184 Best of phoenix 2023 | WWW.bestofphoenix2023.c0m | septemBer 28, 2023 Flakes for the ultimate breakfast-lovers’ delight. Continue the breakfast-meets- dessert theme with a classic banana split or opt for a Fresas Alebrije, the shop’s namesake creation made with fresh straw- berries, cream, pecans and vanilla ice cream. Sweet and creamy not your thing? Try a tart and tangy raspado with tamarind, mango, chamoy or cucumber. Classic options including mangoneadas and piña coladas are on the menu along with a selection of savory bites such as esquites, elotes and Tostilocos at this colorful, family-run ice cream shop and snack bar. Best Mexican Coffee Shop MIS RAÍCES CAFÉ 1325 Grand Ave, #3 602-675-2228 misraices.com Hipster coffee boutiques with their indus- trial vibe, serious baristas and sea of laptops are multiplying faster than you can say “locally roasted.” The antidote to all that sleek, chic coffee geekdom is Mis Raíces, which translates to “my roots.” Here, old-fashioned conversations happen in Spanish or English or both, everyone is all smiles and the atmosphere is full of colorful decor and delectable drinks based on Mexican dessert flavors. And oh, those flavors: traditional sweets like cajeta, flan, horchata and mazapán are always available, and specials such as pistachio cold foam are spectacular as well. Owner Clara Sánchez named the place after her upbringing in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and treats every customer like a guest in her home. She eagerly asks if guests like their drink and beams when they express appre- ciation. Smoothies, shaken espressos, tea, lemonade, bagels and pastries also are available, so it’s a perfect place to settle in for a bit, put away that laptop and indulge in her hospitality. Best Margaritas CENTRICO 202 N. Central Ave. 602-254-8226 centricophx.com Margaritas are deceptively simple. The basic recipe is tequila, triple sec and lime juice, so what could go wrong? Unfortunately, a lot, given the multitudes of margaritas Valleywide that range from watery to overly puckery to fizzy, among other fatal flaws. That’s why Centrico’s are so stellar. This cheery, bright, bustling modern Mexican restaurant on the ground floor of the San Carlos Hotel mixes honest, fresh, perfectly balanced versions that are not too tart or sweet, thanks to an expertly blended sour mix. And while the drinks provide a buzz, the tequila doesn’t wallop their smooth, enjoyable flavor. It’s also appealing that the cocktails are available in several variations, including the sandía (watermelon), prickly pear, jamaica and more, so you won’t get bored. Best of all, these delightful drinks are ideal with the roster of exquisitely executed Mexican classics, whether you’re doing some day drinking with a plate of chilaquiles or sipping one with a plate of birria beef, chicken or chile verde enchiladas. Best Cheap Margaritas SOMEBURROS 5115 N. Seventh St. 602-584-8226 101 E. Baseline Road, Tempe 480-839-8226 And other Valley locations someburros.com Margaritas are dangerous, y’all. Those tart little numbers go down so easily, and before you know it, your head feels funny and your wallet has taken a major hit. We can’t help with your alcohol tolerance, but we know where you can go to get margs on the cheap. Local chain Someburros seems to be taking over the Valley — a dozen loca- tions already, plus more on the way — and one of the reasons we love them is their happy hour specials. From 3-6 p.m., margaritas of the original and strawberry varieties are a measly $3, as are domestic and imported beers and a selection of snacks such as mini chimichangas, Mexican pizzas, nachos and cheese crisps. So the next time you feel like indulging in a margarita (or two, or more) without a huge tab, find a Someburros. But please, get a safe ride home. Best Agave Selection BARCOA AGAVERIA 829 N. First Ave. 602-980-0788 barcoaphx.com Upstairs, Barcoa is a lively cantina with string lights, fluttering papel picado and a food truck. Down a large staircase, customers descend into an underground lair dedicated to agave. The dark bar is a moody space filled with small tables surrounding a central bar. Within, bartenders shake and stir cocktails based on spirits from the spiky plant. There are dozens of varieties of tequilas on the menu, but this bar goes way beyond the familiar.
