Aunt Chilada's

- 7330 N Dreamy Draw Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85020

Steeped in over a century of Arizona history, Aunt Chilada's is far more than just a Mexican restaurant—it is a beloved Phoenix landmark and a vibrant gathering spot. Nestled in the shadow of Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak) in the storied Dreamy Draw area, the original building dates back to the 1890s when it served as a general store for local mercury miners. Constructed from desert stone and railroad ties, the charming, historic, and cozy atmosphere provides an unparalleled backdrop for enjoying what is widely regarded as some of the finest Mexican food in the Valley.

The culinary philosophy at Aunt Chilada's is centered on traditional, yet innovative, Mexican-American favorites. The menu is expansive, offering everything from quick bites and classic comfort food to complex house specialties. The establishment proudly serves a local specialty, with a focus on hearty, flavorful dishes. A standout among their offerings is the famous El Pollo Fundido, a chicken chimichanga smothered in a rich Mexican cheese sauce and topped with jalapeño cream cheese—a truly decadent and must-try dish. Another popular favorite is the original, extra crispy Cheese Crisp, often cited by local patrons as the "best around."

Aunt Chilada's caters to all meal times, providing options for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner. The restaurant is popular for families, groups, and solo diners. It maintains a wonderfully casual and friendly atmosphere, actively welcoming a diverse crowd including the Family-friendly, Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly, Tourists, and is designated as a Transgender safespace, embodying true Southwestern hospitality.

The vibrant bar scene is another major draw, celebrated for its "Great cocktails" and "Great beer selection." Happy hour, offered Monday through Friday, is a highly anticipated event, making it the perfect spot to unwind with Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food.

Aunt Chilada's is located in the scenic and historic Dreamy Draw neighborhood of Phoenix, providing a distinctive and easily accessible retreat from the city hustle. Its location near Piestewa Peak makes it a convenient stop for locals and a scenic destination for visitors.

The address is:

7330 N Dreamy Draw Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA

As a historic landmark, the restaurant has taken care to ensure it is accessible to all guests. Accessibility features include a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating. Parking is accommodated with both a free parking lot and free street parking, easing the arrival process. While the building itself is old and charming, featuring some natural 'step ups and step downs,' the staff are reportedly very friendly and helpful in navigating the historic structure.

Guests will appreciate the beautiful grounds, noted for the "real nice" exterior with all the green vegetation, creating a pleasant environment from the moment they arrive.

The range of services at Aunt Chilada's extends well beyond typical restaurant offerings, cementing its status as a full-service hospitality venue:

• Dine-in Service: Offering a welcoming atmosphere with Table service, Seating across multiple unique dining spaces (Main Dining Room, Train Room, Lounge, etc.), and a fully stocked Bar onsite.
• Outdoor Seating: A beautiful and highly-rated feature, including a lovely patio and Garden Patio, perfect for dining outdoors with fire side warmth in the winter and misters/shade in the summer.
• Takeout: Convenient options for ordering meals to enjoy at home.
• Catering: Comprehensive catering services are provided, perfect for parties, corporate events, or large gatherings.
• Banquet Hall & Wedding Venue: Functions as a premier event space, offering multiple distinct private dining rooms (Banquetta Room, Palm Court Patio, etc.) for parties of varying sizes, accommodating everything from large family celebrations to a full wedding ceremony and reception.
• Full Dining Schedule: Serving all meals, including Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, ensuring options are available throughout the day.
• Reservations: Accepts reservations, with both Brunch reservations recommended and Dinner reservations recommended, particularly for groups or during peak weekend times.

Aunt Chilada's unique features contribute significantly to its lasting popularity across the Arizona community:

• Rich History and Atmosphere: Built in the 1890s, the restaurant is considered a Historic landmark, constructed from railroad ties and desert stone. It offers a charming, Cozy, and Historic atmosphere often described as a 'casita-style' dining room.
• Authentic and Unique Dishes: Serves local specialty items and unique menu offerings, including the renowned "El Pollo Fundido," the "Shrimp Stuffed Pineapple" (praised for its sweetness and 'zing'), and the traditional, extra crispy "Cheese Crisp."
• Entertainment and Ambiance: Features Live music and broadcasts Sports in the bar area, ensuring a Lively atmosphere. The presence of a traditional Fireplace adds to the cozy ambiance during cooler months.
• Superior Bar Program: Recognized for its "Great beer selection" and "Great cocktails," supported by a full Hard liquor and Wine list. Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food specials are available Monday through Friday.
• Dietary and Family Accommodation: Offers Vegetarian options and Organic dishes, as well as a Salad bar. It is extremely "Good for kids," providing a dedicated Kids' menu, High chairs, and Has changing table(s).
• Event Versatility: Dual function as a Banquet hall and Wedding venue, providing dedicated Private dining room options and multiple patios for reserved group events.
• Modern Amenities: Provides complimentary Wi-Fi to guests and accepts modern payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

To experience the historic charm and popular cuisine of Aunt Chilada's, or to inquire about booking their event spaces, use the contact details below:

Address: 7330 N Dreamy Draw Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA

Phone: (602) 944-1286

For Arizonans seeking a dining experience that is truly unique to the state, Aunt Chilada's is the premier choice. The primary value lies in the seamless combination of a deep, tangible sense of local history with a consistently excellent culinary experience. The building itself is a piece of Arizona’s past, offering a captivating "old but charming" ambiance that transforms a simple meal into a memorable event, as noted by first-time visitors who were "not disappointed" and celebrated a wonderful family birthday there.

The commitment to popular, well-executed Mexican cuisine is another key factor. Patrons rave about the signature items—from the legendary, extra crispy Cheese Crisp to the Shrimp Stuffed Pineapple—demonstrating the kitchen's ability to deliver both classic comfort food and exciting, flavor-forward specialties. The Green Chili Pork, noted as "very good" by a diner, speaks to the quality of their traditional Southwestern fare.

Furthermore, the hospitality and amenities are exceptional. The staff are described as "very friendly and helpful," ensuring a positive experience regardless of the historic layout. The "lovely patio" and various dedicated event spaces (including the Garden Patio and Banquetta Room) make it an ideal venue for everything from a casual al fresco dinner to a major family milestone or corporate function. The long, generous Happy Hour window (Monday–Friday, Open to 6 PM) in the bar area offers an affordable way for locals to enjoy a quick bite and "Great cocktails" after work, though visitors should take heed of the note about the bar lighting and seek a well-lit table for a clear view of their meal.

In essence, Aunt Chilada's offers a cozy, historic, and family-friendly retreat in Phoenix’s scenic Dreamy Draw, providing authentic food, an exceptional bar program, and the versatile amenities of a top-tier event venue. It truly embodies the spirit of a historic Southwestern hideaway.

Aunt Chilada's

7330 N Dreamy Draw Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA