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Tia Carmen

4.2 (343 reviews)
Open • 6:30 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Updated 2 months ago

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Brunch buffet
Vlad V.

My mom's middle name is "Carmen" so it's no surprise that I enjoyed Tia Carmen. Located inside the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, this Mexican/Southwestern upscale restaurant has impressive root. The chef performed on Top Chef. I've stopped by for both brunch, dinner, and drinks. Since I live in Desert Ridge, I walked over all three times (so I can't comment on the parking situation). Ambiance (4.5/5): I've sat both outside on the patio, inside in the bar area, and inside at a booth. All three experiences are awesome. Outside, there is some cabana style seating. This makes for some enjoyable al fresco dining when the weather is nice. The bar area has a relatively short bar seating area and some comfortable seating on the other side of the bar. This is where I sat. And lastly, a booth is always nice. The restaurant is trendy, which makes for good vibes whether you're outside or inside. Service (3.5/5): The service, overall, has been good. Friendly, although a little slow at times. They don't have free WiFi unless you're staying at the hotel (you need a passcode). On the other hand, they bring you a traditional bill which I appreciate. I hate the electronic handheld devices which have become the new rage. Drinks (4/5): At brunch, they have four varieties of agua frescas. I was very excited to see this. When I was in the bar area, I had one of their cocktails. The cocktail menu is inventive, and as you would expect, is heavy on tequila. A little pricey ($8 for an agua fresca at dinner, for example), but well done. Food (4/5): Now to the good stuff. When I came for brunch on a Sunday afternoon, I definitely got my fill. It's a brunch buffet consisting of both classic American dishes (think an omelet station, breakfast sausage, eggs, fresh fruit, breads, pastries, and more) and Southwestern dishes (tostadas, various meat dishes, and more). It's not cheap again, but quality. For dinner, I had the birria pasta and a side of the bruleed yucca. I love birria tacos, but I had never had birria pasta. Served with some burrata, even though it's listed in the small plates section of the menu, it's a hearty dish. And while I've had yucca fries before, this was my first time having yucca in mush form. It tasted a lot better than it sounds. The burnt flavor on top (where the brûlée comes in was a little off-putting), but once you get deeper into the dish, it was delicious. While the prices are a little high for my taste, the quality is there. One of the best restaurants I've checked out in Desert Ridge.

Interior
Brittany B.

How do I describe Tia Carmen? Well, let's start here-a bird flew into the restaurant during dining hours and made itself at home atop an unoccupied seat. It was not shooed, the restaurant kept moving in the same choreographed fashion as before. I didn't bat an eye, that bird felt equally as qualified to occupy the space, and as a lover of most things nature, I knew I was in for an adventure. Nestled in a resort hotel, you'll find Tia Carmen. I didn't stay in the hotel, I wasn't there for an event, or conference, I just couldn't resist visiting Tia Carmen on my annual Phoenix/Scottsdale trip. The Tulum vibes brought me in, but the corn broth in the tuna crudo earned the restaurant a return visit. Seriously, I could bathe in their corn broth. The rest of my meal was just a meal, but experiencing this spot is a must. While Tia Carmen is expensive, imo it's worth trying for anyone who enjoys experience mesls

Tuna tostada
Tiana E.

Great vibe and very pretty aesthetics. Inside the jw Marriott at desert ridge. Service was good, our server was nice and knowledgeable. The food was good but nothing to write home about. We had two of the tacos (tuna and beef), the fried bread, whole trout, the lamb ragu and the yucca. Everything was just okay. The yucca was a different texture than I was expecting, almost like a melted cheese. Overall it was fine but I probably wouldn't be dying to come back.

Ashley P.

You HAVE to come here for sunset hour! It is sooo nice and worth it. The food was incredible, and the vibes were perfect. Whether you're sitting outside or inside, you feel like you've been transported on a vacation. We sat at the bar and made conversation with others there. The bartender was also so nice and attentive. We ordered the house made salsas and chips... HUGE. Enough to share for 4-6 people. I got the tostada for as my main. I thought the tuna would be my favorite, but wow the beef cheek and corn tostadas were incredible! My friend loved her birria quesadilla and pan frito. If you've been wanting to come try this place out, their sunset hour is the way to go! I will definitely be back to try more of their menu!

Smoked salmon is included in their base breakfast
Todd P.

We stayed at the resort and as a result of being Bonvoy members, we got a breakfast included each day. It was the Mercado breakfast, which is similar to a continental breakfast, but with many more options. Both days we were there, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. On one day, we both got the base breakfast and the other day one of us got the upgraded breakfast that included things that you would normally see on a buffet like bacon, omelettes and sausage. The restaurant opens at 6:30 and on one day we went there just after opening and found that some of the items had yet to be put out. The staff apologized, and when the food came out, we both got free upgrades. We recommend the breakfast, but would advise going there a bit later than when it opens.

Gerald J.

This is a very nice spot. That decor is very very nice. I love the vibe of this restaurant. They have an awesome breakfast buffet which on Saturdays and Sundays goes all the way till 1 PM and they do a slight change over at 11 for some lunch items for the brunch buffet, which is very nice. The staff and management was very friendly and helpful. I also went for dinner and the dinner even better than the brunch. I had trout, which was very delicious and we also had a chicken dish and mussels and the mussels were amazing. The staff was very attentive and wonderful as well. I will definitely go back for the trout. It was seasoned and cooked. Excellent lots of natural herbs exactly how I like it. Food 5/5 Location 5/5 Parking 5/5 Atmosphere 5/5 Service 5/5 Staff 5/5 Return Factor 5/5

Nikki S.

We had the most perfect anniversary dinner at Tia Carmen! Our server Mel was perfect, she checked in often and was very helpful with recommendations. We got some delicious cocktails, oysters, tuna tostada, birria empanadas, roasted purple yam (definitely order the queso on the side, it was delicious with and without), roasted cod and cocoa pod dessert... and every single thing was outstanding! We would return in a heartbeat and order it all over again. Even our toddler was VERY happy with her grilled cheese, and a banana split for dessert.

Tanya K.

We had great buffet breakfast here today! Excellent variety of cold and hot foods, all delicious and beautiful presentation. Service was outstanding - courteous, professional and friendly. The space is light, bright and beautiful, patio is wonderful & clean!

Laurie V.

The breakfast buffet is five stars. It had all sorts of wonderful food, and even for guests who don't necessarily want to indulge in carbohydrates. (Although the breads and pastries looked amazing.) There were plenty of meats, eggs, olives, grilled vegetables, and everything else. I only wish that there had been a plane Greek yogurt to top with some of the delicious berries that were on the buffet. But as far as the variety in general, it was out of this world! I also went here for dinner. That was harder for those of us not trying to overload on carbs or sugar. I had a salad along with a beef kabob on a skewer. I really would have loved another option of a different protein (like shrimp!) but the server said they cannot offer that on salads. He said people ask for that all the time and he has told his manager, but they do not want to ruin the integrity of the dish. I guess I get it. The beef skewers were still quite good- I just wish there were a choice to compliment their salad offerings. It was not a cheap dinner. We actually sat outside, which would not have been my first choice, but my party chose to sit outside there. It actually was NOT BAD. I thought it would be way too hot, but in the evening it was not unpleasant. Service was a bit slow, albeit very friendly.

Pan frito
Leslie G.

I've heard great things about this place. Wasn't going to have a chance for a full meal yet had to get an order of pan frito and I'm so glad I did! Delicious little balls of heaven. Service snobby at the bar which is annoying. Especially when not busy and too many of them standing there. Ambiance gorgeous as is the hotel. Would have loved a chance to try some other items Maybe next time

Mishel D.

Had a wonderful Valentine's Day meal here. The 4 courses were all amazing. Service was great, Connor was always attentive.

Mercado Experience Buffet
Laura M.

I met my friend at Tia Carmen for brunch. What a pretty restaurant. All the bohemian decor is lovely. We sat on the patio under the palm trees. We decided on the "Mercado Experience" for brunch. They offer three options, the mercado experience, the petite mercado, and the kids mercado. Each offers different parts of the buffet. The buffet has a large assortment of pasties, yogurts, fruits, as well a variety of southwestern dishes. They had an omelette station and a great charcuterie section plus lots of flavors of aqua fresca. We each had a glass of champagne, food was delicious, and our service was great. The only issue I ran into was on their native grain fried rice. It's labeled as having shellfish due to the oyster sauce in it. On the label it lists other ingredients, but doesn't say it contains pork. It wasn't until I was at our table that I realized there was pork in it. I brought it to our servers attention to make a note on the label for future.

Lamb chops, asparagus, purple yam, and street corn :)
Shelby S.

Incredible experience at Tia Carmen. Our server, Connor, was attentive, helpful, and kind. Same with the front host station staff :) We ordered the street corn, asparagus, purple yam, and lamb chops. Everything was exquisitely prepared and seasoned-- with just the right portions. The cocktails were great as well-- especially the cucumber margarita. Beautiful restaurant inside and out :)

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Ask the Community - Tia Carmen

Is the patio dog-friendly?

They are, brought my Pomeranian and they were very welcoming

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Star 78 Speakeasy - charcuterie board, espresso martini, panini, bacon wrapped dates

Star 78 Speakeasy

4.0(22 reviews)
1.3 mi

Came here for a friends birthday celebration. I remember when this space was called Gin n Reel, it…read morestill has the same vibe inside but it's been turned into a speakeasy and now serves food. The price for the murder mystery was $55 which was very reasonably priced and the drinks were tasty. I did the cipher which they bring out pen and paper and you fill out how adventurous you're feeling and they will custom make you a drink. The murder mystery experience was so interactive and so much fun! If I'm honest I'd pay just for the murder mystery but the food options weren't great in flavor. The appetizer (bacon wrapped dates) only came with two small ones, and the fig app was even smaller they looked the size of peanut size m&m's. The main dishes were also not great, the skewers were lacking in flavor and the polenta had a weird texture. The tri tip just came out without any ask to cooking temp and was overcooked (well done). The dessert was probably the best tasting of the meal and it was nothing to write home about. Overall I would go out for the murder mystery but maybe hold out for a better menu.

I was searching for a nice speakeasy/cocktail bar to get after dinner drinks for my friend's…read morebirthday and found Star 78. It was easy making a reservation. There is parking on the street or in the lot. We weren't familiar with the area so it was a bit tricky to find. It is located in the back of a coffee shop. The concept of going through the phone booth is fun. The space inside was quaint and intimate. They have a regular menu and then had a special Valentine's Day menu. I got a nice fruity cocktail that was sweet. I enjoyed it. Everything was reasonably priced. All of our drinks were pretty glittery, it made everything really pretty. My friend got a free glass of prosecco for her birthday which was nice. A good speakeasy to visit. Menu has good variety. Service was great, they ran through the menu with us and was attentive.

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Star 78 Speakeasy - Little Italy Press

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Twenty6

Twenty6

4.3(35 reviews)
0.7 mi
•$$

I was here for a conference. The bar was a huge hangout for everyone!…read more I had a few drinks here. The service was always good. One day when I was hungry and I'd already eaten at Tia Carmen's twice and Kembara was still closed and the Meritage was having a private event, I decided to order something from the bar. I ordered a chicken Cesar salad and it was really good! My waiter was so nice! He was super busy but always very sweet! The menu is very limited but when there's nowhere else to go... The next night we ordered a charcuterie board to share before dinner. It was good, but I did not like the blue cheese-looking cheese. It's very strong, smelly, and gave me bad breath. The bread and sauces were delicious, and of course you can't go wrong with manchego cheese!

Came here for a little staycation with my family and decided we didn't wanna leave the hotel so we…read morepicked 26 for dinner. I'm gonna give three stars because the service was great at the bar and the server was attentive outside and quick although she didn't know the menu well. I ordered the cheese plate to split with my children and no one knew what was on it when I asked, but I was later informed that I got a tomato jelly and honey mustard as the sauces. To me a $30 cheese plate would not come with a container of honey mustard so I was not impressed. When I asked what cheeses were on it they told me there was 2 different cheddars. There was no way it was a cheddar it was a very soft cheese. I believe it was a goat cheese. The almonds were probably the best part of the whole platter. My husband got wings, which were very big. He enjoyed those and the sauce, and my other daughter got meatballs, which she enjoyed, but thought they were a little spicy, I find that usually when kids order things that are spicy servers will say just so you know that has a little bit of heat to it to which the waitress did not again, I don't think she was very knowledgeable on the menu in general . For the type of hotel twenty6 was kinda of major let down. Definitely will pass on the next visit.

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Twenty6
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Tell Your Friends

Tell Your Friends

3.7(141 reviews)
3.8 mi

I've been here multiple times. It's my go-to happy hour spot when friends come to town to have an…read moreelegant night but also not break the bank (at least for happy hour) Stunning interior and friendly service. I haven't had a drink I haven't liked, you can't go wrong with any of them. The 50 first dates has become my favorite, however. For food, the milk bread is a delicious starter. The chicken tenders are also amazing. Can't wait to go back!

Unfortunately, I would not go here again. I was genuinely so excited to take my husband because he…read moreloves jazz, flapper-era music, and the whole 1920s speakeasy atmosphere. Based on how this place is described and marketed, we were expecting an intimate, vintage-feeling evening where we could sit down, have a cocktail, listen to jazz, and enjoy the atmosphere. That was not our experience. There were definitely things we liked. The location was great, the overall theme and decor were beautiful, the lighting created a great atmosphere, and we enjoyed the food and drinks. The service was also very good. However, the entertainment was a huge miss and completely took us out of the experience. We walked in and the band was performing "Genie in a Bottle," followed by other current/recent pop songs, Backstreet Boys songs, and "Creep." The singer was repeatedly screaming into the microphone and encouraging everyone to scream and make noise. At one point, while sitting in what is supposed to be a speakeasy, we were literally listening to him sing "creep" which is one of the most depressing songs of all time. It felt much more like being at a loud dive bar or country bar than an intimate 1920s inspired speakeasy. My biggest issue is that the entertainment did not match the experience being advertised. You can decorate a room beautifully and make it look like the 1920s, but when the soundtrack is "Genie in a Bottle," "Creep," and Backstreet Boys songs being loudly belted into a microphone, the illusion disappears pretty quickly. The noise level also made it difficult to simply sit, have a drink, talk, and enjoy the space. We specifically chose this place because we wanted that relaxed jazz/speakeasy experience, and that simply wasn't what we got. The cocktail selection was another disappointment. For a speakeasy-style bar, I expected a stronger selection of specialty bourbon and whiskey cocktails. The prices also felt excessive for the overall experience. On top of the already-high prices, we paid a $20 entertainment cover ($10 per person) specifically for the band. I wouldn't have minded paying a cover for quality live entertainment that fit the advertised atmosphere, but the artist was not particularly impressive and, more importantly, the music didn't fit the theme at all. There is a lot of potential here. The space itself is beautiful, the service was good, and they nailed many of the visual details. Unfortunately, the entertainment is such a major part of a speakeasy experience that it overshadowed everything else for us. If you're specifically looking for jazz, flapper-era music, and an authentic-feeling 1920s speakeasy atmosphere, I would not recommend this place based on our experience.

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Tia Carmen - newamerican - Updated October 2026

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