Old Town Scottsdale changes fast. One minute you're looking at a dusty boutique, the next it’s a high-end sneaker shop or a tequila bar with neon signs and loud bass. But Los Olivos Mexican Patio? It just stays. It sits there on Second Street, a massive, sprawling labyrinth of a restaurant that feels like it was carved out of the Arizona desert itself.
Honestly, it kinda was.
The Corral family has been running this place since 1948. That’s not a typo. While other spots try to "curate an experience," Los Olivos is just being Los Olivos. You walk in and the first thing you notice isn't the decor—it's the smell of simmering chiles and the sound of someone’s birthday party happening three rooms over. It’s huge. You think you’ve seen the whole restaurant, then you turn a corner and find another patio with a fountain or a dining room filled with hand-painted tile.
The Story Behind Los Olivos Mexican Patio
Most people don't realize that Los Olivos didn't start as a massive landmark. Tomas and Nan Corral opened it as a small cafe called the "Los Olivos Grocery and Mexican Food." It was basically a neighborhood hangout. Back then, Scottsdale wasn't a world-class tourism destination; it was a small town where people knew their neighbors.
The building itself is a piece of art. It was designed by Thomas Corral himself, and you can see the artisan touch everywhere. We’re talking about real adobe, hand-formed shapes, and those iconic turquoise accents. It doesn’t feel like a modern architect designed it on a laptop. It feels like someone built it with their hands because they wanted a place for their family to eat. That’s probably why it feels so much like a home.
If you look closely at the walls, you’ll see the history. There are photos and artifacts that have been there for decades. It’s one of the few places left where the "Old West" isn't a marketing gimmick. It’s just the reality of the architecture.
What You’re Actually Eating (And Why it Matters)
Let’s talk about the food. If you’re looking for "molecular gastronomy" or tiny portions of deconstructed tacos, you’re in the wrong zip code. This is Sonoran-style Mexican food. It’s heavy, it’s cheesy, and it’s deeply comforting.
The cheese crisp is a mandatory starting point. If you haven’t had an Arizona cheese crisp, it’s basically a flour tortilla toasted until it’s cracker-thin and topped with a layer of melted cheese. Los Olivos does them right—bubbles in the tortilla, just enough grease to make it delicious, and maybe some green chiles if you're feeling adventurous.
Then there are the enchiladas. The red sauce at Los Olivos Mexican Patio is legendary for a reason. It’s got that deep, earthy heat that comes from real dried chiles, not just powder from a jar. They’ve been using the same family recipes for over 70 years. You can taste the consistency.
- The Enchiladas Sonorenses: These are a staple.
- Chimichangas: Deep-fried, golden, and usually smothered in sauce or sour cream.
- Hand-shaken Margaritas: They don't use those sugary neon mixes. It’s tequila, lime, and a bit of sweetener, served in a glass that’s usually been chilled to perfection.
The menu is a bit like a time capsule. You’ll find things like "Liver and Onions" or "Ground Beef Tacos" alongside more "standard" fare. It reflects a time when Mexican restaurants in the States were catering to a specific local palate while staying true to their roots. It’s authentic to its own history, which is a rare thing to find nowadays.
The Architecture of the "Patio"
The name "Patio" is a bit of an understatement. The place is a compound. There are multiple dining rooms, each with its own vibe. One room has a giant indoor tree. Another looks like a chapel. Then there’s the actual outdoor patio, which is one of the best spots in Scottsdale to hide from the sun under the shade of olive trees (hence the name).
You’ve got the Main Dining Room, which feels regal with its high ceilings and dark wood. Then you have the lounge area, which is perfect for a quick drink and some chips. The way the light hits the stained glass in the afternoon is honestly beautiful. It creates this warm, amber glow that makes the margaritas look even better.
One of the coolest features is the "Capilla" room. It’s small, intimate, and feels like a private sanctuary. People have been getting married or celebrating anniversaries in these rooms for generations. You’re eating in a space where thousands of Scottsdale families have celebrated their biggest life moments. That adds a weight to the atmosphere you just can’t manufacture with fancy lighting.
Dealing With the "Tourist Trap" Label
Look, because it’s in Old Town, some people dismiss Los Olivos as a tourist trap. They see the gift shops nearby and the stagecoaches and think it's just for visitors. But if you go on a Tuesday night, you’ll see the locals. You’ll see the regulars who have been sitting in the same booth for twenty years.
Is it the "coolest" place in Scottsdale? Probably not if you’re looking for a DJ and velvet ropes. But it’s the realest place.
The service is another thing people talk about. It’s old-school. Some of the servers have been there for decades. They aren't trying to upsell you on the most expensive bottle of tequila; they’re trying to make sure your water glass is full and your food is hot. It’s a level of hospitality that feels a bit like a lost art.
The Corral Family Legacy
You can't talk about Los Olivos Mexican Patio without talking about the Corrals. They are Scottsdale royalty. Tomas and Nan passed the torch to their children, and the family continues to be involved in the day-to-day operations.
They’ve seen the city grow from a tiny agricultural town to a sprawling desert metropolis. They survived the expansion of the Scottsdale Civic Center, the rise of the Waterfront, and the influx of massive luxury resorts. Through all of it, they kept the doors open.
This continuity is what makes the food taste the way it does. When the same family has been looking over the kitchen for three-quarters of a century, the quality doesn't fluctuate based on who the new corporate executive chef is. There is no corporate office. There’s just the kitchen and the family.
Why You Should Go Now
Scottsdale is becoming more expensive and more "modern" by the day. Iconic spots are being torn down for luxury condos or "concept" bars every year. Los Olivos is a survivor, but it shouldn't be taken for granted.
Going there is a reminder of what the city used to be. It’s a place where you can slow down. The thick adobe walls block out the noise of the traffic on Scottsdale Road. You get your basket of chips—which are warm and salty—and your salsa, which has just the right amount of kick, and you just breathe.
It’s also surprisingly affordable compared to the "trendy" spots nearby. You can get a massive plate of food and a drink without feeling like you need to take out a second mortgage. In a city where $20 cocktails are becoming the norm, Los Olivos remains accessible.
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Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head down there, keep a few things in mind. First, parking in Old Town can be a nightmare on weekends. There is a small lot, but it fills up fast. You’re better off looking for the public parking garage nearby and walking a block or two.
Second, the portions are huge. Seriously. If you’re not starving, consider sharing an entree or just sticking to a few appetizers. The "Combo Plates" are basically two meals on one platter.
Third, explore the building. Don’t just sit at your table. Walk around (respectfully) and look at the different rooms. Each one has a different architectural style and different artwork. It’s basically a free museum of 20th-century Scottsdale history.
How to Make the Most of Your Los Olivos Experience
- Visit during the "Golden Hour": The afternoon sun through the stained glass and the outdoor patio lighting is incredible for photos.
- Order the basics first: Start with the cheese crisp and the house margarita to get a baseline for the quality.
- Look for the "Daily Specials": Sometimes they have traditional dishes that aren't on the main menu, like special tamales or seasonal soups.
- Check out the bar: The bar area has a very different, more "locals-only" feel than the main dining rooms. It's a great spot if you're dining solo.
- Plan for leftovers: Unless you’re a professional eater, you’re going to want a box. The food actually reheats really well, especially the enchiladas.
Los Olivos Mexican Patio isn't just a restaurant; it's a landmark. It’s a piece of the Corral family’s heart that they’ve shared with the public for 78 years. Whether you’re a tourist or a lifelong Arizonan, eating there is a way to connect with the history of the Southwest in a way that’s delicious, unpretentious, and genuinely welcoming. Stop by, grab a seat on the patio, and see for yourself why it’s still standing while everything else around it changes.