I had a really disappointing experience. Everything started out right, we were able to be seated right away, the bartender came right over, our drinks came out quick, etc. things took a turn when I ordered my food without onions, the server confirmed my tacos were onion free and yet I still had some on there. I heard him confirm because he knew I was allergic, so it's not his fault. The food was good until I realized there were onions read more

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I've been here a few times and the food and drinks are on point. Good variety on the menu and lots of fun drink choices. Prices are high but for the area they are comparable Service is always excellent. I had the Al Pastor quesadilla and it was sweet and savory and delicious. This place is good for a bigger party or a small group of friends. During the cooler parts of the year, the back patio has character and a is a fun place to hang. read more

Stopped in for a quick lunch on a Monday, we were quickly greeted and acknowledged by bartender! Received waters didn't even have to ask. Had a solid menu not too many options (in a good way) Bruno was SO funny and lightened a rough day. Was super familiar for menu and gave great recommendations. Very cute spot and great for a date night, lunch date or even casual drinks. Would rate 10/10 and def will be back!! read more

The food was below the average. The restaurant looks nice. However, it was below the average experience because the food was not I expected and they forgot to give me all of my order. read more

Recreo has so much untapped potential. It could be as poppin' as Murphy's or Bourbon Jack's but it seems every time I go in here, whether it's for food or a night out, it's pretty dead. Stopped in here on Taco Tuesday and had the Southwest Eggrolls (7.8/10) and some tacos (carne asada (6/10), birria (8/10), carnitas (7/10)). The carne asada didn't have enough of a sear for my liking and was usually peppery. The birria taco was delicious and the carnitas taco had good flavor but the meat itself was a bit dry. For taco Tuesday, the restaurant was very empty aside from a work group having a good time near the bar. Would love to see this place prosper, they play great music and have an amazing outdoor area. Come try this place out and tell your buddies! read more

Recreo Cantina - Southwest Eggrolls - Latin American Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

Shout out to my new fav bartender Cheyenne !!!! Made me my new fav drink Mexican candy super bomb. I'm now coming here only when she works!!!!! read more

Recreo Cantina - Latin American Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

I got the Baja burrito and my daughter got the breakfast burrito, both were amazing and the some of the best burritos I've had in years. The waitress was great and the patio was awesome with cornhole and giant connect 4 to play while we waited. Only downside was the overly loud music, but the place does have more of a club-type vibe than family restaurant. Will definitely be returning for happy hour to try the cocktails and get that epic steak and shrimp burrito again. read more

Eric the waiter was fabulous-can't say enough good things about him. He was Very attentive without being intrusive. He catered to our every whim and we were pretty needy! He suggested the steak and it didn't disappoint. Cooked to perfection. The potato was amazing. Ambiance was lovely-great dinner overall. read more

Stopped in for a weekend lunch. Food was delicious and reasonably-priced, drinks were tasty, service was friendly, ambiance was easygoing and chill. Will definitely be back! read more

Had lunch the other day. Excellent food. I had the skirt steak and shrimp and it was cooked perfectly. My niece had the chicken bowl and felt the same way. Service was excellent. I will definitely return!! read more

Last night, my friends went here for some drinks to start off the night. The bar was empty and it was 30 minutes til closing. There was a woman who worked there seated with a laptop. As soon as we got there, she said " you all need to sit down. If you aren't going to sit down, you need to leave." Then she just sat at a table next to us and gave us dirty looks. Every time I come here, it's so hard to get good service. read more

We were excited to come across a place with a margarita pitcher! We got the prickly pear pitcher which was about $36-40. I was pretty surprised how small it was and that it's filled with a lot of ice. That stood out to me more than the drink! We didn't get any food this time but maybe in the future. read more

Recreo Cantina - Margarita Pitcher - Latin American Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

This afternoon was our first time at Recreo Cantina. Our appetizer was the salsa & guacamole with chips. It was delicious and the chips were warm and definitely homemade. The guacamole was very fresh! I had the carnitas taco & el pastor taco. Both were equally delicious. Nice meat to tortilla ratio! I also had a bowl of pozole. It was authentic & delicious! My other family members had the carnitas tacos as well. One member tried the green chili pork and said it was very good! All in all we thoroughly enjoyed our food and happy hour drinks! We will definitely be back! Sorry no pictures I was very hungry! read more

This was my 3rd time at Recreo, and I was willing to give them one last shot as my last two experiences were mediocre. We arrived and sat at the bar for dinner service. The male bartender with gray hair provided us with menus and took our drink order. So far so good. As time went on, we had spent plenty of time with the menu and were ready to order. The bartender was nowhere to be found for a very long period of time. We had to flag down a server and ask if they could get the bartender so we could place our order. It was a very awkward position, because at this point we wanted to leave but had already ordered drinks and were starving. We honestly felt trapped. Once the bartender finally returned, he had a clear attitude with us and treated us as if we inconvenienced him. We placed our food order and asked for the check as well, since we didn't want to get stuck waiting any longer. The food came out pretty quick and at this point we had already paid. After the bartender dropped our food off, he proceeded to immediately take the receipt off the table and count the tip right in front of us. We were absolutely dumbfounded at this behavior and felt very disrespected. We ate quickly and left. It's a shame because the food and ambiance was great, but the service this particular time has made us choose to never return. read more

Fajitas were amazing and great service throughout the visit. Very empty for a Thursday, but service was fast.

We were just finishing up at the Downtown Chandler Farmer's Market and we were absolutely starving so we walked over to the shops and decided to try out Recreo Cantina. The atmosphere is pretty standard of an Americanized Mexican restaurant with a bar. Colorful but hardly authentic. Service was really nice but you could tell they were really backed up in the kitchen. It took 15 minutes to get drinks. For food, we started with the Flauta De Pollo. We were expecting miniature Flautas but instead got one giant Flauta. It wasn't horrible, it just took a long time to come out. My mom ordered the California Burrito, I ordered the Shrimp Tacos. They took forever to come out and everything tasted old and frozen. I'm giving 2 stars because the manager was very apologetic, and comped us appropriately. He blamed it on a bad kitchen day, but I don't think I'd come back soon considering the abundance of restaurants in the general vicinity. read more

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We typically come here because the patio is amazing- great room for the kids to play giant jenga, corn hole, connect four. They sometimes have live music outside which is nice because the music is up on the balcony so it's not too loud. (I typically don't love live music because it's too loud) The service here is consistently disappointing. Long wait times to have a server come by to take orders, get drinks, and check on your tables. The food is fine! Nothing stands out are good or bad to me. We really only come here for the atmosphere read more

Great spot for drinks and good food in Downtown Chandler. I have experienced some inconsistencies with service though. Yesterday I came here with some friends and we were pretty much the only party in there. Although our server was nice, she wasn't super attentive. This was the first time I've ordered food after only stopping for margaritas before. I do have to say I was pleasantly surprised with how my food came out! Portions are a good size and everything was cooked great! I ordered huevos con carne and it came with rice, beans and two tortillas. The carne asada was cooked really well and had tons of flavor with the chimichurri sauce! I would eat it again for sure. read more

Cali was amazing, the food and drinks were great, we will definitely be back! I got the enchiladas and house marg.