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My annual (national) professional conference is coming to the Phoenix Convention Center this week, so it's my turn to play the host. Now, I know the kinds of places to send folks who want 'traditional' down home Phoenix style Mexican fare (Carolinas, Mi Patio, Comedor Guadalajara). However, I know some of my peeps are going to be looking for more upscale type stuff - in Tucson, I'd send them to Cafe Poca Cosa or even El Charro. But I've got no idea where to go in the Phoenix area for this kind of thing! I'm used to grabbing a taco from a stand, not buying $200 bottles of tequila for the table.

Suggestions from this group would be great. Closer to downtown is better, but I realize that it is the Phoehemeoth...and I will have my car if necessary...

Just take 'em to Filiberto's!

Patrick L wrote:Just take 'em to Filiberto's!

Richardson's. 16th St. north of Bethany Home. It's New Mexican style, but can't be beat. Their sister shop is a hole in the wall called Dick's Hideaway on the NW corner of 16th/Bethany. Dick's has a great private dining room around a copper table with walls lined with wine bottles. Seats 15-25. Minimum bill of $500, which shouldn't be too tough to reach.
http://www.burningembersphoenix.com/

kingsnake wrote:

Patrick L wrote:Just take 'em to Filiberto's!

:whistle:

There is some guy named John on HAZ who owns upscale Mex places...one in Chandler and one in Scottsdale. You can probably find a shot of Tokillya for $50 or more. Both are probably a half hour from downtown though.

not as downscale as carolina's, but a nice place with tables, chairs, menus and waiters: la canasta on 7th ave and grant
not upscale, but good food

Juan Jaime's is very good.

Los Sombreros on Scottsdale Road is pretty upscale and has good fresh food as well. I'm partial to the Tijuana Donkey.

i have way more downscale knowledge than upscale
los taquitos on 48th and elliot - great tacos

trekkin gecko wrote:i have way more downscale knowledge than upscale

Has anyone ever eaten at La Casita in Mammoth after hiking Aravaipa? Well, just FYI for those of you that have - Casa Reynoso on Mill Avenue in Tempe is the same family - the same recipes. I don't know about the 'upscale' part of it, or whether you can get te-kill-ya there, but I like the food. ;)

Kate

Los Sombreros is very good, but maybe small, so outside seating may the thing.

Silvana Esparza's Barrio Grill or Barrio Queen!...

Definitely upscale, with prices to match!

@kingsnake
Well the request was for upscale, although our comfort food is Los Olivos. Only been going to that place for over 50 years, since it was the Old Corral.
Now our new basic Mexican place is Restaurant Sinaloa...great seafood.

Ignore these jokers... send them to the Barrio Cafe on 16th St. and Thomas-- one of the best restaurants in Phoenix. It's upscale foodie mexican. Its amazing.

If you're sticking to downtown Phx., may I suggest Mariscos Playa Hermosa @ 1605 E. Garfield
It's focus is seafood, but they do have the typical classics.
Ranked very high on Yelp. Not that these elitist snobs know pumpkin..
If you don't have alot of folks then I'll say again like Tough Boots....Barrio Grill

Barrio Grill is really expensive. Lots of people * big bill = really big bill. Hopefully they have an understanding expense department ...

kingsnake wrote:Barrio Grill is really expensive. Lots of people * big bill = really big bill. Hopefully they have an understanding expense department ...

Ya it would help if we knew how many folks there would be.
Car load?
Bus load?
Boat load?
Carnival Cruise Line load?

@ Alston: car load or two
@ Kingsnake: don't care how much it costs as long as it's good and, well, 'hip' for lack of a better word.
@Toughboots: that's like the 3rd recommend I've gotten for Barrio, so it may be the winner.

@all: I'm also better at downscale than up. Why else do you think I had to turn to hikers for help?

Ok I'm still pushing for Barrio Grill orrrrrrr for "hip" Barrio Queen in Scotts.
Silvana is ranked # 1 in the valley by people's choice, so either place is cool.