peace, love & tequila: diego pops, scottsdale

okay, let me get this out in the open: our arizona vacation was loaded with adventure and activity – but it was also loaded with food. this is only my second entry, and it’s also the second review posted in the food tab. am i sorry? never. after our coffee run, we headed straight for diego pops. this restaurant is classic southwestern/mexican fare – and i believe in eating what a region is known for – but i’ll admit i chose this specific spot because the decor. was. everything!!!

the pastel pink bricks were lined with bright desert greenery – outshined only by the epic neon logo, which pulled me – magnetically? – toward the entrance.

two giant wooden doors exposed a gorgeous patio with terra-cotta tilework and a mosaic bar. as though i needed any direction (the magnetic force was still pretty strong), we were led by way of retro letter board into neon narnia. i mean it when i say this restaurant is right up my alley. brightly colored pineapple wallpaper, aqua woodwork, geometric floors and neon signs everywhere you turn. this space is an instagram dream.

i guess i should take a second to talk about the food? maybe i was on an aesthetically charged high, but these folks make a mean queso, which we practically inhaled as our shared appetizer. then we tried the tacos, and a side of coconut rice which was a welcomed surprise menu option. i had the beef machaca (a house favorite), the charred skirt steak, and the award-winning braised green chili chicken taco which, as expected, was the star of the show.

one thing i really enjoyed about diego pops were the six housemade sauces and salsas that are brought over to the table with your food. being a picky eater, sometimes food can become bland if you alter the menu too much. luckily, at a place like this one, i was able to mix & match, add flavor, and still feel like i was getting the full experience.

our meal might have been over, but i didn’t want to leave. i was one part full, two parts inspired by the expert design: current and vivid – patterns and pops. see what i did there? on the way out i stopped to snap a photo beneath the best sign of all: peace, love & tequila – – these are a few of my favorite things.

follow diego pops on instagram if you’re as obsessed with decòr as i am.

shop the look:

sweatshirt – tallulahs threads, via etsy / tights – aritzia, tna ‘equator’ legging / bag – rebecca minkoff, regan satchel tote / shades – michael kors,  chelsea sunglasses / hikers – toms, summit boots