Avoid the food, stick with margaritas at Salty Seņorita
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out

The spot: The Salty Señorita, 3636 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Happy hour: 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday

The vibe: Considering that it's an early Tuesday evening, the cantina's patio, which overlooks Scottsdale Road, is crowded. People in their 20s to 40s spread out among the colorful red, green and yellow tables. Pacifico and Corona umbrellas provide a little shade on this beautiful day as the sun descends. Beyoncé, Green Day and Alicia Keys play through the stereo speakers as groups of people socialize after work. We can't help but listen in nearby as our cocktail server offers disturbing suggestions to a young out-of-towner who is seeking a fun night out. She suggests that the man head to Flicka's (which we discourage unless it's a weekend or you're intoxicated enough to dance to the cheesy cover bands) or Phoenix (ugh!). After she leaves, we intervene and offer our two cents. The food deals: Discounted happy-hour menu

The drink deals: $3 well, wine and Mexican beers and $4 house margaritas

The review: You know how they say not to drink the water in Mexico? Well, we suggest not eating the food at the Salty Señorita. The restaurant and bar isn't known for its menu, and it's clear to see why after trying a couple of the appetizers. The food — and we've tried a few unappetizing entrees here in the past — is bland at best. The Mexican pizza, which is bedecked with melted cheese and beans, is heavy on the beans. The beans are the only part of this crazy concoction that we can taste, unfortunately. The rustic chicken tacos, which come in an order of two soft flour tacos and are filled with shredded cheese and pieces of chicken, are pretty impressionless. Both the appetizers are incredibly plain and desperately need a shot of flavor. We also order a side of guacamole, which isn't a happy-hour special, to accompany our complimentary chips.

Apparently, you can order a small plastic cup of guacamole for $1 or the tableside guacamole — which is served in a big presentation by a cocktail server — for $7.50. However, our server never gives us these options and explains that we could have ordered the smaller cup after we get our check and question the outrageous price. Note to Salty Señorita: Always give customers the options before the check comes and they're out $7.50. After all, we only wanted a side of guacamole.

In terms of nightlife, the Salty Señorita is a fun option on any night of the week. However, I'd recommend keeping it off your dining itineraries.

The inside scoop: The bar features two-for-one margaritas from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Mondays. Our favorite cocktail is the strawberry margarita, which is served frozen over a sugar-rimmed glass.

Information: or www.saltysenorita.com.