PHX local eats, coffee, drinks, haunts and other amazingness
Food Scene
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.
95 locals recommend
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.
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.'
227 locals recommend
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.'
Best Burrito in town? The House Favorite with either Carne Asada or Carnitas. You're so very welcome.
21 locals recommend
PHX Burrito House
4140 7th AveBest Burrito in town? The House Favorite with either Carne Asada or Carnitas. You're so very welcome.
Pho Noodles
3417 N 7th AveSuper close. SUPER amazing.
Copper Star Coffee
4220 N 7th AveAmazing local coffee shop in an old 50s gas station.
Our favorite Thai place in Phoenix. I could eat the eggplant dish 7 days a week.
6 locals recommend
Thai Long-An
4447 N 7th AveOur favorite Thai place in Phoenix. I could eat the eggplant dish 7 days a week.
Solid breakfast/brunch spot. You're good to go for a quick seating before 930am.
22 locals recommend
Elly’s Brunch & Cafe
100 E Camelback RdSolid breakfast/brunch spot. You're good to go for a quick seating before 930am.
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.
209 locals recommend
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.
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.
117 locals recommend
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.
Iconic restaurant revived in an old convenience store I used to drive past while heading home 15 years ago.
75 locals recommend
Gallo Blanco
928 E Pierce StIconic restaurant revived in an old convenience store I used to drive past while heading home 15 years ago.
Iconic coffee shop that helped make Phoenix's globally-lauded arts district, Roosevelt Row, what it is today.
83 locals recommend
Jobot Coffee & Bar
333 E Roosevelt StIconic coffee shop that helped make Phoenix's globally-lauded arts district, Roosevelt Row, what it is today.
Vovomeena
1515 N 7th AveThe BMOC. That is all. Just go and get it.
Phoenix's best authentic Japanese restaurant. And it's not even close.
38 locals recommend
Hana Japanese Eatery
5524 N 7th AvePhoenix's best authentic Japanese restaurant. And it's not even close.
Pizzeria Bianco
623 E Adams StNation's best pizza. Said by numerous national food critics.
Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup
3313 N 7th StI go here at least twice a week. I'm not kidding.
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
39 locals recommend
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
Great-looking coffee shop from the same people who brought us Matt's Big Breakfast.
48 locals recommend
Giant Coffee
1437 N 1st StGreat-looking coffee shop from the same people who brought us Matt's Big Breakfast.
The Yard
5640 N 7th StFood and fun. You'll see what I mean.
Solid American fare that sources craft brews from local Phoenix Ale Brewery.
13 locals recommend
PHX Beer Co. Central Phoenix Restaurant
5813 N 7th StSolid American fare that sources craft brews from local Phoenix Ale Brewery.
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.
167 locals recommend
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.
This and downtown Phoenix's Farmer's Market (also on Central Ave, south of Uptown) on Saturday mornings are the places to be.
48 locals recommend
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.
Family-friendly coffee shop that has a playground for children in a super cute backyard.
11 locals recommend
The Teapot
818 N 5th AveFamily-friendly coffee shop that has a playground for children in a super cute backyard.
There are Vigs across Phoenix. But this spot arguably has the best food and is the most scenic.
129 locals recommend
The Vig Fillmore
606 N 4th AveThere are Vigs across Phoenix. But this spot arguably has the best food and is the most scenic.
Very cool speakeasy bar with cheap beer, small vintage arcade, laidback interior and even more laidback outdoor patio.
15 locals recommend
Thunderbird Lounge
710 W Montecito AveVery cool speakeasy bar with cheap beer, small vintage arcade, laidback interior and even more laidback outdoor patio.
Another favorite coffee shop for locals. Great for catching the Roosevelt Row vibes.
103 locals recommend
Lola Coffee
1001 N 3rd AveAnother favorite coffee shop for locals. Great for catching the Roosevelt Row vibes.
Phoenix isn't short of awesome, local coffee shops. Songbird is not one to miss. Owner Erin is super awesome.
40 locals recommend
Songbird Coffee & Tea House
812 N 3rd StPhoenix isn't short of awesome, local coffee shops. Songbird is not one to miss. Owner Erin is super awesome.
Some of the best selection of beer and wine in the entire Valley.
13 locals recommend
Rott n' Grapes Uptown
4750 N Central AveSome of the best selection of beer and wine in the entire Valley.
A PHX favorite for fusion "island food." It's pretty good. Drinks are better. Also has a speakeasy bar next door, which is worth going to.
83 locals recommend
Hula's Modern Tiki
5114 N 7th StA PHX favorite for fusion "island food." It's pretty good. Drinks are better. Also has a speakeasy bar next door, which is worth going to.
For my money, just as good as Pizzeria Bianco. Yeah, I wrote that.
42 locals recommend
POMO Pizzeria - Downtown Phoenix
705 N 1st StFor my money, just as good as Pizzeria Bianco. Yeah, I wrote that.
CIBO
603 N 5th AveAnother Phoenix pizzeria. Ambiance here is hard to beat.
Just. Awesome. Complex built from repurposed shipping containers. Food, drinks, local shopping, it's all here. Enjoy.
70 locals recommend
The Churchill
901 N 1st StJust. Awesome. Complex built from repurposed shipping containers. Food, drinks, local shopping, it's all here. Enjoy.
THE BEST Vietnamese food and pho in town. Don't let anyone tell you differently.
29 locals recommend
Phở Thành Restaurant
1702 W Camelback RdTHE BEST Vietnamese food and pho in town. Don't let anyone tell you differently.
Just named the No. 1 Ice Cream Shop in the entire U.S. by Yelp. No joke, this place is heaven. Staff is amazing and helpful. Ice cream is different than any you've ever had and made in-house. And the ice cream-filled donuts are EVERYTHING.
19 locals recommend
Novel Ice Cream
1028 NW Grand AveJust named the No. 1 Ice Cream Shop in the entire U.S. by Yelp. No joke, this place is heaven. Staff is amazing and helpful. Ice cream is different than any you've ever had and made in-house. And the ice cream-filled donuts are EVERYTHING.
People will try to get you to go to other Phoenix taco shops. But this is the only place you need to know. Their quesadillas are even better than the tacos. And get the "Alambre" .... just do it.
12 locals recommend
Tacos Huicho
1941 E Oak StPeople will try to get you to go to other Phoenix taco shops. But this is the only place you need to know. Their quesadillas are even better than the tacos. And get the "Alambre" .... just do it.
La Santisima
4117 North 16th StreetIconic taco shop in Phoenix. A lot of really great salsa options.
If you like spicy Mexican food. This is SPICY MEXICAN FOOD. Original is on Central, south of Baseline near South Mountain.
26 locals recommend
Los Dos Molinos
1044 E Camelback RdIf you like spicy Mexican food. This is SPICY MEXICAN FOOD. Original is on Central, south of Baseline near South Mountain.
Super close local coffee shop. Vegan. Quickly became a local favorite.
12 locals recommend
Dark Hall Coffee
2243 N 7th AveSuper close local coffee shop. Vegan. Quickly became a local favorite.
A local favorite for meatless meals. I'm not sure if anything in here is healthy, but it's vegetarian and it all tastes good! Lol.
163 locals recommend
Green New American Vegetarian
2022 N 7th StA local favorite for meatless meals. I'm not sure if anything in here is healthy, but it's vegetarian and it all tastes good! Lol.
Nami
2014 N 7th StVegan desserts owned by Green. Just go, it's good.
Probably the best vegan restaurant in town. Super creative vegan dishes. Also owns Dark Hall Coffee.
86 locals recommend
The Coronado PHX
2245 N 12th StProbably the best vegan restaurant in town. Super creative vegan dishes. Also owns Dark Hall Coffee.
Ask anyone. Best hotdogs in Phoenix. Owners are also our neighbors.
60 locals recommend
Short Leash Hotdogs & Rollover Doughnuts
4221 N 7th AveAsk anyone. Best hotdogs in Phoenix. Owners are also our neighbors.
FEZ
105 W Portland StGood burgers. And actually great salads.
Amazing-looking place. Very cool bar. Creative menu. In an awesome, small, renovated boutique hotel.
19 locals recommend
MATCH Market & Bar
1100 N Central AveAmazing-looking place. Very cool bar. Creative menu. In an awesome, small, renovated boutique hotel.
AMAZING food. Cambodian restaurant. Whether or not you've ever had Cambodian food, this place is a must-go.
10 locals recommend
Reathrey Sekong
1312 E Indian School RdAMAZING food. Cambodian restaurant. Whether or not you've ever had Cambodian food, this place is a must-go.
Down-to-earth, awesome and authentic Ethiopian spot. Spicy. Tasty. Brilliant.
Abyssinia Restaurant and Cafe Ethiopian Cuisine
842 E Indian School RdDown-to-earth, awesome and authentic Ethiopian spot. Spicy. Tasty. Brilliant.
Forno 301
1616 N Central AveYet another solid Phoenix pizzeria. Cool-looking place to boot.
Awesome cold brew and nitro cold brew. Actually also has pretty good food for breakfast and lunch.
15 locals recommend
Press Coffee
200 East Van Buren StreetAwesome cold brew and nitro cold brew. Actually also has pretty good food for breakfast and lunch.
Always great eats, produce, coffee and time! Happens every Saturday morning.
30 locals recommend
Open Air Market
720 N Central AveAlways great eats, produce, coffee and time! Happens every Saturday morning.
Fantastic looking place. Renovated from an old laundry service company. Coffee is great, food is amazing and the pastries are even better. Beer, wine and cocktails available too.
24 locals recommend
Valentine
4130 N 7th AveFantastic looking place. Renovated from an old laundry service company. Coffee is great, food is amazing and the pastries are even better. Beer, wine and cocktails available too.
WINDOW COFFEE BAR Melrose
My favorite coffee shop. I spend too much money here.
My favorite coffee shop has two locations in the same neighborhood because that's how awesome it is.
9 locals recommend
Window Coffee Bar
903 N 16th StMy favorite coffee shop has two locations in the same neighborhood because that's how awesome it is.
Drinks & Nightlife
An old Hanny's Department Store turned fun, fancy bar. Also, get The Americano pizza. It's our favorite pizza in Phoenix. For real.
122 locals recommend
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.
Phoenix's first arcade bar. Super crowded. But worth checking out.
137 locals recommend
Cobra Arcade Bar
801 N 2nd StPhoenix's first arcade bar. Super crowded. But worth checking out.
Downtown Phoenix's first speakeasy and a local fave for many reasons. Also a music venue. Try to find the hidden library.
186 locals recommend
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.
Crescent Ballroom
308 N 2nd AveA great restaurant, a great bar and a great music venue.
Fantastic bar and great food. One of downtown Phoenix's best places to socialize.
151 locals recommend
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
1 W Jefferson StFantastic bar and great food. One of downtown Phoenix's best places to socialize.
A downtown Phoenix speakeasy that is 10 times more fun than its 300 square foot space.
23 locals recommend
Melindas Alley
50 E Adams StA downtown Phoenix speakeasy that is 10 times more fun than its 300 square foot space.
Wren House Brewing Company
2125 N 24th StNo local craft brewery wins more competitions.
Great local brewery based out of Scottsdale. This is their Phoenix taproom.
20 locals recommend
Huss Brewing Co.Taproom at Uptown Plaza
100 E Camelback RdGreat local brewery based out of Scottsdale. This is their Phoenix taproom.
Awesome neighborhood bar. Old tax service office turned into Phoenix's most hip bar.
35 locals recommend
Gracie's Tax Bar
711 N 7th AveAwesome neighborhood bar. Old tax service office turned into Phoenix's most hip bar.
The Van Buren
401 W Van Buren StPhoenix's newest, and now maybe best, music venue.
Super hip bar and music venue that also helped downtown Phoenix's arts district what it is today.
71 locals recommend
The Lost Leaf
914 N 5th StSuper hip bar and music venue that also helped downtown Phoenix's arts district what it is today.
Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails
2 E Jefferson StPhoenix's premier upscale bar.
Amazingly cool tiki-themed speakeasy. Below Sip Coffee, which was built in an old drive-thru car repair shop. Undertow was built in the pit of that car repair shop. Reservations recommended.
68 locals recommend
UnderTow
3626 E Indian School RdAmazingly cool tiki-themed speakeasy. Below Sip Coffee, which was built in an old drive-thru car repair shop. Undertow was built in the pit of that car repair shop. Reservations recommended.
Tiny place. Kind of loud. But still cool to check out for cocktails and a cocktail atmosphere.
47 locals recommend
The Womack
5749 N 7th StTiny place. Kind of loud. But still cool to check out for cocktails and a cocktail atmosphere.
Become one of my favorite places to have a conversation and a drink. Interior is fantastic. Outdoor patio is nice, too.
32 locals recommend
Sazerac
821 N 2nd StBecome one of my favorite places to have a conversation and a drink. Interior is fantastic. Outdoor patio is nice, too.
Has some good takes on Vietnamese food, but probably best for a unique place for cocktails.
11 locals recommend
Belly Kitchen and Bar
4971 North 7th AvenueHas some good takes on Vietnamese food, but probably best for a unique place for cocktails.
May be the only female-owned brewery in the country that incubates other female brewers in a male-dominated industry. Plus, the brewery and tap room are beautiful and the beer is amazing.
13 locals recommend
Greenwood Brewing
922 N 5th StMay be the only female-owned brewery in the country that incubates other female brewers in a male-dominated industry. Plus, the brewery and tap room are beautiful and the beer is amazing.
Hipsters. Night-lifers. Everyone loves coming here. Cocktails, beer and an even better name.
19 locals recommend
Killer Whale Sex Club
922 N 6th StHipsters. Night-lifers. Everyone loves coming here. Cocktails, beer and an even better name.
New bar built in an old law firm. Super hip. A good stop as you make your way through Roosevelt Row.
6 locals recommend
Luckys Indoor Outdoor
817 North 2nd StreetNew bar built in an old law firm. Super hip. A good stop as you make your way through Roosevelt Row.
Probably the best place in all of Phoenix to catch a rooftop sunset.
10 locals recommend
From The Rooftop
222 E Portland StProbably the best place in all of Phoenix to catch a rooftop sunset.
Pigtails Downtown
1 East Washington StreetSpeakeasy cocktail bar. Find the neon Cocktails sign!
Little Rituals
132 S Central AveGreat looking place with great views and great cocktails.
Brand new hip, boutique hotel. Renovated from a few old office buildings. Bar is pretty cool.
ARRIVE Phoenix
400 W Camelback RdBrand new hip, boutique hotel. Renovated from a few old office buildings. Bar is pretty cool.
The Captain's Cabin
5114 North 7th StreetSpeakeasy right next to Hula's. As hip as you would think.
Century Grand
3626 E Indian School RdUgh. So. Freaking. Hip. Get reservations.
First Draft Book Bar
300 W Camelback RdOne of my favorite places for a beer. (Bring a book! or buy one!)
Ocotillo Restaurant
3243 N 3rd StSpeakeasy within the Ocotillo campus. Go. It's great.
A staple in the gay club scene, just at the edge of Phoenix's gayborhood.
31 locals recommend
Charlie's Phoenix
727 West Camelback RoadA staple in the gay club scene, just at the edge of Phoenix's gayborhood.
Smacked right in the middle of Phoenix's gayborhood. Stacy's is a local fave.
21 locals recommend
Stacy's @ Melrose
4343 N 7th AveSmacked right in the middle of Phoenix's gayborhood. Stacy's is a local fave.
Right at the start of the Melrose Curve and Phoenix's gayborhood. This LGBTQ+ friendly bar is another local fave.
7 locals recommend
The Rock
4129 N 7th AveRight at the start of the Melrose Curve and Phoenix's gayborhood. This LGBTQ+ friendly bar is another local fave.
Built in what was formerly one of the best downtown art galleries. But they definitely did a nice job with the renovation. Really cool rooftop.
Pedal Haus Brewery
Built in what was formerly one of the best downtown art galleries. But they definitely did a nice job with the renovation. Really cool rooftop.
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.
38 locals recommend
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.
The Nash Jazz Club
110 East Roosevelt StreetAwesome jazz club. Great for local jazz and other events.
May not be as hip as the Downtown Farmers' Market (Central and McKinley), but it's huge. And has great vendors. Open every weekend morning to early afternoon.
48 locals recommend
Uptown Farmers Market
5757 N Central AveMay not be as hip as the Downtown Farmers' Market (Central and McKinley), but it's huge. And has great vendors. Open every weekend morning to early afternoon.
Open Air Market
720 N Central AveI can spend hours here. Open Saturday mornings.
Amazing canal trail for walking, biking, running and viewing thew new murals on the neighborhood walls.
Grand Canal @ Central
4620 N Central AveAmazing canal trail for walking, biking, running and viewing thew new murals on the neighborhood walls.
Shopping
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.
129 locals recommend
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.