I've been here 4 or 5 times- my advice Dine in, do not take out. placed a phone order yesterday morning for my girlfriend and i around 10:15 a.m, arrive around 10:30, the employee doing take out has no understanding of multi-tasking speed or efficiency, with only 2 people in front of me in line it was not until 10:40 when i was able to pay, as i payed i noticed 2 carryout containers sitting there, i had a hunch they were mine... sure enough, they were mine. 10:50 i finally receive my food, I had ordered 2 sides of salsa, they neglected to ring me up for them, so the back of the line i went. finally out by 11:00 a.m. the nana's special, and mothers special were cold, icing on the cake, they forgot the tortillas. that experience was a negative 5 star. however I have dined in and had decent service several times. Dine in. green chili is solid. beans are lardy, and salsa is fresh read more

Got a chimichanga that was just okay. It was edible with a little flavor. Nothing I'd return the restaurant to eat again. Got a side of potatoes instead of rice. They were disgusting. Soggy and soaked with vegetable oil. read more

I hate the inside, food takes forever to come out. Expensive for no reason, payed close to $40 for 2 drinks and 2 combos. Don't eat the chips, and the salsa is just water. Silverware was dirty. I regret coming here. . . read more

Great Mexican food! We will drive from N. Scottsdale just to eat here! Lunch time is packed with many Police Officers, they know where to get the good food! This is also where Richard of Richard's LaCanasta is located and usually there until lunch time, so even though they closed his store at 19Ave & Dunlap - Richard is alive and well and still has the best LaCanasta! read more

First time here, and have to say I wasn't blown away. Restaurant was messy: with uncleaned tables and chips on the seats and floor. In defense, they were packed and very busy. First batch of chips were very good, served fresh and warm. The refill chips were cold. Salsa was tasty, but not anything better than Pace or El Pato. Had Nana's Special: was better than fair. Red sauce was hot and tasty. Rice and beans were very good. My wife had the chicken chimi, and that was very good and not greasy. Overall, was a good lunch and or service was Very Good!!! We may try the takeout tamales... read more

Original La Canasta - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I will say the chips were pretty good. but other than that trash. absolute trash. food was stale. the staff was downright RUDE and patronizing. and not to mention the bathroom was FILTHY. everything about this place is horrible. don't go here unless you want to get sick to your stomach. read more

The service is always friendly and the food is always good. I come here for the menudo it reminds me of how my mom would make it read more

Original La Canasta - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

10 stars !!! The BEST Mexican restaurant in Arizona! The food is soooo good taste like my grandma's cooking! If you want authentic Mexican food this is the place to eat! The menudo flavorful; red enchiladas, flautas shredded beef (or rolled tacos to some), guacamole and ground beef tacos are incredibly delicious! Everyone super friendly and service is very good. Thumbs up all around. I will tell everyone! read more

I ordered the Carne Asada to go and the plate just tasted like mush. Everything was mixed up, so it just didn't sit well with my stomach. My friend ordered the burrito and she liked it. Next time we will eat inside, maybe that has something to do with the taste. Also my Diet Coke was flat. I wouldn't mind coming back and trying something else. read more

Ate here recently, it was very good solid food and the staff is good too. No complaints.

I used to stop by this restaurant once a week for breakfast, but as of late, the service is bad and incredibly slow. It should not take half an hour to get menudo, which is already prepared! Today was the second time that this has happened. That is ridiculous. The employees are there to work, not be playing on their cellphones, which I witnessed as well...especially during the breakfast rush. Additionally, they need to teach their cashiers that they don't handle money and then serve food, without either gloves or washing their hands. read more

I ordered catering from here for a coworker's going away party at our small office. We ordered plate #2 because it says it would food 8-12 people. It was $80 thinking it would feed our office but it wasn't enough for even 6 people. 6 pieces of each item in the plate was not enough nor was it worth the money we spent. Even when I picked up the food, there was a long wait but they did give extra beans and rice but it still wasn't enough. The sides given was tiny. It says guacamole is given to feed 8-12 people but the amount given was one portion from Chipotle. A small container of guacamole, for 8-12 people. Not going to order catering from this place. The price does not reflect the amount of food given. read more

The food is edible, but the rudeness from Enrique was awful. He began to speak spanish while talking about me to another co worker. When I jumped in the conversation the shock on his face was priceless to know that I understood spanish. Needless to say I will never return to this establishment. I picked up a order with the total of $70.00 plus dollars, had it not been that I was picking up other people food as well I would have requested a refund and stuck them with the large order. Don't be rude you never know if a person will tolerate it. But I guess when you enjoy being an ass nothing anyone can say or do about it. read more

Been coming to this place for 20 years and always ordered the nanas special with red chili. The last two times I have been here, Mother's Day and today. The red chili has changed in a horrible way. Lots of peppers that get stuck in your teeth and the taste is aweful. Kinda taste like dish soap. My complaint with the food is only the red chili on the nanas special. The family says their food was good. Also prices have increased and portions have gotten smaller IMO. read more

Been coming here for 13 years and they wanna give you one hot sauce with a combo. Charge for extras. Bad for Business. No other mexican restaurant charge for hot sauce. read more

Original La Canasta - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

We had the worst dining experience here. We sat for twenty minutes before my daughter went to ask for service. The waiter was apologetic and friendly enough however the food took another forty minutes to arrive. We ended up sending the chorizo back. It was burnt and dry. Looked like it had sat all day. We asked for salsa but she forgot. One and one half hour after arriving we asked for boxes but again she forgot. It wasn't until they came to clean our table that I was able to ask again for boxes. Will not go back. Will not advise you to go. read more

This family-run restaurant is a staple of downtown Phoenix. There's nothing fancy about this cantina, so if you're looking for ambiance, keep driving. But, if you want great-tasting authentic Mexican food, then prepare to stop. They serve some of the best dang pancakes in town! Yes, it's true...fluffy with crispy edges. The menudo is also a popular dish (although I have no firsthand knowledge). We look forward to coming here on Sundays for breakfast. And we're not alone because it's often packed Sunday mornings. As a result, service has been slow at times. On our last visit the waiter kept forgetting to refill our drinks or bring our check and then he forgot "to-go" boxes. Between the crowds and mariachis strolling the aisle, it's challenging to carry on a conversation. But hey, we come here to eat, not gab. read more

La Canasta used to have the best Mexican food in town but their food and their service has seriously declined in quality. Also attempted to visit Sylvia's last week and went to two locations, both are now closed but the websites have not been updated so I wasted a ton of gas. I'll stick to Carolinas from now on. read more

The food was awesome. Got machaca and egg burrito with rice and beans. Will come back again when I am out this way.

Great recommendation for Mothers Day. They have great food and Mariachis. The only con is it being a holiday they wait can be as long as 30 minutes. read more

Good decent food. Called 4 different times to put an order in and every time was put on hold for over 5 mins and got hung up every time. I get it they're busy. When I called the 4th time and talked to someone and explained the situation they said were sorry you're going to have to wait. I was like I've been waiting and got hung up every time and they said wait longer and put me on hold. That's very bad customer service if you ask me. I'm very understandable, but having to wait over 20 mins to put a food order to go is ridiculous. To explain the situation to some gentleman and get still get put on hold. La Canasta you just lost a very big families business. read more

probably my favorite breakfast burrito chorizo bean and egg with their hot sauce is da bomb! read more

Original La Canasta - definitely a fork and knife burrito! - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I come in here for breakfast sometimes and am never dissapointed. The menudo is delicious and really cures a hang over! If you are thinking about checking it out, just do it! You won't be dissapointed. read more

My family used to come here all the time years ago. I must say, now this place has definitely gone down hill. The quality of the food is not as good as it used to be! I used to enjoy eating here back in the day. I came to La Ca Nasta while I was in town visiting family a few days ago and was disappointed. One thing I can say is service is pretty good. I don't care too much for the new salsa they have now. But I am glad to see they still have the same red salsa they used to have years ago! I ordered the chicken tacos (hard & soft shells), which came with lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes. The tacos were just okay. I should have gotten the chicken enchiladas but oh well. I also had the traditional margarita which was not strong at all. I don't even think there was any liquor in it. Anywho, overall service is decent and food is just okay. read more

http://foodtube.net/video/mexican-la-canasta-phoenix-az Great Family recipes made with fresh ingredients. read more

We had a half day off in downtown Phoenix and I decided that I would forego all of the close options and mind Mexican. We have been on the East Coast for about 6 weeks and I need to get my fill. Off to Yelp I go and found La Canasta. Exactly what I am looking for. A 1.5 mile walk later and I am at the front door. Uh-oh. What does that hand-written sign say? Close at 8:00 PM. Out comes the phone. Exactly 8:00 PM. I enter anyways. They ask if I want food to go. I said I would rather eat in. No problem. Grab a seat. You just need to pay first. No problem. They took me in with no one else in the restaurant. I quickly ordered and quickly had my food. Most of it was too hot (temperature) to eat. That is a good thing. I went simple with a chicken taco and cheese enchilada. The cook came out after 5 minutes and asked me if it was all good. He encouraged me to use the salsa in the bottle as it was great. It was. Chips and salsa were super great. Warm, light chips and 2 great salsas. Iced Tea was alright. Passable. Not best ever, but good enough. Service was great seeing that they let me in after they were shutting down. This seems to be a family owned place that has been around for awhile. Definitely worth the 3.0 mile walk in total. read more

Can't make a simple egg and chorizo burrito. No egg was added and they told me that's how it looks. Arguing with me about how the burrito taste and looks. Instead of mAking my burrito they take 3 bucks off and they took the rest of it away. So I paid for the half I didn't like. Terrible service. read more

This is by far my favorite Mexican restaurant in Phoenix. Actually, the world. Yes, the neighborhood is crazy by some people's accounts, but I guarantee the food makes up for it! The green chile here is awesome. Best breakfast in town, the Nana's Special rules! We had our wedding catered by La Canasta. The food was awesome and the service was impeccable! Richard is the best! read more

I will never eat here again, the service was poor and there was a piece of cardboard cooked in my chimi. I got my meal for free, but I didn't eat any of it anyway, so what was the point of the comp? read more

Solid Mexican in a seedy part of town. It's a shame that Carolina's is so close otherwise I might drop by here more often.

Any place that has a huge sign that announces "no split checks" gets under my skin before I even sit down. This restaurant is walking distance from Downtown Phoenix, which means a large lunch crowd. If most are like me, I go to lunch with a group and I never have cash. Restaurants that are not willing to split checks usually move to my 'do not visit again' list. The food is average, I have definitely had better in the area. However the lunch specials are very affordable and for the price, the food is not that bad. The staff was friendly and we received our food fairly quickly. The part that takes longest is paying the bill. Not only will they not split the check, they have one cashier that we all must walk up to and pay. If my arm is twisted, I may return but definitely will not be disappointed if I forget about this lunch spot. read more

Wow I have been going here for 27 years and ha always loved LA CANASTA but the last few years I have had Sub par meals and couldn't put my finger on what was wrong. .. Well went back yesterday for lunch and WOW They knocked it out of the park it tasted like I remember back in the 80s and saw Richard ( the owner ) and a lot of the waiters that have been there from the beginning a lot of hand shaking the service was top notch and the food was off the charts from the Salsa and Hot sauce to The Chicken enchiladas , Beef Flautas and the Pollio Rico just made my day! Keep up the great work you guys are the Best read more

I love this place for the breakfast burritos, but everything is on the menu is delicious. The food is authentic and the red sauce is perfect amounts of spicy. It's a good place for a great lunch with friends or grabbing some quick breakfast on the way to work. read more

I've lived in the Valley most of my life and I can't believe I've never been here before. The best salsa I've had inn a very long time. The homemade tortillas were perfect. I had a green chile beef burrito. Very delicious. The service also excellent. Great people. read more

First, let me say the service at this restaurant is some of the best I have ever come across - prompt seating, prompt drink ordering and delivery to the table, fresh chips and salsa. Coupled with their great service are some really delicious Mexican food recipes using fresh ingredients. Try the cheese enchiladas - fresh homemade sauce makes them great. I'll be back! read more

Listen up follow Mexican food eaters!!!! If your looking for some really great Mexican food in this valley. This is the place to go, especially for "Real Ground Beef Enchiladas". The Service: I would say very good friendly and sociable and always comes to check on ya. The Food: WOWZERS The food is amazing. I've been in Arizona for roughly a year or more and this place is hands down the best. I ordered a special that had a tamale and cheese enchilada with rice and beans. I upgraded my cheese enchilada to beef for a $1.00 more which is nothing. Now the tasting, the rice....how do I say this....ohhhh eeem geee....haha. Super amazing by itself, I can probably eat the rice by itself for an entire plate and be simply satisfied. They do start you off with salsa that is chunky and they have one in a ketchup bottle that is super amazing. I have no idea whats in it, but wow its good. Anyways, back to the food. The tamale was ok, but the enchilada was to die for. I had the red sauce and man oh man when I found out it was ground beef....I thought I was in Texas again. I had to slap myself out of it. The enchilada dinner here is by far the best. I think I'll try the fajitas next time around. Can't wait to get back in there. Thanks guys for having such great food. It's too bad your way out in phoenix or else I'd be a for sure regular in the east valley. read more

Second time experience bad service. Never going there again. They need to stop hiring kids with no experience.

I ordered enchiladas and the tortillas were really cold. My server nicely offered to bring me another plate and I thought "perfect". When I received the second plate however, the food burned my mouth. I did not enjoy my food at all! It looked like they just brought it out of the freezer and put it in the microwave. The location is super sketchy too. read more

go elsewhere taco salad was small. medicocre. caused immediate digetive issues. did not come with sour cream/ salsa. even taco bell is better la canasta read more

I've been coming here since I was a child, the food is amazing. I usually order a beef,cheese, and onion burrito enchilada style. Their salsa and hot sauce is amazing as well. The beef tacos, cheese enchiladas are yummy too! The only downside is that the services is usually slow. read more