| The Rainforest Café at Arizona Mills in | | | | potato chips (there is an additional fee to upgrade to |
| Phoenix, Arizona offers more than a typical dining | | | | fries, soup or salad), and $14 - $22 for a larger |
| experience. Seating for this unique restaurant is located | | | | entrée. Even soup and salad is almost $6 for a |
| in a simulated rainforest, complete with leafy tree, | | | | small portion. Kid's meals are $5 - $6 each. Perhaps |
| vines, a beautiful waterfall and a variety of animatronic | | | | the reason the prices seemed excessive to us was |
| animals. Watch large, colorful fish swim around in huge | | | | the food quality. The $6 salad was quite bland and |
| fish tanks which are scattered throughout. About | | | | boring (except for the jicama which was a nice |
| every 15 minutes a sudden thunderstorm rolls through | | | | addition) and many of the foods seemed to have |
| the restaurant. Lightning flashes, thunder crashes and | | | | been prepackaged items that were reheated. The fish |
| the animitronic animals respond with noise and | | | | in the $15 fish and chips was tough and chewy. The |
| movement. Monkeys swing in the vines overhead and | | | | saving grace of that meal was the rather tasty French |
| the elephants twitch their ears and toss their heads. | | | | fries (chips) that accompanied the disappointing fish. |
| The fun environment is perfect for families. The | | | | That being said, the desserts were great, but then who |
| restaurant is far from quiet; between thunderstorms | | | | could ruin dessert?! If you are feeling a little |
| music plays rather loudly. We noticed the hosts were | | | | adventurous give the Volcano a try. Thick delicious |
| quite good about seating people near the animatronic | | | | brownies built like a volcano with vanilla ice cream |
| animals, waterfall or fish tanks first, so you are likely to | | | | inside and chocolate syrup lava will set you back about |
| be seated near something of interest. The environment | | | | $13. It is big enough for the average family of four to |
| is a welcome diversion while waiting for food. We | | | | enjoy together though. |
| reviewed the restaurant at lunchtime when it was less | | | | Overall, The Rainforest Café offers a family a |
| than half full; however, we still waited 25 minutes for | | | | fun dining experience as long as food quality and |
| our food. | | | | pricing is not a priority on your list. Our recommendation |
| Unfortunately, the food is where the Rainforest | | | | would be to stop in for a dessert instead of a full meal. |
| Café lacks. The menu offers a variety of food | | | | You will get The Rainforest Café experience |
| types but limited selections in each category. There | | | | while enjoying a tasty dessert and not breaking your |
| are appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, | | | | budget! |
| salad, seafood and meat meals. We were happy to | | | | The restaurant, owned by Landry's Restaurants, is |
| see some meatless options, such as a vegetarian | | | | located at 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle in Tempe, |
| burger made of brown rice. The children's menu offers | | | | Arizona. Though it is located inside the Arizona Mills |
| typical child's menu fare; dinosaur shaped chicken | | | | Mall, it is quite easy to find since it is listed on the |
| nuggets, mini hot dogs, pizza, and shrimp are some | | | | parking lot signage and there is a large exterior sign on |
| choices. The prices are higher than one might usually | | | | the building. This restaurant is part of chain that includes |
| pay at a comparable restaurant. Expect to pay | | | | other locations throughout the United States and in |
| between $10 - $15 for a sandwich or burger with | | | | several other countries. |