Spicy food featured on ‘Check, Please! Arizona’

Arizona is turning up the heat as summer gets started, and so are we! Our show “Check, Please! Arizona” has featured many great restaurants located across the Valley with vibrant flavors and spices. Use our list below to find your next meal with a little kick.

The Original Blue Adobe Grille

Nestled in the heart of Mesa, The Original Blue Adobe Grille has been bringing the vibrant flavors of New Mexico to life for over two decades. The menu is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of New Mexico, featuring everything from the signature lazy taco (soft tacos) and succulent steak dishes to a uniquely tempting fried calamari steak appetizer. 

“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Peteris Matthews, who indulged in the steak, portobello and calamari appetizer, described the latter as “absolutely good and spicy,” highlighting the meticulous preparation and bold flavors.

You can visit The Original Blue Adobe Grille at 144 North Country Club Drive, Mesa, AZ, and visit their website for more information.

Backyard Taco

Backyard Taco is known for its fast service, cleanliness and giant salsa bar. They make everything in-house. When you step inside the restaurant, it is warm and inviting. As you enter the doors of Backyard Taco, you will see the phrase “Mexcellence,” meaning everything they do at the restaurant is driven by excellence.

“Check, Please! Arizona” guests recommended the al pastor tacos, the Papa Loca and the birria tacos, and that you check out the salsa bar with it’s wide variety of options, from mild to spicy.

“Everything about the burrito was fresh,” guest Adrienne Fairwell said. “The chicken was tender, and I could taste just a twinge of spice.”

You can visit Backyard Taco at 1420 S. Higley Road, Gilbert, AZ, and visit their website for more information.

Baby Kay’s Cajun Kitchen

Baby Kay’s Cajun Kitchen is an iconic Cajun restaurant serving up New Orleans favorites like gumbo, crawfish étouffée and fried fish.

Owner Heather Woodstead recommends the homemade Cajun gumbo, a flavorful introduction to the rich Louisiana-inspired menu for first-time visitors. The ambiance is as lively as the flavors, with live music filling the air on both weekdays and weekends.

You can visit Baby Kay’s Cajun Kitchen at 2051 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ, and visit their website for more information.

Habaneros Grill and Mexican Cantina

Habaneros Grill and Mexican Cantina, a cherished fast-casual gem in Scottsdale, captures the essence of family-owned warmth while offering an enticing all-day menu. It boasts an array of delights, from breakfast burritos and tacos to vegetarian options, all complemented by top-shelf margaritas.

“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Paola Boivin, Director of the Cronkite Sports Bureau at ASU and a self-proclaimed happy hour expert, kickstarted her meal with a unique jalapeno margarita featuring jalapeno chunks, describing it as an “amazing way to start the meal.”

You can visit Habaneros at 10392 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ, and visit their website for more information.

Indian Delhi Palace

Indian Delhi Palace brings the flavors of India to the Valley and has been doing so for decades, according to General Manager Phulprett Singh. The menu at Indian Delhi Palace is a carefully curated collection of dishes telling the story of India’s culinary heritage.

“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Angie Hicks mentioned a particular standout being the irresistible Tandoori Chicken. Hicks found herself captivated by its flavors to the point where she couldn’t resist indulging in every savory bite.

You can visit Indian Delhi Palace at 5104 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ, and visit their website for more information.

Los Dos Molinos

This family-owned restaurant uses green hatch chiles from New Mexico, which means their food leans toward being spicy. Los Dos Molinos refers to the now-owner’s grandparents: When they were first married, they were gifted “molinos” or grinders.

Reina Torres, Bar Manager of Los Dos Molinos, said the most popular dish at the restaurant is adovada, which is pork cooked slow with spicy red chili.

“Check, Please! Arizona” guests recommend tamping down the flames with sopaipillas, pillows of fried dough served with honey or sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.

You can visit Los Dos Molinos at 1044 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ, and visit their website for more information.

Taste of Thai

This family-owned establishment prides itself on its new twists on traditional Thai foods. Taste of Thai owner, Artichar Reynolds, said dishes are made with non-meat options and personalized spice levels.

Taste of Thai focuses on fresh ingredients as they add these new twists to their food, and the eatery is not afraid to introduce fusion dishes, including “Check, Please! Arizona” guest Isabel Garibay’s favorite, the bacon fried rice.

You can visit Taste of Thai at 4855 E. Warner Rd., Ahwatukee, AZ, and visit their website for more information.

Oven + Vine

A family-owned restaurant located in downtown Phoenix, Oven + Vine is firing up delicious Italian cuisine in a brick oven. The hidden gem has a comfortable atmosphere that calls out to everyone. Co-owner Michelle Bethge describes her menu as comfort food with a New Mexico flair.

“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Ron Carlston recommends the braised beef. “It’s unbelievable how moist and how tender it is, and you can get it spicy or not get it spicy,” Carlston said.

You can visit Oven + Vine at 14 W. Vernon Ave, Phoenix, AZ, or visit their website for more information.

Thai E-San

This Thai restaurant located in North Phoenix prioritizes good and fresh ingredients bought almost daily and is known for having dishes with a kick.

Thai E-San serves traditional Thai dishes with an emphasis on cuisine from the Northeast part of Thailand that are rich in flavor and culture. The food is complemented by a welcoming environment. Thai E-San is the perfect location for spice fanatics, but they offer a customizable spice level that can suit all in your party regardless of their spice tolerance.

You can visit Thai E-San at 616 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ, or visit their website for more information.

Want more Arizona restaurant recommendations? Watch “Check, Please! Arizona” for inspiration for your next meal out, with diverse options all over the state!