Foodies looking for yet another reason to experience the rising culinary scene in Prescott will rejoice as La Planchada officially opened its doors this week, boasting Northern Arizona’s largest selection of tequilas and agave-based spirits.
A Vivili Hospitality Group concept, La Planchada, the area’s first modern taqueria and tequila bar, elevates the city’s culinary offerings by doubling as a street-style taqueria by day and dark-and-moody social club by night. Delivering a concise menu of daily Mexican-inspired specials and inventive tacos, wrapped in Arizona-made tortillas that share the spotlight with an adventurous, yet familiar cocktail menu, the modest 42-seat outpost fills a void in the city for a trendy-neighborhood hangout, ideal for a quick dinner pop-in or a late-night gathering with friends.
“It’s been a long time coming, but Prescott is finally having its moment as people are looking forward to trying new and creative culinary concepts that strike a comfortable balance between a more contemporary vibe that appeals to the young professionals living in the area while also incorporating some of the small-town charm that visitors expect from Prescott,” said Skyler Reeves, proprietor of Vivili.
The stars of the menu are the classic ($2.75 each) and the especial tacos ($4.75) that range from more traditional options to innovative combinations. As the name suggests, the classics are where you’ll find the typical taqueria staples from Carne Asada, Calabacitas, Carnitas and Al Pastor tacos to the more elevated Potato, Black Bean + Poblano with potato, house black beans, roasted poblano and Chihuahua Cheese and the Green Chile Tequila Chicken with green chile, tequila and lime. On the other hand, the especial tacos are more for the bold taco eaters with options like the Fried Chicken with buttermilk-marinated chicken, Mexican hot sauce and tomatillo ranch; Beef Tenderloin with agave nectar, chipotle, fried jalapeno strips and tomatillo ranch; Hibiscus Lamb with slow-roasted lamb, chipotle and crema; Pork Belly with citrus and garlic-marinated avocado crema; Fish with battered white fish fried with citrus slaw and chipotle crema; and the Mezcal and Chile-Braised Brisket. Plus, guests can trade in the tortilla and upgrade any taco into a salad for $12 for a classic and $16 for an especial.
The menu also includes an array of small bites from traditional to extravagant including the Mini Green Chile Cornbread Muffins ($4) with cilantro-honey butter; Relleno ($8) with chorizo, shrimp, three cheeses and panko; Squash Relleno ($8) with diced squash, three cheeses, Spanish rice and panko; Duros ($4) with fried pinwheel pasta, hot sauce, cotija cheese, tajin, cilantro and lime; and a Cheese Crisp ($4) served with pico de gallo. Guests will also have their choice of house-made salsas that range from a mild, oven-roasted tomato salsa to a very hot Japanese and ghost chile salsa.
Rounding out the menu is an extensive cocktail program with inventive libations created by local craft-cocktail master Bob Kolar from The Point, Prescott’s finest cocktail lounge, along with over 100 varietals of tequilas and agave-based spirits to choose from. Some favorites include the Jamaica ($8) with Mezcal, house made hibiscus shrub, and fresh lime; Paloma La Planchada ($8) with Blanco Tequila, elderflower, grapefruit, lime and sparkling wine; Naked in the Desert ($9) with sotol, Aperol, chartreuse and lime; Pineapple Express ($8) with a house made Pineapple puree, Mezcal, Cynar and lime; and Only Fans (price varies), where the guest can allow the bartender to call the shots.
Inspired by the fabled Mexican legend of “The Ironed Lady”, a nurse who healed people through the night, La Planchada offers casual service in a casual, yet inviting atmosphere. A custom zinc bar accented with Mexican-inspired tilework anchor the center of the restaurant and complement the vibrant, street-art style murals adorning the walls. When guests first walk-in, they’ll be guided by rows of taco-bar style communal tables that are illuminated by star-shaped chandeliers. Following the path outdoors to a lively patio which offers direct access to Prescott’s Whiskey Row Alley.
La Planchada is located at 217 W. Gurley St. in Prescott and is currently open Wednesday-Sunday from 4-9 pm with expanded hours coming soon. For more about La Planchada, visit LaPlanchadaTaqueria.com. For more about Vivili Hospitality Group, visit ViviliGroup.com.
