I'm helping with planning a trip for a high school team for spring break in Phoenix. We are staying very far north, up in Happy Valley. I'm looking for some good, reasonably priced restaurants to take the group. Any thoughts? We are particularly hoping for a good Mexican dinner!

Carolinas at Cactus and Cave Creek. Excellant Mexican food.

Tee Pee Mexican Food
4144 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 956-0178

Authentic Mexican food.

C Mom:

I'm not sure I can recomend any resturants that far north but you can find good inexpensive Mexican food just about anywhere in the Valley. The Tee Pee is not too close but it is a long time favorite.

what teams with you be playing?

I will second Carolinas. Much better than Tee Pee, which is not what it once was.

Ok guys,
For real...I just checked out Carolina's North on line, and though I love a good local hole in the wall, it doesn't look like the greatest place to get a table for 30! Teepee looks a little more civilized, but also looks to be a good 20 miles from where we're staying. What is the opinion on El Encanto Dos on Carefree Highway?
The team will be playing in the Boulder Creek Tournament. Most high schools in Colorado send their teams on a spring break trip. It's a great way to start the season with a little warm weather! Our family has gone for the past two years. This is my son's senior year, and it's our turn to plan the trip, so I want to make it a great one!

Colomom,
Do you want a waiter? Carolina's isn't for you. If you want the best Mexican food around, Carolina's is the place to go. It will seat 30 easily. We have gone there many times with our teams. If you are going to a chain place, they are all pretty much the same. Decent food, service. Most Mexican places are decent at the worst. The bad ones don't last 3 months. Way to much competition.

Try the Rustlers Roost--great steak and seafood---also great snake---the Old Miner visits your table and spins old mining yarns and they have entertainment as well

Colomom -
My son's HS team will be there playing in the same tourney. Maybe we'll play each other. As far as I know, the schedule isn't out yet. Which HS does your son play for? My son plays for Lake Oswego, OR

Hi Rob,
My son is from Monarch High in Louisville CO. Here's hoping for a great spring tournament!

I would suggest Los Dos Melinos. Family owned authentic mexican. One on Central Avenue in Phoenix, One on Indian School Road near Mesa.

I travel to Phoenix many times a year and have yet to find a better Mexican Pork Roast and a beer for dinner.

BTW, the facilities at Boulder Creek are great. This weekend I talked to two coaches from colleges in the NW that come down on spring break and play there.

4thGen's HS team got knocked out of the state playoffs there lasst spring.

colomom:

Despite appearances, I would still recommend Carolina's. As Doughnutman says, it is among the very best for Mexican food, although I have only been to the location far south. Los Dos would also be very good, but it is further away than TeePee.

The problem you have is that where you are at there is not much available other than the chains. Boulder Creek is barely on the edge of the Phoenix area.