Prominent Mexican Restaurant Opens New Location in the West Valley

A popular Mexican restaurant is coming to Peoria.Photo byJarritos Mexican SodaonUnsplash

One of the biggest complaints coming from residents of the West Valley is the lack of non-chain restaurants. As greater Phoenix’s population focused primarily on local suburbs like Tempe and Scottsdale, restaurant expansion did not generally push west. However, as more and more people move into communities beyond the Glendale border, restaurant owners have started to take notice. The restaurant migration has proven slower than what many residents would like, but with every passing month, another restaurant inches closer toward Goodyear and Surprise. This time around, a prominent Mexican restaurant has officially opened its furthest west restaurant with a newly launched Peoria location. 

Located at 8191 West Paradise Lane, Blanco Cocina + Catina has made the move to Peoria. The restaurant, owned by prominent Phoenix restauranteur group Fox Restaurant Concepts, is testing the waters, and if things go well, a continued westward push is not out of the question (though current expansions further into Tempe and Paradise Valley are in the works). 

The new location, which officially opened Wednesday, October 16, does have a few additional menu items on top of what you would have found at the previously opened locations. These updates include a green chile smash burger, queso fundido, and daisy fuente. 

The menu kicks things off with an appetizer portion that features chicken tortilla soup, sweet corn tamale, grilled Mexican street corn, and spicy mango ceviche. Taco plates do run on the pricey side (upwards of $20) but include two tacos with rice, a choice of beans, and housemade corn tortillas. Taco options include grilled mahi, crispy shell ground beef, braised short rib, slow-cooked BBQ pork, grilled shrimp, and chicken pastor. You will also find a number of salads, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. 

Thirsty for a margarita? There’s no shortage of options here as well. All of the margaritas are available as singles or served in a pitcher (margarita pitchers, which serve five range in cost from $65 to $82.50)

Happy hour deals include a $13 smash burger, $8 guac, $8 roasted poblano chile and tomato crisps, and $8 nachos con queso blanco, plus several $6 tacos. Happy hour drink specials include $8 frozen and classic margaritas, plus $7 glasses of wind and $5 beers. 

If you’re hungry and want to check out the all-new Blanco Cocina + Catina location, it is open Sunday through Tuesday from 11 AM until 9 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM until 10 PM. There are also happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 3 until 6 PM.