Black Chile Mexican Grill- Biltmore Fashion Park’s Welcome Addition!
by: J.E. Pizarro
If you haven’t been to the Biltmore Fashion Park lately, here is a good reason to go. Black Chile Mexican Grill is a new Mexican restaurant that opened in the last couple of months. Its located on what I call “restaurant row” across the walkway from Zin Burger.
Normally you would catch me rolling my eyes with a look of “geez.. Another Mexican restaurant in Arizona?” but in this particular case this is a good and much welcome addition. Trust me.
From its design to its extensive list (almost endless) of tequilas, it’s pretty fabulous. “What about the design? you ask?” Let’s dive into that first.
How many Mexican restaurants have you walked into lately where there is not a single Mexican sombreros, tile floor, super bright colors and the familiar “whirring” of the margarita mix machine at the bar? You’ll see none of that here! You’ll find dramatic lighting fixtures, river rock lined columns and a great outdoor patio that runs the length of the corridor.
They have an “open kitchen” concept so you’re able to look directly into the kitchen and see the staff hard at work preparing your meal. Their tortillas are made on-site and fresh ingredients are prepped all day long (and stored in see-through refrigeration units) all within your line of sight.
Black Chile Mexican Grill is the result of an original concept developed by experienced restaurateurs, Michael McDermott and Jason Merritt. The pair conceptualized Kona Grill and stem from a long line of family talent that brought the Mexican food chain Chi Chi’s to the Midwest in the 1970s.
They offer a full menu of delicious appetizers, salads, soups and entrees influenced by the foods of Mexico. The food is wholesome Mexican without the need to drastically reinvent basics or getting too “fancy” with Mexican food standards (not a fan when that happens). The flavors are bold, fresh and presented in a unique fashion. I think you’ll find there are items on the menu for everyone.
Trish and I were able to sample a variety of dishes and both were very pleased with the presentation, taste and most importantly service. (Those of you who know me personally know how I feel about mediocre service).
As you can see from the pictures, Black Chile’s food is not only visually appealing but wonderful to enjoy. I wanted to sneak out some salsa, but Trish convinced me that it might make a mess inside my work bag so I ditched the idea. I’ll just have to go back to enjoy!
The enchiladas were very flavorful and for one of the first times, I was able to taste individual ingredients in the sauce. (fresh ingredients do count!)
Trish and I traded plates half way through the sampling because I couldn’t wait to get my fork in the Carnitas Tacos she was having.
I’m normally not a taco fan, but these were pretty darn good! The slow roasted pork is what sealed it for me. Before I could finish her share I had to trade plates again so I’ll have to come back to enjoy my own plate!
Black Chile has over 130 different types of tequilas, specialty flights and house-blended margaritas along with a full liquor, wine and beer. Their “happy hour” runs from 3pm-7pm and not one to miss a good happy hour, they have worthwhile deals on appetizers and their margaritas. Don’t miss it!
Its just a great place to go! Its family friendly, where you can take the kids or stop over after work for happy hour with co-workers. I can’t wait until it cools down so I can spend some time on the outside patio and try some of the tequila flights they have. (Not too many, we know how Sheriff Joe feels about 1 too many)
Click here for their website! Or here for their Facebook page!
Before I forget, let me mention that they are also participating in the Biltmore Fashion Park’s “Dining After Dark” promotion. $50 gets you 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 drinks and 1 dessert! Screaming Deal!




























































