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    Recreo Cantina

    3.5 (310 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:00 pm

    Recreo Cantina Latin American Restaurant Photos

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    RECREO CANTINA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    DJ
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy

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    Patio area
    Jasmine L.

    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.

    Chicken Burrito Enchilada Style
    Tom W.

    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!

    Velvet Cherry Martini
    Toni W.

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

    Craig Z.

    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.

    Elote
    Jacob M.

    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.

    Entrance with front of car hanging above
    Cory S.

    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!

    Ella F.

    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!

    Serena S.

    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.

    Menu - July 2024
    Diele K.

    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!

    Cantina bowl with carnitas - yummmm
    Mel A.

    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!

    Nachos with Fresh shrimp not farm raise! DELICIOUS!!!!!
    Linda P.

    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!

    Tacos with beans and rice
    Bridget S.

    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

    Queso and chips

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    3 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    Kami N.

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    9 months ago

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    4 months ago

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

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

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

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    After a really poor experience at an Italian restaurant down the block, we came here to have…read moredessert and cocktails. Loved the atmosphere. Sat at the bar where service was good, drinks were expertly prepared and really enjoyed the dessert! Food looked great as well, I really wish we had eaten here instead of wasting money at the other place.

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    George & Gather - Truffle Fries

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    George and Gather has been high on my list to check out, since opening one year ago! I've heard…read morenothing but positive things about this place and now I understand why! There is a parking lot and indoor/outdoor seating. I love the decor and ambiance of this place, especially the lighting in the dining room. They have a separate area with a small shop and cafe with desserts and some grab and go items. I will be back to try a coffee! My friend and I came here for the pre-set restaurant week menu. I made a reservation the night before, but it wasn't too busy while we were there on a Tuesday at 530pm. Our server Allison was great and very attentive. For appetizers we tried the whipped goat cheese spread and wagyu meatballs. I thought the goat cheese spread was delicious! For entrees we choose the pasta pomodoro and the farmers market pizza which were both very tasty. The pizza had so much flavor l, especially the crust, and the texture of the pasta was perfect!! For dessert we tried the affogato and apricot cheesecake. Oh My Gosh that cheesecake was the BEST dessert I've had in a while!!!! You have to try it and I can't recommend it enough!!!! I can't wait to come back!!

    After our visit I promptly removed this place from my bookmarks…read more Disappointing from the moment I spoke with the hostess. We had been put on a wait list shortly before I arrived. When I arrived and spoke with spouse he had already been waiting 20+ minutes. When I checked in with hostess to see if there had been any changes I was promptly schooled that "he was told "XYZ" and there's one table ahead of us still... I disregarded that vibe, figured because it was "busy" or because it was "Saturday evening" and everywhere is busy... I felt the senior hostess was curt when I inquired about the status of our wait, so I tried to brush it off. Just inefficient all the way around. From seating and neglecting to ask about seating preference (could there have been a shorter wait?), initial greeting by server, or was it a bus boy?, beverage order and wait for food. Couldn't even get a full glass of water poured or full carafe brought to the table while we waited for service. It was all very disappointing and I feel completely led astray by the ratings and reviews. I truly can not believe we waited 1 1/2 hrs just to be seated so we could eat pizza. Oh, but wait! It's pizza on 130 year old sourdough yeast?! Whatever. The pizza was alright, but the entire experience certainly didn't improve the taste of the pizza. Tourist trap? Maybe. Trendy? Because it's located in downtown Chandler? And then there's the parking scenario. If you're staying at the San Marcos or the other hotel downtown, walking here will be quicker than trying to find a parking spot. Carpool would be my other suggestion because parking really is a premium. And I want to add, the hostess never came to let us know a table was ready. We were only offered a table when my son went in to check the status. Only then did he get asked if we would be open to outdoor seating. Maybe Brunch has something more to offer. IDK. But I'm certainly not inclined to recommend or dine here again.

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    George & Gather - A view towards the scratch kitchen.

    A view towards the scratch kitchen.

    George & Gather - Harvest bowl w chx

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    George & Gather - Pesto Chicken pizza on 130 year old sourdough starter crust. Light, fluffy and delicious.

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    Pesto Chicken pizza on 130 year old sourdough starter crust. Light, fluffy and delicious.

    Alchemy 48 - More seating options!

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    Lots of cool spots to sit and chat!

    Alchemy 48 - Bar

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    Looked on Yelp for a new fun place to go, to take mom for Mother's Day, and I found this gem on…read moreYelp. Could smell the kitchen from the street:) walk in and place was pretty busy, was asked if I had a reservation.. we did not.. I got a lil scared that we wouldn't be able to sit, luckily she was able to push an area together for us. Thank you!! There's live entertainment Music artist, he was really great, he also interacts with the crowd, love that, so you may get a lil duet in while you're here. Menu list several American food items, with a full bar to choose from. Mom got the prime ribs she said was great and hers got steak and me and mine got the Philly cheese steak, my boys got the chicken tenders with fries. With our phillys we got the garlic fries and they were really good! I love the crisp and flavor it was all there for me. The Philly was definitely a hit nice big size would def recommend and order again. No complaints on food or drinks. For bevies we got the green mermaid it came out in this cute fish glass with flower garnish and fruit, tropical flavor was good:) Thanks for the great food and sweet service.

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