Ann

I will be in the Phoenix area on business for a few days at the end of Feb. and am looking for a great, authentic (non-Chi Chi's or Taco Bell) Mexican restaurant. Any suggestions?

Karen

Everyone seems to have their own favorite Mexican restaurant. You can be pretty well off with Macayo, Manuels, Valle Luna...the first two are located throughout the Valley and the last in North Phoenix.

BIll

There is a place a little south of Phoenix called Los Dos Molinos (sp?). Very hot and authentic.

xxx

There's a place that is very authentic and has the best chili relleno suffles. Unfortunately I can't remember the name, but the locals all seem to know about this place.

MitchG

My favorite restaurant in Phoenix is one that was mentioned: Los Dos Molinos. It's a bit off the beaten path and it's wildly popular. Oh, and the food can be very, very hot. It's actually considered New Mexican style. I'd try to find a smaller, non-chain place. If you're in the East Valley, there is a great family-run place in Mesa called Armenta's (the best chimichanga in the valley).

steve

Los Olivos in downtown Scottsdale. It has been in buisness at least 40 yrs in the same location

Gina

Ann, I think the place the previous poster may have meant is TeePee. It has been there forever on Indian School Road in East Phoenix. I would forget the Garcias, Macayos etc. If you want authentic there are many small places throughout the center of the city along McDowell or Thomas Road. They may not look pretty from the outside though.

jeanette

As a resident, I can answer this question without hesitation: Los Dos Molinos if you like it hot, hot, hot. If you prefer a milder burn, yet no less authentic, try Los Sombreros in Scottsdale (Scottsdale Rd. & Mckellips, in a very plain strip mall -- sorry, but it's the food you're after, right?). For Southwestern: Cafe Terra Cotta. For New Mexican: Carlsbad Tavern (Richardsons is good food, but the service sucks and the place is noisy.) Mexican seafood: San Carlos in downtown Guadalupe. Just like a real dive in Mexico.

And forget Garcia's, Macayo's, etc. Gringo mexican while not bad, is not authentic.