When you come to eat at Valley Luna in Chandler, you come to a truly fine Mexican food restaurant. One that prides itself on authentic food, amazing service, great beer selections and of course, good prices—but that is only half the Valley Luna story, as I see it. The Valley Luna restaurant has several locations throughout Arizona, and was originally opened in 1983 in Phoenix. It is owned and operated by a family from Mexico City, and they certainly know their stuff when it comes to home-styled Mexican cooking at its very best!

When it Comes to Authentic – These Guys Know Their Food
From the moment that you are seated, a server will bring you homemade tortilla chips, hot from the maker, and homemade bean dip, as well as mild and hot salsas to whet your appetite while you are waiting for your food. And to be honest, my main problem when I eat here is that the chips are so good that you almost eat too many of them beforehand and end up full by the time that your food arrives.

The Menu is Awesome
My favorite on the menu is the skillets, which allow you to choose from beef, pork, shrimp or a mixture – I prefer the mixture. They are served sizzling on a metal skillet with all of the sides: guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, lettuce and sour cream, not to mention a pile of steaming hot and freshly made tortillas.

They also have combinations on the menu that offer a deal on popular items combined, like my other favorite the Number One: which gives you a handmade green corn tamale, shredded beef or chicken taco and enchilada of your choice. Of course, the menu would not be so awesome if the food was not decadent, delicious, well presented and fresh, and of course if they did not offer some of the best prices in town without compromising quality or taste. I also recommend their Sonoran Steak, marinated in a to-die-for sauce and tender as can be.

My Rating: ****Four Stars for service and friendliness, food presentation, time from order placed to arrival at table, prices, beer and mixed drinke selection, menu selection, authenticity, location, amenities and overall dining experience.

My Opinion: If you want down-home Sonoran Mexican cooking at its finest, there is no better place to dine than Valley Luna—at least in this humble critic’s opinion. I have been eating here at least one time per week for the better part of the past year, and the service is so consistent that it always keeps me coming back for seconds.

The location is awesome, especially if you sit on the patio which overlooks a manmade lake and boardwalk. However, it is a bit loud on the weekends to take a date as they host Karaoke and Texas Holdem—which can be avoided if you sit in the normal restaurant, which is separated by soundproof glass from the bar; I always eat in the bar section because of the smoking patio. But for all other occasions, enjoy! And the prices rock: I frequently eat here and for two people, with two main entrées and several premium drinks It’s always under forty bucks with gratuity! You can visit them on the web by Clicking Here.

By: Michael-Jon Lazar