186 Best of phoenix 2023 | WWW.bestofphoenix2023.c0m | septemBer 28, 2023 Dip your toes into the worlds of mezcal, sotol, raicilla, bacanora and other agave distilates. Some are bright, others smoky or smooth. Barcoa serves these unique spirits mixed into cocktails or celebrated in flights that introduce customers to the lesser known varieties. If you don’t know what to pick, a flight helps. But Barcoa offers 20 different flights, so be prepared to go downstairs and fall down the rabbit hole. Best Tequila Selection THE MISSION 3815 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale 480-636-5005 7122 E. Greenway Pkwy., #140, Scottsdale 480-292-7800 themissionaz.com For tequila fans, there’s no better spot in the Valley than The Mission. The restaurant, which has locations in Old Town Scottsdale and Kierland Commons, has close to 100 different tequila options. The menu is help- fully broken down by category and price, including blanco, reposado, anejo, extra/ premium and cristallino. Flights of each style are also available, each offering four pours so customers can determine their favorite. The price points range from $35 to $285, meaning sippers can choose to dip their toes in the world of tequila or dive straight into the deep end. The Mission also offers a large selection of cocktails made with tequila, including margaritas, mules and a bloody maria. The drinks pair perfectly with the swanky restaurant’s modern Latin cuisine, which takes inspi- ration from Spain, Mexico and Central and South America. Best Mexican Grocery Store LOS ALTOS RANCH MARKET 5833 S. Central Ave. 602-268-7166 1602 E. Roosevelt St. 602-253-6874 And other Valley locations losaltosranchmarket.com Stepping into Los Altos Ranch Market is like opening the door to your favorite abuela’s kitchen during the holidays. The scent of freshly baked conchas, empanadas and orejas beckon you to break every New Year’s resolution. At $0.99 per sugary concoction, cheating on your diet will literally only cost a few pretty pennies. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, Los Altos’ hot food section is the stuff dreams are made of — carnitas, enchiladas, rice, beans and most impor- tantly, freshly made tortillas that are still warm when you get them. But there’s so much more to explore than the ready- made food. Reasonably priced assorted meats and a staggeringly large selection of fresh produce also make Los Altos a go-to destination. Just make sure you snag a large agua fresca before you leave. Best Dia De Los Muertos Treasures MEXICAN ARTS IMPORTS 340 N. 24th St. 602-275-9552 mexicanartsimports.com At Mexican Arts Imports, you’ll find textiles, jewelry, Talavera, Lupita dolls and every- thing in between. But the real star of the store is its collection of Día de Los Muertos goods. In the back of the store, large paintings that range from traditional to Chicano to modern feature calacas-clad subjects like Marilyn Monroe and Mexican beauties. Turn the corner and you’ll bump into 2-foot-tall Day of the Dead statues complete with ghostly smiles and brightly colored clothing. For those looking for tchotchke-size items, Mexican Arts Imports has a staggering selection of clay figurines, painted pots and even mini ceramic Day of the Dead cats and dogs (our personal favorite). The only downside to a store visit is that it’s impos- sible to walk away without seeing 100 things you can’t live without. Best Place to Buy a Pinata DULCERIA LA BONITA 6611 S. Central Ave. 602-441-3300 And other Valley locations labonita.store No birthday celebration is complete without three things: cake, presents and beating the almighty hell out of a paper- mâché piñata. While you can always
