Restaurant Atoyac Estilo Oaxaca — Restaurant in Phoenix

TLDR: Probably one of the top 5 authentic Mexican places in the Valley of the Sun. Place could use a thorough facilities upgrade. Still a must-visit

Now on to its well-deserved full review.

I was looking for a Oaxacan place in the area because I wanted to take an Indian friend for another perspective on what counts as Mexican cuisine. Oaxacan dishes are considered by many to be one of the Crown Jewels in the pantheon of regional Mexican cooking styles, a well-deserved title (IYKYK). Most purists will say nothing compares to getting the authentic stuff in its birthplace. In the era of post-pandemic inflationary forces not everyone can afford to gentrify another region of the world.

My friend and I ordered a Tlayuda with chicken on one side, 2 molotes, and for myself a chicken mole dish. We ate it outside because we finally ceased to have infernal nocturnal ovens in early November, and to be quite honest there were some odorous spirits within the confines of the establishment's interior.

If you've seen the movie Ratatouille where the food critic drops his pen and recollects upon his childhood that is exactly what happened to me. The tlayudas tasted amazing regardless of the fact that it started getting colder each passing minute. They were accompanied with some caramelized onions, limes, and some salsas on the side. My international friend lauded the taste. The molotes surprisingly surpassed them in flavor. I believe they had cheese as a filling. My goodness. Packed with flavor (I could taste the epazote), my friend commented on its flavor and accompaniments. Probably the best thing we had that night.

I myself had the chicken mole to myself. I've never been an ardent fan of mole due to its heavy flavors and the feeling of uneasiness, burping, and sometimes indigestion hours after having eaten it. While I still experienced some of those effects I can honestly say I have no regrets. The mole is probably the best I've had in the US. Rich flavors, not too strong, not too spicy, still allowed the chicken to add its own flavor into the mix. The rice and beans were also superb.

The guacamole salsa is probably the superlative among the selections. I am honestly astounded a place with such quality in its food isn't more well-known. I wish it was closer to where I live but I also understand economic realities segregate ethnic cuisines to less glamorous areas of cities.

Restaurant Atoyac can proudly stand and say that it far surpasses any restaurant that dares call itself "Mexican" in the far eastern reaches of the Valley cough Scottsdale cough.

As a note of constructive criticism there's some slight odors that detract from the establishment whose elimination would do wonders for attracting a far greater number of people. The sun-faded signage could also be replaced at an immense ROI.

I will try to visit...

I spent the last two weeks playing around the Mexico border towns. Los Algodones, Mexicali, and Tijuana. I LOVE the street tacos and had them for lunch/dinner every night. When I heard of this place, I was excited to try it out.

The front of the restaurant does not face Glendale Ave. Instead, it faces the convenience store next door. I almost couldn't find it! It's a very small place and is operated much like a fast food restaurant. No menus, order at the register, seat yourself, and toss the trash on your way out. Although the dining area is small, they have a covered patio that is about the same size. The big tattoo'd bald guy, although looking as rough as an Alcatraz Fugitive, was as nice as can be. He even took the time to joke around with my two kids (ages 6 and 8).

I ordered a variety of tacos including Carne Asada, Al Pastor, Chorizo, Pescado, Camaron, and Tripa. Along with that, I added two of their Oaxacan hotdogs, two sides of rice, and three bottles of Mexican sodas. FYI: Their tacos are now $1.25. Still a good value.

The hotdogs were crazy good. The rice was very good and better than what had expected. The food was accompanied by a red and green salsa, some lime wedges, a jalapeno, and some slices of a scallion bulbs. Overall, everything was fantastic.

Overall, they were not as good as what I had in Mexico, they are pretty darn close. In Mexico, the street taco carts had large serving bowls with their condiments. Four different salsas, onions and radishes, leeks and scallions, jalapenos and cilantro. You can season it up to your taste and I "think" this is what makes it better. Oh, and they are slightly bigger in Mexico. I'm not complaining, though. A 14 mile drive to this place beats a 200 mile drive to Los...

this the carne asada fry guy, thats right 60 bucks a week gets you a nickname. if i had a customer order 3 to 4 times a week id tread them a lil better. the young, fat, meek, timid, inseucre looking young lady w no social skills, was totally rude to me, and has been rude to me the whole time i been ordering there. fyi..when she answers i refuse to order because of her lack of customer service, she literally loses business. i remember one time had to call back for my neighbor to reorder for her because her customer service sucks so bad. yall normally see me every week 3 or 4 times, i havent been there in 2 weeks. i walk right pass yall to Filerbertos now where they appreciate my business. i called in to place an order 2 weeks ago, she answered. again more friction. all i asked here was can we have chicken on the fries instead of steak, this braniac, acted like she couldnt even understand the question. she then puts the phone down, without telling me to hold, then doesnt return for 5 mins i waited, just to ask her why would she place me on hold for so long and she said verbatim, "cause i was talkn to someone" mid order tho. frustrated again, by her lack of social skills and customer service, i said just order it regular and im on my way, she said ok. i walk up there, walk in, she never place my order. i asked for super, noone there spoke English and this why you havent seen me..ill take my 200 plus per...