Call Her Martina Makes the Best Guac in Phoenix

The Scottsdale Waterfront is one of the most underrated places in Phoenix. It’s not the San Antonio Riverwalk or anything, but it’s one of the only places in town you can find big city things in a walkable space with limited cars whizzing by you. Call Her Martina isn’t quite in the car-free part—in fact, it’s right next to two parking garages—but it’s still in that walkable zone. It’s a place you might be going to just because you’re walking by and it looks good.

Inside, the place is a little slick. A little trendy. Admittedly, when I see slick, modern Mexican food, I assume the place is going to be like Cantina Laredo. High-end prices for food that’s just ok. My budget doesn’t have time for that. Fortunately, Call Her Martina is better than that. The drinks are solid, the entrees are solid, but the star of the show for me was the Guacamole + Ribeye Chicharron. Just picture it in your mind—perfectly seasoned guacamole with little pops of pomegranate, mixed in with little chunks of smokey ribeye. I can’t believe I’ve never had guac like this before. It just makes so much sense.




What to Get

The guacamole at Scottsdale restaurant Call Her Martina is about so much more than the avocado. Yes, the guac itself is creamy, well-balanced and delicious. But the cascade of ribeye chicharrones poured overtop along with a scattering of pomegranate seeds takes this dip to the next level. All together, the combination is smooth, salty and savory with pops of sweetness, and good enough to eat on its own.
- Phoenix New Times

As the booming music droned on, we shouted across the table about options for dessert. After an animated recommendation from our server, we ordered the flan. This is your can't-miss dish.
- Tirion Boan, Phoenix New Times

Perfectly cooked with an undercurrent of red wine and a brilliant sear, the brisket was fork-ripping tender. I can't say there was much of a Mexican flavor other than the pomegranate seeds tossed over the top, possibly a nod to the iconic guacamole starter at Barrio Cafe. But they were the best short ribs I've had in memory, and I pretty much ate them all myself, barely saving room for the star of the dessert menu, a mint and flower studded flan. 
- Andi Berlin, AZ Central


Reviews

September 2, 2022 / CRAIG OUTHIER

Phoenix Magazine: Scottsdale Dining Review: Call Her Martina

The Tulum-esque bar lounge is loud, snug and tailored for lady-centric happy hours.

August 30, 2022 / Andi Berlin

AZ Central: Call Her Martina is Scottsdale's answer to Bacanora. Here's why it's a must-try

While Bacanora delves into the punk rock side of Sonoran haute cuisine, Call Her Martina is poised and polished, with flavors just as complex. The two restaurants are different sides of the same peso, and together tell a story about the eclectic future of Northern Mexican food in Arizona. 

July 12, 2022 / Tirion Boan

Phoenix New Times: First Taste: Call Her Martina Calls You Back

Call Her Martina strikes the perfect balance for its location in Scottsdale. The restaurant is modern, trendy, and filled with loud music and stylish customers. But overall, the food is what stands out. A modern take on Mexican food showcases familiar flavors and breathes new life into classic dishes. Customers would not be remiss to stop by for some cocktails, guac, and, of course, that devastatingly good flan.


Awards + Accolades

AZ Central

2024: 100 essential restaurants

Phoenix Magazine

2023: Best New Cocktail Bar | Scottsdale

Phoenix New Times

2024: The Top 100 Restaurants

2023: Best Guacamole

2022: Best Trendy Mexican Restaurant


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