Z’Tejas – Elevated Tex-Mex in a Sophisticated Ambience

by Madeleine Bell

With two locations in the Phoenix metro area, Z’Tejas offers a captivating fusion of modernity, sophistication and a unique take on Tex-Mex cuisine.

Through extensive renovations in 2021, Z’Tejas elevated its interior to combine contemporary elegance with a Southwest ambience. From luxurious furnishings to thoughtfully curated lighting, every detail is meticulously orchestrated to create a refined yet welcoming environment. Each corner is aesthetically pleasing, making it not only a dining destination but also an Instagram-worthy locale.

It’s not just the atmosphere that invites diners in — the menu is testament to the magic that can happen by marrying classic Tex-Mex with sophisticated Southern cuisine. The restaurant also offers seasonal menus, showcasing a dedication to fresh flavors.

Diners will find a variety of menu items; alongside fiery fajitas to gourmet enchiladas, Z’Tejas also offers dishes like grilled ruby trout, adobo chorizo meatloaf and jerk chicken diablo pasta. The smaller plates feature dishes like catfish beignets, shrimp tostada bites and the popular Z’Queso. The restaurant also offers seasonal menus — this summer’s menu highlights crab, street corn and pineapple — and brunch. Each dish is prepared in the scratch kitchen using the freshest ingredients.

These hearty meals are complemented by an array of innovative cocktails and cultivated wines, adding another layer to the dining experience. Z’Tejas is especially known for its margaritas; staff say that the restaurant may not have invented the margarita, but it perfected it. The meticulous craftsmanship behind every dish and drink resonates with Z’Tejas’ commitment to culinary excellence.

Recently, Z’Tejas made a strategic decision to close its doors on Mondays. This decision stems from an evaluation of customer feedback and a careful analysis of dining trends in the industry. Rather than seeing this as a reduction in service, it’s more fitting to see it as a commitment to delivering excellence in all aspects of its operation.

By being closed one day a week, Z’Tejas is able to channel additional resources into fine-tuning its operations. This includes enhancing staff training, refining menu offerings and developing new culinary concepts. The aim is to optimize every facet of Z’Tejas’ operation, ensuring that each diner receives not just a meal but an opportunity to experience an intricate fusion of culture, design and exceptional cuisine that captivates the senses and creates lasting memories.

Z’Tejas has a Chandler and a Scottsdale location. Both feature full-wall murals that continue the story of the restaurant’s unique take on Tex-Mex cuisine; the mural at the Scottsdale restaurant shows a woman holding Z’Tejas’ famous house margarita. In Scottsdale, guests can dine indoors or on a large patio that overlooks Marguerite Lake. Both locations also offer a full bar with seating and rentable event space.

Z’Tejas

7221 W. Ray Rd., Chandler • (480) 893-7550
8300 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale • (602) 767-4790