Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Quick info
About Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Blanco Cocina + Cantina is a Mexican restaurant and bar in Phoenix, operating at 123 E Washington St. The kitchen anchors its menu around composed plates and shareable starters, with a focus on Southwestern and taco-style cooking. The signature Short Rib Machaca Enchiladas come with guacamole and sour cream on top, while The Mixed Grill Fajitas serve as a centerpiece for the table. Nachos Con Queso Blanco anchor the starter side of the menu. The format supports both dine-in and takeout service, and the bar program runs alongside the dining room. The space functions as a lunch restaurant and caterer, accommodating family meals and group gatherings.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree of charge street parking · Free parking lot · Paid multi-storey car park
- AccessibilityHas wheelchair-accessible car park · Has wheelchair-accessible entrance · Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Good for kidsGood for kids · High chairs available · Has kids' menu
- DietaryServes vegan dishes · Serves vegetarian dishes
Menu & Prices
77 dishes · mains $9–43
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention margaritas, enchiladas, chips and salsa and happy hour.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention margaritas, enchiladas, chips and salsa and happy hour.
Customer Review Summary
Happy hour at the indoor and outdoor bar is the most consistently praised draw, with reviewers highlighting crisp, vibrant cocktails and generous, flavorful happy hour portions that often double as a full meal. The short rib machaca enchiladas come up repeatedly as a standout dish, described as fantastic and a regional specialty worth trying, alongside the tamale with Oaxaca cheese and sweet corn, which one reviewer called among the best they have ever had. The salsa, guacamole, elotes, and queso also earn repeated praise, and the chicken tinga bowl gets singled out for its tender quality. Bartenders and servers are frequently described as personable and attentive, and several reviewers note the staff willingness to split checks as a welcome plus. A few recurring negatives surface: chips are sometimes described as not hot or not as fresh as expected, and one reviewer found the fajita meat a tad tough. Service can slow on busy nights, particularly when large crowds fill downtown Phoenix, and a couple of reviewers mention supporting staff coming across as frosty during peak times. Multiple reviewers suggest booking a dinner reservation ahead of visits, especially around major sporting events.
Customer Review Summary
Happy hour at the indoor and outdoor bar is the most consistently praised draw, with reviewers highlighting crisp, vibrant cocktails and generous, flavorful happy hour portions that often double as a full meal. The short rib machaca enchiladas come up repeatedly as a standout dish, described as fantastic and a regional specialty worth trying, alongside the tamale with Oaxaca cheese and sweet corn, which one reviewer called among the best they have ever had. The salsa, guacamole, elotes, and queso also earn repeated praise, and the chicken tinga bowl gets singled out for its tender quality. Bartenders and servers are frequently described as personable and attentive, and several reviewers note the staff willingness to split checks as a welcome plus. A few recurring negatives surface: chips are sometimes described as not hot or not as fresh as expected, and one reviewer found the fajita meat a tad tough. Service can slow on busy nights, particularly when large crowds fill downtown Phoenix, and a couple of reviewers mention supporting staff coming across as frosty during peak times. Multiple reviewers suggest booking a dinner reservation ahead of visits, especially around major sporting events.
Featured reviews
- Nicole Owens
“Stopped in for fajitas by myself after a workout. Sat at the bar and people watched. The restaurant was busy, but the bartenders were attentive. Flavor of the fajitas was good, but my meat was a tad tough. The elotes were delicious!! So was the margarita!”
- Frederickthe Photographer
“Stopped in for a bit. It was 3 couples and a single. Our waitress was able and willing to split the bill accordingly. This is a huge plus some places won't split the bill 4 times if you are all sitting together and this is frowned upon by …”
- Bobby O!!
“Happy hour experience at Blanco Cocina + Cantina is basically a power move. From 4–6 pm, this spot delivers the perfect blend of elevated flavor and laid-back fun. We grabbed seats at the indoor/outdoor bar (arguably the best seat in the house), where the bartenders struck that ideal balance—polished, personable, and genuinely fun. You can tell they enjoy what they do, and it sets the tone immediately. The cocktails? Crisp, vibrant, and dangerously easy to keep ordering. The food? Let’s just say “happy hour portions” doesn’t apply here. Everything was generous, flavorful, and beautifully put together—we fully intended to grab dinner after… and then simply didn’t need to. Great energy, great value, and just the right amount of indulgence. If you’re in downtown Phoenix and want a happy hour that feels a little extra (in the best way), this is your spot.”
- Jimmy Allen
“I had high expectations for this restaurant, but soon I came back to reality. There were a number of issues with this visit which were- 1. The Chips and Salsa chip were not hot and as fresh a nachos. …”
- Mike Curran
“Chose this place on a whim while in Downtown Phoenix. My mom said what the hell. Great choice!! The cheese enchilada were delicious! That queso? Outstanding! Couldn't get enough! Definitely will be back! And the atmosphere is very relaxing and chill!”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
- Has fast service
- Has great beer selection
- Serves great cocktails
- Serves great dessert
- Serves local speciality
- Good for watching sport
Amenities
- Has wheelchair-accessible car park
- Free of charge street parking
- Accepts reservations
- Has outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed outside
- Has no-contact delivery
Show more amenities
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
- Good for kids
- Serves vegan dishes
- Has bar on site
- Casual
- Offerings· 15
- Serves alcohol
- Serves beer
- Serves cocktails
- Serves coffee
- Serves comfort food
- Serves happy-hour drinks
- Serves happy-hour food
- Serves healthy options
- Serves late-night food
- Has private dining room
- Quick bite
- Serves small plates
- Serves spirits
- Serves vegetarian dishes
- Serves wine
- Atmosphere· 2
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Family-friendly· 2
- High chairs available
- Has kids' menu
- Dining options· 8
- Serves breakfast
- Serves brunch
- Serves lunch
- Serves dinner
- Has catering
- Serves dessert
- Has seating
- Has table service
- Popular for· 3
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Good for solo dining
- Facilities· 1
- Has toilet
- Crowd· 2
- Good for groups
- Popular with tourists
- Planning· 4
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Usually has a wait
- Service options· 3
- Offers kerbside pickup
- Offers delivery
- On-site services available
- Highlights· 6
- Has fast service
- Has great beer selection
- Serves great cocktails
- Serves great dessert
- Serves local speciality
- Good for watching sport
- Accessibility· 3
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Parking· 5
- Free parking lot
- Paid multi-storey car park
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Plenty of parking
Location
How Blanco Cocina + Cantina compares to nearby mexican restaurants
- Blanco Cocina + Cantina · This shop4.51,827 reviews
Mentioned in reviews: margaritas, enchiladas, chips and salsa
- Chico Malo4.42,861 reviews0.2 mi
Mentioned in reviews: chicharrón de ribeye, ceviche, salsa trio
- 534 reviews0.2 mi
Mentioned in reviews: grilled octopus, short rib mole, cocktails
- Centrico4.81,169 reviews0.2 mi
Mentioned in reviews: margaritas, pozole, chicken enchiladas
Blanco Cocina + Cantina This shop | Chico Malo | CASA DE JULIA RESTAURANT BAR | Centrico | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5(1,827) | 4.4(2,861) | 4.5(534) | 4.8(1,169) | |
| Price | $20–30 | $20–30 | $30–80 | $10–20 |
| Distance | — | 0.2 mi | 0.2 mi | 0.2 mi |
| Open today |
How this listing is sourced
Hours, contact details, and amenities are sourced from publicly available business data and re-checked regularly. Listings are ranked independently — no paid placement.