Next spring we have to overnight near the Phoenix airport. We (allegedly) arrive from Alaska around 6pm and don't fly out to Alberquerque until the next morning.

A few years ago we had dinner at the Mexican restaurant at the Princess Hotel in Scottsdale and loved it.

I'm debating going to our hotel (somewhere near airport), dropping our stuff, changing, and taking a taxi out to the restaurant. (I realize I would need to reserve ahead.)

I have no idea if it's a reasonable expectation to think we could be there by 7:30 or 8:00 --assuming our flight is on time. I have no idea what Sat evening traffic in May is like. Also, would the two taxi rides be prohibitive?

It all depends. The drive from the airport to North Scottsdale if your flight is on time and you don't dally. The drive itself on a Sat. is not to bad about 25 minutes. I have no idea what the cost of a taxi would be...but I bet it would be as much as dinner! There are very good mexican resturaunts downtown. Los Dos Molinos,Carolinas well as Carlos O'Brians(which is more midtown) but my favorite. So if you are quick you defiantly could make it. Hope this helps.

We stayed at the Faimmont Scottsdale Princess this past July and I don't recall any Mexican restaurant.
There was one restaurant with Southwestern style decor, but the food was not Mexican although it was delicious!
Here is a rundown of the Scottsdale Princess restaurants:

cuisine and décor.

BOURBON STEAK. Acclaimed Chef Michael Mina's BOURBON STEAK represents the height of Scottsdale dining through contemporary American fare, with a focus on all natural, organic and hormone-free cuts of beef, poached and finished over the wood-burning grill. The bar at BOURBON STEAK focuses on classic handcrafted cocktails, prepared with a roster of fresh ingredients and premium, small-batch spirits. BOURBON STEAK is open nightly for dinner. Visit www.michaelmina.net for more information.

THE GRILL. With views overlooking the 18th hole of the TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course, The Grill offers a wide array of fresh seafood and chops, an award-winning wine selection and specialty martinis. Enjoy Scottsdale dining in a casual, upscale setting.

LV BISTRO. The resort's main dining room, LV Bistro -- with its southwestern decor, expansive glass walls and tile floors -- concludes the culinary repertoire with progressive American foods served in a warm and casual atmosphere.

STONE ROSE. Stone Rose Lounge, created by nightlife entrepreneurs Rande Gerber and Scott Gerber offers unparalleled style and glamour. Experience cutting-edge design, fashionable clientele and signature cocktails in a contemporary setting.

Wife and I stayed at the Fairmont Princess past spring and they no longer have the wonderful Mexican restaurant that has been there for years..
I like the Teepee on 44th and Indian School, Caroline's but its a dive and so bloody good and Carlos O'Briens which is not real authentic but really good.

Omigosh, I'm so glad I asked! When we ate there a few years ago, it was rated the #2 Mexican restaurant in the country!

So, no need to taxi clear out to N Scottsdale!

Actually, no particular reason for it to be Mexican even, since are eventual destination is Santa Fe--full, (I hear) of SW cuisine.

So, anything you recommend closer to the airport? Camelback Rd is a much closer taxi ride, right? Something there, or in between there and the airport? (Mexican, Italian, or even really good hamburgers with atmosphere) We ate one year at The Camelback Inn, but my recollection was that the whole point of that was to see the sunset.

So hard to know what you are looking for...the first link is Phoenix Magazines dining guide for you to browse and the other two links are for two of Phx's best resturants with wonderful ambiance...true southwest with class! Lons at the Hermosa and TCooks!


http://www.phoenixmag.com/dining/res...categoryId=210


http://www.lons.com/restres.html

http://www.royalpalmshotel.com/phoen...ona-dining.php

Arc830 thanks for the links; I will look through them. We probably won't try to venture very far since that one restaurant has closed.

I'm always amazed at the quick and helpful responses from Fodorites.

I would highly recommend considering the Barrio Cafe.
http://barriocafe.com/
It's located on 16th street south of Thomas Road. It's a small restaurant that gets rave reviews. Its dishers can't be beat.
I would say it is easily the best Mexican restaurant in town. It is not the taco/enchilada type of place recommended in other posts.

Wow, the menu for Barrio Cafe looks fabulous. Definitely on my list for a future visit!

That does look good.

I'm also looking at Oscar Taylor's in case I'm in the mood for a burger or salad. Anyone been there?