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    Ajo Al's Mexican Cafe

    4.0 (617 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Ajo Al's Mexican Cafe Takeout or Delivery

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    AJO AL'S MEXICAN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Margarita
    Emily S.

    Great service with huge portions! Definitely enough for leftovers. The margaritas hit the spot - didn't skimp on the tequila. Only thing is the restaurant itself was a little warm :( but otherwise a great spot for a casual dinner

    Chips/Salsa with Bean Dip
    Vince R.

    had an outstanding experience at Ajo Al's Mexican Cafe. From the moment I walked in, everything exceeded expectations. Oscar behind the bar was phenomenal--attentive, personable, and clearly takes pride in what he does. The drinks were spot on, and the energy he brings really elevates the whole experience. The food was absolutely amazing--fresh, flavorful, and exactly what you hope for when you come here. The service overall was fantastic, and it's obvious the team works well together. You can tell that Patrick, the owner, takes a lot of pride in his staff--and rightfully so. Having people like Oscar on the team says everything about the kind of place this is. If you're looking for great food, great drinks, and even better service, this is the spot. I'll definitely be back.

    Carne Asada tacos
    Heidi M.

    This was my first time at Ajo's. We went with a big group, and they were able to accommodate us in one of their back rooms, which was nice. Our server did a great job taking care of all of us and was super friendly! The food and drinks were good, but the tacos were a little greasy. I really loved the chips and salsa, especially the spicier of the two! We will have to go back and try some other menu items!

    Pollo Con Queso
    Joy T.

    I love coming here and reviewing this location again. Happy hour is really good & doesn't break the bank. Tacos are satisfyingly good. There were 2 servers, I think one in training. These ladies were wonderful & patient, accommodating 7 of us. Here for happy hour. They weren't incredibly busy but enough people were also in the restaurant as well as their outside patio. I am always happy to be able to enjoy their food & great service!

    Lee S.

    Did a takeout order for cinco de mayo. Order was ready early and everything was delicious. The staff was on my order right away. The Mexican pizza was outstanding. Will be back for sure.

    Shrimp taco plate
    Jeremy R.

    While in Phoenix my family and I was looking for some good Mexican food and this was the top rated restaurant in the area. The restaurant was clean and the staff was very friendly. The food was great and the portions were not large but generous. I would eat here again in the future.

    Beef Tamales
    Kemlyn B.

    Beef tamales, Baby! I had a welcome postcard and redeemed it with ease tonight. Complimentary chips and salsa. Try the Ajo Trio Dips: con Queso, Cheesy Bean Dip and Guaxamole. Yummy scrummy. I loved the beef tamale. Meaty, well seasoned shredded beef wrapped in maiz goodness. Emily our server was a sweetheart. Downer: out of lemonade :(

    Mini margarita
    Alex C.

    Great Mexican food with great service. The decor was festive for the holiday season. The staff were all very friendly. I visited with friends during happy hour which has some decent deals. The "mini" margarita is actually a decent size for a good price. The free chips and salsa is excellent. It had a good level of spice for me which I enjoyed a lot. For an entree I ordered the carne asada burro. The flavor of the meat and filling was exceptional. The only downside was I thought the tortilla was a little tough at times but was a small issue. I also tried my wife's enchiladas which had a great flavor of the chicken and the enchilada sauce. Overall I would definitely come back again for another meal.

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    1 month ago

    Delicious & friendly service. The calabicitas are the best you'll ever find in the states! Good enough to order a side to take home.

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    Patrick D.

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    2 months ago

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    Patrick D.

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    1 month ago

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    3 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    Patrick D.

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    Photo of Lee S.
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    3 months ago

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    Patrick D.

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    1 month ago

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    Patrick D.

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    20 days ago

    Friendly and attentive staff. The vibe felt very authentic and welcoming. I'll definitely be back!

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    Patrick D.

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    3 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    3 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Patrick D.

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    6 months ago

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    Patrick D.

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    4 months ago

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    Patrick D.

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    2 months ago

    Very good food. Service is almost always the best! we have our favorite servers! family friendly! granddaughters love to come here.

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    Patrick D.

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    2 months ago

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    Patrick D.

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    2 months ago

    Guacamole, mushroom enchiladas and margaritas. Absolutely outstanding. Go during happy hour to save.

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    Patrick D.

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    2 months ago

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    Patrick D.

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    5 months ago

    Chicken fajita quesadilla with no veggies and Queso was cold. Who orders hot food and cold queso?!?

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    Patrick D.

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    6 months ago

    Solid okay. Food was fast. Service was pleasant. Kinda pricey, with tip $33 for one lunch meal and one drink.

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    Patrick D.

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    2 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Stopped in during a power outage in my neighborhood. Food, service and staff all amazing. You need to try this family owned restaurant!

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    Patrick D.

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

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    5 months ago

    This place is so amazing. Staff is great, ambiance is awesome, and food is the cherry on top! Try the dip sampler!!!

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

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    Page 1 of 16

    Ask the Community - Ajo Al's Mexican Cafe

    Is the restaurant open on Thanksgiving day?

    Sorry, we are closed on Thanksgiving

    Anyone hear that Ajo Al's is coming to Mesa?

    View All 3 Questions

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    Food: The best dish was the Al Pastor Tacos. Portions were…read moregood size. Flavor was on point. Service: Our server was great, followed up with us often and had good recommendations. Atmosphere: The vibe is chill. Good for date night and small group dinner. Price & Value: Prices are reasonable for what you get. Final Verdict: I would come back because I had a good time, food for great and pricing is reasonable.

    Like many others, we saw this place on IG and wanted to try it. We drove out of our way, about…read more45min+ from our house. The place inside was cute. I was happy about the little purse hooks on the table (iykyk). The outside area, not so much. It's on the corner of a strip mall, there was some etched graffiti on the outside windows, which made you aware of the area you were in. (That's the reason for the 1 star deduction.) The place is very small! So yes, you WILL want to make a reservation. We went around 3:30 on a Friday and I would say 3/4 of the tables had reserved signs on them starting at 5pm on up. The receptionist was constantly back and forth looking at them and moving them around to make space for walk-ins. I would skip bringing your kids here. I didn't use the restroom so idk if that was nice or not. The food was fantastic! And the portions were big. The price matched the portions and quality in our opinion. It's hard to find quality food that's worth the cost lately. We enjoyed the chips and salsa. And hubby ordered a Mexican coke, and the server brought him a frosty glass for it. Everyone around us looked like they were enjoying their food. Our server was great. He chatted with us for a while when we told him about seeing the place on IG. He was grateful for the customers. But admitted, it's caused an influx of people and the 'regulars' have become annoyed. Which is understandable. We'd definitely come back if we're in the area but probably not drive that far out of our way again.

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    Inside
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    Food is fantastic. Ordered chilaquiles with birria as my protein and the meat is tender and…read moreflavorful. My girlfriend ordered aqua chilies they had a nice kick and good portion. We also ordered two cocktails: mezcalita and st.hibiscus both perfect ratios. You can taste the alcohol and not overpowering with artificial mixers, like most restaurants, cocktails. Worth it. Service very good. With great classic Mexican music not the overplayed playlist you hear at every other spot. I might be proposing to my girlfriend here because we loved it so much.

    I sniffed this place out as a possible eatery at which to grab a Mexican breakfast, which is not a…read moretypical choice for me. But I wanted something hearty after donating blood the day before at Phoenix Fan Fusion. I felt like I didn't eat enough to replenish all of the corpuscles I shed, so a hearty late breakfast was in order. I was pleasantly thrilled with my choice of Presidio Cocina Mexicana, as the late breakfast I ordered did not disappoint! I ordered the Chilaquiles, which are essentially breakfast nachos, and you have a choice of protein to add. I chose the birria beef which was perfectly slow-cooked and complemented the corn tortilla chips, cheese, and eggs superbly. I opted for both the red chile and green chile sauce which coated the chips along with a generous layer of tangy cotija cheese. I asked for the eggs scrambled and they cooked them just how I like them... fairly dry and in a thin griddled layer. Add to this mound of well-seasoned goodness a decent dolloping of Tapatio hot sauce (and salt and pepper on the eggs) and I had endless perfect bites of spicy, meaty brekkie goodness that brought delighted yummy sounds from my grateful gullet! This was quality food and the couple at the bar next to me raved about the Menudo, so it has all the hallmarks of authentic Mexican fare. It restored me from borderline anemic to my usual strutting rugged caballero self. "¡Arriba, arriba! ¡Ándale, ándale!"

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    If you are looking for upmarket Mexican food, with a great drink on the side, my favorite go to…read morespot in downtown Phx is casa corazon... they have a good menu and fo everything well, from grey Baja tacos, in true Baja style to chili rellenos, fajitas and oh my god the salsa bar!! To die for. Chips are gratuit. Service is prompt and knowledgeable. The entrance is via the kitchen as this was once a home, now converted into a great eatery. So you come in the side door to the dining room . Wait staff all greet you and guide you to the dining room, festooned with roses and talavera tiles. It's not kitschy, just gorgeous. The menu is ample and you can't go wrong with anything. The initial refrito dip, tho yummy, has pork. But they have the best, the absolute best black beans!! Try them just for a change. You'll be converted. The dining area is small but cozy and beautifully done. So enjoy!!

    I'm so glad we finally went to try Casa Corazon. We met with a friend visiting from out of town…read moreduring lunch, and everyone absolutely loved it. The restaurant is inside of an old brick home with wood interior and warm colors. The service was good-- friendly and food came out at a good pace, we were checked on regularly. We ordered an appetizer and then entrees from the lunch menu. The aguachile appetizer is SO good. It's bright, fresh, and has a lot of flavor in the green sauce. It reminds me of a ceviche type dish due to its raw butterflied shrimp that is marinated in the house made chile serrano & cilantro citrus sauce. It was awesome. We were also given free chips & house made bean dip. I ordered the mixed two item plate with a chile rellano and taco corazon (grilled taco dipped in a red chile sauce, stuffed with shredded beef & melted cheese. Topped with grilled onions). The black beans and rice is also tasty. I tried a bite of the other dishes, and I also really liked the brightly colored spinach & cheese enchiladas with pink sauce ( signature beet sauce). I look forward to trying other items from the menu, I was eyeing the steak Mexicano or red snapper. Those dishes sound good for dinner.

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    Dining Room
    Dining Room
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    Salsa bar
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    Sometimes the best meals happen because your original plan falls through. That was exactly the case…read morehere, and honestly... I'm not even a little mad about it. I ordered the veggie tacos with roasted sweet potatoes (skin on, which was absolutely the right call), pepitas, feta, and all the right toppings. Whoever prepped those sweet potatoes deserves a raise because they were cut into the perfect sized pieces. Every bite had a little sweetness, a little crunch, a little saltiness... it just worked. My dining partner ordered the barbacoa tacos, and I didn't even have to ask if they were good. The involuntary "Mmm..." after the first bite answered that question. Four tacos disappeared in record time, followed by, "I could've eaten two more." That's about as glowing of a review as you're going to get. Now let's talk about these tortillas. Handmade. Corn. Tortillas. Are you kidding me? They're the kind of tortillas that had me question every tortilla I've ever eaten. Soft, fresh, and somehow they manage to steal the spotlight even with everything else on the plate being so good. The chips and guacamole were excellent, too. The chips have to be made in-house and they disappeared at an alarming rate. The salsa that came with them had this smoky, fire-roasted, chipotle flavor that kept me reaching for another chip... and then another... and then suddenly I realized I'd eaten way more chips than I intended. The bottled table salsas deserve their own paragraph because they completely confused me... in the best way. They bring three to the table... a green, a red, and a darker red. I kept tasting them individually thinking, "Okay, these are alright." Then I started mixing them. Game over. On their own, each one was solid. Mixed together? That was the magic. I don't know if that's what they intended or if I accidentally stumbled onto the perfect combination, but from that point on, every taco got the salsa trio treatment. The only tiny hiccup was when we first walked in. We were greeted, asked if we wanted menus, and sat ourselves. We waited for a bit thinking someone would come take our order, only to realize it's actually counter service. Once we figured that out, everything was smooth sailing. Not a big deal at all... just something first-time visitors might want to know. Follow the sign "order here" I also loved the layout. You can actually watch them making the food, which somehow makes the wait even harder because everything smells incredible. Two tacos ended up being the perfect light meal for me. Could I have eaten ten? Absolutely. Those two statements can both be true. Meanwhile, my dining partner polished off four barbacoa tacos and was talking about ordering two more. We only ended up here because another place happened to be closed, and honestly, I'm glad it worked out that way. This ended up being one of those meals we keep talked about on the drive home. Oh and the bathrooms?. I walked in and immediately thought, "Whoa... this is a cool bathroom" The lighting had this pinkish-purple glow that made me feel like I'd accidentally wandered into a trendy lounge instead of a taco shop. I honestly wasn't even sure there was regular lighting in there and I didn't look... because the vibe seemed so intentional. Finally, the music. .. upbeat, dance-worthy, the kind that had me bouncing in my seat while waiting for my food. Between the atmosphere, the lighting, and the music, the whole place had me want to hang out a little longer. Zero regrets. I'll absolutely be back... and next time I'm ordering more tacos.

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    Our bartender Angel was AMAZING! I said I wanted spicy and he absolutely delivered. Between the…read moredrinks and food, he made our taste buds and tummy's happy. Plus, great customer service. Thank you Angel!

    This review is for the totality of the experience…read more I made an advance reservation at Alma Scottsdale for a mid-sized group of 7 to celebrate a special occasion. Our party arrived right on time for our reservation, but we were not seated until 15 min later because our table was not ready. It took about an additional 15 min to get tap water for the table (there was not enough provided anyways), and to place our orders too another ~20 min. The food did not arrive until 30 min later. For context, we eventually learned that the restaurant was short staffed and the bartender was also operating as our waiter. When the food finally arrived, there was a mix-up on what was delivered. We had checked with the staff who delivered one of the dishes: we ordered the "wild mushroom" side, but what we received did not look quite like it. We asked clarifying questions x2, but were assured, "no, it is the wild mushroom." Turned out, it was the mushroom empanada that was delivered to our table, which we originally did not order. The management did rectify the situation upon the conclusion of the event when we were paying the bill, but to us, it felt a bit accusatory as if we intentionally wanted to cause a huge fuss about the final total, which was absolutely not the case. The food in general was delicious. If this was a more standard dining experience, it would have been 4-5 stars just for the food. The service was very subpar, and really colored the entire experience negatively, therefore the two star review. I understand that staffing shortages happen -- fine. My family has worked in food service as wait staff for 25+ YEARS, so I am empathetic. But for management to ring up our bill and then come confront us in an inflammatory manner, making us feel like we were wrong, on an occasion to celebrate something special, was extremely disappointing.

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    Entrance
    Entrance
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    Ajo Al's Mexican Cafe - mexican - Updated July 2026

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