1.17.26 A Tale of Two Beet Salads!…read more The first one we ordered tasted kind of "meaty" like maybe it was on the same grill as the burgers? The second one tasted "clean" or like it was supposed to taste. The Burger & Fish Tacos were full of flavor & freshness! I loved their fries b/c crispy on outside & soft on the outside. Missing their Guac & Chips Starter that was on former menu tho. We gotta commend the F&B Manager here! He overheard us talking to the waiter about the differences in the Charred Beet Salads & told us why: one was on the grill too long & he only knew that b/c he was in the kitchen watching them make it. He appreciated us sharing about the nuanced difference in how salads tasted & comped one. Wow - this is really going above & beyond: caring enough to have a convo w/ diners, acknowledging their palates detecting the difference AND making it right, b/c as he said "both should taste the same, like the second one." A commitment to excellence and consistency is a rarity. Overall, Lylo Swim Club outdoor bar/restaurant is a little oasis tucked away amongst so much greenery and beauty! Yes they have the pool nearby, but we didn't take a dip. Something to look forward to! P.S. Can the tile pattern on the bar be any more gorgeous?!

Lylo has some awesome vibes, but it's an overpriced pool bar. If you want the tropical, pool-side…read morevibes, those prices might be worth it to you. Just keep an eye on how much you're spending! There's a lot of spots for improvement here, but I'd also say that Lylo is one of the few businesses I've ever seen do such a visually-great escape out from their pool area. If you're here for the escape and temper your expectations for food or drink, I think you'd have a good time. There are a TON of mosquitos here, so prepare accordingly. The bar and hotel lobby didn't have bug spray nor any for sale. The nearby liquor store does have some for sale at less than a block's walk. (The pool is hot mid Phoenix summer. The pool itself felt closer to a hot tub than a refreshingly cold pool. I'm told this is normal for pools in Arizona in the summer.) PROS: -All of the drinks are really pretty, visually, and with the pool, you have a great mecca for social media photos. -Despite the ridiculous 110+ Phoenix heat, we were relatively comfortable in the shaded restaurant area with the misters. We could still see the pool, but we weren't baking alive. -Pool bathrooms were clean enough. There were lots of puddles and toilet paper on the ground, but nothing was horrific or moldy like some pool bathrooms can be. Spacious stalls for changing too - though I didn't see any shower or changing areas. -The pool area itself is pretty! It makes for gorgeous Instagram photos, and Lylo knows that. There are lots of little spots (a camp sign, a chair off on its own, all the loungers, etc.) that make cute photo backdrops in addition to the pool itself. -There is a collection of inflatable pool toys in the corner that seem to be open for guest use. CONS: -Water bottles are not allowed at all - not even sealed disposable plastic ones from the grocery store. They'll store them for you, and you can fetch your own water with disposable plastic cups while you're here. -The misters in the pool area were broken. With the heat, we chose not to actually use the pool, and instead stayed in the restaurant, shaded area with misters. -All of the on-menu drinks are pretty sweet and not super boozy (at their price points). It's easy to go through quite a few at their higher price. Make sure that you're spending intentionally. -We weren't in love with the food we ordered. It felt like frozen food reheated and served to us. To be fair, that's about to be expected from a pool bar, but it was still something to note at the prices and with nearby restaurants walkable. -Service is there. I wouldn't say it was friendly or welcoming, but the servers checked in often in-between talking to people in swimsuits or joking with friends. I rarely waited for anything, but I didn't feel like a valued guest. -The fabric of the chaise loungers and lounge beds are stained. I saw some employees hauling off some of them and shoving them into the back of a fabric cleaning van, so I'd assume they rotate in and out and have to deal with a ton of spilled drinks.

Only been here twice but food, service and environment was amazing both times. Eric crushes it with…read morethe service and makes you feel welcomed. Make sure to take advantage of their great happy hour deals.

Our first time at Tesota…read more We loved everything about the restaurant from the beautiful atmosphere to the staff and the food. If the weather permits, there is a very nice patio but it is along Camelback and the parking lot. Just a heads up, Tesota does not take reservations so plan accordingly. We started at the bar with dirty martinis. Our bartender Taylor was pleasant and followed our instructions on how we like the martinis prepared. They were both icy cold and to the rim. The restaurant was packed and Taylor handled to orders like a true pro. Impressive. Monica the hostess escorted us to our table when available. She was very pleasant as well. We sat at Eric's table who is simply outstanding. Very friendly, efficient and walked us through the menu and answered any questions. I ordered the Salumi pizza -$15 hot coppa . calabrese salumi . serrano jamon . rosemary . calabrian chili. Finally a restaurant that makes a crispy and flavorful pizza! It was delicious. My husband ordered the Seated salmon $30. He said it was cooked perfectly. eight oz . pan seared . spiced rub . grilled lemon . romesco . seasonal vegetable. My friend ordered the Szechuan fried chicken salad. $19 w/ romaine . napa cabbage . jicama . apple . peanut chile crunch. radish . cucumber . carrot . mint . cilantro . cashew vinaigrette. I had a bite and it was very flavorful. The food we ordered was outstanding. We will be back.

From the moment we stepped into LeDu Thai, we were enveloped in a warm and inviting ambiance that…read moreperfectly set the stage for an exceptional dining experience. The soothing decor and soft lighting created a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a delightful meal, especially on an unseasonably hot day. We began our culinary journey with the Larb Mushroom appetizer, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The dish featured succulent oyster mushrooms tossed with roasted rice powder, fresh mint, shallots, cilantro, and a vibrant chili-lime dressing. Each bite was a refreshing explosion of flavors, combining the earthy richness of the mushrooms with the zesty brightness of the dressing. It was light, refreshing, and a perfect precursor to the meal ahead. For her main dish, my wife chose the Pad Z U, an outstanding selection that showcased sautéed broad noodles, crispy fried tofu, and Chinese broccoli, all enveloped in a delectable sweet soy sauce. The noodles were soft and chewy, creating a delightful texture that harmonized beautifully with the vegetable medley and tofu. The heat in the dish was skillfully balanced, providing just enough kick without overwhelming the palate. My wife couldn't stop raving about it! I opted for the Kua Kling, and it truly was a star of the evening. This spicy stir-fried minced chicken was enriched with fragrant curry paste, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, resulting in an aromatic dish that was accompanied by tender long string beans and the unique Sadtor beans. The flavor profile was complex and enticing, with each ingredient complementing the others in a delightful dance of spice and freshness. It was a dish that not only warmed my belly but also left me craving more. What elevated our experience even further was the attentiveness of our server. With a genuine smile and a welcoming demeanor, they offered excellent recommendations and ensured that we were well taken care of throughout our meal. Their knowledge of the menu added to our enjoyment, making the dining experience even more memorable. Overall, LeDu Thai is a culinary treasure that I cannot recommend highly enough. Each dish was exceptional, bursting with flavor and crafted with care. The combination of delicious food, attentive service, and a cozy ambiance makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable Thai dining experience. We can't wait to return and explore more of what their menu has to offer!

Wow! We had the best dining experience at Ledu! It was amazing! The service was incredible. What a…read moredarling restaurant and environment, the atmosphere was a vibe. My daughter and I shared the Som Dtam Tod /which is a crispy papaya salad and the beef Pad Z U. The Som Dtam Tod was absolutely amazing. It's a dish I'll be thinking about forever. It was so unique and so flavorful! The Pad Z U was the best I've had! We ended the evening with their burnt toast with salted caramel ice cream with honey syrup. It was out of this world. I went with a party of 8 and all of us absolutely loved it! I can't wait to go back. 10/10

After the Lather experience I had to stop by one of the cute places in this shopping center anf…read moreHorse & Hyde one. The bartenders were so helpful explaining the top drink choices I had to go with the Lavender drink which was made with Empress Gin, Lavender and prosecco. Live music 6 days a week. I missed happy hour, so I'll have to go back. JT Soriano was performing and he was awesome I loved the vibe there!

You will never feel like you're in a shopping center at Horse & Hyde. It feels amazing here and…read morethe music is great with live music most nights. The drinks are amazing with the well bourbon being Four Roses. The server knows her drinks and definitely makes every drink like it was made for her. She knows her stuff and truly was amazing.

came here for a nightcap w my brother and sister-in-law! this is one of my fav spots to hit in the…read morevalley, they have the best (sonoran-inspired) drinks. there's truly something for everybody. for drinks, my brother got the hot champurrado (basically a spiked hot chocolate, one of my favorite cocktails on the menu, if not ever), my sister-in-law got their whiskey sour (delicious & refreshing), and i got the baja-blasted high baller (mezcal based, mountain dew, there was something else but i can't remember, and an "electric sugar" rim - SO! GOOD! inspired by taco bell's baja blast hahahah). they TREATED us to all three of their current desserts on the menu. it was the most pleasant surprise i could've imagined. my favorite was the flourless chocolate cake! it was like a thick, rich brownie, had passion fruit cream to "lighten it up" and a caramel-like taffy on the bottom my brother and sister-in-law both said their favorite was the gulab jamun (which is basically like little fried dough balls/donuts, influenced by indian flavors and spices). the mille-feuille was also fantastic - the pastry was light and airy, cream wasn't too sweet and also very light, shaved cheese on top made it have a savory bite, and the jam alongside it was strawberry rhubarb. service is always amazing, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable; it seems like everybody working here truly enjoys it. quite literally already have a reservation booked at valentine and will be coming back here beforehand. update: came back for more drinks (fernet & coke, spaghett western, negroni) and their lamb flauta. all AMAZING! and amazing order to whet the appetite before dinner at valentine.

Second time visiting this bar. To be honest the first time left a lot to be desired. It was about a…read moreyear ago so the details of what we didn't like have been forgotten. Regardless, we gave it another shot and we were much happier the next go around. Record players in the corner and a fireplace on the opposite side of this dimly lit bar created a cozy vibe on a chilly Saturday night. We arrived right at opening and the bar filled up quickly but the volume still made it easy to have a conversation and still have an intimate night out. The drinks, this time, well balanced and delicious. My wife had the the Pantera Rosa and I had the Last Word. Both were delicious and not overly sweet. I love a good "Last Word" but the tea added a welcome and subtle layer. A nicely created cocktail without shaming the original. Servers were attentive, constantly filling up water, and making sure we were well taken care of. We will be back!

I love first draft! The baristas are super nice and coming here is one of my favorite ways to spend…read morea Sunday morning. A nice coffee or matcha while reading is the perfect start to my day

My WiFi at home stopped working and the library was just not the vibe today so we checked out this…read morespot that had some raving good reviews for a place to work and sip good drinks! Right as you walk in, it's so clean and the space is very chill unlike most cafes that glare music, the music they had was subtle and perfect for remote work. They serve different types of coffee and tea and some baked goods. The space to work was large and didn't have to speed walk to save a spot. The bookstore was well stocked with good books so during a work break, I got some stickers, a new book and a fun little trinket for my purse! Definitely recommend this spot for a nice place to work remotely, sip drinks and eat baked goods. Oh and they also serve mimosas! I didn't order one this time but I will next time!

For way too long Valentine was sitting on my list of places to try. We had family visiting from…read moreCali and they know one of servers working there, so they asked if I have been, I said no but I would love to go. I always planned to go for dinner, I didn't even know they were open for brunch. Well now I do, and it was SO delicious that I would like to come back to try other menu items. The ambiance of Valentine is like being in Palm Springs at a resort enjoying brunch. It's very mid-century modern and I love the decor. They have a large outdoor patio that is probably nice when it's not summer. We sat inside and noticed there is a vintage market (Modern Manor) attached to the restaurant, we went there after eating. (A cute place with some pricey items. I'll post a separate review of the store.) Our server Pete, he was exceptional. He knows my cousins' husband and he gave us the grand tour of the menu. His recommendations were spot on, and we wanted for nothing. We started with handcrafted drinks, I really enjoyed the coffee menu options, with unique flavors. I had the iced Cajeta latte with oat milk. Cajeta is like a Mexican caramel and was very good with espresso. I also tried the chiltepin shakerato (a slight spicy mocha) and golden milk (turmeric latte). I really liked all of them. Then we had a fantastic sampler plate of pastries-- piñon croissant, morning swirl, and churro croissant roll. Baked fresh, these are really great! My fave was the morning swirl. I would come back to try the other pastries alone. Next we had the chula seafood crudo with a delicious agua chile sauce. Then onto our entrees-- avocado toast, breakfast sando, tortilla espanola, tres leche French toast, tater tots, and for good measure the Sonoran dog. I was able to try all the dishes and everything was awesome. The toast used is a thick Texas toast type of bread that is called squash brioche-- so good! Everything tasted fresh and flavorful, you can tell that Valentine cares about using fresh, local, high quality/ interesting ingredients with unique flavors. I mean they add trout roe to their Sonoran dog and serve with house made allium-nori chips... how fun is that?! And mesquite-pecan butter with sorghum-sage syrup for the French toast is so rich and sweet. That's a dessert type brunch dish for sure. We had so much food, we couldn't finish so we boxed up leftovers which heated up and tasted great the next day. I fully intend to come back for the dinner menu and have cocktails at Bar 1912. I look forward to it.

Stopped in this morning for a late breakfast/brunch. I was dining solo and was greeted warmly and…read moreable to be seated at a table. The hostess made a pastry recommendation and my server had the same recommendation so I tried the pain suisse. 10/10! It was a beautifully flaky pastry with sweetness from the guava. So delicious. I also had the seasonal quiche which was flavorful. It came with a small salad, and I will even commend them on the crispness of the lettuce. 10/10. The coffee selection is unique. I tried the cajeta latte, which was described as their take on a salted caramel latte. So good! My only critique would be the cup in comes in. While very stylish, it didn't have a handle so I had to use my napkin to pick up my cup at first. Overall, very satisfied and would highly recommend!

I had such a great time at Windsor with -- shoutout to our server Kyle!! We were all satisfied with…read moreour orders (my Banh Mi was so good, and my friends kept raving over the ranch LOL). The only dish that didn't quite meet our expectations was the corn bread, but when we told the server he was so kind about it and we were able to exchange it for a different side. The overall service was great! I made a reservation for 4 on a Saturday afternoon and got seated right away. Kyle checked up on us frequently and our food came out pretty quick too! Also, at the bar area there was a TV that played the world cup game, and afterwards baseball. I think this can be a nice lowkey place to watch a game since the vibe was chill. Keep in mind the everyday happy hour is only for the cocktails: the cocktails are $6 and we all enjoyed ours. I got a No. 22 and really liked it. If you don't drink, you can also make the cocktails to mocktails too. Before coming here, I had once been to the next door ice cream place Churn before, but this was my first time coming to Windsor, and I didn't even realize they served the Churn ice cream too for desert! My friends and I shared a triple scoop of double chocolate, sweet cream, and cookies & mint in a cup. It was a good amount of ice cream for the 4 of us, not too sweet either. This place is also advertised as dog-friendly online, which I assume was meant for the outdoor patio seating (the patio looked cute, it had misters and was covered). Overall, great place!! So glad I came here :)

Second time at Windsor was a fantastic experience. We came around 5 on a Sunday. The restaurant was…read moresurprisingly busy so we sat at the bar. Carlos, our server was personable and attentive. I tried a couple beers before choosing on a blonde. The cocktail menu is extensive. I ordered the bacon cheeseburger which had all the right ingredients including caramelized onions and steak sauce. For dessert we shared a peanut butter sundae from adjacent churn (my favorite valley ice cream shop). It's super cool you can order ice cream from the restaurant. Overall great experience. I liked the low key atmosphere especially during the day. Bringing my dog next time as the outdoor patio is shaded with misters.