Family owned since 1927, Elvira’s has been a staple in Tubac, Arizona located 30 minutes south of Tucson which is a long hike for even the most eccentric foodie from Phoenix! Now open in DC RanchScottsdale, Chef Ruben Monroy takes the lead as the grandson of the original founder, keeping this family-run fine dining establishment running like a smooth sailing ship. Master Sommelier Thomas Kaufman is in charge of the beverage program and even with some mocktails, we were impressed with the taste. Opened in January of 2025, it features signature dishes from the Tubac menu, including its iconic Chile en Nogada.
And I myself am just loving the vampy, goth vibes at Elvira’s DC Ranch and put it on my media dinner to do list straight away! The food is phenomenal too with many unique options you can say you’ve experienced like the Chapulines or better known as grasshoppers or try a sizzling molcajete, made from volcanic stone. The list of mezcal and tequila is endless and the size of some of the cocktails will knock your socks off! Not drinking? No problem, they have tasty mocktails and other NA drinks on hand. No happy hour here kids, this is for special occasions and speaking of kids, the space is not made for littles so put it on your date night to do list. The restaurant gets packed very quickly so make a reservation first!
Note that they are closed Monday and Tuesday which is pretty common for any restaurant and open Wednesday to Sunday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. I’ve never been to the space in Tubac as Tucson has always been weird to me so all I know is this space is legit starting from the decor down to the drinks. Elvira’s is meant to be a space where flavors are elevated, service feels effortless, and connections are made over exceptional food and wine. I think they’ve accomplished that full heartedly. And in a time of “no one wants to work”, we saw so many servers running around this space, attentive to every need which was also impressive.
You’ll know you’re at DC Ranch in Scottsdale by all the kitty cat sculptures.This metal cat leads the way to Elvira’s right behind it at DC Ranch. Park behind the restaurant if you can!My first view of Elvira’s DC Ranch. In Arizona, you never know what to expect structure wise!A peak to the right on the patio at Elvira’s DC Ranch.A little further to the right of the entrance, a patio lounge space at Elvira’s DC Ranch.To the left, more patio space that wraps around the restaurant at Elvira’s DC Ranch.Views from the back patio in between buildings at Elvira’s DC Ranch. Plenty of space for outdoor dining!Finally going inside Elvira’s DC Ranch. I’m always early as to not disturb the dinner vibe!A little history to learn about the namesake lady of Elvira’s DC Ranch.Immediately greeted by large, dramatic candles dripping wax which I loved at Elvira’s DC Ranch.The main dining room at Elvira’s DC Ranch is moody and rich in textures.The amazing art on the ceiling at Elvira’s DC Ranch changes colors throughout the night.On the second floor of Elvira’s DC Ranch, the view of the main dining room.A private dining space exists on the second floor for your family or close friends at Elvira’s DC Ranch.Back on the first floor, the dramatic angel painting at Elvira’s DC Ranch.You can’t miss the luchador masks at the entrance at Elvira’s DC Ranch.A medley of other angels also greet you when you walk in at Elvira’s DC Ranch. Mexico is primarily Catholic so that tracks.Make sure you get a selfie heading to the restroom too at Elvira’s DC Ranch.If the bar is more your vibe, they have that too at Elvira’s DC Ranch.Also a communal table with stools for a more relaxed vibe at Elvira’s DC Ranch.With all of my content captured, it was time to settle in at Elvira’s DC Ranch in the main dining room.Places perfectly so we had some dreamy light from the windows, this was my view for the night at Elvira’s DC Ranch. It was a two person table tucked against the wall.I was starving and early so went with some fresh made guacamole which was outstanding at Elvira’s DC Ranch. If the guac is this good, you know you’re in for a treat!Always a rose Moet gal, I started here with champagne as usual at Elvira’s DC Ranch.The prettiest pink bubbles I ever did see being poured at Elvira’s DC Ranch.And even prettier in the light of the ceiling fixtures at Elvira’s DC Ranch. Sparkles everywhere!A nice homage to Chef Ruben Monroy at Elvira’s DC Ranch on the extensive menu.In a frenzy of content creation, the whole media team at Elvira’s DC Ranch came to the table for the pour on top of the ceviche moment. It tasted like a fresh garden and the tiny edible flowers were a little tart with the champagne but I’ll always appreciate edible flowers.My guest arrived and ordered a mocktail straight away at Elvira’s DC Ranch. I love the little skull beads and this one had some spice to it with ginger beer as a base.Soon the ceiling has transformed into a purple haze at Elvira’s DC Ranch.The huge Oro with mezcal instead of tequila was light, refreshing and potent at Elvira’s DC Ranch. I couldn’t stop licking the salt either!After we yapped and ate our apps, I moved onto the Mezcaliente which was not my favorite drink at Elvira’s DC Ranch but when in Rome….I was obsessed as soon as I saw they have steak molcajete on the menu at Elvira’s DC Ranch. I have one at home that sits on my counter, waiting to be used but probably not by me!The cauldron contains herbs, spices, cheese and peppers all boiling with inside this volcanic rock.It also comes with beans, guac and taco shells to wrap it up at Elvira’s DC Ranch. The steak was melt in your mouth perfection!Any good Mexican restaurant has great elote and this did fit the bill at Elvira’s DC Ranch.They have non-spicy food too at Elvira’s DC Ranch! The pineapple halibut was separate from the sauce and kept bellies happy.We had to try the lobster enchaladas where they shove a whole lobster in there at Elvira’s DC Ranch. Decadent, creamy and delicious!Let’s not forget our amazing waiter Mel also from Pennsylvania via the Erie side of things at Elvira’s DC Ranch. He was a delight!My last cocktail of the night was a hibiscus with mezcal at Elvira’s DC Ranch which tasted like juice… dangerous! You’ve been warned.My guest was in love with her fluffy cheesecake for dessert at Elvira’s DC Ranch.And I was obsessed with this fluffy flan with thick cream and sweet potatoes on top at Elvira’s DC Ranch.
A little confusion as we headed out, no doubt from having the whole media team there and me at the same time at Elvira’s DC Ranch. But all was well and we left fat and happy!
