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El Encanto

4.5

About this business

El Encanto became a favorite for its enchanting setting and great food. The business grew rapidly and eventually needed a more developed and improved infrastructure. In 2003, Bill’s daughter Christine, a lawyer living in Washington, came back to join and run the business. Christine developed new operating systems to manage the increased volume and built a management team to implement them. They focus on improving consistency and enhancing the level of service. Christine and Chef Hernandez also developed a new menu,main... read more

Location details

6248 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ, 85331, United States

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WeekdayScheduleStatus
Mon9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tue9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wed9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thu9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fri9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SatClosed
SunClosed
4.54,160 reviews
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Marielle M.'s profile image
Marielle M. 
16 years ago

Stop in so you know what the locals are talking about Another one of those Cave Creek institutions. I'm not a fan of Mexican food but I order the quesadilla which is pretty mild. Actually fairly bland which works for me. The place does have an old world feel which is cool. Also, the ducks are good for entertainment. Worth checking out. People do love it. 

Susan C.'s profile image
16 years ago

El Encanto Mexican Cafe This is my favorite Mexican restaurant for atmosphere. Whenever we have family or friends visit from the east coast, we take them to this cafe for a real southwest meal. It is especially nice on the weekends when they have entertainment in the outdoor part of the restaurant. 

Mryjdvmrci's profile image
Mryjdvmrci 
16 years ago

Worst Mexican we ever had – HUGE disappointment. Was recommended by an acquaintance, we had company from out of town. We were ashamed after we took them there. The food, service, and ambiance was AWFUL. The server never checked and even after we asked for the check he still hung out at the front joking around with the rest of the staff. The food was terrible. We each ordered something different and all hated our food and didn't finish it. When we were ordering my husband told the server I wasn't sure what I wanted, he got an... read more

azthunder's profile image
azthunder 
16 years ago

The worst Mexican in Arizona – We live about two miles from El Encanto. It used to be our favorite mexican restaurant. apparently, ownership recently changed and it is now easily the worst mexican food in the Valley. We ordered the Pollo Fundido which was supposed to be chicken cooked in spices with onions and peppers covered with cream cheese sauce and cheddar. What I got was plain chunks of chicken with no onions or peppers wrapped in a second rate tortilla covered with a gummy cream cheese sauce and no cheddar. When I ask... read more

greatfoodman's profile image
greatfoodman 
17 years ago

Not what it used to be. . . – This place is not what is used to be. Any review from last year is out of date. You would do better defrost some frozen food than eat here. We arrived early, and were seated quickly, but discovered that the rules had changed and the dreaded "no substitutions" rules were now in effect. When we did order, the appetizers came out with the entrees. We sent them back to the kitchen where the food apparently sat under a warming lamp until we had eaten the appetizers. When the entrees where brought to ... read more

Ventoux1's profile image
Ventoux1 
17 years ago

Good but not great. If you are afraid of birds, sit inside! – The outdoor dining can be great, but the song birds can be out of control. I give the food a solid B, compared to Dallas restaurants, and the ambience is great. However, one time the birds were flocking onto the tables around us when other diners left and it felt a little unsanitary to have them flying all around us! Service is slow. Been here a few times and every time was the same in this regard. Nontheless, I do strongly recommend el Encanto (which means the sp... read more

shoedog7's profile image
shoedog7 
17 years ago

Best in the valley – This place is so good it was even in a novel written by a local author. I have been going to this place for years and can say that it is the best. The other reviews explain how great the atmosphere is, and it is, so I will not get into that. Best chips and salsa, best beans and rice, and strong drinks. My favorite artery clogger is the Pollo Con Queso. It is sooo good and sooo bad at the same time. Deep fried shredded chicken burrito with jalapeno cream cheese on top and cheddar cheese melted on top of t... read more

Michelle D.'s profile image
Michelle D. 
17 years ago

Duck Pond This is a great place to take the kids. The duck pond will entertain them while the food is being prepared. The food itself is not the greatest. Its a fun family outing. 

crediblyedible's profile image
crediblyedible 
18 years ago

Great Ambience! – OK! I am a pretty picky person here in the Valley of the Sun. My honest opinion was it was pretty good. Carefree/Cavecreek area is far outside of Central Phoenix but its definitely an experience. They are located in a authentic looking Mexican style building in a very old part of Cavecreek/Carefree. They have a beautiful pond with live ducks and swans. The service could have been a tad faster but being that the restaurant seats over 400 and it was a Friday night rush, I can over look that part a little. Fla... read more

Frequently asked questions about El Encanto

How is El Encanto rated?

El Encanto has a 4.5 star rating with 4,160 reviews. 

When is El Encanto open?

El Encanto is open now. It will close at 6:00 p.m.  

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