Chilte: Phoenix’s Wildly Inventive Ode to New-School Mexican Cuisine
Hello Flavor Chasers,
Craving a spot that serves up New Wave Mexican bites with a side of retro-sleek swagger and cocktails that know how to party? Say less. Chilte is your answer. Tucked inside the restored Egyptian Motor Hotel on Grand Avenue, this vibrant eatery isn’t just serving food, it’s rewriting the rules of Mexican cuisine with unapologetic flair and a whole lot of heart
The Chilte Experience
We didn’t plan to dive into another Mexican cuisine post so soon, but we JUST had to talk about Chilte. Why? It all started with our love of cooking competition shows, specifically, 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing on Food Network. Season two introduced us to a fresh lineup of 24 chefs, including thee Chef Lawrence “LT” Smith, the culinary mind behind Chilte.
We first heard about Chilte at an event back in June (because yes, food is always the topic of conversation). It was hyped as a must-try, so naturally, we added it to our calendar ASAP. And now that we’ve finally made it, we can confirm: the hype is real.
What Makes Chilte Unforgettable?
It’s the atmosphere, the service, the cocktails, the vibes, and of course, the food. Chilte is tucked inside the retro-chic Egyptian Motor Hotel on Grand Avenue, blending nostalgic charm with modern edge. Think neon lights, outdoor firepits, and eclectic decor that sets the stage for a night that feels part backyard party, part culinary showcase.
We were seated at the bar and greeted by Alex, our server/bartender, whose energy was instantly uplifting. He was knowledgeable, genuinely excited to guide us through the menu, and made our first visit feel like a celebration. There’s also an outdoor bar and patio seating, perfect for cooler Phoenix evenings. The inventive cocktails and bold playlist round out the vibe, making Chilte the kind of cozy, intimate spot where you might strike up a conversation with the table next to you, toast to the chef’s creativity, and leave already planning your next visit.
The menu feels like a love letter to Mexican cuisine, with a few surprise plot twists. Vegetarian options are highlighted with care, and special requests are met with enthusiasm. It’s clear that Chilte isn’t just serving food, it’s serving up personality.
Let’s Talk Cocktails
We started with drinks; duh. We ordered the house red sangria and the featured cocktail: a guava margarita with mezcal instead of tequila. OMG. Both were bursting with flavor.
• Sangria: Juicy but balanced, not too sweet, not too dry. Sangria lovers who prefer a more refined pour will appreciate this one.
• Guava Mezcal Margarita: A tropical-smoky masterpiece. The guava brought lush sweetness with hints of strawberry and pear, while the mezcal added a sultry smokiness that lingered on the palate. It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you say, “Just one more.”
The Food…Flavor Bombs Incoming
We ordered:
Yucca Frites (Antojitos)
Mole de la Casa with Oxtails (Mids)
Quesa Birria Tacos with Beef (Grandes)
Yucca Frites: PHENOMENAL. Hand-cut, golden, and crisp on the outside, creamy and starchy within. Dusted with furikake for an umami crunch and served with an aioli that set the flavors off like fireworks.
Mole de la Casa: Three flautas stuffed with braised oxtail, each bite melting into a rich, savory sensory experience. The mole was a dark, velvety sauce layered with chocolate, spice, and a whisper of licorice, nicely finished with goat cheese crema, cilantro, red onion, and queso fresco. Bonus: this dish can be made vegan or vegetarian.
Quesa Birria Tacos: You get two, served open-faced, a creative twist we loved. Ours were stuffed with slow-cooked beef, crisped on the griddle, and oozing with queso asadero. On the side, it comes with arbol and pepita salsa and miso consommé that could be a meal on its own. Each dunk added a burst of smoky, spiced broth that turned every bite into a flavor bomb. Tortillas are made in-house, with a choice of squid ink, corn, or Benny Blanco flour, we went with corn. Everything was so delicious, and each element complemented the other very well. Lastly, we wanted dessert. We really did. But after that feast? We were stuffed. Next time, dessert’s happening.
What Else is on the Menu?
Chilte’s menu is a rotating canvas, so dishes may change with the season or chef’s whim. Currently, their menu has:
Small (Antojitos)
Santa Quesdilla - Hoja santa, queso asadero, goat cheese, salsa macha
Summer Salad - grilled peaches, roasted zucchini, heirloom tomato, cucumber, hoja santa vinaigrette, goat cheese tamarind coulis, Peri-Peri candied pepitos, dill
Mid-sized Plates (Mids)
Carne Apache - Grilled and chilled Argentinian skirt steak, som tam aguachile, papaya and mango salad, herb mix, pepitas, tostada
Chef’s Crudo - Chef’s fresh, seasonal, raw preparation
Main Entrees (Grandes)
Smashy Burger - Two capital farm’s patties, salsa de isla, grilled onion, queso gringo
Pork Beans & Greens - Tomahawk Duroc Pork Chop, Lamb fat charro beans, yuca callaloo, fish sauce caramel
What Locals are saying about Chilte
Locals in Phoenix are absolutely buzzing about Chilte, and the praise is as flavorful as the food itself. Ratings for Chilte range between 4.5 and 4.8 out of 5 stars on platforms such as Yelp, Google Reviews, Opentable, and Restaurant Guru. Guests rave about the atmosphere and attentive staff, calling it a must-try spot for adventurous eaters.
What People Are Saying
“Cool vibe, amazing food & great service.”
“Unique creations and wonderful flavors.”
“A must-try dining experience in Phoenix.”
More Highlights include
Loved for bold flavors and creative dishes
Praised for vibe, service, and unique menu
High marks for atmosphere and chef-driven fare
Crowd-Pleasers: Fan favorites include the birria tacos (vegan option available)
Why We Love Chilte
We love Chilte because it’s everything we crave in a dining experience: quaint, intimate, and cozy, yet bursting with personality. It’s the kind of place where the vibe wraps around you like a favorite hoodie or sweatshirt. Sure, you might spot familiar dishes on the menu, but don’t be fooled: the flavors are anything but ordinary. Each bite surprises you, whether it’s the smoky depth of the mole or the playful twist in the birria tacos. The service? Top tier. Attentive without hovering, friendly without being forced. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a regular on your first visit and has you planning your second before the check even arrives.
Final Thoughts
Chilte is one of those rare gems that reminds us why we love dining out, not just for the food, but for the feeling. It’s intimate without being stuffy, vibrant without being loud, and every detail feels like it was curated with care. The menu might nod to familiar Mexican staples, but the flavors are bold, unexpected, and totally crave-worthy. It’s the kind of place that makes you lean in, linger longer. The service? Effortlessly warm. The atmosphere? A hug in restaurant form. Chilte doesn’t just serve food, it serves up connection, creativity, and a reason to come back again (and again).
We came to see for ourselves what Chef LT was serving up after watching him on 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing. We stayed for the flavor. And yes, we’re already planning our next visit. If you’re looking for a spot that blends comfort with culinary curiosity, Chilte is it. And if you’ve already been… you get it.
How does Chasing Flavors with E&J rate Chilte
9 out 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fun Facts About Chilte
1. Started as a Food Truck
Before landing at the Egyptian Motor Hotel, Chilte was a mobile culinary experiment. Chef Lawrence “LT” Smith and pastry chef Aseret Arroyo built a loyal following slinging tacos from their truck, blending street food soul with high-end technique.
2. Named One of America’s Best
Chilte has earned national acclaim from Bon Appétit, Esquire, and The New York Times, all naming it one of the best new restaurants in the U.S. in 2023. Locals say it’s not just hype, it’s a flavor revolution.
3. Cocktails That Tell Stories
The “Por Siempre” cocktail is made with sotol, a lesser-known Mexican spirit, and served as an Old Fashioned. It’s a nod to tradition with a twist.
Plan Your Visit to Chilte
Location & Vibe
Address: 765 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Inside: The retro-chic Egyptian Motor Hotel, adding a playful, nostalgic vibe to your dining experience
Ambiance: Street food soul meets high-end flair, with bold colors, cool music, and a laid-back patio scene
Parking Details
Street Parking Only – Chilte is located inside the Egyptian Motor Hotel on Grand Avenue, and parking is available along the street. There’s no dedicated lot, so plan to arrive a bit early to snag a spot.
Pro Tip: If you're visiting during peak dinner hours or on weekends, consider rideshare or carpooling to avoid circling for parking.
Reservations & Dining Tips
Reservations: Recommended, especially for weekends and brunch. You can book your table here or through OpenTable.
Group Dining: For parties of 7 or more, email reservations@chiltephx.com
Menu Highlights:
Birria tacos in squid ink tortillas
Pozole recado with tomahawk pork chop
Pan de elote cheesecake with mezcal berry compote
Green chile margarita and Por Siempre cocktail
Hours & Experience
Hours: Vary slightly, so check their site or social media for the latest updates
Experience: Expect bold flavors, unexpected ingredients (like ants and huitlacoche), and a menu that changes with the seasons
Pro Tips
Come hungry and curious, Chilte’s menu is designed to surprise and delight
Explore the Egyptian Motor Hotel, grab a drink, enjoy the patio, and soak in the retro vibes
Your Turn, Flavor Fanatics!
Okay, we’ve gushed about Chilte’s squid ink tortillas, mole magic that deserves its own fan club. Now it’s your time to shine:
What dish makes your taste buds do a happy dance?
Did you discover a new flavor combo you didn’t know you needed?
What bite made you say, “Wait… what is that, and why do I love it?”
Comment Confessional:
Tell us the one thing you almost didn’t order, but ended up loving. We won’t judge (unless it was the ants… then we’re high-fiving you)
Let us know in the comments.
