Cervantes Restaurant

- 3318 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282

Introduction / Overview: A Taste of Authentic Mexican Flavor in Tempe, Arizona

Cervantes Restaurant stands as a long-standing fixture for authentic Mexican dining in the vibrant Tempe, Arizona community. Located just off Mill Avenue, this establishment is dedicated to providing traditional, flavorful Mexican cuisine in a setting that feels both casual and cozy. Cervantes focuses on delivering generous portions, high-quality ingredients, and classic recipes that have been perfected over time, making it a popular choice for 'Lunch', 'Dinner', and 'Solo dining' among local residents.

The menu is a celebration of Mexican culinary staples, with a strong emphasis on customizable 'Combination Dinners' that ensure a complete and satisfying meal. These full plates, served with generous portions of rice and beans, feature everything from 'Three (3) Carne Asada Tacos' and 'Two (2) Chile Rellenos' to savory 'Red or Green Chile Con Carne'. Cervantes also offers value-driven 'Combos' during weekday lunch hours (Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 am - 2:30 pm), providing an affordable and quick midday meal for the busy people of the Phoenix metro area.

Beyond the standard fare, Cervantes is known for its specialty items like the Shrimp Enchiladas and the fresh seafood options, including 'Tilapia Fillet' and 'Shrimp Fajitas'. The atmosphere is often enhanced by 'live mariachi music' on certain nights, creating a truly lively and memorable dining experience for the Arizona crowd, setting it apart from typical quick-service Mexican spots.

Location and Accessibility: Finding Your Way to the Heart of Tempe Flavor

Cervantes Restaurant is situated at 3318 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA. This location places it centrally in the Tempe area, making it a convenient destination for residents and visitors exploring the surrounding neighborhoods. However, based on user feedback, first-time visitors should take careful note of the entrance, as the layout of the plaza can be confusing.

Despite the potential for a slightly tricky approach, the restaurant is committed to accessibility once you arrive. The location is equipped with several features to accommodate all guests:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance: Provides easy access for those using mobility devices.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Dedicated, conveniently placed parking spots.
• Wheelchair accessible restroom: Ensures comfort and convenience for all patrons.
• Wheelchair accessible seating: Varied seating options are available inside the dining area.

For the convenience of diners, parking is made easy with both a 'Free parking lot' and 'Free street parking' options available in the vicinity of the restaurant. The ambiance inside is described as 'Casual' and 'Cozy', creating a welcoming environment for 'Family-friendly' outings and large 'Groups'.

Services Offered

Cervantes Restaurant offers a variety of services to maximize convenience and cater to different dining needs across the Phoenix-Tempe area:

• Dine-in and Takeout: The primary service options are comfortable 'Dine-in' seating with 'Table service' and convenient 'Takeout' for those on the go. Delivery services may be limited, so checking with the restaurant directly is recommended.
• Full Dining Options: The restaurant serves guests during 'Lunch' and 'Dinner' hours, with a selection of classic 'Dessert' items available to complete the meal.
• Bar and Beverage Service: A full 'Bar onsite' is available, offering a selection of 'Alcohol', 'Beer', 'Cocktails', and 'Hard liquor'. The beer list includes both popular domestic brands (Budweiser, Coors Light) and Mexican favorites (Corona, Negra Modelo, Pacifico).
• Children’s Meals and Amenities: Catering to families, Cervantes is considered 'Good for kids' and offers 'High chairs'. The dedicated 'Kids Meal' is priced affordably at $7.50 and includes choices like 'Mini Quesadilla w/ Rice and Beans' and 'Chicken Nuggets w/ French Fries'.
• Planning and Reservations: The restaurant 'Accepts reservations', which is highly recommended for 'Groups' or for visiting on a Friday night to enjoy the live music.
• Payment Flexibility: For customer ease, the restaurant accepts common payment methods, including 'Credit cards' and 'Debit cards'.
• Quick Service: Despite being a full-service restaurant, the 'Highlights' include 'Fast service', making it an excellent choice for a 'Quick bite' or a productive lunch break.

Features / Highlights

Cervantes Restaurant is known for several key features that draw customers back time and again for an authentic Mexican experience:

• Authentic Combination Dinners: The cornerstone of the menu is the extensive selection of Combination Dinners, all served with rice and beans. This includes generous plates of Chicken Fajitas, Carne Asada, and the highly recommended Red or Green Enchiladas, allowing customers to sample multiple flavors.
• Flavorful Enchiladas and Sauces: A major highlight is the quality of the enchiladas. The two- and three-piece plates, available with Red, Green, Cheese, Beef, Chicken, or Shrimp fillings, are highly praised. The green sauce, in particular, is noted by patrons for its "FANTASTIC green chile flavors."
• Value-Packed Lunch Combos: For those seeking a midday deal, the weekday lunch 'Combos' (e.g., Beef Taco & Cheese Enchilada for $6.75) are a significant feature, offering generous portions of comfort food at extremely affordable prices.
• Live Mariachi Music: A definitive feature that creates a festive and lively ambiance, especially on Friday nights. This entertainment elevates the dining experience from a simple meal to a celebratory occasion, popular for large birthday parties and group gatherings.
• Diverse Menu Selection: The menu extends far beyond combos and plates, offering a variety of á la carte items like 'Burros' (including Carne Asada and Machaca), 'Flautas', 'Tostadas', and 'Chimichangas' (including a top-tier Carne Asada Chimichanga). It provides traditional 'Comfort food' and 'Small plates' suitable for every appetite.
• Full Bar Service: The 'Bar onsite' is a highlight, offering not only standard soft drinks and coffee but a full range of spirits, cocktails, and Mexican and domestic beers, perfect for complementing the rich flavors of the food.

Contact Information

For residents and visitors in the Tempe area looking to dine or book an event at Cervantes Restaurant, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 3318 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

Phone: (480) 921-9113

Mobile Phone: +1 480-921-9113

What is Worth Choosing Cervantes Restaurant

Cervantes Restaurant is worth choosing for any Arizona local or visitor seeking an authentic, lively, and value-driven Mexican dining experience, particularly during their dinner service or Friday nights. Unlike many contemporary, fast-casual spots, Cervantes offers traditional, sit-down dining with 'Table service' and a full 'Bar onsite', creating a more complete and cozy atmosphere.

The food speaks for itself, rooted in classic, rich flavors. The menu is structured to provide satisfying, complete meals through its Combination Dinners, ensuring you leave full without breaking the bank. The distinction of the green chile sauce, praised by patrons for its fantastic flavor, and the availability of seafood dishes like Shrimp Enchiladas and Fish Tacos, showcase a culinary depth that goes beyond basic tacos and burritos. The weekday lunch combos, while subject to specific hours (Tuesday-Friday, 11:00 am - 2:30 pm), offer unbeatable value for a quick, substantial meal.

Furthermore, the potential for 'Live Mariachi Music' on Friday nights elevates the dining experience, making Cervantes a top choice for lively celebrations, group dinners, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in a genuinely festive environment. While first-time navigation to the entrance can be a challenge, the payoff is a hidden gem on Mill Avenue that consistently delivers excellent flavor, fast service, and a memorable evening out for families, groups, and solo diners across the Tempe/Phoenix area.

Cervantes Restaurant

3318 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA