Chico Malo — Restaurant in Phoenix

Come for the Jaja, Stay for the Haha!

Definitely had some Jajas and Hahas in this restaurant. It made some wonderful memories.

Chico Malo is a great restaurant that effortlessly blends Mexican flavors with a modern twist. It is hip, lively, upscale. It was also the first restaurant we tried in Phoenix and if first impressions count, this one definitely shot up my impression of Arizona right to the top!

From the moment we stepped inside, the vibrant ambiance grabbed our attention, with its colorful decor and lively atmosphere. The menu offers a diverse selection of dishes, ranging from traditional street tacos to innovative fusion creations. Each dish bursts with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, satisfying even the most discerning palate. We had the Pork Verde, as recommended by our server and it was the most delicious, melt in your mouth pork shank I have ever tasted in my life. I’m still dreaming about it. It came with tortillas too. The Elote appetizer was also creamy and flavourful. We also got a charred cabbage (recommended as well) which was cooked perfectly, we could taste the sweetness of the cabbage. It had enough flavourful toppings with a little spice to complement the cabbage pretty well. We finished all the dishes clean.

The cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring creative concoctions that perfectly complement the food. Our bartender created a mocktail based on the guava and prickly pear flavours we wanted to try. She was very nice and went over and beyond by giving us fun glassware for our mocktails even if the regular order would have entailed putting the drink in an ordinary glass. She certainly added to our overall dining experience, providing excellent service and a friendly demeanor.

Whether you're looking for a casual meal with friends or a memorable dining experience, Chico Malo exceeded our expectations on every level.

We recommend making reservations, we were able to get a seat at the bar because we went in the afternoon but by the time we left, it was crowded and teeming with happy people! They have outdoor...

My recent dining experience at Chico Malo in downtown Phoenix was a mix of highs and lows, which I feel compelled to share. This establishment, known for its exceptional culinary offerings, unfortunately, fell short in the service department, notably due to one of their staff members, Amanda. This review reflects my experience as a frequent diner and as an Instagram influencer who values the complete dining experience.

Upon being seated, we immediately sensed a lack of warmth and attentiveness from Amanda. This was not the welcoming atmosphere one anticipates in a high-caliber restaurant. No effort was made to provide the basic courtesies like offering water or engaging with us in a friendly manner. This demeanor was consistent throughout the evening, affecting not just our table but others she attended to as well. As someone who often shares dining experiences with a large following on Instagram, I find it important to highlight that such service can significantly impact the overall perception of a restaurant.

Contrasting sharply with the service, the quality of the food at Chico Malo was outstanding. Each dish we ordered was a delightful blend of flavors, expertly prepared and beautifully presented. It is commendable that the kitchen staff maintains such high standards. However, the excellence of the food was overshadowed by the discomfort brought about by the service. It’s essential for a restaurant to provide a harmonious experience where both food and service are of exceptional quality.

In summary, while the culinary creations at Chico Malo are worth praising, the service experience during my visit was lacking. As an influencer, I believe it’s important to share a holistic view of my experiences, and in this case, the service did not meet the expectations set by the exceptional food. I hope this review serves as constructive feedback for Chico Malo to improve their service quality, ensuring future patrons can fully enjoy their...

We arrived just before 3, which is when their Happy Hour began and the servers were very reluctant to give us information about Happy Hour even though it was 2:54 until 3 hit on the dot.

Luckily, our servers changed and Luis was way more attentive, accommodating, and knowledgeable than the previous one.

For drinks, I had a Gran Jefe Margarita off the regular menu and a house margarita off of the Happy hour menu. They tasted the same and came in the same size glass. You do the math, probably better to stick to the Happy Hour menu for drinks. Our friend was served white wine that was a little over room temperature, when she said her wine was warm, they brought her ice in a glass instead of bringing a chilled wine.

For food, I ordered the shrimp macha, Luis was able to bring me tortillas with the meal, because they do not serve their tacos after 3. Which was surprising, the previous waitress didn't not tell us this and handed us lunch menus even though the service was due to switch in less than 10 minutes. That aside, the main meal was really well prepared. It felt like we had gone to a different restaurant for a moment. It was a very different experience altogether.

We additionally ordered ceviche and chips and guac for the table. Chips are not complimentary here, you have to order them. They aren't anything too interesting, not a specialty at all. The guacamole was very flavorless and not really seasoned. I would recommend passing it up. The elote wasn't anything to write home about, but it wasn't bad.

Besides the main course, everything else was pretty lacking. You can tell that Chico Malo has a spectacular entree selection, but the surrounding menu items as well as the experience of the restaurant are lacking and stale. I would recommend coming here JUST to experience their entrees and then go somewhere else for drinks...