El Encanto Mexican Restaurant551

While some tout this charming hacienda as a romantic retreat, the Valley's mild climate makes El Encanto's casual, mission-style courtyard a perfect spot for family dining. The view is delightful: palms and mature desert trees surround a waterfall and emerald green pond, home to mallard ducks, geese, red-eared slider turtles, and great horned owls. Prefer to dine inside? Request a booth situated next to floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pond. Reservations are accepted, but if there's a wait, hang out on the patio and let the kids feed the ducks (no tortilla chips, please - duck food is available in dispensers or from your server). You'll find all your Southwestern and Sonoran Mexican favorites on the wallet-friendly menu. Pollo Fundido is a popular selection, and you can't go wrong with enchiladas, flautas, burros, or chimis. For something different, try the Fresh Sea Bass with Ajo sauce (a light blend of roasted garlic, tomatoes, cilantro, citrus juices, and spices). Children ages ten and younger may choose a mini taco, bean burro, cheese crisp, taquitos, or hamburger with side and soft drink or milk for $4.95. Booster seats and high chairs are available, as well as a fun kids' menu with crayons (be careful not to feed them to the ducks!). There's no pond at El Encanto Dos, the restaurant's newest location on the Carefree Highway, but it offers the same great menu and kid-friendly atmosphere.