Guidebook for Phoenix
Food Scene
Food and drinks. Fun place. Holds its own among the many options in downtown Phoenix.
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Bliss ReBAR
901 N 4th StFood and drinks. Fun place. Holds its own among the many options in downtown Phoenix.
There are Vigs across Phoenix. But this spot arguably has the best food and is the most scenic.
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The Vig Fillmore
606 N 4th AveThere are Vigs across Phoenix. But this spot arguably has the best food and is the most scenic.
Family-friendly coffee shop that has a playground for children in a super cute backyard.
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The Teapot
818 N 5th AveFamily-friendly coffee shop that has a playground for children in a super cute backyard.
This and downtown Phoenix's Farmer's Market (also on Central Ave, south of Uptown) on Saturday mornings are the places to be.
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Uptown Farmers Market
5757 N Central AveThis and downtown Phoenix's Farmer's Market (also on Central Ave, south of Uptown) on Saturday mornings are the places to be.
Go on a off-day in an off-time and you won't wait. Awesome, HUGE salads and pastas. Get the original Pizza Cookie. Half Chocolate chip, half Macadamia Nuts. This is what heaven tastes like.
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Oregano's Pizza Bistro
523 West University DriveGo on a off-day in an off-time and you won't wait. Awesome, HUGE salads and pastas. Get the original Pizza Cookie. Half Chocolate chip, half Macadamia Nuts. This is what heaven tastes like.
Solid American fare that sources craft brews from local Phoenix Ale Brewery.
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PHX Beer Co. Central Phoenix Restaurant
5813 N 7th StSolid American fare that sources craft brews from local Phoenix Ale Brewery.
Food and fun. You'll see what I mean. Lots of different restaurants here.
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The Yard
5640 N 7th StFood and fun. You'll see what I mean. Lots of different restaurants here.
My favorite restaurant. You can read that again. Go at 10am. It opens at 11am. One hour before LMB opens and you'll be one of the first in line and it'll be the shortest wait. Plus, you won't risk missing out on the fatty brisket, aka heaven meat. Go on Fridays and you'll get the lucky chance to order at least a pound of the beef rib. The second best item on the menu after the fatty brisket. Tell them it's your first time. You won't regret it. If you can help it, use your money only for meat, and possibly the pie. You want your money to go to only the best things on the menu. I spend at least $60 every trip and it feeds me 5 more times. LMB for days. Yelp's No. 2 restaurant in 2018
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Little Miss BBQ-University
4301 E University DrMy favorite restaurant. You can read that again. Go at 10am. It opens at 11am. One hour before LMB opens and you'll be one of the first in line and it'll be the shortest wait. Plus, you won't risk missing out on the fatty brisket, aka heaven meat. Go on Fridays and you'll get the lucky chance to order at least a pound of the beef rib. The second best item on the menu after the fatty brisket. Tell them it's your first time. You won't regret it. If you can help it, use your money only for meat, and possibly the pie. You want your money to go to only the best things on the menu. I spend at least $60 every trip and it feeds me 5 more times. LMB for days. Yelp's No. 2 restaurant in 2018
I go here at least twice a week. I'm not kidding.
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Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup
3313 N 7th StI go here at least twice a week. I'm not kidding.
Nation's best pizza. Said by numerous national food critics.
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Pizzeria Bianco
623 E Adams StNation's best pizza. Said by numerous national food critics.
Phoenix's best authentic Japanese restaurant. And it's not even close.
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Hana Japanese Eatery
5524 N 7th AvePhoenix's best authentic Japanese restaurant. And it's not even close.
Vovomeena
1515 N 7th AveGet The BMOC. That is all. Just go and get it.
The Dressing Room
220 E Roosevelt StGreat eclectic place with creative food fare.
Ask anyone. Best hotdogs in Phoenix. Owners are also our neighbors.
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Short Leash Hotdogs & Rollover Doughnuts
4221 N 7th AveAsk anyone. Best hotdogs in Phoenix. Owners are also our neighbors.
Iconic restaurant revived in an old convenience store I used to drive past while heading home 15 years ago.
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Gallo Blanco
928 E Pierce StIconic restaurant revived in an old convenience store I used to drive past while heading home 15 years ago.
This is where I go when I have free time to myself. Korean-style fried chicken and amazing gourmet donuts? YES PLEASE. Also the same genius dudes who do Welcome Diner.
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Welcome Chicken and Donuts
1535 E Buckeye RdThis is where I go when I have free time to myself. Korean-style fried chicken and amazing gourmet donuts? YES PLEASE. Also the same genius dudes who do Welcome Diner.
Can't beat the neighborhood feel and comfort food of Welcome Diner. Outstanding down-to-earth patio. One of my top 5 favorite places in Phoenix.
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Welcome Diner
929 E Pierce StCan't beat the neighborhood feel and comfort food of Welcome Diner. Outstanding down-to-earth patio. One of my top 5 favorite places in Phoenix.
There isn't a more interesting-looking restaurant that serves food that is even more awesome in the Valley. This local place changed my life and this new-ish downtown spot is unlike any other restaurant out there.
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Cornish Pasty Co
3800 N Goldwater BlvdThere isn't a more interesting-looking restaurant that serves food that is even more awesome in the Valley. This local place changed my life and this new-ish downtown spot is unlike any other restaurant out there.
Solid breakfast/brunch spot. You're good to go for a quick seating before 930am.
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Elly’s Brunch & Cafe
100 E Camelback RdSolid breakfast/brunch spot. You're good to go for a quick seating before 930am.
Our favorite Thai place in Phoenix. I could eat the eggplant dish 7 days a week.
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Thai Long-An
4447 N 7th AveOur favorite Thai place in Phoenix. I could eat the eggplant dish 7 days a week.
Don't let anyone tell you there is a better pho place in Phoenix. Just walk away if they try.
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Pho Noodles
3417 N 7th AveDon't let anyone tell you there is a better pho place in Phoenix. Just walk away if they try.
Best Burrito in town? The House Favorite with either Carne Asada or Carnitas. You're so very welcome.
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PHX Burrito House
4140 7th AveBest Burrito in town? The House Favorite with either Carne Asada or Carnitas. You're so very welcome.
My absolute favorite breakfast spot of all time. If you have more than 2 people in your party, only go after 1 pm (Matt's closes at 3pm) and you won't have a wait. If there are just 2 of you or just 1, go any time and sit at the bar. Griddlecakes are the best pancakes you'll ever have in your life. Order 'The Insider.' Don't ask what it is. Just do it. The server may not even know what it is, so ask them to ask a more experienced staffer what it is. You can also order 'The Slinger.' Same rules apply to 'The Insider.'
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Matt's Big Breakfast
825 N 1st StMy absolute favorite breakfast spot of all time. If you have more than 2 people in your party, only go after 1 pm (Matt's closes at 3pm) and you won't have a wait. If there are just 2 of you or just 1, go any time and sit at the bar. Griddlecakes are the best pancakes you'll ever have in your life. Order 'The Insider.' Don't ask what it is. Just do it. The server may not even know what it is, so ask them to ask a more experienced staffer what it is. You can also order 'The Slinger.' Same rules apply to 'The Insider.'
Great neighborhood restaurant with a tremendous architectural concept. Great for lunch, dinner and drinks. Outstanding patio with a grass section for little ones to run around.
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Ocotillo Restaurant
3243 N 3rd StGreat neighborhood restaurant with a tremendous architectural concept. Great for lunch, dinner and drinks. Outstanding patio with a grass section for little ones to run around.
Well-done in design, "camping" theme restaurant. Could get VERY crowded. Joe's Midnight Run right next door is also solid; has a run patio.
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Camp Social
6107 N 7th StWell-done in design, "camping" theme restaurant. Could get VERY crowded. Joe's Midnight Run right next door is also solid; has a run patio.
Great sit-down Mexican restaurant with three sections -- cafe, main restaurant and a sports bar. Modern decor, great atmosphere.
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PAZ Cantina
330 E Roosevelt StGreat sit-down Mexican restaurant with three sections -- cafe, main restaurant and a sports bar. Modern decor, great atmosphere.
Amazing breakfast in a laid-back setting. Food does take long, so keep that in mind. But it's usually worth it.
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Duza's Kitchen
703 W Main StAmazing breakfast in a laid-back setting. Food does take long, so keep that in mind. But it's usually worth it.
Breakfast joint with a cute patio that has orange trees and a kids play area.
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Ollie Vaughn's
1526 E McDowell RdBreakfast joint with a cute patio that has orange trees and a kids play area.
Monroe's Hot Chicken
45 W Jefferson StHot chicken!
Joyride Taco House | Central
5202 N Central AveSuper popular place. Great-looking restaurant.
From the same group that brought us Joyride Tacos, Postino's, Windsor and Churn Ice Cream (which can all be found in one spot.) Federal Pizza arguably has the best food than any of them.
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Federal Pizza
5210 N Central AveFrom the same group that brought us Joyride Tacos, Postino's, Windsor and Churn Ice Cream (which can all be found in one spot.) Federal Pizza arguably has the best food than any of them.
Drinks & Nightlife
Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails
2 E Jefferson StPhoenix's premier upscale bar.
Super hip bar and music venue that also helped downtown Phoenix's arts district what it is today.
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The Lost Leaf
914 N 5th StSuper hip bar and music venue that also helped downtown Phoenix's arts district what it is today.
The Van Buren
401 W Van Buren StPhoenix's newest, and now maybe best, music venue.
Honor Amongst Thieves
5538 N 7th StPhoenix's trendiest speakeasy.
Awesome neighborhood bar. Old tax service office turned into Phoenix's most hip bar.
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Gracie's Tax Bar
711 N 7th AveAwesome neighborhood bar. Old tax service office turned into Phoenix's most hip bar.
The arcade bar where you can actually play games and get a drink without waiting. Also, it has Killer Queen! (Look it up.)
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Bonus Round
24 W Camelback RdThe arcade bar where you can actually play games and get a drink without waiting. Also, it has Killer Queen! (Look it up.)
Great local brewery based out of Scottsdale. This is their Phoenix taproom.
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Huss Brewing Co.Taproom at Uptown Plaza
100 E Camelback RdGreat local brewery based out of Scottsdale. This is their Phoenix taproom.
Wren House Brewing Company
2125 N 24th StNo local craft brewery wins more competitions.
A downtown Phoenix speakeasy that is 10 times more fun than its 300 square foot space.
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Melindas Alley
50 E Adams StA downtown Phoenix speakeasy that is 10 times more fun than its 300 square foot space.
Fantastic bar and great food. One of downtown Phoenix's best places to socialize.
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Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
1 W Jefferson StFantastic bar and great food. One of downtown Phoenix's best places to socialize.
Crescent Ballroom
308 N 2nd AveA great restaurant, a great bar and a great music venue.
Downtown Phoenix's first speakeasy and a local fave for many reasons. Also a music venue. Try to find the hidden library.
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Valley Bar
130 N Central AveDowntown Phoenix's first speakeasy and a local fave for many reasons. Also a music venue. Try to find the hidden library.
Independent theater with a bar. A place you would think you could only find in places like New York and Barcelona. My all-time favorite spot in Phoenix. The theater is fantastic, too.
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FilmBar
815 N 2nd StIndependent theater with a bar. A place you would think you could only find in places like New York and Barcelona. My all-time favorite spot in Phoenix. The theater is fantastic, too.
An old Hanny's Department Store turned fun, fancy bar. Also, get The Americano pizza. It's our favorite pizza in Phoenix. For real.
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Hanny's
40 N 1st StAn old Hanny's Department Store turned fun, fancy bar. Also, get The Americano pizza. It's our favorite pizza in Phoenix. For real.
The Whining Pig Downtown
201 East Washington StreetFun little bar with grilled cheese fare.
Arts & Culture
Changing Hands is the Valley's most iconic book store. Inside this Changing Hands is First Draft Book Bar. A bar inside a bookstore. What more could you ask for.
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Changing Hands Bookstore & First Draft Book Bar
300 W Camelback RdChanging Hands is the Valley's most iconic book store. Inside this Changing Hands is First Draft Book Bar. A bar inside a bookstore. What more could you ask for.
Explore Phoenix's globally-recognized arts district. Every first Friday of the month is an arts festival like no other. The "First Friday" that is now emulated the world over.
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First Friday Roosevelt Row
333 E Roosevelt StExplore Phoenix's globally-recognized arts district. Every first Friday of the month is an arts festival like no other. The "First Friday" that is now emulated the world over.
Downtown Phoenix's premier local art gallery. Great anytime, but also on First Friday's art walk.
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monOrchid
214 E Roosevelt StDowntown Phoenix's premier local art gallery. Great anytime, but also on First Friday's art walk.
Local Coffee Shops
Amazing cold brew, nitro cold brew, among other incredible options.
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Press Coffee
200 East Van Buren StreetAmazing cold brew, nitro cold brew, among other incredible options.
Vegan coffee shop! Super close to us. Walking distance. Vegan pastries.
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Dark Hall Coffee
2243 N 7th AveVegan coffee shop! Super close to us. Walking distance. Vegan pastries.
Walking distance, right in our neighborhood. Cute little drive through with outside seating. Super sweet, super delicious options.
Scooter's Coffee
4030 N 7th AveWalking distance, right in our neighborhood. Cute little drive through with outside seating. Super sweet, super delicious options.
Converted 50s gast station just north of our neighborhood. Walkable or bikeable. Iconic coffee shop in the Melrose neighborhood; known for its vintage shops, gay bars and tight-knit community.
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Copper Star Coffee
4220 N 7th AveConverted 50s gast station just north of our neighborhood. Walkable or bikeable. Iconic coffee shop in the Melrose neighborhood; known for its vintage shops, gay bars and tight-knit community.
Might be the most popular coffee shop in all of Central Phoenix. Coffee is great. Food might be even better. Seating is a premium!
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Lux Central
4402 N Central AveMight be the most popular coffee shop in all of Central Phoenix. Coffee is great. Food might be even better. Seating is a premium!
Super zen coffee shop with great decor. Owners also own Matt's Big Breakfast, the best breakfast in town.
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Giant Coffee
1437 N 1st StSuper zen coffee shop with great decor. Owners also own Matt's Big Breakfast, the best breakfast in town.
Iconic coffee shop in the downtown Roosevelt Row arts district. A downtown staple.
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Jobot Coffee & Bar
333 E Roosevelt StIconic coffee shop in the downtown Roosevelt Row arts district. A downtown staple.
Super cute coffee shop in a converted 1920s home in the downtown Roosevelt Row arts district. Owner is super friendly.
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Songbird Coffee & Tea House
812 N 3rd StSuper cute coffee shop in a converted 1920s home in the downtown Roosevelt Row arts district. Owner is super friendly.
Great coffee, great food, located in the largest art gallery in the downtown Roosevelt Row arts district.
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be Coffee + Food + Stuff
214 E Roosevelt StGreat coffee, great food, located in the largest art gallery in the downtown Roosevelt Row arts district.