This restaurant is absolutely incredible! My understanding is that this is a James beard chef and I cannot explain how good the food was! Best guacamole I’ve ever had. And I didn’t see a gin drink on the menu and the bar tender created something on the spot for me that was so full of flavor. Highly recommend jumping off the streetcar for a meal and drink.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christine Lopez
This was my first time eating at this restaurant. I had potato tacos, which were full of flavor & toppings, totally delicious. The host however, who was an older male, unfortunately made my dining experience, upsetting, unwelcoming & uncomfortable. The restaurant had just opened for business, so it was empty. I sat at the complete empty bar at the end, about to order my food & drink. He approached me & asked me to move to thee very last stool in case couples wanted to come in. I was already sitting one stool from the last one. For him to actually approach me to ask me to move was weird, & super poor treatment to a customer, especially a firstimer.. The short period of time I was there, the bar area stayed totally empty. Not cool dude! Will never return to an established where the customers are not treated with respect & equality.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2
Matthew G
Beef back ribs are ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Taygan Yilmaz
To be brief, dining at Cocina Chiwas is A MUST if you have the opportunity to do so. Unparalleled service, incredible ambiance, and imaginative dishes and drinks. One of the best meals that I personally have had in a long time.The minds operating within Cocina Chiwas have flipped the script on what Mexican cuisine is and what it could be when elevated into a different echelon with novel twists. I enjoy a solid chile relleno and elote but what Cocina Chiwas has done to reimagine these dishes is nothing short of impeccable.The drinks are inventive and have you gathering subtle notes of all sorts of flavors without being overpowering or being overdone in their presentation.The staff were incredibly hardworking - often hopping in and out to assist one another. It was like watching an orchestra artfully led by their maestro who was seen checking in from table to table ensuring that we and other diners were having an enjoyable experience.It was a true privilege to have had such a culinary adventure!
Pitiful experience. Long lines, flies everywhere and no option given but to sit outside with the pack of flies. We had reservations that we were so excited for and went through the motions to go there with our 7 year old son. Its not easy to get a child or family out for dinner. We waited in a long line, not sure if they were reservations or not... but when they finally sat us, they sat us outside on the street, where flies were literally landing on our table and on the backs of other guests. We asked if we could move as our son would not easily comply with the circumstances and she said she asked but there were no other options. Although, there were two booths and obviously plenty of other indoor seating. Its really unfortunate that I'll never return because we were so excited to try this, after reading great things. The customer service is deplorable ...to tell someone, there is no other option with their child when their plainly was plenty of seating inside within view. Its truly unfortunate! I suggest giving people options to dine in and outside when they have made reservations and take care of your fly problem, wiping things down. I never leave a bad review but i felt so awful after leaving there, I wouldnt want anyone else to have to experience that. There are wayyy to many options in az to deal with that treatment or dining experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Hande Ibili
We came here for dinner, good food and friendly service! Quesadillas were very good! Portions are quite great.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Mariia Ktitorova
I am a huuuge elote enthusiast and this one was the best I have ever had. So much flavor. Michelada was not amazing. But who cares when you have delicious food.
Joyce Woo
USA Today said this was one of the best restaurants and wowzah! I can see why.A group of six of us came for a Saturday dinner and it was great. Hats off to Diane M. (go add her!) for gathering us up for such a lovely meal.We shared the Guacamole ($16 - Aguacate, EVOO, Red Onion, Lime Juice, Tomato, Cilantro, Queso Cotija & Totopos) to start. You can't go wrong with a classic guacamole. The chips were the thin cantina style which buckled under the weight of the good green stuff but these are the kind of chips I like with guacamole.For my dish, I ordered the Special of the Week, Farrotto ($24 - Batter fried Soft-Shell Crab, Farrotto [Farro based risotto] kale & mushroom cream base, Salsa Macha XO, roasted lemon, parmigiano reggiano). Seriously, it's one of my top two bites of 2024 so far. The soft shell crab was excellent and crispy and the farrotto is something I will be singing from the rooftops about. Even while typing this and eating the leftovers, my tastebuds are still happy eating this reheated version of the Farrotto. No notes!I also tried the Chicharron ($22 - Roasted Pork Belly served on Salsa Verde, White Rice & Crema). This dish is really something. While I can admit the rice isn't anything to write home about, it's all about the pork belly on salsa verde. The bite of the pickled onions helped cut through the richness of the dish. Excellent flavor combination on an eye-catching plate.I had two cocktails as well: Pina Colada ($14 - Charanda, velvet falernum, creme de coconut, fresh lime juice, fresh pineapple juice) and Un Cafecito($16 - Espresso infused bacanora, coffee liqueur, Cafe de olla simple, coffee bitters topped with star anise zest). While my pina colada was a delightful drink, I must admit that I passed my un cafecito off to Mike D. because the smokiness of the drink wasn't to my liking. Beware, a lot of their drinks are smoky.So why not five-stars? As much as I enjoyed our charming waiter, Jordan, his manager didn't allow us to split the bill three ways. There was also a weird persistence in splitting the bill four ways that didn't make sense given that we were three couples.Note: 90-minute tables and reservations are highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Chris Tomaszkiewicz
Amazing food, best guac ive ever had! And service was great too
Stephanie Yates
We had heard this got voted one of the best restaurants in the US and had to try it. One of my favorite dishes is chili relleno and this was unfortunately such a letdown. I was surprised when there was absolutely zero spice and lacked so much flavor. The queso was good, but was also lacking so much flavor. I did mention to the server that I was surprised the chili relleno had zero heat to it, and he said they had received complaints about dishes being too spicy, so they toned it down. The drinks are good here in the atmosphere is lovely, but it seems they toned down the flavor on a lot of their dishes. So if you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, this is not the spot.
Our second time dining here and we love it. Our favorite dish is easily the birria quesadilla. Both times we have visited, we ordered the chicharron. The second time around the pork was a little tough, but still had great flavor. Highly recommend this place for a different twist on traditional Mexican dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicharron, Birria Quesadilla
Susanne Geike
We loved it. Had to wait some time to be seated, even with reservations, but ok ...wish it would open earlier
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
toni wellman
One word- disappointing.Pro- taste of guacamole, Costillas de res, Paloma and beans- the red sauce was phenomenalCons- queso was runny - almost like soup! , needing to ask several times for silverware and chips, super slow service, would have ordered another margarita but never came back to ask!The biggest thing that that needs to be addressed- the pulpo (I have often) was slimy and fishy/off tasting then when I started to eat the shrimp it was RAW - look at the photo the shrimp is grey not pink. I sent it back and asked for it to be removed- the waiter came back and said yes it was def raw. The manager should have absolutely came out and apologized, addressed it and comped something- serving raw seafood is absolutely unacceptable and for this reason alone I would never recommend this placeOverpriced for quality and service- very disappointed in picking this place to celebrate my birthday
This restaurant is absolutely incredible! My understanding is that this is a James beard chef and I cannot explain how good the food was! Best guacamole I’ve ever had. And I didn’t see a gin drink on the menu and the bar tender created something on the spot for me that was so full of flavor. Highly recommend jumping off the streetcar for a meal and drink.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was my first time eating at this restaurant. I had potato tacos, which were full of flavor & toppings, totally delicious. The host however, who was an older male, unfortunately made my dining experience, upsetting, unwelcoming & uncomfortable. The restaurant had just opened for business, so it was empty. I sat at the complete empty bar at the end, about to order my food & drink. He approached me & asked me to move to thee very last stool in case couples wanted to come in. I was already sitting one stool from the last one. For him to actually approach me to ask me to move was weird, & super poor treatment to a customer, especially a firstimer.. The short period of time I was there, the bar area stayed totally empty. Not cool dude! Will never return to an established where the customers are not treated with respect & equality.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2
Beef back ribs are ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
To be brief, dining at Cocina Chiwas is A MUST if you have the opportunity to do so. Unparalleled service, incredible ambiance, and imaginative dishes and drinks. One of the best meals that I personally have had in a long time.The minds operating within Cocina Chiwas have flipped the script on what Mexican cuisine is and what it could be when elevated into a different echelon with novel twists. I enjoy a solid chile relleno and elote but what Cocina Chiwas has done to reimagine these dishes is nothing short of impeccable.The drinks are inventive and have you gathering subtle notes of all sorts of flavors without being overpowering or being overdone in their presentation.The staff were incredibly hardworking - often hopping in and out to assist one another. It was like watching an orchestra artfully led by their maestro who was seen checking in from table to table ensuring that we and other diners were having an enjoyable experience.It was a true privilege to have had such a culinary adventure!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chile Relleno, Elote Asado, Tres Leches Carrot Cake, Ceviche, Roasted Beet Salad
Pitiful experience. Long lines, flies everywhere and no option given but to sit outside with the pack of flies. We had reservations that we were so excited for and went through the motions to go there with our 7 year old son. Its not easy to get a child or family out for dinner. We waited in a long line, not sure if they were reservations or not... but when they finally sat us, they sat us outside on the street, where flies were literally landing on our table and on the backs of other guests. We asked if we could move as our son would not easily comply with the circumstances and she said she asked but there were no other options. Although, there were two booths and obviously plenty of other indoor seating. Its really unfortunate that I'll never return because we were so excited to try this, after reading great things. The customer service is deplorable ...to tell someone, there is no other option with their child when their plainly was plenty of seating inside within view. Its truly unfortunate! I suggest giving people options to dine in and outside when they have made reservations and take care of your fly problem, wiping things down. I never leave a bad review but i felt so awful after leaving there, I wouldnt want anyone else to have to experience that. There are wayyy to many options in az to deal with that treatment or dining experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
We came here for dinner, good food and friendly service! Quesadillas were very good! Portions are quite great.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
I am a huuuge elote enthusiast and this one was the best I have ever had. So much flavor. Michelada was not amazing. But who cares when you have delicious food.
USA Today said this was one of the best restaurants and wowzah! I can see why.A group of six of us came for a Saturday dinner and it was great. Hats off to Diane M. (go add her!) for gathering us up for such a lovely meal.We shared the Guacamole ($16 - Aguacate, EVOO, Red Onion, Lime Juice, Tomato, Cilantro, Queso Cotija & Totopos) to start. You can't go wrong with a classic guacamole. The chips were the thin cantina style which buckled under the weight of the good green stuff but these are the kind of chips I like with guacamole.For my dish, I ordered the Special of the Week, Farrotto ($24 - Batter fried Soft-Shell Crab, Farrotto [Farro based risotto] kale & mushroom cream base, Salsa Macha XO, roasted lemon, parmigiano reggiano). Seriously, it's one of my top two bites of 2024 so far. The soft shell crab was excellent and crispy and the farrotto is something I will be singing from the rooftops about. Even while typing this and eating the leftovers, my tastebuds are still happy eating this reheated version of the Farrotto. No notes!I also tried the Chicharron ($22 - Roasted Pork Belly served on Salsa Verde, White Rice & Crema). This dish is really something. While I can admit the rice isn't anything to write home about, it's all about the pork belly on salsa verde. The bite of the pickled onions helped cut through the richness of the dish. Excellent flavor combination on an eye-catching plate.I had two cocktails as well: Pina Colada ($14 - Charanda, velvet falernum, creme de coconut, fresh lime juice, fresh pineapple juice) and Un Cafecito($16 - Espresso infused bacanora, coffee liqueur, Cafe de olla simple, coffee bitters topped with star anise zest). While my pina colada was a delightful drink, I must admit that I passed my un cafecito off to Mike D. because the smokiness of the drink wasn't to my liking. Beware, a lot of their drinks are smoky.So why not five-stars? As much as I enjoyed our charming waiter, Jordan, his manager didn't allow us to split the bill three ways. There was also a weird persistence in splitting the bill four ways that didn't make sense given that we were three couples.Note: 90-minute tables and reservations are highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Amazing food, best guac ive ever had! And service was great too
We had heard this got voted one of the best restaurants in the US and had to try it. One of my favorite dishes is chili relleno and this was unfortunately such a letdown. I was surprised when there was absolutely zero spice and lacked so much flavor. The queso was good, but was also lacking so much flavor. I did mention to the server that I was surprised the chili relleno had zero heat to it, and he said they had received complaints about dishes being too spicy, so they toned it down. The drinks are good here in the atmosphere is lovely, but it seems they toned down the flavor on a lot of their dishes. So if you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, this is not the spot.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Our second time dining here and we love it. Our favorite dish is easily the birria quesadilla. Both times we have visited, we ordered the chicharron. The second time around the pork was a little tough, but still had great flavor. Highly recommend this place for a different twist on traditional Mexican dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicharron, Birria Quesadilla
We loved it. Had to wait some time to be seated, even with reservations, but ok ...wish it would open earlier
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
One word- disappointing.Pro- taste of guacamole, Costillas de res, Paloma and beans- the red sauce was phenomenalCons- queso was runny - almost like soup! , needing to ask several times for silverware and chips, super slow service, would have ordered another margarita but never came back to ask!The biggest thing that that needs to be addressed- the pulpo (I have often) was slimy and fishy/off tasting then when I started to eat the shrimp it was RAW - look at the photo the shrimp is grey not pink. I sent it back and asked for it to be removed- the waiter came back and said yes it was def raw. The manager should have absolutely came out and apologized, addressed it and comped something- serving raw seafood is absolutely unacceptable and for this reason alone I would never recommend this placeOverpriced for quality and service- very disappointed in picking this place to celebrate my birthday
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Totally OVER PRICED !!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Birria Quesadilla
It was freezing cold so bring a
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5