Los Olivos Norte

This review is based on a casual dinner of a party of about 16 friends. That puts it in a different category than a quiet dinner for two, and also in a different category than a group event. When a large number of casual friends get together it puts an extra challenge on the restaurant, as people will be arriving and leaving at different times; people want separate checks; and there is no planned menu to work with. I’m taking all of that into account.
As would be expected, some people were already there and eating when the bulk of the group arrived at 6 PM. And also, predictably, a few people arrived after most people were already finished eating. The server handled the challenge without flinching. He did most of the work himself, with the assistance of a helper who appeared to be a trainee. As far as I know, no one’s order got messed up and the food was on the table within a reasonable time after ordering. The only glitch I saw was that one guest was served her soup «uncomfortably» earlier than the rest of the meal was served to the other guests. The server could have timed that a little better. Impressively, the server handed out separate checks almost flawlessly to couples and singles without asking and making a big point of it. He seemed to have a second sense about whose check went to whom.
Overall the service was efficient and moderately friendly. Once again it’s the old story of you get treated how you treat other people, and our group is pretty laid back and friendly. Los Olivos isn’t bubbling over with effusive charm but it’s not rude or unfriendly either.
The ambience is, um, dated. The room is well-​worn, with broken window coverings, and an overall look that the management isn’t putting much attention into maintaining the building. You know you have a problem when your guests notice such things.
The prices are on the high side for what is being served. On one hand that is to be expected, being in Scottsdale and being a haunt for the winter tourists. That fact was very evident on a mid-​June hot summer Saturday night that a Mexican restaurant (in Scottsdale) was virtually deserted. The early dinner crowd cleared out about 7:30 and after that I did not see any more seatings, just a lot of empty tables.
And the #1 reason people dine out … the food itself? Neither terrible nor wonderful, just very average. My selection was remarkably bland and uninteresting, although some of the other platters looked a bit better. Put Los Olivos down as an okay place to have dinner with some friends and have a couple of drinks, not as a place to go for a good Mexican meal.
What saved Los Olivos from a mediocre and average 3-​stars is the way they handled what is probably the most challenging situation a restaurant can face … a large casual gathering of friends. It’s a challenge so many restaurants utterly fail at and this place did surprisingly well.

We didn’t realize that we had this place right in our back yard. Great for lunch!

I hadn’t actually been there in years! I met a bunch of friends for happy hour an the specials we’re great! The food an drinks were really good especially the guacamole! GREAT PLACE FOR HAPPY HOUR!

After reading reviews I went against my better judgment and ate here anyways. Service subpar and food is bland. I am Mexican American and know good Mexican food. this is not it… surprisingly they are still open with a great Mexican style food Arribas right next store… buyer beware steer clear of this establishment. I’m a stoner pig and could not even choke down my meal.

Ok, great lunch deals. A go to for Me a food in North Snobsdale. Sit at the bar during lunch, Genesis will exceed your service expectations.

I went here for the first time the other day. I had heard mixed reviews from my co-​workers and I just had to try it out for myself. I was greeted by a very nice lady who gave me options of where to sit. I was the only one there, so it was nice and quiet. The décor was pretty, especially when they turned on the chandeliers. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly my food came out. My only issue was that I had to flag down someone to refill my water after 30 minutes. Service could had been better, but everyone was very friendly, prices are reasonable, and the food was good. I will definitely try this place again.

As for Mexican food it runs about a three star restaurant. The reason I gave it a 2 star it’s because the wait staff had issues bring your order out. It’s always nice to get your appetizer 10 minutes after you got your main course. I’m going to try and add a picture of how you use the salsa they give you. I have never used a flat plate to dump salsa on and try and scoop it up with multiple chips to make it work. I had the shredded beef burrito it tasted good nothing special about it whatsoever. The beans and rice actually tasted better than the burrito did. My wife had the chimichanga also shredded beef it was good. There’s nothing spectacular whatsoever. I would also have to say this place is probably about 30 percent more expensive than it should be. I really don’t think the value to the amount of food you get is there and we will not return because of that and the really horrible wait staff service we received.

My wife and I discovered Los Olivos Norte on one of many trips to Scottsdale before we move to AZ. We have always enjoyed coming here and the food is always excellent. We’ve tried so many Mexican restaurants in the area but we keep coming back to Los Olivos Norte. It can be quiet or busy; but we always get great food and service.
My wife’s favorite is Polla Ala Crema. Our waiter knows it’s her favorite and always reminds her when we are seated. I will order from all over the menu and each entrée that I have tried is always great. I tend to go for combos so I have variety. The chips and salsa are also a treat and we can also make a meal with them alone because they bring a large serving. Anytime we have business in the area or are attending an event like Barrett Jackson, Los Olivos Norte is our last stop before heading home. It’s the crowning meal on a great day.

I’ve been here twice. I don’t eat meat, only seafood. The first time I ordered the green chili tamale and a shrimp enchilada. The tamale was bland and dissapointing. However, the shrimp enchilada was awesome! My friend was not pleased with his entrée but I cant remember what it was. He said he believed it was prepared the way they intended, he just didnt like the flavor. Our server was intrusive. We were there for lunch so im sure a lot of people want to eat in a hurry. He non verbally made it clear that once we were done eating, it was time to go. There were plenty of open tables in the restaurant I think he was just ready to get his shift over with.

Had the machaca plate. Excellent. My date had the Mexican pizza and loved it. The chips come out warm and the customer service is very attentive. The live music is perfect volume to where you can still talk.
Props to the staff and the manager for creating such a good atmosphere.

Again, this is another restaurant that I only learned about when they offered a Groupon. I went for lunch and took a friend (that had also never been there). We go to lunch every couple weeks and usually to Mexican places. They told us when we arrived that the coupon was only good for dinners, but that if we order from there dinner menu we could use it.
Their food was average. Chips and salsa were good. Drinks average. Nothing special and since it’s a bit of a distance from my house, I won’t go back. The service was excellent but possibly that was because there were only a couple other tables occupied. But the service was good.

This is one of my favorite spots to sneak out for lunch. The lunch specials are amazing. I’m a big fan of the 2 tacos, or the Taco and the cheese Enchilada. In a small group setting, the service is amazing.
However, once time I brought my Team from work (10 members) in for an off-​site lunch meeting. I made reservations several days in advance.
They brought us to the back of the restaurant, and it took a solid 10 minutes for someone to come by with water. Then took several more long moments to bring our drink orders. Once we finally ordered our food, it took near 40 minutes for everyone to get served (this is including one member of my team who had to wait an additional 5 or so minutes from the rest of my group) The food was still delicious, and very affordable. We were just disappointed in the service for a large group.
All in all, this is a great lunch spot, with consistent and delicious food. Just don’t bring a big group.

We’ve tried giving this place the benefit of the doubt so many times, and now we’re just over it. We won’t be returning.
The service is terrible, whether it’s slow or busy in there. Came around 4:30 after a movie, a few tables in the bar area but most were finishing up. Server took about 10 mins. to come and get our drink order. Finally brought our soft drinks, but no chips/​salsa. We ordered a cheese crisp (very good) and it came out about 2 mins. after the chips/​salsa finally came.
We split a combo dinner, which was very tasty. We needed drinks refilled but that didn’t happen until we flagged down the server. Never checked on us to see how anything tasted or if we needed anything, just terrible.
Similar experience about 2 wks later, came again at dinner time, server took our order but didn’t bring sugar for our tea. I asked her about it, never came. Then our meals came, our drinks were empty, she asked if we needed anything and I told her, «Yah, sugar for our drinks, and DRINKS!» in a nice way. It didn’t faze her, she seemed oblivious. Never checked on us to find out if we needed anything, or how the meal was. Sucky service every single time, no wonder they keep putting the Groupon deals out but alas even that will not bring us back. Stick to Arriba’s for great service and excellent food.

We came here on a Saturday night. The restaurant is huge, but fairly empty. I remember coming to this place when I was younger and the chips and salsa were excellent. They still are.
Service
The busser was very attentive and kept our salsa, chips and water filled. Our server probably could’ve used a little more personality (he just seemed tired), but really he was doing his job and didn’t mess anything up — so no problem here.
Menu
The guacamole was excellent, although a little overpriced.
They offer an a la carte menu as well if you don’t want sides, which I think is fair.
Our food came out quickly and it was tasty — we ordered chimichangas. I don’t eat food with lard in it (i.e. the refried beans), so I had a side of whole beans which were flavorful.
We left feeling full and satisfied.
Atmosphere
Like a time we came here recently, it took us a while to get seated. There wasn’t anyone actually standing at the host/​hostess stand when we came in, and it felt a bit awkward. We waited about five minutes until we were acknowledged and seated.
The restaurant is huge — and feels a little uneasy when you walk in to a room full of empty chairs. There were probably 3 other families in our section and we felt like we had the room to ourselves — at dinnertime on a Saturday night. Unfortunately this might make people feel uneasy that it isn’t a good restaurant — but really– the food — at least the food we’ve had– is excellent.
My advice: section off the restaurant and only seat patrons in one or two areas. I think that’ll help make the atmosphere feel fuller and more welcoming.
Finally, the mariachi band was lovely. There’s a nice little stage in the middle of the dining area where they play.
I think this place would be great for large groups, families with kids, older couples.

Went here for a quick dinner. Food was just average, not too special and not as good as I would expect in the Mexican restaurant. I had an impression that we were a bit neglected by the waiter and waitress, maybe because we had a small order and didn’t feel like drinking tons of alcohol, not sure. Salsa was good, but I need a bit more to Mexican restaurant than a good salsa.

The food is fantastic, the margaritas are killer and the mariachi band is amazing! You have to check it out and tell them Whitney sent you.

Great for large parties, shabby-​cute, serving standard heavy Mexican fare.
This place is a big favorite with my coworkers so I’ve been here many times over the years. I recommend the fajitas, which are tasty as long as you don’t expect them to be a healthy option (not a taste-​the-​flavor-​of-​fresh-​veggies situation).
The chips and salsa are nice, the portions are large and the seating is great for large parties with no reservation, but that does make it a pretty loud place (don’t come here thinking you can effectively discuss business).

The only reason I’m giving one star is because it’s not possible to give zero stars, and the mariachi band was wonderful.
Horrible food and horrible service. We won’t be returning.

One of our favorite Mexican food restaurants. We frequent both locations. Amazing chips and salsa and the service is always wonderful. Pablo is our favorite.
Must try the Chimi! Also the green corn tamale. I could recommend a million things! Try them all!

I really love this place! I’ve been here many times on all different occasions. They offer a great happy hour where I enjoy the chicken quesadilla and margaritas.
The décor is just okay with nothing to brag about, however, the food and service is great! The margaritas are perfectly made and the chicken quesadilla and enchiladas are delicious. I also really like the salsa and chips!
When getting Mexican food, I usually go for enchiladas, tacos, or a trio plate, but If you can’t already tell, I absolutely LOVE the chicken quesadilla here!
Give it a try!

El mejor comida!