If you are craving gourmet Mexican food, this is the ultimate!
Plan your evening ahead of time because Elote Cafe does not take reservations. As you approach, you will, on most nights, see a lengthy line of people waiting on the ramp going up to the front doors. Don’t distress! That wait is worth it! Elote Cafe in Sedona, AZ provides a generous deck to wait on, with seating and patio heaters (if needed) and a fun game of cornhole to entertain all. As you wait, you can go to the bar which is located just inside the door and bring the drink of your choice (they often promote a wonderful blood orange margarita!) and popcorn back to your table.
The atmosphere of Elote is casual but the food is fancy.
There is no need to dress up. If you are lucky enough to sit on their deck, the view looks out on to Sedona’s lovely red rocks and if you schedule your dinner at sunset, the beautiful light will glisten off the copper tables in the dining room, giving the entire scene a surreal feel. Above your head hangs hand-blown glass lights with Edison bulbs and the walls are adorned in eclectic real Mexican advertisements for corn, farms, horseshoes and Campbell’s soup. The staff is attentive and friendly, smiling and welcoming. We know they are a good place to work for as we see the same staff many times when we visit.
Now for the best part- the food!
My favorite meal is the smoked brisket enchiladas. A smoky beef brisket rolled in tortilla love. The marital unit’s favorite meal is the Carne Asada with impeccably seasoned steak. My sweet female offspring loves the Smoked Chicken Enchiladas which is perfectly seasoned chicken wrapped in a dream!
We accompany our meal every time with the signature house dish, Elote as well as guacamole served with house made chips which are fried, in the healthier choice, rice oil. Elote, which literally means “corn cob” is Mexican seasoned street corn under a light layer of salt, a trace of smoky flavor, a touch of lime and a hint of cheese. Amazing! The guacamole is freshly made, slightly chilled, with bell pepper, avocado, red onion and tomatoes. There is nothing overpowering about it- it is like taking a bite out of a garden!
Finally, I must mention the beans and rice. You know how you like to leave those when you eat at any other Mexican restaurant? Not so here! The beans and rice that Elote serves are creamy smooth. A lot of flavor in a very small dish. A refined dish with black beans, salty, savory and topped with queso fresco cheese (a lot like “Mexican mozzarella”).
I know all of this sounds amazing, but you must save room for dessert as well.
This is a restaurant that doesn’t have a specialty course- they are all incredible. For dessert, I recommend the Pastel de Elote, an angelic sweet cream corn cake with bits of toffee flavor, like a dessert version of Elote. Heaven! If Pastel de Elote does not float your boat, try the Agave Ice Cream. Caramel-coffee flavorish, vanilla-esque with coffee like after tones. Either will make you float your way to your hotel!
Open every day but Sunday and Monday, 5pm to closing. Elote is a food experience that will enhance any trip to Sedona.