Downtown Chandler continues to become a dining destination in the southeast valley as La Bocca Urban Kitchen + Wine Bar and its sister restaurant Modern Margarita brings its pizza, tacos, cocktails and tequilas to the former Coach & Willie’s space on the SE corner of Chandler Blvd. and Boston St. last week. I had the opportunity to preview menu items and cocktails from both restaurants and enjoyed everything.
The restaurants combined account for 6,000 sq. ft. and will share the same kitchen but will have separate street front entrances and have its own identity with individual menus, decor and ambiance. This is the 3rd location for La Bocca Urban Kitchen and 2nd Modern Margarita in the Phoenix area for Mill Avenue Management Group. Both menus are under the direction of head chef Jared Cummings
La bocca urban Kitchen + wine Bar
La Bocca’s menu is full of Mediterranean styled food favorites including Hummus, Charcuterie & Antipasti boards, 10 Bruschetta to choose from and lets not forget the 10 different pizzas including Chicken Pesto, Autumn Garden, Truffled Mushroom , Margherita and more.
The beverage program at La Bocca gets as much attention as the food does with over 12 craft cocktails & sangria, wines flights from around the world, 30+ whiskies by the glass and the new house made Cellos.
Daily Happy hour and Daily specials
Sip on drinks at La Bocca’s daily Happy Hour from 3-6:30pm with $5 off glasses of wine and $2 off draft beers and single call spirits. There are daily specials including “Sunday Funday and Monday” with selected bottles of wine 1/2 off, “Mixology Monday” with all craft cocktails $2 off and “Whiskey Wednesday” with $2 off all whiskies. www.laboccapizzeria.com
Hours at La Bocca are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. & Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Modern Margarita
Tequila cocktails and Margaritas are the name of the game, literally at Modern Margarita with more than 60 premium tequilas available for mixing or sipping. The award winning Margaritas are made with fresh juices, pure ingredients and innovative flavors that include the Sandia Rita( tequila, watermelon syrup, pineapple juice and more) and Up in Smoke (tequila, barrel smoked maple syrup and house sour mix). Frozen margaritas, beers in the can, bottle & on tap and a few wines are also available.
Modern Margarita has earned multiple awards for their street tacos on the Phoenix food festival scene and uses seasonal ingredients on both its food and cocktail menu. Other menu items include house made salsa and guacamole, Ultimate Green Chile Burger, Carne Asada Tostada and more. www.modernmargarita.com
Hours at Modern Margarita are Sunday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.