“Mi Patio” Happy Hour in Downtown Phoenix

By Agent 5, Agnes Kozina

Today we got a chance to go to one of the “hidden” spots we’ve been dying to try since we drove past it. “Mi Patio” is a Mexican restaurant located in a plaza on North 7th Avenue in downtown Phoenix. We’d never heard of it, and we almost got lost on our way there. It is a pretty small restaurant with a very small bar, but attracted us because it seemed tropical and inviting.

We wanted to try Mi Patio’s “Happy Hour,” of course! I bought a strawberry margarita and since I brought Agent 1, Brynn Mende, she tried a peach margarita. Both were only $3. We also got the chance to get some of the food half off for their happy hour.

The restaurant’s Happy Hour prices were pretty reasonable and the food was really good. The margaritas hit the perfect sweetness level. When it comes to checking out the menu, the portions are pretty big. We couldn’t finish the food we bought. However, the portions make it worth the price you pay, we recommend maybe sharing something!

Mi Patio gave off a welcoming atmosphere, as Mexican music filled the background noise. We definitely felt like we were at least in Mexico! This place is definitely worth checking out, VAMANOS! (Go, leave, give it a try!)

LoLo’s Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and Waffles? Sounds like a strange combination right? – Well, only until you try it.

LoLo’s Chicken and Waffles, located off Central Avenue and 7th Street, is famous for its chicken and waffles, macaroni and cheese, and Koolaid.

The restaurant was recently remodeled to seat triple the number of people. It went from being able to seat 50 people to the 150 that it can seat now.

Owner Larry White Jr. said since the project was finished two months ago, his profits have over doubled.

White said he has been working on the project slowly but surely ever since he bought the place in 2004.

“You could say it was a pretty sweet investment,” he said.

He said he put about 1.4 million into the most recent remodeling.

 

White’s grandmother has owned Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe located off of Jefferson street since she opened it in 1964. White said he worked for her as he grew up.

“Since I’ve been able to walk and talk, I’ve been in the restaurant business,” he said.

White’s grandmother let him try out his chicken and waffles idea on the weekends at her restaurant to see if Phoenix would be a good market for the dish.

Eventually, he was ready to open his own business.

“You’re never gonna get rich working for someone else,” White said.

Slowly but surely, White built his business, as he grew and hired more employees. In 2009, he also opened a location in Scottsdale.

When he started the Scottsdale restaurant, he was completely broke and bought everything on credit. Now, he’s made it back and more.

“Just know that hard work pays off,” White added.