151 Hospitality, a restaurant group co-founded and led by Phoenix restaurateurs Rick Phillips and Peter Hearn, will open Camello, the flagship of their three dining concepts at The Esplanade (2425 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016) located in Phoenix’s coveted Biltmore neighborhood.
Riding high on the success of the whimsical Little Pickle Jewish Deli and the cool martini vibes of The Mercer, 151 Hospitality is ready to unveil Camello, a luxurious and theatrical high energy Mexican restaurant, named after its panoramic views of Camelback Mountain.
“We are seeing the renewed energy of the Camelback Corridor with The Little Pickle, The Mercer, our immediate neighbors at Esplanade and of course the social scene at Global Ambassador and Steak 44, and we wanted to be part of its renaissance,” says Phillips and Hearn in a statement.
Spanning across 6,000 square feet and accommodating 150 guests, this concept will feature elevated Mexican cuisine. Executive Chef Julio Mata, who got his start at the fabled Barrio Café and later led the opening of all Barrio Queen locations, is now leading the culinary direction at Camello. Chef Mata hails from Guaymas, Mexico and describes his style of food as based on his roots growing up, but modernized to today’s diners.
Camello’s menu consists of classic Mexican dishes as inventive colorful shared plates including a rotating selection of Tlayudas, or Mexican pizzas made with Oaxacan crispy tortillas, a tableside Ceviche Cart, a variety of Aguachiles, Enchiladas featuring three colorful moles, Tuna Tiradito, and Camarones Roca, alongside shareable center-of-the-table entrées such as a 48-ounce Carne Asada Tomahawk Ribeye, Whole Red Snapper, and Pollo a La Parilla.
The cocktail program will be as colorful and fun as the space itself. Shying away from an overblown or puffed out agave selection, Camello will focus on a discerningly crafted list and fan favorites, putting its real energy into creating a variety of signature frozen drinks taken to a mixology level — not just your typical poolside slushy!
Camello’s eye dazzling sensory mix of colors and materials took its design inspiration from legendary cues ranging from Mexican architect Luis Barragán whose interiors create a particularly lyrical atmosphere, to a showstopping back bar designed as a deconstructed disco ball as an ode to Studio 54 — to a cocktail lounge featuring Zebra striped motif booths as found in the famed 1930s club, El Morocco, frequented by the rich and famous of the day. There will even be a spot in the main bar for dancing when the sounds of The Fania All Stars and the curated Latin playlist takes you over. The main dining room is built for large parties with its flexible seating, and the indoor/outdoor bar also services an al fresco dining experience with a patio adorned with a sea of pink umbrellas, sofas, firepits and more. Even the bathrooms are a sight-to-see with cougar print wallpaper, Dali-esque epoxy floors, and adorned with art prints from the famed ‘80s illustrator and artist Patrick Nagel (most noted for his artwork on Duran Duran’s album “Rio”).
Beginning February 2, Camello will open for dinner service, followed by the launch of lunch and dinner service on February 9. Once fully underway, Camello will be open for lunch, dinner, brunch, and late-night cocktails from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the week and until 1 a.m. on weekends, welcoming daytime guests with a relaxed, affordable lunch menu of tacos, bowls, salads, and of course chips and salsa—designed to be quick for those busy workers—before transitioning to a more formal, elevated evening experience and into late-night lounge party hours.
