Our server and server in training were very attentive and knowledgeable about the interesting cocktails and menu options. They allowed us to dine at our pace, but were at the ready when we had questions or were ready to order. We sat outside and didn't need the heaters, but they have them for a chilly night. The latin pop music was not too loud that it prevented conversation. There are several indoor seating options and the decor is inviting and interesting. Our ceviche trio appetizer was a perfect start for four people and the entrees are delicious and large. The churro dessert was also perfect to share. We can't wait to visit again and explore more of the menu.
Steven
Waiting a long time for a beer .... Got app before the beer and had to ask for napkins and silverware... the server had NO sense of timing... I eventually got up and got silverware off a nearby table because our app was getting cold.
A .
We had lunch lunch here , I was sad to know they don't serve enchiladas at lunch , those are my favorites, but I tried the chile relleno and I think I have a new fave, It reminds me of a chile en Nogada, from my home State , Puebla , thumbs up for the Chef and kitchen crew , excellent!!!
Joe
Excellent service provided by our waiter Dallas. Made great recommendations, including the off menu dessert which was delicious. Seated immediately with our reservation, drinks/food delivered quickly and it was delicious
Allison
Everyone was just so so polite and accommodating! Food, service, atmosphere just was perfect! Will Def be back!
Gabriella
This restaurant is lovely but all of the dishes we ordered were very spicy, including the guacamole.
Mark
Disappointed. Ordered drinks, an app, and 3 entrees. Had to ask for our drinks when entrees arrived. Poor service for $150+ meal.
catie
OMG....the food was incredible. The ceviche was fresh and flavorfully, the salsa trio was yummy, and the chicken enchiladas were incredibly good! The cocktails are well balanced and inventive, while pairing perfectly with the spices in our food. But the service was really amazing! Kloe was attentive, informative, and fun. We had to move our table to accommodate a larger party next to us and she made it absolutely seamless for us. All in all, we can't wait to come back! 💜
Jamie
Incredible experience. Not only did the food have an incredible presentation, but it was also delicious. The drinks were tasty and the restaurant is clean and has great decor. We had Dallas as our server for the second time he is one of the best servers I've ever had in my life.
Jonathan
We had a reservation for 8:45 PM, which the restaurant accepted without issue. Upon arrival, however, the host immediately told us they were closing in 15 minutes and that we needed to order right away. The interaction made us feel rushed and unwelcome—almost as if they hoped we would leave. While our server was pleasant, we never received water refills throughout the meal. Given the high prices, the overall experience was disappointing and fell well short of expectations.
This is the second time we have gone to Chico Malo. We took friends here and they too can't stop raving about how great everything was - food, drinks, service. Our waiter was Dallas and he was absolutely fantastic!!! This is our new go to place and will be going back as soon as we can. Five stars is not enough for this resturant.
manuel
Had a reservation for 8:15pm for outside. Got sat immediately and then immediately forgotten about as well. When our waiter finally came we ordered drinks and an appetizer. Appetizer came out super fast without plates. No drinks still. Waiter came back finally after we were finished eating the appetizer to bring our drinks. Then took our order. They were sold out on the barbacoa, chose birria instead, it came out half warm in one whole long piece full of gristle. It was too tough to eat so sent it back. We also got the molcajete and the tortillas were raw still. The rice was not Mexican rice at all. The table never got cleared either between service. Bean and cheese burrito had decent flavor but why were the beans whole? Definitely a disappointing experience overall. And definitely not for $150+
Toby
Service is not good. This is the 3rd time I've been here and each time I try to give it a chance, but I'm officially done. You're not greeted right away, drinks take FOREVER even with a slow bar, can't get a refill on water to save your life. We chose indoor seating because it is cold outside in December and they sat us right next to the door with the door open the entire time. I would love to know who runs the front of the house staff because I get the vibe, they're going for like “oh we're so chill. We let our servers/staff wear whatever they want.” They apparently let them do whatever they want as well and create an environment with zero sense of urgency.  You can also tell front of house is not trained. I mean who brings a water carafe to their station and doesn't fill up every water cup within your station, and only does one table? That's basic service and they miss the mark. For a place in downtown Phoenix that is not cheap, they need to do better.
Ernie
Food was crazy expensive vs size and quality Ribeye was dryer than the salt river, server was great and amazing but her great efforts cannot over shadow the mid food and portion sizes for the price,
LINDSEY
The food was so good! The whole experience was lovely. The price was understandable for the location and service.
Our server and server in training were very attentive and knowledgeable about the interesting cocktails and menu options. They allowed us to dine at our pace, but were at the ready when we had questions or were ready to order. We sat outside and didn't need the heaters, but they have them for a chilly night. The latin pop music was not too loud that it prevented conversation. There are several indoor seating options and the decor is inviting and interesting. Our ceviche trio appetizer was a perfect start for four people and the entrees are delicious and large. The churro dessert was also perfect to share. We can't wait to visit again and explore more of the menu.
Waiting a long time for a beer .... Got app before the beer and had to ask for napkins and silverware... the server had NO sense of timing... I eventually got up and got silverware off a nearby table because our app was getting cold.
We had lunch lunch here , I was sad to know they don't serve enchiladas at lunch , those are my favorites, but I tried the chile relleno and I think I have a new fave, It reminds me of a chile en Nogada, from my home State , Puebla , thumbs up for the Chef and kitchen crew , excellent!!!
Excellent service provided by our waiter Dallas. Made great recommendations, including the off menu dessert which was delicious. Seated immediately with our reservation, drinks/food delivered quickly and it was delicious
Everyone was just so so polite and accommodating! Food, service, atmosphere just was perfect! Will Def be back!
This restaurant is lovely but all of the dishes we ordered were very spicy, including the guacamole.
Disappointed. Ordered drinks, an app, and 3 entrees. Had to ask for our drinks when entrees arrived. Poor service for $150+ meal.
OMG....the food was incredible. The ceviche was fresh and flavorfully, the salsa trio was yummy, and the chicken enchiladas were incredibly good! The cocktails are well balanced and inventive, while pairing perfectly with the spices in our food. But the service was really amazing! Kloe was attentive, informative, and fun. We had to move our table to accommodate a larger party next to us and she made it absolutely seamless for us. All in all, we can't wait to come back! 💜
Incredible experience. Not only did the food have an incredible presentation, but it was also delicious. The drinks were tasty and the restaurant is clean and has great decor. We had Dallas as our server for the second time he is one of the best servers I've ever had in my life.
We had a reservation for 8:45 PM, which the restaurant accepted without issue. Upon arrival, however, the host immediately told us they were closing in 15 minutes and that we needed to order right away. The interaction made us feel rushed and unwelcome—almost as if they hoped we would leave. While our server was pleasant, we never received water refills throughout the meal. Given the high prices, the overall experience was disappointing and fell well short of expectations.
Restaurantji Recommends
This is the second time we have gone to Chico Malo. We took friends here and they too can't stop raving about how great everything was - food, drinks, service. Our waiter was Dallas and he was absolutely fantastic!!! This is our new go to place and will be going back as soon as we can. Five stars is not enough for this resturant.
Had a reservation for 8:15pm for outside. Got sat immediately and then immediately forgotten about as well. When our waiter finally came we ordered drinks and an appetizer. Appetizer came out super fast without plates. No drinks still. Waiter came back finally after we were finished eating the appetizer to bring our drinks. Then took our order. They were sold out on the barbacoa, chose birria instead, it came out half warm in one whole long piece full of gristle. It was too tough to eat so sent it back. We also got the molcajete and the tortillas were raw still. The rice was not Mexican rice at all. The table never got cleared either between service. Bean and cheese burrito had decent flavor but why were the beans whole? Definitely a disappointing experience overall. And definitely not for $150+
Service is not good. This is the 3rd time I've been here and each time I try to give it a chance, but I'm officially done. You're not greeted right away, drinks take FOREVER even with a slow bar, can't get a refill on water to save your life. We chose indoor seating because it is cold outside in December and they sat us right next to the door with the door open the entire time. I would love to know who runs the front of the house staff because I get the vibe, they're going for like “oh we're so chill. We let our servers/staff wear whatever they want.” They apparently let them do whatever they want as well and create an environment with zero sense of urgency.  You can also tell front of house is not trained. I mean who brings a water carafe to their station and doesn't fill up every water cup within your station, and only does one table? That's basic service and they miss the mark. For a place in downtown Phoenix that is not cheap, they need to do better.
Food was crazy expensive vs size and quality Ribeye was dryer than the salt river, server was great and amazing but her great efforts cannot over shadow the mid food and portion sizes for the price,
The food was so good! The whole experience was lovely. The price was understandable for the location and service.
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