Anoche Cantina, a new Tempe restaurant and nightlife concept brought to the Valley from Ascend Hospitality Group (AHG), is now open on Mill Avenue. Craving a unique take on the taco? You’re in luck!
Anoche Cantina (anoche meaning “last night” in Spanish) is the first Arizona-based concept from AHG — a Black- and female-led, independent restaurant group hailing from Bellevue, Wash., with other locations in Washington, Oregon, and Utah. The modern cantina specializes in an innovative Latin-inspired food and beverage program (including an interactive build-your-own margarita bar!) and is home to 5,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor dining spaces. At night, the Tempe restaurant transforms into a nightlife concept with high-end bottle service and stellar sound and lighting for an energetic, sexy after-hours atmosphere.
But before the party starts, let’s talk eats. Anoche Cantina, which is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., dishes up a menu of shareables for the table (think nachos, street corn, queso and even a health-forward crudite and Tajin spread); a quartet of avant garde taquito options; and the Center of Attention (a k a the main entrees). The Center of Attention offerings, which range from classics like Al Pastor and carne asada to “loco” options like Korean beef and buffalo chicken, can be made into two tacos, a burrito, a bowl or a salad. The Sun Devil, with street corn, panko-breaded avocado, red sauce and cotija, is sure to be a popular option thanks to Anoche Cantina’s proximity to Arizona State University.
Since no meal is complete without dessert, the cantina offers two tempting sundaes to choose from: the churro sundae with cinnamon sugar, dulce de leche, ice cream and chocolate sauce, and fresas con crema comprising fresh strawberries, strawberry ice cream, shortbread cookie and whipped cream.
To wash it all down, a margarita is in order. Choose from Anoche’s creative menu of margs, including the dessert-worthy Creamsicle with blanco tequila, Pinnacle Orange Whipped Vodka, triple sec, orange and lime–or build your own. That’s right; you can pick your own toppings (like dried fruit, jalapeno or candy), rim, mix and base for a totally unique tipple.
The perfect way to make it through the mid-week blues is by spending Taco Tuesday at the Tempe restaurant. Every Tuesday, enjoy the following specials from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.: $10 Classico tacos (complete with rice and beans); $9 Classico and $11 Loco margaritas; $5 Dos Equis and Coors Lights; $6 Sour Patch Shots (red or blue); $7 queso or guacamole; and $8 sundaes.
To learn more about Anoche Cantina in Tempe, visit www.anochecantina.com.
640 S. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281