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Chico Malo — Mexican restaurants in Phoenix

Chico Malo

Mexican restaurantPhoenix, AZ

4.4 out of 5 stars4.4(2,861 reviews)

Quick info

+1 602-603-9363
50 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States
$20–30 · Reported by 116 people

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About Chico Malo

Chico Malo is a Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar on W Jefferson St in Phoenix, serving food all day alongside its drinks menu. The birria comes deconstructed, plated apart from the tortillas with consommé on the side for dipping rather than folded into tacos. The menu runs across 46 dishes, with papa tacos and shrimp ceviche among the recurring options, and enchiladas served as a pair without rice or beans. Guacamole is made with full spiced jalapeños. Margaritas and other cocktails round out the drink list alongside beer. Reservations are recommended, since the room fills on weekends and evenings. Outdoor seating extends the space for those who want to eat outside, and a step-free entrance keeps the restaurant accessible to visitors with mobility needs. Dogs are welcome, and high chairs are available for families with young children. Takeaway and delivery are both offered for eating off site. The restaurant sits inside Cityscape in downtown Phoenix.

Good to know

  • Reservations
    Accepts reservations
  • Parking
    Free parking lot · Paid multi-storey car park · Paid parking lot
  • Accessibility
    Has wheelchair-accessible car park · Has wheelchair-accessible entrance · Has wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Good for kids
    High chairs available
  • Dietary
    Serves organic dishes · Serves vegan dishes · Serves vegetarian dishes

Menu & Prices

46 dishes · mains $3–32
  • Trio$17.00
  • Salsa Roja$3.00
  • Salsa Verde$3.00
  • Guacamole Tradicional$15.00
  • Ceviche Verde$22.00
  • Shrimp Agua Chile$20.00
See full menu & prices →

Reviews

4.4/5
2,861 reviews

What reviewers say

Reviewers most often mention guacamole, enchiladas, margaritas and birria.

5★
1,859
4★
522
3★
235
2★
117
1★
128

Customer Review Summary

Diners repeatedly single out the pork verde as a standout, described by one reviewer as so tender it barely needed chewing, with the birria (served deconstructed with consommé) and barbacoa also drawing praise for their slow-cooked flavor. Close behind, several call out specific plates like the papa tacos, chicharrones de ribeye, shrimp ceviche, dorados de papa, and the salsa trio, alongside cocktails such as the Paloma, Margarita, and Mojavito. Service is largely described as friendly and attentive, though it's inconsistent: one reviewer's party of six says their server was inattentive and dismissive when a delayed order arrived wrong, while another recounts margaritas remade three times because blenders were broken and a duck entree that came out with jalapeños despite requesting none. A few also note portion or value gripes, like an enchilada order arriving with no rice or beans, and one guacamole called too spicy. Despite these hiccups, most describe kitchen staff correcting mistakes when flagged, remaking drinks and dishes until orders were right.

Featured reviews

  • Cathy Roer
    “I went to Chico Malo for Arizona Chef's week. The four course meal they created was was wonderful and service was very good. This was a new food adventure. Perfect if you want to branch out and get a great gourmet meal. They also had a nice happy hour for affordable drinks.”
  • Jade Velasquez
    “Our group met at Chico Malo for dinner, and everyone left impressed with both the food and the atmosphere. The menu offered plenty of unique options, the portions were generous, and the service stayed attentive throughout the evening. It was a fun place to spend time with friends.”
  • Lindsey Meek
    “Came for an early dinner via reservation, before a concert nearby on a Friday night. It was busy, but not too busy, cool interior and friendly, attentive staff. The food and drinks were a little pricey, but absolutely delicious. We had a Paloma and Margarita with the Birria Flautas, Elote and Ceviche - all amazing! Great for special occasions and highly recommend.”
  • RubentheREALTOR
    “I was at the Kimpton Palomar Hotel across thr street and it was an inviting atmosphere. I walked right in and enjoyed the conversation with staff. They were all very pleasant. The food was not bad. Drinks were on point.”
  • Alick Fernandes
    “Was craving for some good Mexican food and this was the place to go. I was here on a business trip. Would certainly go back to try other things on the menu. Ordered an alcoholic beverage as well.”

Hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Highlights

“Hip eatery for Mexican fare served all day, plus craft cocktails.”

  • Has fast service
  • Has great beer selection
  • Serves great cocktails
  • Serves local speciality
  • Popular for popular for lunch
  • Popular for popular for dinner

Amenities

  • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Free parking lot
  • Accepts reservations
  • Has outdoor seating
  • Dogs allowed
  • Offers delivery
Show more amenities
  • Offers takeaway
  • Serves dine-in
  • Serves vegan dishes
  • Has bar on site
  • Casual
  • On-site services available
Offerings· 14
  • 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
  • Serves organic dishes
  • Serves small plates
  • Serves spirits
  • Serves vegetarian dishes
  • Serves wine
Crowd· 2
  • Good for groups
  • Popular with tourists
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
Parking· 3
  • Paid multi-storey car park
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking
Pet-friendly· 1
  • Dogs allowed outside
Highlights· 4
  • Has fast service
  • Has great beer selection
  • Serves great cocktails
  • Serves local speciality
Atmosphere· 4
  • Cosy
  • Lively
  • Trendy
  • Upmarket
Accessibility· 3
  • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Family-friendly· 1
  • High chairs available
Planning· 3
  • Brunch reservations recommended
  • Lunch reservations recommended
  • Dinner reservations recommended

Location

Mexican restaurants near Chico Malo

Chico Malo
$20–30
4.42,861

The 3 nearest mexican restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.

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