Tia Nita's Cantina - SONOITA

Saw a Malignus Youth concert there last Saturday. Awesome venue/bar/restaurant. Pizza was amazing, Staff and owner were very cool. The care that they showed for their regulars during the event was above and beyond. Would definitely go again and take my wife just to eat and chill out.

Overall, this place earned a 2-star review. But I feel the need to ‘balance the scales’ of clearly undeserved 5-star ratings.The scene: I arrived at 5:00, and there were only 5 patrons (three people at the bar and a couple at one of the tables). Upon arrival I was greeted by a large German Shepherd. Yes, you read that correctly . . . a dog. Apparently, Santa Cruz County has extremely lax food safety regulations. Max the Dog has free range access to the entire establishment. He’s adorable, but I prefer my food dog-hair free.It seems to me that this place is a bar posing as a restaurant; here mainly to service local patrons. I ordered a 10-inch pizza and 6-piece chicken wings; both were soggy. The pizza was (just barely) edible, but I had to send the wings back to the kitchen (with absolutely no concern from the cook or any of the staff).The silver-haired barkeep spent the majority of the time I was there chatting with the same couple at the bar. If she has so much free time maybe it would be good to provide table service. Or at the very least, walk around and ask patrons how they are enjoying their experience. She was there to collect a paycheck, and little more (except perhaps needing to be somewhere on a Saturday night).It’s abundantly clear to me that the owner hasn’t spent many Saturday nights (or any other night) at their establishment. If they have, they are counting on their alcohol license to keep the place open.All said, I would recommend this place if you’re passing through Sonoita and need someplace to drink. Otherwise, I would save your money and wait for something better. You won’t have to search very far.

Came here months ago with girls friends I loved the vibe so much, I retuned when celebrating my partner’s birthday. Bartender/ owner were friendly conversations. Mouse the dog is a sweet boy. He admires his ball dearly so don’t expect to share lol. Pizza is so good you wouldn’t feel guilty about eating a 14” by your self! Hand tossed topped with fresh ingredients . Even warmed for left overs it was just as good! We will be visit again.

Precious little gemTucked away in Sonoita!Do yourself a favor, if you are passing near Sonoita, go in there and get a bite to eat. The food is scrumdiddlyumptious!!

You must go try the new Loaded Tots! Pick your level of spicy, and enjoy a nice brew to boot! Also, Mouse the dog is always our favorite to visit with!