One of the best things I’ve been able to do while visiting Phoenix for Christmas was try brunch at Ocotillo PHX on Third Street south of Osborn Road. I hadn’t heard of this new restaurant (it opened in September), but a quick glance at the menu convinced me this place could be great.
The restaurant had a Yard-like atmosphere. It has a separate little coffee house, and the patio had ample seating and heaters surrounding picnic tables. When I made the reservation I was offered a chef’s table seating arrangement, though we opted for a half-booth, half-table setup instead. Inside, Southwestern art and photos decked the walls, but in a minimalist way. The decor wasn’t over the top.
My friend and I ordered the scrambled farm eggs and the falafel burger (paired with fries) to share. I thoroughly enjoyed the burger, but I couldn’t get enough feta-yogurt sauce. The eggs were scrambled with chili sauce, queso fresco, avocado, blue-corn tortillas, radishes and pico de gallo. Out of the two, I liked the falafel burger more.
 |
| Scrambled farm eggs from Ocotillo PHX. |
 |
| Falafel burger and fries from Ocotillo PHX. |
My brunch companions ordered the smoked brisket, which they raved about; the breakfast chimichanga; and the skillet pancake, which looked like a cake. All portions were hearty and looked amazing on the plates. The medjoul date appetizer (not pictured) was a hit, too.
 |
| The enormous skillet pancake from Ocotillo PHX. |
The Ocotillo will be a must on my next Phoenix visit. I can’t wait to try more of the venue. Have you been to Ocotillo? What did you think?
