When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix with a group of friends or family, consider
Chico Malo
Why Chico Malo is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Chico Malo is a vibrant and upscale Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix that draws inspiration from Mexico's rich celebratory dining heritage. The atmosphere at Chico Malo is lively and colorful, setting the perfect tone for social gatherings or casual meetups with friends. The restaurant showcases elevated cooking techniques paired with fresh, local, and organic ingredients, offering a modern twist on authentic Mexican flavors. Chilcato Malo's menu ranges from traditional street tacos to innovative fusion dishes, featuring standout items like melt-in-your-mouth Pork Verde, creamy Elote appetizers, and perfectly charred cabbage with flavorful toppings. Beyond the food, Chico Malo boasts an impressive beverage program focused on Mexican mixology, including craft cocktails and a happy hour that offers great value. The combination of high-quality cuisine, creative drinks, and a vibrant ambiance makes Chico Malo an excellent choice for groups looking to enjoy a festive dining experience. Its location at CityScape Phoenix puts guests in the middle of the city’s energy, enhancing the overall social atmosphere. Whether for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch, Chico Malo provides a distinctive place to gather and celebrate with friends.
Here's what people think of Chico Malo
As of recent, Chico Malo holds a 4.3-star rating based on 2657 reviews.
Customer reviews of Chico Malo generally highlight the restaurant's exceptional food quality and vibrant atmosphere. Many diners praise the bold, fresh flavors and the creative blend of traditional and modern Mexican dishes, often mentioning the Pork Verde and other well-executed specialties as particularly memorable. The upscale yet lively setting and the extensive craft cocktail menu are also commonly appreciated. Positive reviews celebrate the authentic taste and the energetic environment which creates great experiences for social gatherings. However, some negative feedback points to inconsistent service quality. A few customers noted sluggish or inattentive service and issues such as servers being reluctant to share happy hour information or mishandling wine temperature. These service hiccups sometimes detracted from an otherwise outstanding meal and overall dining enjoyment. Despite occasional service shortcomings, the majority of reviewers recommend Chico Malo for its flavorful food and atmospheric appeal. In conclusion, while the food and ambiance firmly establish Chico Malo as a top Mexican dining venue in Phoenix, improving service consistency could enhance the complete guest experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jimmie Floyd III
The booth was lovely for our party of seven, and Ace, our server, was absolutely wonderful. We enjoyed a variety of dishes and some shots as well. The atmosphere and food were both excellent. We certainly plan to return.
F'burg Foodie
A group of us came here for a business dinner on a weeknight… The place was packed, good thing we made reservations! The ambiance is cozy and dimly lit, they even have this cool candelabra that’s in the middle of the floor when you walk in with tons of wax dripping all over the floor. Menu is interesting, not your typical Mexican food, definitely not served the typical way. Drinks were very good and so was the service. The birria was excellent, but wasn’t served inside of tacos, rather it was deconstructed and you made your own. The consommé that came with it was excellent! Thei have some hot stuff here too, like their flame roasted jalapeños! Save room for dessert… they have some incredible options!
Georgina Flores
Nice upscale restaurant in downtown. I would recommend this as a nice date spot. My friend and I came around 10:30 and stayed until closing. It wasn’t too busy on a Saturday night and the food came out pretty quickly. We ordered the Shrimp Macha and Duck Pastor. Food and drinks tasted great and the atmosphere of the restaurant was nice too.
Sumin park
The taste of food was amazing! We visited here 6 people, ordered 5~6 plates. All of dishes are delicious and not pungent-taste. Well-cooked and proper level spicy maxican food for everybody to enjoy. The sauce of nacho and guacamole is my favorite. Also the mood in restaurant at dinner was great. It would be the best choice to have a nice meal in Pheonix downtown for tourist. Highly recommend👍
neeraj mandhan
I loved the place and its vibe. I ordered chicken enchiladas it was so yummy…a little lag on presentation but it was worth it. Besides that, I ordered 3 cocktails, cannot recall the names of these but if I go again I will check it and update…The 1st was very tropical with base mezcal that became my fav, the 2nd one had a rose flavor with vodka base. The last drink that I had was patron tequila base with pomegranate n orange juice. All 3 of them were fantastic! Thank you so much for a wonderful evening!
How to reach Chico Malo
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Website: None
Why Chico Malo may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Chico Malo with your friends?
Chico Malo stands out as an exceptional choice to gather with friends or family because it perfectly blends vibrant ambiance, contemporary Mexican cuisine, and a memorable social atmosphere. Rated a strong 4.3 from over 2,600 reviews, it offers a lively yet stylish venue that attracts a diverse crowd, especially younger adults in their 30s, looking for a night out with great food and drinks. The restaurant’s unique indoor-outdoor design with a spacious patio creates an inviting space that encourages conversation and celebration in both intimate and larger groups. Located in downtown Phoenix’s CityScape area near popular entertainment spots like comedy clubs and bars, Chico Malo situates you right in the heart of the action. The combination of exceptional service, interesting aesthetics—including colorful murals featuring Mexican cultural icons—and a menu of elevated Mexican dishes makes it more than just a meal venue; it’s an experience that invites friends to come together, share food, and enjoy each other’s company in a setting that’s both trendy and comfortable. Its ability to host private parties along with casual meetups adds versatility, making it an ideal spot for everything from casual nights out to special events with your close circle.
What activities are available for groups at Chico Malo?
Chico Malo caters to groups by offering a range of experiences suited for socializing, dining, and entertainment. First and foremost, the restaurant provides beautifully presented a-la-carte Mexican dishes that showcase regional influences with a modern twist. This includes specialty items like Pork Verde and Duck Empanadas, allowing each member in your group to explore different flavors and share plates, enhancing the communal dining experience. The spacious patio and outdoor bar area are perfect for groups who prefer a more casual setup with good lighting great for picture-taking and mingling with the city’s nightlife energy. Inside, vibrant murals and natural wood decor create a visually stimulating atmosphere that adds to the lively mood. For those who appreciate cocktails, Chico Malo offers a curated drink menu heavy on tequila-based beverages, embodying the restaurant’s unapologetically bold Mexican theme. The bar’s dual indoor and outdoor setup means groups can move seamlessly between spaces during their gathering. For larger parties or special occasions, private dining rooms are available, providing a comfortable yet stylish setting that can be reserved to ensure privacy and personalized service. This flexibility of space, combined with elevated dining and bar options, makes Chico Malo perfect for occasions ranging from casual food-and-drink meetups to more organized celebrations with friends or family.
Why is Chico Malo ideal for a group meetup in downtown Phoenix?
Chico Malo’s location in downtown Phoenix’s CityScape is a huge advantage for group meetups, especially for those who want to combine dining with other activities. It sits in a vibrant area surrounded by bars, comedy clubs, and entertainment venues, making it easy to extend your night out beyond dinner or adapt plans spontaneously. The restaurant’s outdoor patio overlooks popular seasonal attractions like winter ice rinks and summer splash pads, offering a pleasant and dynamic backdrop for socializing throughout the year. Although parking can be a challenge downtown, this often encourages groups to opt for rideshares, which adds to the relaxed vibe when you arrive. The décor inside is sophisticated and trendy, featuring a playful mural wall that merges Mexican cultural references with modern street art, giving the space character and helping groups feel like they are somewhere special. The restaurant also prides itself on attentive service that can accommodate the pace of a group—whether you want a lively, fast-paced meal or a relaxed evening hanging out. The proximity to other nightspots means after dinner, groups can easily continue enjoying the nightlife without needing to relocate far. This integration of location, atmosphere, and flexibility uniquely positions Chico Malo as a hub for friends and families looking to create memorable social experiences in downtown Phoenix.
What kind of food and drink can groups enjoy at Chico Malo?
Chico Malo’s menu is defined by its elevated, regionally inspired Mexican cuisine, which is presented in a style that encourages sharing and tasting across the table. Groups can indulge in signature dishes like the Pork Verde, known for its rich flavor, and the Duck Empanadas, which add a refined touch to traditional Mexican fare. The menu typically emphasizes fresh, local ingredients paired with bold spices and innovative cooking techniques. From savory appetizers such as elote (Mexican street corn) to vibrant salads and well-crafted entrees, the food balances authenticity with modern culinary creativity. On the beverage side, tequila is the star, with a wide variety of cocktails that highlight this spirit’s versatility. Margaritas and other tequila-based drinks provide lively options for groups, alongside a selection of beers and non-alcoholic refreshments. While the drink menu focuses mainly on tequila, it offers enough variety to appeal to diverse tastes within a group. Some reviewers have noted slower service or drink delays during busy times, but many praise the attentive staff and their knowledgeable recommendations. For groups, this means there are plenty of flavorful options to complement socializing, reinforcing the convivial atmosphere Chico Malo is known for.
How does the atmosphere at Chico Malo enhance a group’s social experience?
The atmosphere at Chico Malo is thoughtfully crafted to boost social interactions and make every group feel welcome and engaged. The lighting is described as uniquely dim and moody, creating a cozy but energetic ambiance ideal for conversations and casual fun. The restaurant combines modern design elements with cultural touches—a highlight being the bold mural wall filled with playful Mexican iconography like luchadores and Day of the Dead skeletons, which sparks interest and acts as a conversation starter. The outdoor patio benefits from natural light and views of downtown Phoenix’s seasonal activities, providing a refreshing contrast to the indoor vibe. The music and noise levels tend to lean lively, fitting for younger crowds, but the space is large enough to avoid feeling cramped even on busy evenings. Having both indoor and outdoor bar areas encourages mingling, and the spacious floor plan accommodates groups comfortably without sacrificing intimacy. This blend of vibrant aesthetics, attentiveness from staff, and a prime location in a bustling urban setting makes socializing at Chico Malo dynamic and enjoyable, whether you’re catching up with friends or celebrating special moments.
What makes Chico Malo different from other Mexican restaurants in Phoenix?
Chico Malo distinguishes itself from typical Mexican dining spots by offering an upscale, stylish interpretation of Mexican cuisine and nightlife rather than relying solely on traditional or casual taqueria fare. Unlike neighborhood combinations platters or hole-in-the-wall settings, Chico Malo prioritizes elevated presentation and creative dishes inspired by a broad spectrum of Mexican regional flavors. Its location in the trendy CityScape downtown complex allows it to cater both to business lunches and lively evening outings, providing versatility that many other Mexican restaurants lack. The restaurant’s modern indoor-outdoor design, including its large patio and visually striking murals, creates an immersive cultural and sensory experience. Additionally, Chico Malo places a strong emphasis on tequila-based drinks and bar culture, aligning with the "bad boy" spirit its name suggests—bold, unapologetic, and playful. While some diners find the pricing on the higher side, many agree the environment and quality justify the expense. This combination of style, innovation, and social energy sets Chico Malo apart as a destination restaurant that’s not just about food but an entire lifestyle experience in Phoenix.
How can groups make the most out of their visit to Chico Malo?
To maximize the Chico Malo experience for groups, planning ahead is key. Because the restaurant is popular and can get busy especially on weekends and during downtown events, making a reservation ensures your group has a comfortable space ready upon arrival. Utilizing the private dining rooms can offer a more intimate setting for celebrations or meetings where privacy is important. Arriving a bit early to enjoy the outdoor patio and bar is a great way to start the evening with cocktails and light bites while soaking in the atmosphere. Sharing multiple dishes and sampling different items from the menu will enhance social interaction and allow everyone to experience the breadth of Chico Malo’s culinary creativity. Since parking downtown is limited, coordinating rideshares or public transportation can ease logistics and let the group enjoy the night fully without parking stress. Engaging with the friendly staff by asking for food or drink recommendations tailored to group preferences can elevate the dining experience. Finally, combining the meal with a visit to nearby comedy clubs or other entertainment venues will turn the meetup into a full evening of fun, cementing Chico Malo as a perfect hub for friends and family gatherings.