Joy Ride Taco

Opening a Mexican restaurant in the southwest is a pretty risky adventure, seeing as there seems to be one on almost every corner here in Phoenix, but aside from the standard tacos and burritos, they each seem to bring something unique to the table. Joy Ride Taco House is an Upward project facility (think Postino's, Federal Pizza, Windsor, and Churn), and has two locations now; one in Gilbert, and the other down the street from my house in Phoenix on Central off of Camelback. After a day of wandering around the Desert Botanical Gardens, we recently stopped in for happy hour ($5 drinks and pitchers of beer until 5:00pm) and a bite to eat. And while the food was good, the ambiance and decor was great! Teal hexagonal tiles covered the walls (i am so impartial to anything teal), while over sized copper lighting fixtures hung over the bar, giving it an old Mexican feel, with modern touches. The servers are pretty laid back and wear street clothes, and it seems that everyone helps everyone out (i.e. a different person took our drink order, lunch order, re-filled our water, chips, etc.). An added bonus: we didn't order and appetizer because the free salsa and chips that they bring to your table was so satisfying. So if you're looking for a casual spot to hang out in the sun on their large patio, or bring the kids in for a fun lunch in the large padded booths, head on over to Joy Ride today!

Joy Ride Taco House
302 N. Gilbert Road (480) 632-TACO
5202 N. Central Ave (602) 274-TACO

What to Order:

Blood Orange Margarita (pictured right)

Cucumber Serrano (spicy deliciousness)

Chicken Tinga Torta (spicy chicken sandwich)

Taco Plates2 N GIBERT