Bacanora PHX

Bacanora PHX

1301 Grand Ave #1, Phoenix, AZ 85007, United States

Mexican restaurant, Restaurant
(621)
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About This Place

Nestled on a lively corner of Grand Avenue in Phoenix, Bacanora PHX is a standout Mexican restaurant that delivers an exquisite dining experience defined by bold flavors and a vibrant atmosphere. This intimate eatery may be cozy in size, but its impact is anything but small. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, inviting energy—a perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary flair that sets the scene for a memorable meal.

Bacanora’s menu is a masterclass in Mexican cuisine, carefully curated to highlight both classic and innovative dishes featuring wood-fired techniques and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The aroma of slow-smoked short ribs fills the air, their tender meat melting effortlessly on the palate. The Bone-in Ribeye Steak and the impressive Tomahawk Steak are carnivore’s delights, offering rich, savory flavors with just the right char from the grill. For seafood lovers, the octopus and shrimp combined with chorizo bring a smoky, spicy kick that ignites your taste buds.

Start your meal with standout appetizers like the fire-roasted ELOTE—corn on the cob cloaked in creamy, spicy sauce and cotija cheese—that perfectly balances smoky and tangy notes. The cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast, with crisp, cooling bites that cleanse the palate. The guacamole here is another highlight; its freshness and smooth texture make it a shareable favorite alongside a specialty margarita or a bold Michelada from their extensive cocktail list.

Signature mains like the Pollo Asado are accompanied by vibrant salsas, chiles toreados, and hearty sides such as frijoles con queso and baked potatoes that bring comforting and authentic Mexican flavors to the table. The Caramelo tostada, with carne asada, queso, and chile toreado, showcases the perfect marriage of textures and tastes—crisp, savory, and kissed with lime’s brightness. For those with a sweet tooth, the flan tart is a luscious finish, offering creamy caramel sweetness that perfectly rounds out the meal.

The ambiance at Bacanora PHX is both dynamic and relaxed. Diners often mention the lively yet intimate vibe that makes the bustling room feel more like a celebration than a busy restaurant. Whether you secure a sought-after reservation or find yourself perched at the bar enjoying the chef’s craft firsthand, the sense of genuine hospitality and passion for great food is consistently palpable.

Regular guests rave about the attentive and knowledgeable service, with staff happy to guide you through their impressive agave spirits collection and expertly crafted cocktails. It’s an experience that stimulates all the senses—sight, smell, taste, and sound—creating an atmosphere that is as memorable as the cuisine itself.

In every sense, Bacanora PHX flawlessly elevates Mexican dining in Phoenix. From the first bite of its smoky, tender meats to the final sip of a perfectly balanced margarita, this restaurant invites you into a world of vivid flavors and heartfelt hospitality that lingers long after the meal ends.

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating Kerbside pickup Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great cocktails Great dessert Serves local specialty
Popular for
Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Brunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Groups Tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended Reservations required Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    11:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Carlos Samano
    1 month ago

    This is a review of my experience at Bacanora. We had made reservations as we had heard it was hard to get a set if you didn't have one. We arrived a few minutes early to our reservation but we were greeted and seated right away. The venue is small but cozy and it has a pretty cool vibe. The restaurant was full fairly quickly after opening but it didn’t feel busy, it felt alive. One cool thing to note is that I believe there is no traditional “stove” in this kitchen, everything is cooked on the charcoal range they use, which can add more flavor. Our server was very cordial and informative and helped guide our decisions as to what to get and how much to order since we did not really know the sizes of the portions. We ordered two appetizers and one main entree which for me and my wife ended up being a bit too much food so we took some home. Aguacate (Guacamole) The guacamole had a pretty good flavor but had a tad bit too much lime. The tostadas that were served had a great consistency and flavor but unfortunately had gone stale. We had some recent rain so maybe they absorbed moisture from the air, not sure, but they could have probably been quickly heated up on the grill to add flavor and make them more crunchy. I’ve had this type of tostada before and it should not taste stale. Embered Elote & Bone Marrow We ordered the embered elote & bone marrow. I was expecting to receive an actual elote (grilled corn on the cob) but instead it is served as a plate with the bone marrow drenched with the corn, crema, and everything else. Overall it was rich in flavor but pricey at $29. Pollo Asado The pollo is a nice plate that is enough for 2 people. It is a roasted half-chicken from Two Wash Ranch and includes many other items. Overall, the chicken had a nice flavor, was light on smoke and was perfectly cooked. The dish was served with beans which were probably the most disappointing part of the entire meal, they had no flavor at all. The plate also came with a quesadilla which was great and had a nice mildly favored cheese. The flour tortillas were also spot on but the papas left me wishing for more flavor. The plate was priced at $76 which felt steep for half chicken. Overall Bacanora has great flavors and it's certainly something to experience, especially for a James Beard Award recipient in the Valley. Was this the best meal I’ve had? No. While it is close to the authentic Sonoran flavors, it did leave me craving more meat entrees which is what Sonora is known for (its meat ranches). While I am sure the forty ounce Ribeye is great, at $300, it’s a bit out of my price range. Will we come back? Unlikely, unless we want to treat some out of town visitors to a unique experience.

  • Matt Flintrop
    2 month ago

    My buddy Mike suggested I try Bacanora for dinner. He’s got great taste, and I am thrilled that I took him up on it. They opened it fine when I got there a little early. They had a sign up to wait out front. When I did, they were already lined up behind me. I didn’t have a reservation, but they let me take a seat at the bar for dinner. The drink when you looked great, but I was just there for dinner. I had the short rib Asada, which was absolutely awesome! Handmade tortillas, tender beef, and beef ribs cut crosswise. The cucumber salad was incredible. A little bit of heat from the Serranos with a creamy sauce that had a hint of lime and cilantro. The atmosphere inside of the restaurant is terrific. It is absolutely 100% authentic and was a joy. I’m anxious to come back and bring my wife next time. I know that she’ll love it! Great job everybody! By the way, the bartender was friendly and delightful. It was her suggestion that I tried the steak and I’m so thrilled that she mentioned it. If I went back again, I would have to get the steak for my wife so that she could try it, but I would have to try something new. I’m certain that everything on their menu is just as good. Thanks!

  • Bee Mingos
    2 month ago

    We thought we made a reso. But forgot to submit. Showed up right at 5 and got the perfect seat at the bar. To watch the show. Amazing wood fired food. Cocktails were divine. Fantastic agave list. Truly a corner of joy.

  • Yesenia Ponce
    2 month ago

    Bacanora is a true gem tucked away on a corner. Small in size but big on flavor. From the moment we walked in, the service was friendly, attentive, and welcoming, making the experience feel warm and personal. We started with drinks and two appetizers that set the tone for the rest of the meal — fresh, vibrant, and packed with incredible flavors. We shared a main dish that was perfectly portioned for sharing. Dessert was great. Prices are on the higher side ($$$), but absolutely worth it for the quality, authenticity, and overall experience. I highly recommend Bacanora to anyone looking for a special night out with phenomenal food. I’ll definitely be back soon to explore more of their menu!

  • David Williamson
    2 month ago

    I read online that this was one of the must try restaurants in Phoenix. It did not disappoint. I was able to make a reservation for one (albeit I did make the reservation just a few hours before hand and it was an early meal, the rest of the options were taken). The service was wonderful. Helpful with recommendations on both drinks and food, patient and welcoming. I ordered the Old Fashioned (made with Mescal) and the Burrito. The burrito was filled with carne asada and the flavors were outrageously good. Bancora is a must visit, I'd certainly go again in a heartbeat!

  • Gustavo Pena
    3 month ago

    A Sizzling Anniversary Celebration at Bacanora! We recently celebrated our wedding anniversary at Bacanora in Phoenix, and what an unforgettable experience it was! The moment we walked in, the lively vibe and cumbia music set the tone for an amazing night. Our server was outstanding, taking the time to explain the menu and making excellent recommendations. The kitchen staff's friendly demeanor added to the warm atmosphere, and it was impressive to see them expertly cooking on an open fire grill. The food was truly exceptional. We started with the Embered Elote and bone marrow, and it was love at first bite. The smokiness and lime combined to create a masterclass in umami flavors. In fact, it was so good that I wasn't even done and ordered another one to go! The cucumber salad was a refreshing contrast, with the perfect kick from the salsa matcha. The Pollo Asado was a showstopper – a monster dish that had everything we needed to enjoy. The half chicken was cooked to perfection, juicy and full of flavor. The quesadillas, papas, rajas, tortillas, and frijoles all complemented the dish perfectly. Hands down, this was a 10 out of 10 meal. We're already counting down the days until we can come back and experience the magic of Bacanora again. If you're looking for an authentic, delicious Mexican meal in a lively atmosphere, look no further. Bacanora is a must-visit!

  • Michelle Dellino
    3 month ago

    Phoenix has a food scene that is so good -- and Bacanora is among the brightest stars. Tucked away on a colorful corner of Grand Avenue, you want to make the trip. The food here has been next level when we have been. I cannot say enough good things. The chicken is way more than enough to share and the quesadillas that come with it themselves are worth it. The steak is also first rate and elote is also a must do. You're going to get a lot of food so be ready to share to try a few things. The service is friendly and fast (you have 90 min only, but that's not been a problem that I've experienced). Overall the food is the standout - the wood fire cooking is insanely flavorful. The vibe is unique. And you need to book your table now.

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