Ethnic Restaurants (Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler: school, live, food)

[Think (Freedom)]

Are there any Cuban restaurants in the Phoenix area? If not Cuban, then Dominican, Puerto Rican, or Columbian will do. And maybe Argetinian as well. I love (hispanic) ethnic food, but not Mexican. Do any of these restaurants exist in the Phoenix metro area? If anyone can think of a few in the area, it'd be great to know. Just NO Mexican food, I'm not the biggest fan of it.

[joninaz]

Some suggestions:

Havana Cafe
Asia de Cuba (quite a scene)
Fuego Bistro
Mi Cocina Mi Pais
Rio Sabor Brazil
Eliana's (El Salvador)
Rincon Peruvian

Also, do try and seek out some Mexican that is not typical gringo Mexican. There's so much more to the cuisine than tacos, burros, etc.

If visiting town, check out the Phoenix Ranch Market on 16th St. & Roosevelt for a fantastic latin experience.

[silverbear]

To joninaz's excellent list, add the following:

Grill El Quetzal -- Guatemalan food in west Mesa
Sabor Cubano -- Cuban on Camelback just west of 19th Ave.
La Roca -- Peruvian food in west Mesa

Let me also reiterate the recommendation not to paint with too broad a brush when looking at Mexican food. Even if you detest the Sonoran style which is locally popular, there many restaurants these days that serve Mexican seafood, tortas, huaraches, sopes, and other specialties not on the usual Phoenix menu.

[Think (Freedom)]

No, I've tried authentic Mexican food when I lived in GA, but am really not into it. But thanks for the other suggestions

[Think (Freedom)]

This thread is a bit old, but just wondering if anyone had any other restaurants to add to the list. I'd really prefer Cuban cuisine, because I am part Cuban and am a bit partial to it, but anything besides Mexican will do.

[ibarrio]

Originally Posted by Think (Freedom)

No, I've tried authentic Mexican food when I lived in GA, but am really not into it. But thanks for the other suggestions

Authentic Mexican food & GA don't equate. Give another try to authentic Mexican food in Phoenix.

[Think (Freedom)]

Authentic Mexican food & GA don't equate.

Of course it does, it was made by actual Mexicans. I'm not talking taco bell. Georgia has authentic Mexican restaurants, and I ate in plenty of them. The food is OK, I'm not saying I hate it, but I prefer other types of latin food. Its really not that mind boggling to understand that someone doesnt want or like Mexican food.

[silverbear]

You might like K-Rico, a Puerto Rican bakery and restaurant in Chandler. It's on the west side of Alma School, just north of Chandler.

[silverbear]

Here's more information about K-Rico:

Seftel: K-Rico reopens in Chandler

I had lunch there about two weeks ago and enjoyed it.

[d2snow]

Originally Posted by Think (Freedom)

Are there any Cuban restaurants in the Phoenix area? If not Cuban, then Dominican, Puerto Rican, or Columbian will do. And maybe Argetinian as well. I love (hispanic) ethnic food, but not Mexican. Do any of these restaurants exist in the Phoenix metro area? If anyone can think of a few in the area, it'd be great to know. Just NO Mexican food, I'm not the biggest fan of it.

Havana Cafe on Bell and 12th St (or that area) is pretty good and authentic.