Crafted for sun-drenched days with ice-cold margaritas in hand, Blanco Cocina + Cantina’s fresh new lineup of seasonal dishes and cocktails sets the scene for laid-back afternoons that stretch into spirited summer nights.
One of the many favored brands from Fox Restaurant Concepts, Blanco is known for its lively, effortless energy and inventive take on Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine. When experiencing the new menu additions, cherish perfect summer moments from the first cool sip of a salt-rimmed cocktail to the steaming sizzle of fajitas arriving tableside. Whether enjoying a leisurely lunch or a dinner that lingers into evening pours, Blanco crafts an easygoing ambiance that keeps the good times flowing.
LEARN MORE: Rediscover Tempe with your best summer staycation yet
SUMMER FUN: 10 things to do in Tempe this summer
This season, the restaurant is turning up the heat with a new fajita selection with standout options like Spicy Shrimp Scampi ($27) with roasted garlic, lime and arbol chile; Chicken “Pibil” ($25) with blanco tequila sauce and toasted sesame; and Skirt Steak ($29) with sweet ancho soy and burnt onion butter. Delivering a combination of fan favorites, the Enchilada Trio ($23) features traditional cheese, pork chile verde and chicken tinga, while the “Papas Dulce” Bowl ($19) brings a nourishing mix of crispy sweet potato, zucchini, roasted peppers, avocado, fried queso, rice, pomegranate seed and mole sauce.
To round out the Sonoran flavors, the bar offers a refreshing cocktail menu that leans into citrus and tropical sweetness. Back by popular demand, the Smashed Watermelon ($15.50) with blanco tequila, chili con sal and house lime sour is a spiced take on a summer classic. The offerings continue with bright and unexpected blends including, Papi’s Piña Colada ($15) with Corazón Añejo, Bacardi coconut, pineapple, toasted coconut and Stiggins’ fancy rum float; Mezcalito ($15) with Del Maguey Vida, toasted cinnamon and smashed orange; and Mexican Riviera ($16) with Del Maguey Vida, cocoa, passion fruit and Aztec bitters. Feeling a bit bubbly? Try golden hour spritzes with the Jalisco 75 ($14) featuring reposado tequila gin, cinnamon agave and lemon and Tan Lines & Tequila ($14) with Jose Cuervo traditional blanco, strawberry, clementine and agave.
“With Blanco’s new menu additions, we really embraced colorful, refreshing ingredients that capture the spirit of the season, while bringing new life to classic favorites,” said Chef Eddie Coronado, Sr. Manager of Culinary Standards. “From toasted and spiced flavors to the tropical layers in our cocktail lineup, the menu balances boldness and brightness in a way that feels both playful and perfectly suited for summer dining.”
Blanco Cocina + Cantina has six locations across the Valley, including Paradise Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. Open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for lunch and dinner. Elevated concept, Blanco Reserva at PV is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for lunch and dinner. Happy Hour is available at all locations Monday-Friday with hours varying per location.
For more information about Blanco and to view the full menu, visit blancococinacantina.com
