Cocina Chiwas

- 2001 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281

Cocina Chiwas, located at 2001 E Apache Blvd in Tempe, Arizona, is quickly becoming a beacon for sophisticated, modern Mexican dining in the Valley. Far from a typical border-style Mexican restaurant, Cocina Chiwas offers a deeply personal and elevated interpretation of regional Mexican cuisine, with a distinct focus on the hearty, meat-centric flavors of Chihuahua, Mexico. Co-owners Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, a husband-and-wife team whose culinary concepts have garnered national recognition and James Beard nominations, have poured their heritage and contemporary vision into this space. The name itself, "Chiwas," is a phonetic nod to the informal term for people from Chihuahua.

The restaurant's culinary philosophy is centered around quality ingredients, innovative techniques, and the captivating flavor of a mesquite and pecan wood-fired grill that takes center stage in the open kitchen. This creates a signature smoky depth in their meats and vegetables that Arizona diners have come to crave. Cocina Chiwas serves dishes that are both familiar—like a perfectly executed Chile Relleno or Enchiladas Verdes—and distinctly modern, such as the Tuna Ceviche or the impressive Dry Aged Tomahawk steak. It represents the culmination of the owners’ journey, blending the authentic flavors of their Chihuahuan upbringing with their experience in the high-end Arizona dining scene, resulting in a menu that feels genuinely unique, flavorful, and true to their story. This blend of tradition and modernity, combined with a trendy, comfortable atmosphere, makes it a must-visit dining destination in the Tempe area.

Location and Accessibility

The restaurant is situated within the innovative Culdesac Tempe development, the first car-free neighborhood built from scratch in the United States, lending it a unique, forward-thinking context. Despite this unique location, accessibility for the broader Arizona community remains high:

• Address: The venue is located at 2001 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA, on a highly trafficked and easy-to-find main route.
• Parking Options: Ample parking is available for guests, including a Free Parking Lot, On-site Parking, and a Paid Parking Lot option.
• Accessibility Features: Cocina Chiwas is committed to accommodating all guests, providing a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot, Wheelchair Accessible Restroom, and Wheelchair Accessible Seating.
• Atmosphere: The location, with its indoor-outdoor design, is popular among Groups and Tourists, providing a highly desirable Casual, Cozy, and Trendy setting.

Services Offered

As a modern, full-service restaurant, Cocina Chiwas provides a refined dining experience with essential convenience options:

• Dining Experience: Services focus on professional Table Service within a welcoming setting, available for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, with a dedicated Dessert menu.
• Beverage Program: A fully stocked Bar Onsite offers a high-quality selection of Alcohol, Hard Liquor, Wine, and specialty Cocktails, alongside a Great Beer Selection and Coffee.
• Menu Flexibility: The food offerings cater to modern preferences, structured around Small Plates, Big Plates (Platos Fuertes), Comfort Food, and includes Vegetarian options.
• Seating Options: Guests can enjoy the contemporary, airy indoor Seating or the large, desirable Outdoor Seating area.
• Order Methods: The restaurant offers both traditional Dine-in and convenient Takeout services.
• Planning: Due to its popularity, Cocina Chiwas Accepts Reservations, with Dinner Reservations Recommended to ensure seating.
• Payments: All major payment methods are accepted, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.

Features / Highlights

The standout features of Cocina Chiwas are intrinsically tied to its high culinary standards and unique dining environment:

• Chihuahuan-Inspired Cuisine: The food is a deeply personal, regional Mexican expression, specializing in hearty, quality meat cuts and traditional elements like queso menonita and heirloom blue corn, all elevated with modern techniques.
• Wood-Fired Grill: The heart of the kitchen is the custom-built, mesquite and pecan wood-fired Santa Maria grill, which imparts a signature smoky flavor to dishes like the Parrillada, Dry Aged Tomahawk, and various meat-centric Big Plates.
• Innovative Menu Items: Beyond classics, the menu features unique dishes like the Watermelon Ceviche, Arroz Con Camaron, Pork Shank with chile colorado, and the popular Birria Quesadilla cooked in the wood fire oven.
• Exceptional Cocktails: The bar is known for its Great Cocktails, including unique and well-executed signatures like the Red Wine Sangria, Paloma, and Anticuado, making it an excellent spot for drinks.
• Acclaimed Ownership: The restaurant is led by a nationally recognized culinary team, Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, who have been James Beard Award semi-finalists and are known for other highly successful Valley concepts, ensuring consistently high standards.
• Atmosphere and Design: The space itself is modern, airy, and yet cozy, featuring a sleek indoor-outdoor bar and custom-built elements like the wine wall and furniture, all designed by the owners to feel intentional and personal.
• Fast Service: Customers frequently highlight the Fast Service and friendly, accommodating staff, which contributes significantly to the overall positive dining experience.

Contact Information

For Arizona residents planning a visit to this highly regarded Tempe restaurant, the following information can be used:

• Address: 2001 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.
• Phone: To make reservations or inquiries, please call (480) 916-3690 or use the mobile number +1 480-916-3690.

What is Worth Choosing Cocina Chiwas

For Arizona food enthusiasts looking for a refined yet relaxed Mexican dining experience, Cocina Chiwas is unequivocally worth choosing. It stands out in the crowded culinary landscape by offering a perspective on Mexican food that is deeply regional, highly personal, and executed with a fine-dining sensibility. This is not your typical neighborhood taqueria; it is a celebration of Chihuahuan heritage made modern.

The unique flavor profile derived from the custom-built wood-fired grill is a key differentiator, injecting a rustic, smoky complexity into dishes that is both authentic and delicious. Diners consistently rave about the Big Plates, such as the incredibly tender Long Bone Short-Rib and the Pork Shank, as well as the unique small plates like the Arroz Con Camaron and the addictive Wood Fire Quesadillas. The high praise for their drinks—from the Red Wine Sangria to the specialty cocktails—makes it a destination not just for food, but for a complete, enjoyable night out. When you choose Cocina Chiwas, you are choosing a restaurant that has been recognized nationally for its culinary excellence, providing an experience that is at once cozy, trendy, and truly unforgettable. Reservations, especially for dinner, are highly recommended to secure your seat at one of Tempe's most acclaimed new restaurants.

Cocina Chiwas

2001 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA