Restaurant review of local hotspot: Ocotillo

ocotillo-walkway-restaurant-couture-in-the-suburbs

Photo by Taylor Seely

The more restaurant reviews we do, the more convinced we become that Arizona really is transforming into a top-notch foodie destination. This past month, our contributors Lexi and Taylor, had a chance to check out Ocotillo, a “locally-sourced new American cuisine” restaurant in Midtown Phoenix at Third and Flower streets. For the most part, we’d give the restaurant an A-plus rating, but as the saying goes – no one’s perfect. Here are our thoughts on the superior and substandard at Ocotillo.

THE FOOD

Taylor: I ordered chicken wings because I thought a smaller meal would be nice, but this plate was very messy. While the aesthetic was gorgeous, the chicken wings are not for someone like me, who hates eating messy food with their hands. I’m no chicken connoisseur, but I also felt very uncomfortable with how pink the meat closest to the bone was. The chicken that I did eat off the wings was delicious, but again, the pink meat made me skeptical, so I probably ate less than six tiny bites. I would not order this meal again, however I did love their handcrafted pasta and curry chicken entree – that dish left me craving more!

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Photo by Taylor Seely

Lexi: My meal was incredible. I’m a dedicated pasta fan, so when our editor, Lindsay Viker, recommended the homemade pasta, I knew I had to try it. Starting with the noodles; they were incredibly dense and had the perfect consistency. I’ve never had anything like them, and this girl has had a lot of pasta. It’s an understatement when I say the noodles were huge. You’d have to go for yourself to see what I’m talking about, but they were the largest, thickest and yummiest noodles I’ve ever had. If the noodles alone weren’t decadent enough, the sauce put this meal over the top. It was the perfect blend between spice and comfort – exactly what I’m looking for when I’m going to indulge in some pasta. It was a light red sauce. Usually red sauces aren’t my go-to, but this one was very good, and I enjoyed it immensely.

Photo by Taylor Seely

I can’t talk about the food without mentioning their coffee. Coffee is my thing and I can say, hands down, I would drive from anywhere in town to have the coffee again. It was exceptional. I love the setup of their coffeehouse, it’s adorable and definitely worth checking out. Plus that coffee!

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Photo by Taylor Seely

THE SERVICE

Lexi: I found the service to be quite good. I arrived before Taylor, and the moment I walked in everyone was all smiles and happy to help. I was obviously new to the restaurant, and wasn’t sure I was in the proper place. They quickly invited me to sit and wait for the rest of my party while making myself comfortable. When I asked about their coffee, I was escorted to the coffeehouse by one of the employees. Upon sitting at our table, our waitress was a sweetheart and knew the menu pretty well. She gave me some wonderful suggestions on which dish to order, as the menu is a little confusing because it only lists ingredients – not typical names of dishes. I really enjoyed my experience with all of the staff.

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Photo by Taylor Seely

THE ATMOSPHERE

Taylor: Ocotillo’s interior designers have some serious skills – we’re just going to put that out there. Between the various wood hues, outdoor hanging lights, rusty metals, fur seats, groovy bar area, and pristine white tables, this restaurant is the hangout you bring someone you’re trying to impress at any time of the day. Not only does the huge real estate make a statement in it of itself, the giant walkway upon entering creates the perfect first impression. Taking the long walk to the entrance isn’t a chore, it’s an experience. With an outdoor hangout area to the left, and stand-alone coffee bar to the right, it gives off a more upscale version of The Yard vibe.

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Photo by Taylor Seely

Sitting and eating a meal in the restaurant is a slightly different experience. The people make up a diverse group, with some wearing tie-dye pants, nose piercings and dreads, and others in elegant fitted dresses and stiletto heels. One things across the board though, is there wasn’t a single other 21-year-old occupying the space, besides perhaps an employee. The price point of this place probably won’t break the bank, but with $15 being the average entree price, it makes sense most of its customers are 30 and older.

outdoor-coffee-bar-ocotillo-restaurant-couture-in-the-suburbs

Photo by Taylor Seely

WOULD WE GO AGAIN?

Taylor: Overall, I’d stop in here again for the coffee bar or a drink at the bar. It’s a great place to snap a few pics and relax. Regarding coming for a meal, this is a place I would take my fancy friends. The vibes were wonderful, the aesthetic is modern and inclusive, and if the right dish is ordered, the food is mouthwatering.

Lexi: I would certainly go again if I’m in the area! I’m still craving the pasta and every time I walk into another coffeehouse I’m wishing it was Ocotillo’s. I’ll surely be stopping by again soon!