Blanco Taco + Tequlia Experience

He Said

In what was once one of the valley’s premier shopping venues lays the Fox concept of tacos and tequilas. While the center itself with the iconic moss covered stone buildings may have mostly faded away, the restaurant scene has added some variety worth checking out. Blanco’s take on modern Mexican food can be described best as standard and consistent.

The outside patio and wide open doors set the scene for a beautiful day of alfresco dining at Blanco’s. Interesting enough the bar is laid lower than the tables leading out to the patio. So the bar tenders are in a perfect position to provide service to those tables. It’s an interesting layout to the restaurant which lets those on the outside somewhat look down at the rest of the restaurant. It’s perfect for people watching. One thing is that no matter where you sit you will get great service. In what I have come to expect from Fox , Blanco’s provides the great level of service I have always gotten from all of Fox’s restaurants. Not to mention the service always meets a look that Fox sets for each concept.

So that leaves the food. We went straight to the bad for us, with the queso fundido. As I scooped it onto the flour tortilla (you can have corn but really, you are eating cheese and meat in a bowl) it was dripping grease. It was great. I mean how can you go wrong with a bowl of hot cheese and meat? From there we went to the cheese crisp with short rib. I told you we went straight for the bad for us. I liked the lightness of the crisp itself. While I enjoyed it, nothing stood out as exceptional. I expect the rest of the menu stays on par with this description, but I’ll try it again to find out.

It’s not my favorite Fox concept, but in my view the bar is set high with the great experiences I have had at their other spots. They do have a great happy hour and it will bring me back again. Hopefully they put a margarita on the menu that isn’t so sweet, and controls the sugar. I love margaritas but mine was so sweet I couldn’t finish it. The blood orange margarita was supposedly the less sweet of the options. I fear the sweet one.

She Said

Light and satisfying is how I would describe the food here. Blanco Taco and Tequila seems like it is always buzzing but also gives off a relaxing vibe. The huge windows (that are almost always open) and the two patios (one with tables and one with couches) make it a perfect place to eat, drink or snack on a beautiful AZ day. The bar is lively and the smell of margaritas linger in the air. The wait staff can be a bit slow but are friendly and welcome to give suggestions. The complimentary homemade chips and salsa are a perfect snack. The chips are are crispy and thick and the salsa has the perfect kick. The award winning barbecue pork tacos are outstanding. I have sampled the variety of tacos choices and all were light, fresh and delicious. The side of rice that accompanies the tacos is amazing. The food is filling but lacks that heavy feeling you can get with some Mexican cuisines. This place fills up quickly especially during snow bird season, so make a reservation or get there early!