Arriba Mexican Grill : 18th St. And Camelback Location

For Mother's Day my family spoiled me. I was given many gifts, but my most memorable was going out to eat with my family-something we don't do often. I chose to eat at Arriba Mexican Grill-one of Arizona's best restaurants for Mexican food. They have four locations in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. This review is about their location on 18^th St. and Camelback Road.

The atmosphere at Arriba Mexican Grill on 18^th St. and Camelback is very authentic. Upon entering the restaurant you are greeted hostesses wearing traditional Mexican dresses. Look up and you will find decorative parrots sitting on perches. Flowers align the wall and ceiling in some areas. It is a very festive atmosphere.

Once seated, you are greeted by a waiter and served a bowl of chips, salsa, and bean dip. The salsa is hot and so is the bean dip. The flavor was unlike any other restaurant in the Phoenix area. The cooks at Arriba Mexican Grill use seasoning that follow the tradition of Mexicans in New Mexico rather than those south of the border in Mexico. The blend of ingredients is refreshing and unique.

For drinks you can have soft drinks or choose to have something from the liquor menu. Two of the most popular drinks at Arriba Mexican Grill on 18^th St. and Camelback are their Mexican beer and their huge 20 oz. Margaritas. Arriba Mexican Grill is famous for their Margarita that are big enough for two people to share.

The menu offers a wide selection of traditional Mexican foods-enchiladas, tamales, and carne asada. Each plate is spiced up with hatch green chiles. The menu displays a "Hatch Chile Gauge Menu" where 1 green chile means "snappy", 2 green chiles means "fiery", and 3 green chiles means "meltdown". Whatever you order at Arriba Mexican Grill know that it will have authentic flavor and be careful on the green chiles if you can't handle the heat. Food is served hot and if you order stir-fry dishes, you are served your meal on a pan that is actually flaming as they set it in front of you.

The prices at Arriba Mexican Grill are fair. The average dinner plate will run you anywhere from $9.99 to $15.99. The service isn't exactly speedy, especially when they are really busy. But the chips and salsa tend to help you take the edge off of your hunger. In fact, it is hard not to fill up on the chips and salsa because they are delicious.

I am glad that I chose to eat at Arriba Mexican Grill. I love the food and the atmosphere and will eat there again in the future. If you are tired of the same Mexican food and need a change, try Arriba Mexican Grill. The flavor is original and you will not find anything else like it in the Phoenix Metropolitan area.