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Blanco Tacos & Taquila
6166 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale | 480-305-6692

All you have to do is put on your favorite summer sandals and trip on over to The Borgata because as soon as you enter Blanco Tacos + Tequila you will swear you are on the coast of Mexico.

The open, airy restaurant has the feeling of a beach cantina with its white, broad beamed ceiling, blue cloth chairs and wood floor.

The building’s east wall opens onto a patio filled with blue umbrellas, giving even the interior seating area a feeling of outdoor freshness.

Friendly servers in casual blue and white striped polo shirts are quick to offer assistance as you peruse the menu while munching on chips and a hearty salsa. 

Start your evening with one of Blanco’s many cocktails or margaritas, most made with fresh squeezed juice ($9-10).  Or one of the icy beers offered, including two Mexican imports on tap.

Blanco’s offers 60 tequila selections and there is a respectable wine and sangria list, too.

Start your meal by polishing off the Crab and Shrimp Ceviche ($12).  This mix of avocado, cucumber and radish with its healthy percentage of shredded crab and large peeled shrimp had me ready to lick the bowl clean of every last drop of sweet dressing if I wasn’t in a public place.  The bartenders are not flinty with the booze, so have a couple of cocktails and you might just say to heck with it and do the deed anyway to not waste a single drop of the delicious dressing.

Blanco has put a modern twist on traditional Mexican favorites with every kind of taco and enchilada you know and love. 

There’s carne asada, chicken, fish, beef, pork and vegetarian selections.  The Ground Beef Tacos ($11) come two to a plate along with a side of white buttered rice with a choice of black beans or pinto. 

My side of smooth pintos was just right after adding a spoonful of the perfect salsa that came with our chips. 

The Wood-Grilled New York Steak ($20) is the cure for a long work week back in the real world. 

Black grill marks add a smoky flavor to the succulent steak sitting atop a pile of deliciously browned slices of potato and a big old grilled war of corn.

You can keep up the Mexican vibe with the Caramel Flan ($5).  A large serving of this classic custard comes topped with fresh whipped cream decorated with raspberries and blackberries.  A perfect way to top off a tasty evening imagining you are on the Mexican Riviera.