Restaurant Atoyac Estilo Oaxaca

TLDR: Probably one of the top 5 authentic Mexican places in the Valley of the Sun. Place could use a thorough facilities upgrade. Still a must-visit

Now on to its well-deserved full review.

I was looking for a Oaxacan place in the area because I wanted to take an Indian friend for another perspective on what counts as Mexican cuisine. Oaxacan dishes are considered by many to be one of the Crown Jewels in the pantheon of regional Mexican cooking styles, a well-deserved title (IYKYK). Most purists will say nothing compares to getting the authentic stuff in its birthplace. In the era of post-pandemic inflationary forces not everyone can afford to gentrify another region of the world.

My friend and I ordered a Tlayuda with chicken on one side, 2 molotes, and for myself a chicken mole dish. We ate it outside because we finally ceased to have infernal nocturnal ovens in early November, and to be quite honest there were some odorous spirits within the confines of the establishment's interior.

If you've seen the movie Ratatouille where the food critic drops his pen and recollects upon his childhood that is exactly what happened to me. The tlayudas tasted amazing regardless of the fact that it started getting colder each passing minute. They were accompanied with some caramelized onions, limes, and some salsas on the side. My international friend lauded the taste. The molotes surprisingly surpassed them in flavor. I believe they had cheese as a filling. My goodness. Packed with flavor (I could taste the epazote), my friend commented on its flavor and accompaniments. Probably the best thing we had that night.

I myself had the chicken mole to myself. I've never been an ardent fan of mole due to its heavy flavors and the feeling of uneasiness, burping, and sometimes indigestion hours after having eaten it. While I still experienced some of those effects I can honestly say I have no regrets. The mole is probably the best I've had in the US. Rich flavors, not too strong, not too spicy, still allowed the chicken to add its own flavor into the mix. The rice and beans were also superb.

The guacamole salsa is probably the superlative among the selections. I am honestly astounded a place with such quality in its food isn't more well-known. I wish it was closer to where I live but I also understand economic realities segregate ethnic cuisines to less glamorous areas of cities.

Restaurant Atoyac can proudly stand and say that it far surpasses any restaurant that dares call itself "Mexican" in the far eastern reaches of the Valley *cough* Scottsdale *cough*.

As a note of constructive criticism there's some slight odors that detract from the establishment whose elimination would do wonders for attracting a far greater number of people. The sun-faded signage could also be replaced at an immense ROI.

I will try to visit again ?? ??

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Molotes, Tlayuda Reg, Mole

only bought chips and a drink but honestly felt like God himself served me them s tier restaurant easily

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 3

Very good food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Torta

Best carne asada burrito I've found !!! No frills because they just don't need them . They do it right!!! This place was recommended to me and I was not letting down . If I could give 1000 stars I would . The service was friendly fast and efficient .thank you

Parking: Parking is easy access

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Burrito

This place is so good ? highly recommend

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Surprisingly, the food is good. It needs a makeover of the restaurant to make it more appealing.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 5

The food was good, but was a bit warm in the sitting area. Also had a smell. I had 2 Tacos de asada and my cousin had a Torta.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Carne Asada 6 Al Pastor 6 Pollo, Torta De 3 Carnes Three Meat

Mole fabulous

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mole

this the carne asada fry guy, thats right 60 bucks a week gets you a nickname. if i had a customer order 3 to 4 times a week id tread them a lil better. the young, fat, meek, timid, inseucre looking young lady w no social skills, was totally rude to me, and has been rude to me the whole time i been ordering there. fyi..when she answers i refuse to order because of her lack of customer service, she literally loses business. i remember one time had to call back for my neighbor to reorder for her because her customer service sucks so bad. yall normally see me every week 3 or 4 times, i havent been there in 2 weeks. i walk right pass yall to Filerbertos now where they appreciate my business. i called in to place an order 2 weeks ago, she answered. again more friction. all i asked here was can we have chicken on the fries instead of steak, this braniac, acted like she couldnt even understand the question. she then puts the phone down, without telling me to hold, then doesnt return for 5 mins i waited, just to ask her why would she place me on hold for so long and she said verbatim, "cause i was talkn to someone" mid order tho. frustrated again, by her lack of social skills and customer service, i said just order it regular and im on my way, she said ok. i walk up there, walk in, she never place my order. i asked for super, noone there spoke English and this why you havent seen me..ill take my 200 plus per month elsewhere

Awesome amazing food. Please don’t change..

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Omg! You would never suspect this place from the outside, and hidden, that the food would be so good. It's not your ordinary mexican restaurant. They have unique choices in addition to the usual, and everything here is made fresh not reheated. Excellent. And lookout for the daily specials. So inexpensive!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mole Con Pollo Chicken in Smoky Chocolate Chile Sauce, Memelitas Con Carne Memelitas with Meat, Torta, Torta De 3 Carnes Three Meat

The horchata water is delicious, the girl behind it is very friendly and the food is very rich in flavor??

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is so damn delicious. Enough said

Food: 5

Did take out but awesome food. Had Carne asada tacos and husband had burrito small but filling definitely recommend

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Carne Asada 6 Al Pastor 6 Pollo

The food here is fantastic and the prices are even better! I snagged four tacos and they were so good that I ate them all before I could snap a photo! It's a genuine, no-frills taco spot that’s just incredible. My favorite was the tripe tacos—the tripe was perfectly crunchy and delicious. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5