We ate at Richardson's, just prior to New Year's, 2008. My wife and I have been to Phoenix MANY times, but never to this restaurant.

Richardson's is in a dimly lit strip mall. As a matter of fact, when we approached the restaurant in our rent-o-mobile, I wondered if the place was open; the exterior lighting is more like that of a strip club, than a dining establishment! However, the parking lot around the place was jammed, so we figured: "This must be the place!"

It was about 6pm, when we arrived, and it was shoulder-to-shoulder standing room. There was a guy at the front reception, and he said: "If you see a table open, grab it!" We got a beer at the bar, which takes up the entire mid-section of the smallish, square room; the open kitchen is directly behind. Patrons were having dinner at the bar. We stood and took in the scene. After a 20-minute wait, we bolted to a counter-like spot with stools, near the front door, across from the roaring fireplace. It was WARM in that room!

On the walls around the restaurant are 5 or 6 chalk boards with the daily specials. After waiting ANOTHER 15 minutes for a wait person to get around to us ~ the place was hopping! ~ both of us ordered the pork combo platter, which included a tamale, enchilada, and chili relleno. The food was served on a very hot plate, and was spicy hot! Not your typical franchise food. Homemade. A nice portion. My wife, a Mexican food fan, said that the chili relleno was the best she ever had. I like Mexican food, too. But, it's not something that I would eat everyday; it's more of a once-in-a-while thing for me. However, I have to say that this food was very good. Of course, it was so damn warm in the room, and the food was so hot and spicy, that we had to have another cold beer to go along with it. And I must admit, the beer was a nice complement to this meal.

We asked the waiter "what was the difference between Mexican and New Mexican food?" He answered with a very good explanation about the different spices, peppers, etc. that are used in New Mexican cuisine, which gives it the hot, spicy taste. (Not so much an hot-on-your-tongue taste, as a full, hot, spicy flavor that expands in your mouth, and goes down in a comforting warmth.) So, all in all . . .

If you've never had New Mexican cuisine, and want to experience something a bit different ~ expand your dining experience ~ we both suggest that you give Richardson's a try. If you get there during peak dining hours, expect to wait. And probably don't expect great service; the place is popular and busy. But, if you want to try something with a different spin on hot and spicy, then give it a shot. One last thing: Richardson's is not a cheap place, nor is it on the high, high end. A $19-$22 entree is about average. Those beers: about $5.00 each. For those of you Tripsters not at all into Mexican/hot/spicy: Take a pass!

We live in Phoenix. We finally tried Richardson's several months ago. This was after a couple of year wait, as a couple of people told us of bad events with the food. But many others told us it was the best New Mexican in the Valley! So we finally had to try.

It was off season, so we did not make a reservation. Even with many open tables, the host made us wait at least a half an hour before we were seated. We could see no reason for the long delay as wait staff were not busy! The host was rude to us when we asked about being seated! I guess they don’t like people that are not regulars and come without reservations!

We were seated and ordered up some items – I can’t even remember what we had as the dishes were not impressive! We like spicy, like in terms of Thai spicy. Nothing really too spicy here to scare a beginner away in Richardson’s food! Food was OK, but basic cooking.

The real news about the food came at home later in the evening and the next morning! We will never eat at Richardson’s again!

I lived in Phoenix for several years and Richardson's was my favorite place to dine. This establishment is not for those who dislike spice or strong flavors. It is also not kid friendly.

They have the best Prickly Pear Margaritas! Steaks are delicious. An amazing appetizer is the roasted garlic plate. It is a rather small place so if you cannot get a table or a bar seat, go around the corner to the hidden "Dick's Hideaway" which serves the same menu.

Sit up at the bar, order a drink, and eat to your hearts content. Busy, but casual, relaxed atmosphere and incredible southwest/new mexican cuisine. A must stop when in Phoenix...