Don Diego Mexican Cuisine: A Taste of Sedona

You might arrive in hiking boots, flip-flops or dressed for a night out. At Don Diego Mexican Cuisine, it really doesn’t matter.

Pull up a chair beneath a colorful umbrella on the patio, order a margarita and some chips and salsa, and settle into one of Uptown Sedona’s prime people-watching spots. Inside, a vibrant mural sets the tone for a restaurant that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but takes good food and hospitality very seriously.

That’s exactly the experience General Manager Alex Kirkpatrick wants guests to have.

“We want you to have a great time,” he says. “We want you to feel like you had dinner at a good friend or family member’s house.

Mexican Food, the Don Diego Way

Opened in July 2021, Don Diego was created to bring a dedicated Mexican dining concept to Sedona Center’s collection of restaurants. Its name adds a playful touch: Don Diego is a reference to Don Diego de la Vega, better known as the masked hero Zorro.

The concept is equally fun and approachable. Sedona welcomes travelers from around the world, so the kitchen draws on authentic Mexican flavors while giving guests flexibility to adjust dishes and spice levels to their tastes.

“We want to be very approachable,” Kirkpatrick says. “Family-oriented, all ages allowed, always a fun time.”

For first-timers, Kirkpatrick points toward the birria queso tacos, made with shredded beef and melted cheese. The tortillas are dipped in consommé before hitting the grill, creating crisp edges around a rich, savory center.

Another favorite is the generously sized smothered burrito, available with fillings including chicken tinga or steak and a choice of red or green enchilada sauce.

Visitors looking for something lighter after a morning on the trails can explore options such as Skinny Tacos wrapped in crisp romaine or a salad finished with avocado-citrus, lemon and cilantro dressing.

“We’re in Sedona. Hiking is so prevalent,” Kirkpatrick says. “There are a lot of times in the afternoon where people are going on a tour or going on a hike, and the last thing they want to do is be weighed down.”

Meet You for a Margarita?

Then there’s the bar.

Since arriving from San Diego in 2025, Kirkpatrick has expanded the tequila selection, ranging from blancos to aged expressions, and put an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Margaritas begin with fresh lemon, lime and orange juices rather than a premade sour mix, with agave adding sweetness. 

The bar also features a partnership with Three Amigos Tequila and recently introduced frozen margaritas, an especially welcome sight after a warm afternoon exploring Sedona.

Feel Like Family

For Kirkpatrick, though, the restaurant experience ultimately comes back to the people.

Servers aren’t expected to deliver rehearsed personalities. They’re encouraged to be themselves, talk with guests and make people feel genuinely welcome.

“You never know what happened to anybody before they walked through our door,” Kirkpatrick says. “We want to make sure no matter what, they’re leaving happy.”

That might mean a full dinner and a couple of margaritas. Or it might simply mean chips and salsa and a cold drink after a hike. Either way, Don Diego is ready to pull up a chair.

Come as you are. Stay for the food, the margaritas and the people-watching—and leave feeling like part of the family.

Find Don Diego Mexican Cuisine at the Trading Post building at Sedona Center. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Call 928-203-5655 for more information.