Elevated Mexican cuisine concept Camello coming to Esplanade in Phoenix

PHOENIX — A new Mexican dining concept called Camello is set to open at Phoenix’s Esplanade complex in February under the banner of 151 Hospitality.

Camello, named for the nearby Camelback Mountain, will offer elevated Mexican cuisine from Chef Julio Mata, who touts a modernized spin on the style of food he grew up on in Guaymas, Mexico.

The restaurant near 24th Street and Camelback Road, across from Biltmore Fashion Park, will open for dinner service on Feb. 2 and expand to include lunch hours on Feb. 9. The regular hours will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and until 1 a.m. on weekends.

What will Camello have on its menu?

The menu will include tlayudas, aguachiles, enchiladas, 48-ounce carne asada tomahawk ribeyes, whole red snappers and more.

The interior of the restaurant features neon colors, Zebra-striped booths and art from Patrick Nagel, most famous for designing the album artwork for Duran Duran’s “Rio.” Animal-print styling continues into bathrooms, and the main dining room has space for dancing.

The space spans 6,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 150 guests at a time.

151 Hospitality operates two other concepts — Little Pickle Jewish Deli and The Mercer — at Esplanade, an office building complex with restaurants and an AMC movie theater.

“We are seeing the renewed energy of the Camelback Corridor with The Little Pickle, The Mercer, our immediate neighbors at Esplanade and of course the social scene at Global Ambassador and Steak 44, and we wanted to be part of its renaissance,” 151 Hospitality co-founders Rick Phillips and Peter Hearn said in a press release.

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