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    Tequila Cocina + Cantina

    3.7 (252 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

    Tequila Cocina + Cantina Photos

    Business Info

    TEQUILA COCINA + CANTINA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Touristy
    Trendy
    Classy
    Live music

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    Dining area
    Sarah S.

    Stopped in for a quick drink. The space if very beautiful, but there was no music or anything going on -- very quiet. I did not try any food and it was maybe about an 8pm on a Thursday evening and there was maybe one other party in the restaurant. Not sure if that is a sign? Service was fine but they didn't have the tequila my friend was looking for so I think it is ironic that they are named after tequila since the selection wasn't too broad.

    Dolores D.

    Came here to celebrate my birthday on a Thursday. Was pretty empty. Came around 5pm. They do have a happy hour menu. You do need to ask for it. Started with a Pina colada mocktail. So good. We got the chips and guac. It was good. Wish they had chips and salsa as well. Also got the carne asada tacos really good. The birria tacos were good. Also got the tacos dorado, these ones were not my favorite. It does have a refreshing taste to it. We did get the queso fundido, it wasn't my favorite either. They do birthday shot or a dessert. The spot is nice and the bathroom has a lit up words on it. They do not split up checks.

    Katalina I.

    A great find! Randomly stumbled upon this place on a Saturday for happy hour. We were seated immediately and had the best service from the hostess and our waitress. Super friendly staff that made us feel very welcomed and gave great food and drink recommendations. Our waitress Krisbel was the best, I can't remember the name of the hostess but she was also awesome. The drinks were delicious. I especially enjoyed La Fresa for sure. Super fruity and fresh. I also had the ceviche and it was delicious. Our friends had the chips and guacamole and the steak with aguachile sauce which they enjoyed. The decor inside is very nice, comfy chairs and fun neon lights for great pictures. The women's bathroom was also clean and super cute. I would defiantly come here again to try more of their food and drinks! On Saturdays, they also have a DJ starting at 7pm which made it super fun.

    Ceviche
    Alyssa P.

    This place is such an underrated gem. The food is fresh, flavorful, and authentic. The restaurant is stunning and elevated. Every dish we tried (we had a lot) was incredible. I always love supporting local spots when I can, and this one absolutely deserves all the love. From vibrant ceviches, oysters, and fresh seafood to perfectly cooked steaks and elevated Mexican dishes, everything impressed. Fun fact, they use the same oysters Buck & Rider uses, so if you're a B&R fan you can enjoy the same fresh seafood here. Also, the handcrafted cocktails were delicious, and the service was top-notch. Overall, this is a must-try spot to enjoy top quality Mexican flavors while supporting local.

    Carne asada tacos
    Ashley L.

    Not too busy when we stopped in, which made for a nice, chill vibe. The atmosphere walks that moody-modern line with dim lighting with bold pops of color and the music stayed at a good volume (read: I didn't have to yell over my queso fundido). It looks like there's patio seating, but we weren't offered it. We came for happy hour, which is fairly limited: four apps, tacos, cheesecake, and four cocktails. But hey, $5 margaritas? I'm not mad. Mayahuel - tequila, St. Germain, lime, agave, pineapple chunks. Not too sweet, nice and balanced. It's definitely a tequila-forward drink, so if agave's not your amigo, this might not be your jam. Bonus points for the pineapple wedge, because who doesn't love their fruit pre-soaked in liquor? Lemon Drop Martini - vodka, Cointreau. This one missed the mark for me. Way too sweet, with barely any lemon, and the sugar rim overpowered everything. Also, a plastic martini glass for these prices? That was a buzzkill. Cantarito - tequila, fresh OJ, lime, Squirt. Dangerously drinkable. Bright, fizzy, refreshing. I'd like to officially file a complaint that these are only $8 during happy hour, because I would absolutely drink four without noticing. 9/10, would sip irresponsibly. Quesabirria Tacos - The birria was chef's kiss. Tender, juicy, rich: exactly what you want when you're wrist-deep in consomé. That broth? Deep red, glossy, and packed with deep beefy flavor. My only beef (pun intended) is that the cheese was tucked inside instead of crisped up on the outside. Also, who decided to garnish tacos on top with raw onions? Carne Asada Tacos - Grilled skirt steak, two per order. No cheese crust, no cheese inside, just cheese vibes, apparently. My husband liked them, but I found them pretty forgettable. The avocado slice felt more like a peace offering than a flavor booster. Queso Fundido - We added chorizo because of course we did. It was fine. Super oily, and the cheese didn't melt well and it separated fast. Hot tortillas and the smoky salsa on the side helped save it, but overall it was a little meh. Service was decent, drinks were solid, and the food wasn't bad, but nothing really wowed us. Between the limited happy hour and the regular menu prices, we're not in a rush to come back.

    Mexican Candy Shot
    Ariana R.

    My bestie and I were next door getting tattoos and spotted this spot, we came by and just walking in the vibe was so fun and the decor captured our attention. Everywhere we looked it was beautifully decorated and had tons of spots to take photos. Staff was so friendly and we sat at the bar with Ivan for quick appetizers and drinks after our tattoos. He has such great customer service! I ordered the ceviche which came with great chips & was just as refreshing as I expected. I also ordered an Elote. Their menu has a lot of variety of steaks, tacos, sushi and small plates can't wait to be back to try more of their menu!

    Maguey roll with fried crab, cucumber, avocado. So yummy!
    Desiree F.

    I'm not sure why this place isn't packed! They have an amazing happy hour...$5 margaritas! We enjoy a couple of those and their guacamole. My friend wasn't as much of a fan of the Guac as I was...but I have better taste than him...so. The interior space is absolutely beautiful. And although the menu is a bit odd...it has tomahawk steaks, sushi and tacos, definitely give it a go! Everything we had was outstanding. I want to come back on the weekend to see what the crowd looks like.

    Carolina C.

    Busy, popping, fun place! Finding good places to eat while on vacation is a must, obviously! I love food and we asked every one of our uber drivers for recommendations! Several recommended this place, and I'm glad we went! I loved the art they had everywhere, the music was fun, and the food was fairly good! I eat a lot of protein, so finding places that serve good meat dishes is always a treat! Our server was friendly, charismatic and good at keeping an eye on us! If it's your bday you get this special embarrassment, which is always fun!!

    Tables
    Deedrah B.

    Way more party/club vibes than expected but had a decent meal here with some friends/former coworkers. I was looking to try someplace new and came across this spot on Yelp. Nice central location for a couple of us (not so much for the Chandler folks, sorry!). We came at 6pm on a Saturday but they weren't busy and we were seated at a 4 top. This is definitely cultural gram-fest decor. Think bright florals, neon signs, skull paintings etc. Our waitress was friendly and prompt, returned with water regularly (their glasses are small, unless you're shooting tequila out of them, which we weren't!) We ordered the queso appetizer, I got the birria tacos, and my friends got some steak and bone marrow. Everything came out all at once though, so no queso to start, we just dug in to that in between bites of our entrees. The queso was good but more than half hardened/congealed onto the dish so very difficult to obtain/eat. I honestly was not a huge fan of my birria tacos, meat was tender and juicy, but very bland. Even the consomme and salsa did not add much. I tried the steak and bone marrow as well and was not blown away by either. As I said originally, this place is definitely more vibes and decor than quality ingredients and flavor. And as far as price goes...we all agreed it's a bit steep. I always love checking out new places and will go nearly anywhere once, but I think I might be hard pressed to return here before giving some other spots a try.

    Mango Aguachiles

    Ana was an amazing server--10/10 service! The elote was absolutely my favorite, hands down. The cucumber margarita was so refreshing, and the aguachiles... omg, you just have to taste them. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and on point. Make sure you ask for Ana for truly top-tier service.

    Ceviche
    Carlos M.

    Tequila Cocina Review We stopped by Tequila Cocina on a Monday afternoon for happy hour and were honestly blown away. The happy hour menu is amazing--great prices and even better food and drinks. I had the ceviche, which was a solid portion for just $10 and super fresh. My girlfriend got the birria tacos (3 for $10), and they were packed with flavor. We also grabbed drinks from the happy hour menu--$5 margaritas and $10 mixed drinks. We had a few (no regrets), and every one of them was well-made. The vibe was chill, the service was great, and the quality for the price is tough to beat. I was actually surprised it wasn't busier, but I guess that's the perk of a Monday visit. Definitely a hidden gem during the day--we'll be back for sure!

    Proof we still paid and tipped

    There's was a toe nail in our 240$ cantarrito like literal grown man toe nail and they gave us a 48 $discount before tax because they couldn't admit they messed up and tried to blame us a table of girls with acrylics

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    Yummy food and nice ambiance. Service was ok but would definitely return to try again and see if it's better.

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    Page 1 of 7

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    Lylo Swim Club - Shrimp plate

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    4.0(272 reviews)
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    1.17.26 A Tale of Two Beet Salads!…read more The first one we ordered tasted kind of "meaty" like maybe it was on the same grill as the burgers? The second one tasted "clean" or like it was supposed to taste. The Burger & Fish Tacos were full of flavor & freshness! I loved their fries b/c crispy on outside & soft on the outside. Missing their Guac & Chips Starter that was on former menu tho. We gotta commend the F&B Manager here! He overheard us talking to the waiter about the differences in the Charred Beet Salads & told us why: one was on the grill too long & he only knew that b/c he was in the kitchen watching them make it. He appreciated us sharing about the nuanced difference in how salads tasted & comped one. Wow - this is really going above & beyond: caring enough to have a convo w/ diners, acknowledging their palates detecting the difference AND making it right, b/c as he said "both should taste the same, like the second one." A commitment to excellence and consistency is a rarity. Overall, Lylo Swim Club outdoor bar/restaurant is a little oasis tucked away amongst so much greenery and beauty! Yes they have the pool nearby, but we didn't take a dip. Something to look forward to! P.S. Can the tile pattern on the bar be any more gorgeous?!

    Was super excited to come here with my friends. We decided to get 3 chairs and there were dirty…read moredishes left everywhere. You would think being outside they would have someone buss since there were bugs swarming everywhere. The Dole Whip drinks you would assume the alcohol would be mixed in but just poured on top. Service was honestly extremely disappointing usually I can give them some grace but this was just... wow! Then I go to pay and there were several items on my bill that were never ordered. Mind you never got silverware or napkins so we were using the towels. 25 minutes for a can of beer mind you. Place could have potential but would need several more servers and maybe individuals that are equipped to even do the job in the first place. $300 for actually a slap in the face and no sunburn because are seats were in the shade with dirty dishes damn near on top of us. Gross, waste of money, and just disturbing. Could not pay me to come back. In addition the pool looked so alarmed I was surprised individuals were even in it, I barely let my feet in. Update : I tried to contact the hotel yesterday to get in touch with the manager, was given 3 emails all wrong. The emails never got delivered. Call the Lylo Swim Club this morning and spoke with Paul Epstein.... oh my actual god good luck. So extremely rude not helpful at all no wonder on his LinkedIn he switches jobs every few months. Some things he told me on the phone.... 1. That the dishwasher/busser was going around every 20 minutes and grabbing dishes... Wrong I saw him once 2. Explained to him that the drinks tasted like they were poisoned. He said what do you expect when you order alcohol. 3. he asked why I didn't grab a server. There were two and I saw them maybe three times only when they were delivering wrong food. He then told me that they were overstaffed yesterday pathetic. On top of that he said everyone was going there to get the dole whip drinks because of TikTok. I'm glad other people could enjoy them, but you would think since he works in the restaurant industry he would have grace for others when its impossible to please everyone. That I understand but with all of these things that went wrong a discount should have been applied. I've never experienced someone so rude and uptight. I can't even imagine someone having a bachelorette party or a birthday there I would be embarrassed to have my friends or anyone I know being in contact with this place or Paul. good luck to him.

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    Ledu Thai - Chicken Pad Ki-Mo

    Ledu Thai

    4.5(44 reviews)
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    From the moment we stepped into LeDu Thai, we were enveloped in a warm and inviting ambiance that…read moreperfectly set the stage for an exceptional dining experience. The soothing decor and soft lighting created a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a delightful meal, especially on an unseasonably hot day. We began our culinary journey with the Larb Mushroom appetizer, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The dish featured succulent oyster mushrooms tossed with roasted rice powder, fresh mint, shallots, cilantro, and a vibrant chili-lime dressing. Each bite was a refreshing explosion of flavors, combining the earthy richness of the mushrooms with the zesty brightness of the dressing. It was light, refreshing, and a perfect precursor to the meal ahead. For her main dish, my wife chose the Pad Z U, an outstanding selection that showcased sautéed broad noodles, crispy fried tofu, and Chinese broccoli, all enveloped in a delectable sweet soy sauce. The noodles were soft and chewy, creating a delightful texture that harmonized beautifully with the vegetable medley and tofu. The heat in the dish was skillfully balanced, providing just enough kick without overwhelming the palate. My wife couldn't stop raving about it! I opted for the Kua Kling, and it truly was a star of the evening. This spicy stir-fried minced chicken was enriched with fragrant curry paste, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, resulting in an aromatic dish that was accompanied by tender long string beans and the unique Sadtor beans. The flavor profile was complex and enticing, with each ingredient complementing the others in a delightful dance of spice and freshness. It was a dish that not only warmed my belly but also left me craving more. What elevated our experience even further was the attentiveness of our server. With a genuine smile and a welcoming demeanor, they offered excellent recommendations and ensured that we were well taken care of throughout our meal. Their knowledge of the menu added to our enjoyment, making the dining experience even more memorable. Overall, LeDu Thai is a culinary treasure that I cannot recommend highly enough. Each dish was exceptional, bursting with flavor and crafted with care. The combination of delicious food, attentive service, and a cozy ambiance makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable Thai dining experience. We can't wait to return and explore more of what their menu has to offer!

    Wow! We had the best dining experience at Ledu! It was amazing! The service was incredible. What a…read moredarling restaurant and environment, the atmosphere was a vibe. My daughter and I shared the Som Dtam Tod /which is a crispy papaya salad and the beef Pad Z U. The Som Dtam Tod was absolutely amazing. It's a dish I'll be thinking about forever. It was so unique and so flavorful! The Pad Z U was the best I've had! We ended the evening with their burnt toast with salted caramel ice cream with honey syrup. It was out of this world. I went with a party of 8 and all of us absolutely loved it! I can't wait to go back. 10/10

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    Cool lav!

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    Fried Tofu

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    Bar 1912 - Avocado Mule and forest

    Bar 1912

    4.4(71 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    came here for a nightcap w my brother and sister-in-law! this is one of my fav spots to hit in the…read morevalley, they have the best (sonoran-inspired) drinks. there's truly something for everybody. for drinks, my brother got the hot champurrado (basically a spiked hot chocolate, one of my favorite cocktails on the menu, if not ever), my sister-in-law got their whiskey sour (delicious & refreshing), and i got the baja-blasted high baller (mezcal based, mountain dew, there was something else but i can't remember, and an "electric sugar" rim - SO! GOOD! inspired by taco bell's baja blast hahahah). they TREATED us to all three of their current desserts on the menu. it was the most pleasant surprise i could've imagined. my favorite was the flourless chocolate cake! it was like a thick, rich brownie, had passion fruit cream to "lighten it up" and a caramel-like taffy on the bottom my brother and sister-in-law both said their favorite was the gulab jamun (which is basically like little fried dough balls/donuts, influenced by indian flavors and spices). the mille-feuille was also fantastic - the pastry was light and airy, cream wasn't too sweet and also very light, shaved cheese on top made it have a savory bite, and the jam alongside it was strawberry rhubarb. service is always amazing, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable; it seems like everybody working here truly enjoys it. quite literally already have a reservation booked at valentine and will be coming back here beforehand. update: came back for more drinks (fernet & coke, spaghett western, negroni) and their lamb flauta. all AMAZING! and amazing order to whet the appetite before dinner at valentine.

    Second time visiting this bar. To be honest the first time left a lot to be desired. It was about a…read moreyear ago so the details of what we didn't like have been forgotten. Regardless, we gave it another shot and we were much happier the next go around. Record players in the corner and a fireplace on the opposite side of this dimly lit bar created a cozy vibe on a chilly Saturday night. We arrived right at opening and the bar filled up quickly but the volume still made it easy to have a conversation and still have an intimate night out. The drinks, this time, well balanced and delicious. My wife had the the Pantera Rosa and I had the Last Word. Both were delicious and not overly sweet. I love a good "Last Word" but the tea added a welcome and subtle layer. A nicely created cocktail without shaming the original. Servers were attentive, constantly filling up water, and making sure we were well taken care of. We will be back!

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    Bar 1912
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    Valentine - Squash Sticky Bun

    Valentine

    4.3(575 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    I was really excited to bring my parents here while they were visiting from out of town, as I've…read morealways thought the food at Valentine is fantastic and genuinely unique. We arrived without a reservation and were told the wait would be about 25 minutes, which was totally reasonable. We waited the full time and checked in once, only to find the wait continuing to extend while several outdoor tables sat open. When we politely asked about our table, the host (a woman with glasses) responded with a noticeably rude and dismissive attitude. At one point, she muttered under her breath something along the lines of, "If you guys are so anxious... you can head over there," which multiple people in our group heard. It felt completely unnecessary and unprofessional. We were eventually seated at a table that was partially in direct sun, and when we asked about moving to one of the shaded tables, we were told they were unavailable and "reserved". However, those tables remained empty for over 30 minutes, which was frustrating given the situation. To be fair, there was another older woman on staff who was warm, attentive, and fantastic, and the food itself continues to be a highlight. The menu is creative, thoughtful, and one of the reasons we've come back multiple times. That said, this isn't the first time we've experienced service issues here, and it often feels like the restaurant is understaffed, which may be contributing to the inconsistency. I really want to love this place and continue recommending it, but experiences like this make it hard. Great food can only carry things so far when the hospitality side feels off. It's one thing to occasionally be understaffed (I understand people call off in this business) but there's a consistency here which points towards management issues and then on top of it, when your hostess is unnecessarily rude, that's a real bummer. We live in the Willo nearby and I don't think we're going to keep coming here if this restaurant allows the constant service issues and the rude staff like this.

    I absolutely loved this restaurant. I'm visiting Arizona from out of state and I'm so glad we came…read morehere. The food feels local yet innovative and most importantly, everything was delicious. Octopus: 5/5 The best octopus dish I've ever had. My seven-year-old son kept asking for more and more. Pretzel: 4/5 The whipped butter and honeycomb paired perfectly with the pretzel. If you're a pretzel lover, you'll really enjoy this. Gem Salad: 5/5 Fresh, bright, and lightly dressed with a subtle mustard flavor. Elote Pasta: If you love Mexican street corn, this playful pasta dish is a fun take on it. Charcoal Cabbage: 10/5 Incredible. The flavors were so unique. It tasted kind of like black garlic. Absolutely unforgettable. Pesto Sundae Dessert: 5/5 So creative and innovative. Fun play on pesto. I've never had ice cream made with pine nuts before and loved it. The basil granita was incredibly refreshing. Service: 10/5 I wish I had gotten their names, but our server (a boxer) and the hostess with long brown hair were fantastic. Truly warm and welcoming service.

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    Valentine - Great vibes!

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    Valentine - Steak & eggs

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    Valentine - Steak & Eggs

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    Don Woods' Say When - baked goat cheese and Alameda

    Don Woods' Say When

    4.1(168 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    I first came across Don Woods' Say When reading a Yelp article listing out the best rooftops in…read moreeach state. Don Woods was Arizona's pick. For quite a few months, I had it on my list to visit. I finally made things happen on a Wednesday evening for a drink. Located on the roof (of course) of a boutique hotel, I find free parking in the hotel's parking lot. While it was a busy parking lot, I was able to find a spot. Unfortunately, my night consisted of a comedy of errors. Ambiance (3/5): When you think best rooftop in the state, you're thinking scenic and peaceful views. Don Woods' certainly has that, though I've seen better in Phoenix. You can see the mountains in the background, but that's about it. The hotel is located on a busy street, where you'll often hear the noise of cars buzzing by or the train choo-chooing. Did I just make up a word?! I imagine the best time to stop by is during sunset. The outdoor area is relatively narrow with seating for about 20-30 people. It's a mix of comfortable seats and tables/chairs. There's also a charming indoor area, where the bar is located, but I felt like I had to sit outside. The weather was perfect, too. Service (2.5/5): This is where the comedy of errors began. I was given a menu and some water and was left to peruse the menu. Before the waitress had returned, I had picked out an appetizer and a cocktail. I then discovered that their cook had quit the other week and as a result, no food was available. That's fine and all, but you've gotta give me a heads-up when giving me the menu. That way, I wouldn't have spent the time to look over the food menu and get my heart set on a particular dish. On a better note, they have free WiFi. And service was overall friendly and pretty efficient. Food (N/A): While I was unable to order some food, on most nights, they have a small menu of small plates. More of a snack type of spot then a full meal type of establishment. Drinks (3/5): Don Woods is know for its cocktails and they have a list of 10 or so craft cocktails. Plus, beer, wine, and the typical options that you would find when there's a full bar. I feel like the bartender messed up the proportions on my cocktail as it was a bit rough. One drink and I was out. It seems like Don Woods' is experiencing some turnover which is leading to some mishaps. Combine that with some high expectations given the accolades they won, and it was the recipe for a disaster. I love a good rooftop bar, so I was hoping for more at Don Woods' Say When. Even the lobby of the hotel was experiencing issues. They sell popsicles in the lobby but the guy temporarily manning the front desk didn't know how to get their Square device working. Which ended up meaning no appetizers for me at Don Woods and no popsicles from the lobby. Two strikes. We live to fight another day.

    At the Say When Rooftop Bar, we enjoy the complementary cocktail. Not sure what it was but it was…read moredelicious with passion fruit and vodka. The service was not so good. Our food ended up at another table and vice versa. When we got the Mini Pizzas, they were very tasty and a great little snack between lunch and dinner.

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    Don Woods' Say When - Cocktail

    Cocktail

    Don Woods' Say When - View from rooftop

    View from rooftop

    Don Woods' Say When - View from the bar

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    View from the bar

    Tequila Cocina + Cantina - newmexican - Updated May 2026

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