I've eaten here many, many times for lunch, happy hour and dinner; and I will keep coming back BUT my recommendation comes with a lot of caveats. The Mexicano is very good for a casual, loud, raucous party atmosphere - they even have a flame dancer floor show and a "whistle" shot cart - but the noise will really annoy you and/or people in your party if that's not what everyone wants. The decor is instagram-worthy especially for a Mexican restaurant, and half of their seating is on the outdoor patio which is pretty nice - but in Phoenix you really don't want to sit outside for 4 months of the year even with misters that ruin eyeglasses, hair and clothes and at The Mexicano there's a 50% chance that's the only seat they have open. The only thing I'm not on the fence about is their food which is so boring. Margaritas and chips and salsa are fantastic, but the main reason I'm there is for the meal itself. They only have 5 (yes, five) things on the menu which they put into different configurations but are pretty much all the same thing. The Mexicano offers only this: Chicken Tinga, Birria beef, Al Pastor pork, Carne Asada beef and marinated Shrimp. They fashion these things into tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and though good, I can't say they do it in any special way. The flavors aren't there and the execution isn't special enough for the prices. Which brings me to my last comment - the cost is in line with nice decor and entertainment value but at the expense of the food. When you pay over $20 for a burrito, you expect a lot more than 4 shrimp with the rest cheap rice filler, even when sitting in nice surroundings with a flame dancer floor show. Service is consistently good while being very aggressive about upselling cocktails, apps, dessert. All in all, I like going to The Mexicano for specific occasions; it's just not a go-to. read more

The best Margaritas I've ever had! From the amazing food to the top notch service, I would recommend The Mexicano! Decor is gorgeous, and every detail is attended to. Can't wait to go back! read more

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Great atmosphere, music, service was super quick and food was delicious! Clayton our server was super helpful with all our questions, served our food quick and always made sure we were well attended. Thanks again Clayton! read more

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WAYYY OVERRATED I tried Mexicano twice and I will never go back. The first visit- our food was EXTREMELY Salty and just not great. The molcajete had a few pieces of meat and some cold cheese. Our server was nice but we are not in the business of sending our food back but we did inform him so he could tell the kitchen and prevent any issues with other patrons. Now the second time really (for lack of better word) SUCKED. Not only did we wait for two hours for a table but when we were sat they sat us at a table that was probably intended for 10 and we had 13 people. It was extremely unthoughtful and rude to do this to paying customers. Side note- there was plenty of seating outdoors that could've easily accommodated us and potentially saved the night. We were celebrating a birthday and we didn't even really get to talk to our friend since we practically sat at a different table. God forbid anyone needed to use the restroom but Yup that happened too- 8 people squeezed in the booth side had to get up and wait around for them to come back. Then the managers had the audacity to ask us what we were doing. Or why we pulled up an additional chair. We are not huge people and we simply did not fit in that seating arrangement- NOBODY would. The managers basically said there was nothing they could do- Chef Joey- please take this as an opportunity to hire better managers or train your current staff. Now onto the food and drinks- WAYYY overpriced. I can get 12 Birria tacos at a taco place for the price of three at Mexicano-they we're good but so are the cheap ones. And when I ordered them she asked me how many I wanted- doesn't the plate say it comes with three?? Anyway- the ceviche is not all that- very spicy and as much as I can appreciate the spin- it shouldn't be called ceviche. The drinks were fine but again- VERY overpriced and mediocre. I spend almost the same at an upscale steakhouse and get treated like royalty. Why would I come back here and be treated like a peasant? The icing on the cake or actually- the straw that broke the camel's back was how they treated my friend Mike. For one- Mike had nowhere to sit so we pulled up a chair at the end of the table. When he went to the restroom they sat another LARGE table right next to us and took his chair. We pleaded with the manager to let us keep the chair for our friend and they were not liking it but they allowed it. He came back and then he was asked by the hostess to get up so they other table could squeeze in. The second someone had to use the restroom guess what? Mike had to get up again. (And can you believe it- Mike was charged for items he didn't even have- TWICE.) Just terrible customer service and zero solution. The other table promptly was moved outside and we were not offered the same. The management really dropped the ball and the food is really not that good. And that ridiculous piñata margarita idea is just so bad. Who wants toppings on a margarita? It's not a Bloody Mary. Please leave that idea at m Hash Kitchen and shut it down. In closing- I truly hope this helps the restaurant and I wish you much success in the future. Please do not respond to my review with an e-mail address for more information because you have it all right here. And since I won't be returning please don't say you hope to see me so you can make it right. Just make it right for others. Best Wishes. read more

I drive by this place and went to a different restaurant because they always looked too busy to get seated in a reasonable time. When my husband and I came at 3:00 on a Saturday hoping to get seated quickly, we were surprised by a 20 minute wait to a nearly empty restaurant. A couple other groups were waiting outside as well. When we were seated 15 minutes later. The nachos meat (Barria?) was super fatty, like CHUNKS of fat. The elote was flavorless and watery (think, boiled corn water with seasoning). The fried shrimp tacos were good. The drinks were good too, the margaritas and horchata were the best part of the experience. In conclusion, this would be a great place to get drinks with friends (maybe with some chips and guacamole) and take pictures. They have an Instagram worthy wall that looks great for pictures. I would not recommend them for dinner. read more

Elsa G was excellent- wonderful service! Great house Margarita! Flan was fabulous! Music much too loud. read more

This place is everything that's wrong with restaurants in 2023. "Celebrity" chef marketing plastered all over everything, self proclaimed "best f$&!ing" food items, and a gimmick margarita bar. Even happy hour is a sham because only one portion of the restaurant gets happy hour lol. I ordered the "best f$&@ing" nachos and got quite literally the worst nachos I have ever seen. The marketing is corny, outdated, and just plain uncreative. If you want to put "f$&@ing" all over the menu just write it out?! They gave me Tostitos cheese sauce and 1 piece of Birria on the nachos.. I specifically asked for extra shredded blend so I didn't have cheese sauce. The server apologized then gave me a side of cold cheese to throw on top of my nachos LMAOOO Not even the rainforest cafe would do something like this. It was almost sarcastic?? Tacos were mid, specifically the pastor was something you'd get at a Safeway premade section. Chicken was unseasoned and dry too. This place is absolutely miserable I can't understand the 4.4 rating. Only go here if you want to eat chips for a meal read more

The Mexicano - Worst F$&(!ing nachos - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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One of our local favorites to visit is this establishment where the staff is always friendly. However, during our visit on 4/12, our server Maggie took our taste buds on a flavor-packed adventure. She made awesome drink recommendations like Pepino Fuego and Chupacabra, and highly recommend the savory Sonoran Molcajetes served in a piping hot lava rock molcajete. Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, she arrived at the table with a sparkling candle in pineapple flan for the birthday girl seated at our table. Thank you, Maggie, for contributing to a wonderful night and enhancing the birthday girl's celebration. read more

This place is awesome! Great staff. Great food. This place is an absolute vibe!! Aurora was our server and she was on top of everything and very professional. Domenic the guest relations manager came to our table and had a great talk with all of us. Made us feel like family. Will defined be back! read more

The Mexicano - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Visited this place for the first time today with some friends. The staff was very nice and friendly from the moment we walked in. I loved the whole environment and design. They also have a great live dj. We ordered the Tinga Enchiladas, bao buns, & chicken/steak fajitas. Let me just say the birria is SO delicious!! The bao buns were definitely my favorite. As a Mexican I 100% recommend this restaurant! The food has a very authentic taste. We usually have high expectations when trying Mexican restaurants but The Mexicano by far exceeded them! I'll definitely return! read more

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This place is super impressive looking. The atmosphere when you walk in is amazing. They have a DJ booth with a giant piñata and it's adorable. There's also tiny pinatas you can order. We sat outside, which was very cute, surrounded with bushes so you can't see the outside streets. We sat under a blue light. The decor on the plates were super cool, and the names of the menu items were funny too. We were here for a bachelorette party and told the waitress and she didn't give any f*c&$ about it at all, which I thought was rude. But maybe she didn't hear us... the service was very slow. The drinks came out the same time as the meal, which was on the slower side.. not quick. The chips and salsa tasted great. The el pastor tacos were below par. I almost solely order el pastor street tacos at every Mexican place I go to and these were well below the bar compared to other places. The meat was cut in huge chunks and was dry. But the "best effing taco" was pretty good. The sides of beans and rice came out in different presentations for everyone in our group, some on plates, some in small bowls on plates. Very odd... the churro dessert was more than amazing though! Was a cute place if you're coming for atmosphere but the food is just ok. read more

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Amazing food. Amazing service. Thank you for the hospitality Domenic. Get the giant margarita. read more

The Mexicano - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Amazing food, ambiance and service. Our server Elsa G. took amazing care of us. Que viva Alejandra Guzmán!

Went to this place for my daughter's 35th birthday. Great service. Nice martinis. Love their moly enchiladas. Everyone at the table ordered different enchiladas. However I would say that their mullah and Chilada is the best by far. Highly recommend it. read more

Fun atmosphere, clean, and comfortable seating outdoors. Had salmon street tacos, salad and flan. it was all wonderful. Flan especially although a little pricy was so creamy; it was thee best I've had out of all Mexican restaurants so far. read more

Super alive vibe in this restaurant. Very upbeat. I will say it can get a little loud but it is amazing food. The homemade salsa they have is the best I've had in Phoenix read more

Great happy hour deals. Deliciousness. Laura D gave great menu info and made us feel right at home. Wonderful way to start the weekend off. read more

The Mexicano is such a fun addition to this part of town. The BYO margarita bar is epic, and the apps are solid too. The menu has a little something for everyone, and they put a lot into presentation -- guacamole Ferris wheels, churros that come in a donkey cart, you name it. It's a little loud inside (even during the week/daylight hours), which can be tough for conversation but it's a great vibe. read more

We went here not knowing what to expect beyond Mexican food. The vibe is so friendly from the moment we entered until we left we felt like we were beachside in Mexico. Elsa, our server made several recommendations that did NOT disappoint from the margaritas, the carne asada, the salmon tacos, their salsa and guacamole to the pineapple empanadas our tastebuds were popping. Paul the manager we talked with prior and Will the manager on duty made us feel we were a priority while Elsa assured our every need was met. All employees had smiles and were eagerly cooking, serving or attending to a Friday nights full house. We will be back! read more

The vibe was pretty great. Love the margaritas and the built your own was my favorite!!! I ordered the steak fajitas ... pretty mediocre. The steak was chewy, I sent it back and asked for the chicken fajitas (the waitress was very gracious ) the chicken fajitas arrived .... The only flavor I tasted was burnt. Didn't eat but one taco I made. I also ordered a corn on the cob ... BEST corn I've had. We sat on the patio at night and the heaters that are above the tables were scorching hot. My shoulders were so hot it was so uncomfortable. We asked to have them turned off but another table kept asking for them on ... so it was a back and forth thing. I will love to return but next time I'm sitting inside and ordering something different. No fajitas for me. Oh their free chips and salsa are really good too. read more

Elsa G is AMAZING!! Fantastic customer service and food recommendations! We throughly enjoyed our time at The Mexicano, thanks to her! Delicious food and drinks. Loved the ambiance too. read more

Elvette is hands down the best server! She is so sweet and knows every menu item. Every recommendation she made was spot on. You really feel like family with her. She just has such a welcoming spirit. I was so happy to see she was our server tonight. read more

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Finally made it to the Mexicano and what a pleasant surprise!!!! The atmosphere was great and energetic, beautiful patio and outstanding service. It was a girls get together, Mangonada and the LaFresca Mule were amazing. We shared the Traditional Guacamole, the Birra Bao Buns were top notch, also the Tuna Ceviche was also good ! Definitely recommend this place, I will be returning for sure! read more

Great food cool atmosphere and great staff. Great for those instagram pictures and birthday parties

Elsa rocked it. She did such a great job for a birthday. Truly she made me feel acknowledged accepted and appreciated. Loved the food and drinks. The bartenders brought me a Negroni with Campari and coconut milk that I'm definitely going to try again. Loved the service. read more

The Mexicano - Heisenberg - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The food here is amazing, and the service is even better. Our server was Nathan and I suggest asking for him.

This is quite the fancy joint for Mexican food. Being from Los Angeles, I had to definitely take a double look at the prices . However, I have admit, the food was terrific. While this definitely can't be a "regular" spot for our taco fix, we will still be coming back in the future. Definitely stop in and give this place a go if you've never been here. read more

The Mexicano - Margarita and beer - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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For a quite delayed Christmas dinner, Mr P and I met some very good friends at The Mexicano. The restaurant does not open until 3:00 p.m., but our friends informed us that there was always quite a wait, and suggested arriving early. We arrived at 2:45 p.m. and took perch upon a bench near the front door. Luckily it was a beautiful day, with just a little bit of chill in the air. The staff promptly came outside and lit the propane heaters for those of us patiently waiting to enter. Boy was he right, because soon enough, the line went out into the parking lot, where I did discover that they're probably wasn't enough parking for the establishment. The door swung open just prior to 3:00 p.m., and those of us waiting were promptly welcomed into the restaurant by friendly staff who were ready for the influx. The inside was very modern and beautiful. Though the crowd said just arrived, there was definitely a busy hustle about the place. The music was a little bit too loud. It actually reminded me more of a high-end Cuban restaurant then a Mexican restaurant that was trying to be authentic. The patio was very spacious, and there was a full and beautiful bar. There were many choices on the happy hour menu, as well as the full menu, so that anyone's tastes would be accommodated. I believe our server's name was Tyler. He was really attentive and funny. If someone could have the perfect server, Tyler would be it. Our cups were never empty and are empty plates never sat long. We took some time catching up as we enjoyed our drinks along with the customary warm chips and [moderately] spicy salsa. Mr P ordered the Agua Fresca Coctel, which was a refreshing and sweet concoction of vodka, guava, hibiscus and lime. Being on call, I had to opt for a lighter type of drink, in the form of a refreshing iced tea with lemon. I believe our other dining partner had some sort of IPA. His wife ordered the Drug Mule, which she really enjoyed. This drink was a spicy jalapeño pineapple vodka, with ginger and coconut pureé and a squeeze of lime. We were all over the board when it came to ordering from the menu. Although it was happy hour in the area where we had been seated, all of our choices were from the regular menu. I chose the octopus tostada (which is actually an appetizer). Since I am not a fan of the soapy green leaves, I got mine without cilantro. The octopus was a little bit on the fishy side, but was still char-grilled pleasantly. I wasn't a huge fan of the tostadas being placed atop a smear of beans, since you picked them up and ate them with your hands. I would have been more in favor with the beans being on top of the tostada. Overall though, this was a good dish. Mr P ordered the chile relleno which came with beans and rice. I found the relleno to actually be lacking in much flavor. Everything on his plate actually kind of tasted the same. He did order one carne asada and one birria street taco as well. At this restaurant, birria is beef (de res) as opposed to a goat. Both of these tacos were actually very mild and a little bland. Our friends ordered the Mexican beet salad and a plate of three street tacos. They enjoyed the tacos. The salad was ordered with a salmon topper. However, she had to ask for her beets, which were conspicuously missing from the beet salad. After that though, she seemed to really enjoy the plate. Following the meal, we continue to chat and opted to share a dessert. Holy moly do they have fantastic churro! Crispy on the outside, warm on the inside, and served with tres leches, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate dipping cups. I also really love the presentation, which was on a metal burro cart! I noticed that some people were getting Margaritas that were actually served inside a piñata! I think it's cute and it's nice for that little bit extra in presentation sometimes. For a party of four, this was a pricey meal at around $160 pre-tip. If I could give Tyler a million dollars, I totally would. He was phenomenal. I'm not sure why there was such a huge line, which still extended to the parking lot upon our egress. I really didn't think the flavors were all that authentic and anything to write home about. Granted, it's more difficult to find someone that serves octopus, but I've had better asada and birria for pennies on the dollar at my local carnicería. Maybe it's because that locally, we are starving for new restaurants and to just get out of the house. Of course, I am happy to patronize our local businesses, and suggest that you do as well. read more

The Mexicano - Octopus tostada - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I wanted to leave a rave review after hearing so much and seeing the crowds the past month when driving by. First off, we were told it would be a 20 minute wait which ended up being 45 minutes. We were finally seated outside and that was fine but it was chilly. We asked for the heaters and then it was too hot, so we went back and forth with the temp. We liked the vibe better inside but after waiting 45 minutes, we were hungry so didn't want any further delays. I ordered a mojito but was told after waiting 10 minutes that they didn't have mint so I ordered something else. We ran out of chips and salsa and first the waitress (who was very sweet), brought chips, then 10 minutes later after a reminder she brought salsa. We waited SO long for our food. We had three in our party, and they brought my friends food first. About 10 minutes later, I got mine and we waited and waited for my husband's order. Finally someone came out, either manager or chef, and said that it wasn't made right so they were doing it over and would take it off the bill. He finally got his enchiladas which were decent. My chili relleno was good and I loved the sauce. My friend's shrimp tacos were decent. I have to say that none of us were impressed with the wait staff although nice, our waitress had to be reminded about things several times (I asked for sour cream which she forgot to bring and then waited an additional 15 minutes after I reminded her and it came just as I was finished). All in all, I'm going to give 3 stars because they're still new and I just don't think they have the flow down yet. Maybe they were short staffed tonight...just not sure but I would definitely not wait 45 minutes to eat there again, however, I do see potential if they can work through some logistics. By contrast, these are the same owners as Sicilian Butcher which is run extremely well. Reasonable wait times, very responsive staff and great food! read more

Let me start off by saying, COME EAT HERE. My experience here completely exceeded all expectations. The food is authentic and prepared VERY well. I'm a huge foodie and you can just taste the love and time they put into their dishes. Not to mention their presentation is "instagram worthy"; very fun. Their service was phenomenal as well, our server was kind and personable. We got the chance to speak with the general manager as well, he was very polite and hospitable. I don't have a single negative thing to say about this place. If you're on the fence about trying this place, just do it.... and bring your whole family/friends. The music and ambiance makes you never want to leave. 10/10 read more

Five stars food, service, ambience. Margaritas amazing, great beans not so much the rice. Al pastor, Burris and carne asada tacos yummy. Flan is the winner not churro sauces they were watery and cold just get the churros . Waitress on Saturday was amazing I wish I remembered name she is a blonde with pony . read more

This is my first time coming to this restaurant. We waited almost 2 hours. While other large groups got to go inside and got sat down. Finally when we did get sat down, the waitress took about 20 minutes to get to us. It's a disappoint. The food and atmosphere is fun, loud. But this will probably be the last time I come. read more

The Mexicano - Our glasses aren't filled. Been waiting 20 minutes for our waitress. - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Best Cinco de Mayo....really great staff manager Domenica V super..very attentive with such a big crowd...... really nice place read more

The Mexicano - Margaritas bar...so. much fun Cinco De Mayo....food sooo good...Manager Domenica V so attentive ...really greaT place!@@@@@ - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

We went last Thursday for a birthday dinner and it was interesting. We ordered spicy Paloma's to drink and our waitress asked what kind of vodka we would like...definitely a signature Mexican cocktail with tequila but No big deal. We got the drinks and they were less than stellar but also they aren't offered on the menu so perhaps that's our own fault. The food was decent but the music and dj was so insanely loud we were screaming at each other and the waitress to be heard. We found ourselves eating as fast as we could to get out of the loudness (my silverware were literally vibrating) I'd recommend other places over this, especially for tacos (crujiente is amazing) but the decor is definitely well executed so props on that :) read more

I wanted to give this a fabulous review... but a few things... I know restaurants are short staffed so we all need to be extremely understanding during this time. We were brought chips no salsa and waited for a long time to get it. Getting waters was a struggle. I love when staff gives great suggestions on the menu but to suggest everything that is the most expensive thing on the menu doesn't give off the vibe of you are looking out for who you are serving. I have been a server before and I know that having an honest opinion and giving low priced options and higher priced options go along way. I was totally given the wrong tacos but because it was so busy and our server was having a hard time. I made the choice to try what I was given. Which was good. The food here is good, not super flavorful from what I'm used to, but not bad. Maybe I will have to try what I actually order next time. The tacos are small with just the meat and tortilla. Nothing more. They have a lot of fun things like the 3ft burrito. It's an all around fun place to go. I will try this place again and see if I have better experience. We all have off nights. read more

The Mexicano - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Service was great! Food was large portions and my mom enjoyed the food which says a lot because she is sooo picky!! Thanks Mexicano for giving her a great bday experience! read more

Beautiful restaurant. Well decorated. Great ambiance and music. Food was quality. The meats for the tacos, chips beans. Everything I tasted was legit. The service, that's another story. Bad bad service. Ordered drinks, got them almost at the end of the meal only because I pulled the manager. Food orders were wrong, total disorganized. Get your game together and you have a 5 star place. read more

The Mexicano - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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3rd time here 2nd time filet mignon fajitas the portions are generous and food is delicious you have to try the spicy mango margarita! read more

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We've been here twice, the first time was a great experience and we loved the service which made us want to go back, unfortunately the second time was not nearly as great. We had a group of 9. The birthday girl ordered the piñata margarita, it was the margarita with a small piñata on the side, not what's advertised on social media. Waited over an hour to be able to order birria and then waited another hour after ordering for most of us to get our food. When two from our party asked to cancel their order (mind you we have been sitting there for over two hours and everyone else was already done eating and they still had not received their food), the waiter told them it would be on the house since they had been waiting so long. At the time of the checks, the waiter said management said they were not able to take care of it anymore and charged them even after they had requested to cancel. We spent a total of 3+ hours here and were not impressed by the service or attentiveness from management. Our server said a manager would be stopping by to talk to us, he never bothered to. Our server was trying their best but the environment they were put in was not for them to succeed. The food and drinks were good, but unfortunately not our experience this time around. read more

Such delicious Mexican food! You have to try the Birria bao buns & the Birria tacos! the burritos and tacos are yummy as well! Amazing margaritas & churros!! Also the guacamole is 10/10! Ivan was a great server as well! We sat outside and it was so pretty! read more