Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill

Great Welcoming start to a simple bite and refreshing drink for the early evening.
Very attentive right from the start.
The seating area in the bar was open and clean with the windows shades open, gives a great comfortable setting. The waiter was amazing, we asked for suggestions and went on his choices, which were delivered fresh and delicious ! Tostada shrimp bites, and the chili verde were absolutely tasty.
The even balance out of this nice evening was the waiter and the GM ! Both these gentlemen hold the most professional of service and the determining factor of my return.
I highly recommend Z’s ! Well worth the price and even if it’s not the happy hour, the prices are well worth any meal, plus the Service !
Mr. J.R. Lopez

Going to Z for a few years the menu and pricing has changed. Happy hour prices increased and the times changed. It doesn’t seem so much of a happy hour anymore.
Corn bread was one of their specialties that was free, you now have to pay for it if you want it. Drastic changes like that, will have consumers second guess coming again.
Their 3 limit Chambord has always been, however, Dos Gringos sale the same drink and its unlimited.
Lastly, the CatFish Beignets use to be so white and fresh looking inside. Now it looks very veiny and dark. The batterer is good and that Sauce is still amazing so please do not ever change that.
I believe to stay in business, Z need to revamp their menu, prices and happy hour.

Frustrating experience for our party of 12. Seems the left hand was not talking to the right hand. Bar orders were slow, 6 of the 12 people in our party returned their meals because they were cold, others were lukewarm. They ran out of salsa, had to make more, so we did not have any for our meals and it was only 7:00pm. Empty plates littered the table as the server staff walked right by and only picked them up when we ask. Manager stepped in, told up about the new management and offered some free desserts. Would not go back to the 16^th/​Bethany Home location. Missed the dumplings.

3^rd time eating here, first time reviewing.
Went to the location on Shea the first time. Accidentally got there in time for happy hour apps. The cornbread was gratis and plentiful. I could have sworn that the deal was ½ price apps back then (a few months ago). We liked the taste of the apps so much that it called for a second visit. Also the location on Shea. Cornbread was gratis. This time we were too late for happy hour. We opted for entrees instead (fajitas and a burger) which were only so-​so. We decided never again for entrees, the apps at full price are a better deal.
Came to the location on Bethany Home this time. In time for happy hour. No free cornbread. It’s now $ 3. And, the apps are discounted $ 3 — still a good deal. Had the mini shrimp tostadas, chicken quesadillas and the street tacos. Very tasty! Ancho fudge pie for dessert. Oh yeah!
We arrived shortly after 6. The restaurant was almost empty. We were greeted immediately and seated right away. Our server arrived and got the drink orders in. The timing of the apps was quick. Nicely plated and really good flavors.
When it came time for dessert, things kind of fell apart. Our server took the order and then re-​appeared about a minute later with the tab. We thought she was going off shift and another server was with her who took drink re-​fill orders from us. Our main server was still visible working other tables. Confusing! 15 minutes after ordering dessert we flagged down server #2 who seemed disinterested in our table at that time. She didn’t know anything about the dessert order taken by server #1. We got the dessert about a minute later — I think it had been sitting on the pass for many minutes by then. Oh well. It tasted amazing. Dense chocolate flavor with interesting spices. And, the crust was excellent.
Will come back. But, only during happy hour as the discounted apps are a great deal. I don’t think there is value at full price.

Great Margaritas, chips and salsa and some street tacos. Bar staff is not the best but plant if TV’s for Spirts watching. This place seems best for lunch. Not sure I would enjoy dinner here. Huge windows open to give almost outdoor seating when it’s cool enough. Great 16^th and Indian School location.

I wouldn’t return here if I had a choice. The only menu item enjoyed was the catfish beignets. Moving on…

The food was good but the bartender’s service was not. I sat at the bar and from the beginning the bartender was unfriendly and more occupied with herself than the customer. Most of the time she was either texting or gossiping with the server. The barback was being more attentive than her! This place has potential but the bartender ruined it for me. I don’t think ill go back.

Underwhelming to say the least. New to Phoenix and had seen this place around the city so was excited to try it out.
I guess I’ll start with the happy hour skinny margarita I ordered. $ 5 happy hour price for a watered down, overly iced concoction. Not worth it and would certainly not worth the non happy hour price.
The chile con queso was tasty but we were kind of surprised that it came out somewhat lukewarm. We came in a little before 4 pm so not busy at all. You think it’d came out piping hot.
My fiancé ordered the chicken enchiladas. We’re both not picky but we both agreed they tasted like rubber. Like the taste of what a garage smells like. It was so odd!
I ordered the appetizer quesadilla as my entrée and it was okay. Nothing crazy.
I don’t think we’ll be back. Too many other tasty Mexican joints in this town that are cheaper and way tastier!

Chips and salsa? The salsa is bland and has absolutely no favors. The chips are not one of my favorites as anyone else tonight. They have not other salsa. The street tacos, had a lot of goo flavor and the green salsa served with them is really good. They out to serve green withe chips. Margaritas with chambor were good as usual. Beer was very cold as we like it. Oh and by way… to the né owners… Put the shrimp dumplings back on the menu. Those were the best appetizer on the menu. I can only give you guys 2 stars. Still love the atmosphere here. Peace!

For those that don’t already know, what was once Z Tejas fell into bankruptcy some months ago. What has emerged is a poor xerox copy of what Z used to be. Z Tejas USED to be the restaurant by whose burger (the Z Burger) I would measure all others, sadly, this is no more.
My wife and I stopped in last week and was greeted by a hostess with the mostest, rocking oddly patterned leggings/​tights paired with a faux fur lined vest meant to be worn outdoors or not at all. First impression, not good. I know, I know, it’s about the food, not the environment nor the fashion faux pas of the staff, but sadly, this is what greets you upon entering an eating establishment that’s supposed to be more upper class.
Our waiter, while nice, didn’t seem to be bothered to write down my order. I’m sure had he done so, my burger would have come as ordered, without bacon. Of course, I don’t actually remember the Z Burger ever having bacon as a default, but apparently it does now. ATTENTION Z TEJAS: NOT EVERYBODY LOVES BACON. And those of us that don’t appreciate bacon on our burgers should be able to opt out. Instead, and despite my request to pass on the bacon, what do my eyes behold, but two lovely meat strips serving as a meaty condiment to my already meaty burger. «Well, couldn’t you simply take off the bacon?» you might ask. I tried, but the geniuses that are the bacon lobby have insisted that the bacon be put under the cheese. So, removing the bacon would also remove the vast majority of the cheese. But I digress. Up until this woefully inadequate experience I would judge every burger out there by the Z Burger, but that is at an end. I’m not sure what changes the new ownership has made, but they’re all poor choices. The burger, while cooked properly (surprise) was bland. Lifeless. Tasteless. It was a burger that made me think, what was the point of killing the cow to make such a poor excuse for a burger. Then you put on the bacon and you have a most disappointing experience. One that shall not be repeated.
On another note, for those of you that know, Z Tejas USED to give out free cornbread. A small cast iron skillet filled with fluffy gold. The corn bread was almost by itself a reason to go to the restaurant. That tradition has also been scuttled. Now they charge $ 3 for each skillet of cornbread, not a terribly big deal, but it is when you consider that something has changed about the cornbread. It’s not the sweet salty experience that it once was. It too has become almost bland and without a point to its existence.
The only redeeming fact that came from this visit is that my wife enjoyed thoroughly her steak burrito. And perhaps she’ll return someday to enjoy it again. Though she’ll skip the cornbread and I’ll not be joining her.
Alas Z Tejas, I knew thee well.

I honestly don’t know what is the entire hype on this place. I don’t think their appetizers are that great. I ordered a mule and it was probably the only thing I liked. It isn’t the best place in my opinion for happy hour as they don’t have a huge variety of options in their happy hour menu. At least that caught my attention and appetite.

Came here for dinner with a party of 9 or 10 last week will attending a nearby conference. A few of our diners have been coming to this place for many years due to its location near the conference, and they raved about the crispy salmon.
When we arrived, the restaurant wasn’t too busy, and they seated us at a large table after we grabbed our drinks from the bar.
We quickly found out that the crispy salmon was no longer part of the menu; a big disappointment for the regulars in our group. It’s funny, because even as I write this review, their online menu shows the dish.
Our waitress was very nice, and apologetic. Without our knowing, she mentioned our disappointment to the manager, who made it a point to come by the table and explain that they had recently (within the last few weeks) we under new management, and the menu changed as a result. He was nice & polite and asked if there was anything he could do. A few minutes later, the waitress brought out two complementary Chili con Queso appetizers for the table to share. A nice touch, which we all appreciated.
Anyway, the meal was OK. I don’t even recall what I had; fish of some sort but nothing overly memorable. Don’t know if I would come back on my own.
I will say that our waitress was great! Patient and well tempered and even was kind enough to write up separate checks for everyone at the end of the meal; something many restaurants frown on with large parties, especially if not requested at time of ordering.

Seriously how cheap can you be? No more complimentary corn bread??? $ 3.00? Towards charity… THIS MONTH? And then 50% to charity and 50% to Z’Tejas next month and then all to
Z’Tejas when? Very wise marketing for a $ 1.50!!!

Met a friend for reverse happy hour on a Friday night. I ordered the skinny cucumber mule and the street tacos. The mule was refreshing. And for only $ 5, you can’t go wrong. It’s a smaller mule than what I am used to, but that’s okay. The street tacos were good too. It four small steak tacos with avocado, cheese and some sort of pink sauce on top. And of course you get that delicious corn bread. Reverse happy hour starts at 9pm.

We have been here before and there always seems to be that little bit of hospitality or smile missing. Three star is bad or good. It just is right. That’s how each time here feels. I love the ambiance and the food is generally good. Went with street tacos and the habanero pasta. I loved the pasta. Chicken was cooked right on. Took some Togo. It could’ve been just service really. It was fine enough. Greet, order, drink refill and check. No mistakes. But it felt awkward, no smiles, no conversation. This place isn’t off our list but I doubt it’ll be a top priority to get back.

Our server Josh was phenomenal! We ordered HH, street tacos, Cesar, shrimp tostado bites, trio chips & dip, all excellent! Complimentary cornbread! Seared Ahi was too sweet but everything else promptly served and table cleared quickly, hate dirty plates sitting at the table. Beers were served very quickly, love the attention to our table. We’re from Portland and loved the reasonable bill. The bathroom is brand spanking new! Everything is spotless!

I have enjoyed the Tempe Z’Tejas for years. This one is in a unwalkable area, but it was just as tasty!
Location: Near a strip mall of sorts. Tons of parking available.
Variety: It’s typical tex mex types of food. There are quesadillas, tacos, salads, etc. Though one can make a meal vegetarian or vegan, it isn’t as easy as other places.
Service: Quick, efficient and friendly.
Food quality: Everyone talks about the chambord margaritas– these are an absolute must have! Also, one is adequate! The food itself is good, but I wouldn’t say it’s anything special. I go for the margaritas!
Ambiance: This is a quieter location than Tempe’s location. It was pretty quiet.

Server was nice. Had to track him down for the check with only 4 other patrons in the restaurant though… not cool.
Salsa was GROSS. Like sweet spaghetti sauce. Never had anything like that EVER, and don’t wish to again.
We were there on Saturday afternoon and they had a decent happy hour. I got some street tacos for $ 8 and they were pretty good, but there was something strange about the flavor of the meat. Like, «what kind of meat IS this?» type of strange. It looked like beef but tasted like pork. So weird. They did present my friend with a beautiful side salad, however. I think if I were to return, I’d go that route.
I added a star for location and décor. It’s really a nice atmosphere inside. Other than that, I was underwhelmed with the food.

Me: What’s your San Tan Brewing rotational?
Server: Oh we don’t have that anymore. We replaced it with Blue Moon and Bud Light.
Me: …
This was how my brunch started at Z’Tejas SW Grill. #FirstWorldProblems… I know. But this is the reason I tend to Not dine at large corporate chain restaurants.
I ended up getting a Four Peaks Hop Knot. The only local on tap and a good one, but would have liked more local options.
Other than that and the subpar service we received on this day, I do like Z’Tejas. I’ve been to this location once and the Tatum location another time. If you’ve never been here, the corn bread is delicious. It comes complimentary with the meal to boot.
Since we were here for brunch, most of our party enjoyed their build your own Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar as well. Another hit.
For my main foods, I got the Pork Verde & Eggs. It was pretty good. I’m not a big breakfast person in general, but this was enjoyable.
Overall, this is a decent place if you must go to a corporate franchisey type restaurant. For me… they lost a couple stars for the wobley service and also for whoever’s bright idea it was to replace San Tan with Bud Light and/​or Blue Moon… Other than that… I’d generally be a fan.

I don’t care what day or what meal, the food is always great. All locations have their own unique vibe, but food is always good. Service too. You will always find a smile and great service from start to finish. Love the place and will keep coming.
Margaritas are super dangerous and damn good. Try them all… you will not be disappointed.