Scottsdale has no shortage of good Mexican restaurants and bars. But frequent visitors to downtown Scottsdale are sure to remember Salty Senorita, a longtime haven of tacos and tequila.
The popular restaurant and cantina closed in late 2013. But just in time for the new year, the Salty Senorita is re-opening its doors. The new Salty Senorita is debuting a new location, chef and updated menu and drinks list. After a decade as downtown Scottsdale's favorite taco bar, owner John Casale thought it was time to give the popular cantina a well-deserved facelift.
The Salty Senorita in Scottsdale is debuting a new location and updated food and drinks menu — Photo courtesy of Salty Senorita
The new location features rustic-contemporary materials like reclaimed barn wood, stained glass and concrete walls. There is also a mosaic tile bar, where diners can get a glimpse into the new exhibition kitchen. The overall feel is warm, inviting and cozy.
Diners can also enjoy Scottsdale's great year-round weather while they drink and dine, thanks to a new 4,000-square-foot patio with custom-made bar stools, fire pits and pet-friendly areas.
Aside from sporting a new look, Salty Senorita is also debuting plenty of amenities. There's a new curbside delivery service and a bicycle valet on duty that will park and clean your two-wheeler while you eat. Plus, the restaurant is planning a series of horse-drawn margarita rides in the near future.
But the biggest change at the Salty Senorita is the updated menu and drinks list. New executive chef Brian Feirstein has infused the whole menu with fun, beach-inspired flair. The overall approach is light, healthy fare made with ingredients grown right in Salty Senorita's garden.
Highlights of the new menu include the grilled salmon with kale and romaine salad. There's also a new line of Surf City flatbreads with creative topping combos like Coca Cola-marinated machaca with pickled onion, pico and manchego cheese. There's also table-side guacamole service, handmade corn tortillas and hand-crafted drinks.
If you're planning a special night out at the Salty Senorita, be sure to reserve a "Tacoyaki Table." It's the restaurant's fun new take on the traditional teppanyaki griddle. A chef is stationed at the grill table to cook handmade tacos for groups of up to a dozen diners.
Some things will never change at the Salty Senorita, though. When it comes to serving up refreshing, hand-crafted margaritas, the tequila-based concoctions here are still a winner. Drinks are served in a fun, kitschy assortment of custom-made fish bowls, mermaid pitchers, flower pots and conch and coconut shells.
The look and feel of Salty Senorita may have changed, but the spirit of fun, casual, beach-inspired Mexican food and drink continues.
