Capriola in the Fall of 1995. His ideas, aspirations, and goals of creating quality food with reasonable prices in a fun and highly professional atmosphere were fulfilled quickly with the help of Judith A. Merritt and Andrew Capriola, his son. Awards and recognition have followed, including:
• 20 Places for Hispanic Dishes: Enchantment Platter, Arizona Republic, September 2011
• 10 Favorite Spicy
Dishes: Habanero Cheeseburger, Phoenix New Times, September 2011
• Top 100 Dishes in the Valley: New Mexican Potstickers, Phoenix New Times, August 2011
• One of 51 Ways to Beat the Heat, Phoenix Magazine, July 2011
• Best Burger in Phoenix/Scottsdale in Travel and Leisure Magazine, May 2011
• One of the Top 85 restaurants in Phoenix Magazine, January 2011
• Habanero Cheeseburger, Best Burger in Arizona, Food Network Magazine, 2009
• Best Restaurant, Food Lover’s Guide to the Valley; Phoenix Magazine, 2007
• Best Pork Dish for Carne Adovada, 50 Best Dishes in the Valley; Phoenix New Times, Jan. 2009
• Best Patio Dining, Best of Phoenix; Phoenix New Times, 2001
The New Mexican Bat Cave theme started at the original location on Scottsdale Road & Osborn with bats, Mexican Movie Posters and Roswell memorabilia. However, upon the move to Hayden & Osborn in the Spring of 1998 the Bat Cave theme took on a new shape with the creation of the Guano Canal with a waterfall on the patio and the main dining room becoming The Bat Cave with a fountain. After 12 years of adding to the décor, Carlsbad has been transformed into a place all ages can be comfortable in a multitude of different environments to suit the whole family. The newspaper menu titled the Carlsbad Daily Guano is still famous for its adherence to hotness that is in demand by those seeking truly authentic New Mexican Grub. Many of the original and core dishes still exist today and some favorites requested by groupies are daily specials. The Daily Guano has doubled in selection size over the years and the consistency is unchanged. The pride and desire for excellence in the Kitchen and from the Service Staff has maintained the experience to be more than just a place to get a bite. You can always visit Carlsbad to be entertained as well as having the best grub on the planet.
