Lauren’s Guidebook to Metro Phoenix
Favorite Restaurants in Arcadia
My home sits in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix which is known for its dining. These are some of my favorite places to eat in the surrounding neighborhood.
Sip Coffee & Beer
3617 N Goldwater BlvdGreat place for brunch or coffee
O.H.S.O. Eatery & nano-Brewery
4900 E Indian School RdFun, pet friendly brewery with awesome patio
Postino Arcadia
3939 E Campbell AveWine bar...great bruschetta and cheese boards!
The Henry
4455 E Camelback RdBuck & Rider
4225 E Camelback RdIf you are a seafood lover
North Italia
4925 N 40th StFlower Child
100 E Camelback RdAwesome for lunch or a casual dinner
Steak 44
5101 N 44th StYou will need reservations to get in here
Awesome for breakfast, lunch or dinner! One of my all time favorites.
191 locals recommend
Chelsea's Kitchen
5040 N 40th StAwesome for breakfast, lunch or dinner! One of my all time favorites.
Awesome Sunday brunches, but great atmosphere for lunch, dinner or happy hour.
121 locals recommend
The Vig Arcadia
4041 N 40th StAwesome Sunday brunches, but great atmosphere for lunch, dinner or happy hour.
CRUjiente Tacos
3961 E Camelback RdGreat tacos!
The Porch
1128 E Baseline RdLa Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria
4410 N 40th StFun pizza place!
Fine dining and this place requires a reservation. Incredible brunches and dinner! The grounds are stunning!
64 locals recommend
El Chorro
5550 E Lincoln DrFine dining and this place requires a reservation. Incredible brunches and dinner! The grounds are stunning!
Goldfish racing on Thursday nights. Good for families. Close to my house.
29 locals recommend
Arcadia Tavern
4801 E Indian School RdGoldfish racing on Thursday nights. Good for families. Close to my house.
Starbucks close to my home on the corner of Indian School and 56th Street
20 locals recommend
Starbucks
5557 N 7th StStarbucks close to my home on the corner of Indian School and 56th Street
Einstein Bros. Bagels
4401 E Indian School RdDelicious coffee and bagels. 44th Street and Indian School.
Exercise
Some of my favorite ways to exercise around town.
If you are adventurous and like to work out, this is a great one! There are two ways to hike it, there is the Cholla Trail which is more of a natural trail hike, and there is Echo Canyon which is more challenging and will involve rock climbing. Do not do this hike in the summer or in the peak heat hours of the day. It's best to do in cooler temps and to take a lot of water with you as it is a tough hike.
1752 locals recommend
Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
East McDonald DriveIf you are adventurous and like to work out, this is a great one! There are two ways to hike it, there is the Cholla Trail which is more of a natural trail hike, and there is Echo Canyon which is more challenging and will involve rock climbing. Do not do this hike in the summer or in the peak heat hours of the day. It's best to do in cooler temps and to take a lot of water with you as it is a tough hike.
You can pay a daily rate to exercise here. Beautiful gym with great classes!
Mountainside Fitness Tempe/Marina Heights
300 E Rio Salado PkwyYou can pay a daily rate to exercise here. Beautiful gym with great classes!
Take a walk/run/bike ride around this lake and park for a great scenic and calming workout! Stop at one of the fitness stations to build your exercise, and stop and feed the ducks if you feel like it. Enter for parking on Jackrabbit and Hayden
East Chaparral Road
East Chaparral RoadTake a walk/run/bike ride around this lake and park for a great scenic and calming workout! Stop at one of the fitness stations to build your exercise, and stop and feed the ducks if you feel like it. Enter for parking on Jackrabbit and Hayden
Pick the length of your trail hike! Short or long? This is a rather easy, low grade hike. Like any AZ outdoor activity, plan accordingly with water and going in cooler temps. There are no bathrooms. This one is close to the house.
Papago Drive
Papago DrivePick the length of your trail hike! Short or long? This is a rather easy, low grade hike. Like any AZ outdoor activity, plan accordingly with water and going in cooler temps. There are no bathrooms. This one is close to the house.
Sign up for a spin and/or yoga class online for a fun way to get your day going! Enjoy the health food cafe, and shopping for new fitness gear in their store.
29 locals recommend
The Madison Improvement Club
3802 E Indian School RdSign up for a spin and/or yoga class online for a fun way to get your day going! Enjoy the health food cafe, and shopping for new fitness gear in their store.
You can take the trail walk or hike the mountain. Bring lots of water and enjoy the beautiful views!
169 locals recommend
Superstition Mountains
You can take the trail walk or hike the mountain. Bring lots of water and enjoy the beautiful views!
East Chaparral Road
East Chaparral RoadFood Scene - Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town has some truly amazing places to dine! Enjoy this list to start from and let me know if you find some places of your own!
Citizen Public House
7111 E 5th AveThis place is a MUST! You will need a reservation.
Cien Agaves
7228 E 1st AveAwesome happy hour and tacos!
HULA'S Modern Tiki Scottsdale
7213 E 1st AveGreat drinks and food!
Awesome Brunches!!! Also great for lunch, happy hour and dinner. Reservations highly recommended.
314 locals recommend
Olive & Ivy
7135 E Camelback RdAwesome Brunches!!! Also great for lunch, happy hour and dinner. Reservations highly recommended.
Mastro's City Hall
6991 E Camelback RdIncredible Steak House. Reservation is a must.
Culinary Dropout
7135 E Camelback RdSushi Roku Scottsdale
7277 E Camelback RdNot for children.
Loco Patron Scottsdale
4228 N Scottsdale RdGreat for sports, drinks and Mexican food!
Noodles Ranch
2765 N Scottsdale RdSmall family owned Vietnamese restaurant that is a local favorite.
Fun Italian food! Bring your appetite. The portions are big!
167 locals recommend
Oregano's Pizza Bistro
523 West University DriveFun Italian food! Bring your appetite. The portions are big!
Blanco Tacos + Tequila
6166 N Scottsdale RdThe Mission
3815 N Brown AveHigh-end designer Mexican food. Delicious!!! Not for children.
Awesome breakfast hot spot! Get there early as the wait can get long.
235 locals recommend
Breakfast Club
4400 N Scottsdale RdAwesome breakfast hot spot! Get there early as the wait can get long.
Morning Squeeze
4233 N Scottsdale RdAwesome breakfast house! Get there early as the lines get long.
Known for its breakfasts, but also great for lunch and dinner.
73 locals recommend
Daily Dose Old Town Bar & Grill
4020 N Scottsdale RdKnown for its breakfasts, but also great for lunch and dinner.
The original location for this local chain. They have awesome breakfasts and also known for their calm atmosphere.
172 locals recommend
Sip Coffee & Beer
3617 N Goldwater BlvdThe original location for this local chain. They have awesome breakfasts and also known for their calm atmosphere.
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
3815 N Scottsdale RdRoaring Fork
4800 N Scottsdale RdAll day happy hour and half priced menu all day on Sundays!!! Simply the best happy hour in town. My favorite thing is to eat here and go see a movie at the theaters in the mall. Nice relaxing day!
20 locals recommend
Kona Grill
7014 E Camelback RdAll day happy hour and half priced menu all day on Sundays!!! Simply the best happy hour in town. My favorite thing is to eat here and go see a movie at the theaters in the mall. Nice relaxing day!
Go inside for a treat or use their vending machine for their renowned cupcakes!
41 locals recommend
Sprinkles Scottsdale
4501 N Scottsdale RdGo inside for a treat or use their vending machine for their renowned cupcakes!
This little hidden treat sits inside the historic Valley Ho Hotel. Great for lunch, or happy hour!
35 locals recommend
ZuZu
6850 E Main StThis little hidden treat sits inside the historic Valley Ho Hotel. Great for lunch, or happy hour!
Salt Cellar Restaurant
550 N Hayden RdGrimaldi's Pizzeria
4000 N Scottsdale RdItalian Deli and pizzeria! Very limited seating. Best to order food for take out. Absolutely delicious! Or, if you want to do authentic Italian cooking, this Italian grocery store is the place to be.
74 locals recommend
DeFalco's Italian Eatery, Grocery & Deli
2334 N Scottsdale RdItalian Deli and pizzeria! Very limited seating. Best to order food for take out. Absolutely delicious! Or, if you want to do authentic Italian cooking, this Italian grocery store is the place to be.
Local, family owned, small, hole in the wall Thai restaurant. The food is absolutely delicious if you love Thai food! I like to order mine for take-out, but there is seating in the restaurant as well.
11 locals recommend
La's Thai Cuisine
1495 N Hayden RdLocal, family owned, small, hole in the wall Thai restaurant. The food is absolutely delicious if you love Thai food! I like to order mine for take-out, but there is seating in the restaurant as well.
Healthy shakes, protein bowls, salads, açaí bowls and other goodies.
218 locals recommend
Original ChopShop
7158 E 5th AveHealthy shakes, protein bowls, salads, açaí bowls and other goodies.
Things to Do
Some fun things to see and do around town!
Harkins Camelview 14 Theatre
7014 E Camelback RdLuxury theaters with recliners, bar and food.
Topgolf
9500 Talking Stick WaySo much fun whether you are a golfer or not!
Vegas style casino for your entertainment.
218 locals recommend
Casino Arizona at Talking Stick Resort
9800 Talking Stick WayVegas style casino for your entertainment.
Watch the Cardinals play if you are in town during football season!
546 locals recommend
University of Phoenix Stadium
1 Cardinals DrWatch the Cardinals play if you are in town during football season!
Arizona State University
1151 South Forest AvenueBeautiful outdoor marketplace for shopping, dining and entertainment
59 locals recommend
Tempe Marketplace station
Beautiful outdoor marketplace for shopping, dining and entertainment
Shopping dining and full service movie theatre. If you have small children, you can take them to play in the splash pads here to cool off.
38 locals recommend
Scottsdale Quarter
15279 North Scottsdale RoadShopping dining and full service movie theatre. If you have small children, you can take them to play in the splash pads here to cool off.
Stroll around downtown tempe or rent a paddle board and get some exercise. Very cute area!
453 locals recommend
Tempe Town Lake
620 N Mill AveStroll around downtown tempe or rent a paddle board and get some exercise. Very cute area!
Watch the Diamondbacks play if you are in town for baseball season! Stunning stadium!
413 locals recommend
Chase Field
401 E Jefferson StWatch the Diamondbacks play if you are in town for baseball season! Stunning stadium!
Watch the Phoenix Suns play if you are in town for basketball season!
352 locals recommend
Talking Stick Resort Arena
201 E Jefferson StWatch the Phoenix Suns play if you are in town for basketball season!
Eat, drink, shop, horse and carriage rides, golf cart rides. Great entertainment for all.
1379 locals recommend
Old Town Scottsdale
3200 N Scottsdale RdEat, drink, shop, horse and carriage rides, golf cart rides. Great entertainment for all.
Fashion Square
Shopping, dining and movies!
Shopping, and dining in one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Phoenix.
494 locals recommend
Biltmore Fashion Park
2502 E Camelback RdShopping, and dining in one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Phoenix.
The Grapevine Restaurant & Karaoke Bar
4013 N Brown AveiFLY
9206 Talking Stick WayIndoor sky diving for the adventurous!
OdySea Aquarium
9500 East Vía de VenturaFor the kids
Butterfly Wonderland
9500 East Vía de VenturaFor the kids
Big Surf
1500 N McClintock DrWater park
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E Indian Bend RdFor the kids!!!
The Stomping Ground Az
2012 N Scottsdale RdFor young kids! Indoor play park.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
215 N 7th StPhoenix Zoo
455 North Galvin ParkwayThere is a seasonal rodeo in the historic downtown on the weekends (Google Cave Creek Rodeo for details). Visit an old western town!
239 locals recommend
Cave Creek
There is a seasonal rodeo in the historic downtown on the weekends (Google Cave Creek Rodeo for details). Visit an old western town!
Beautiful and authentic Mexican restaurant is a MUST if visiting the Cave Creek area.
77 locals recommend
El Encanto
6248 E Cave Creek RdBeautiful and authentic Mexican restaurant is a MUST if visiting the Cave Creek area.
Make a painting, sip wine, and have a good time in Scottsdale. Reservations needed. Google "Art of Merlot" in Scottsdale and take a look at their calendar and registration.
Art of Merlot
7036 E Main StMake a painting, sip wine, and have a good time in Scottsdale. Reservations needed. Google "Art of Merlot" in Scottsdale and take a look at their calendar and registration.
Sip wine, listen to music and paint! Reservations are needed. Visit "The Brush Bar" via Google and sign up for a class.
20 locals recommend
The Brush Bar
7010 E Main StSip wine, listen to music and paint! Reservations are needed. Visit "The Brush Bar" via Google and sign up for a class.
Golf
Phoenician Golf Club
6000 E Camelback RdOne of the premier Golf Courses in the Valley
Papago Golf Course
5595 E Karsten WyClose to the house!
TPC Scottsdale
17020 N Hayden RdPlay where the Pro's do during the historic Phoenix Open!
Continental Golf Club
7920 E Osborn RdScottsdale Silverado Golf Club
7605 East Indian Bend RoadGainey Ranch Golf Club
7600 E Gainey Club DrThe Westin Kierland Golf Club
15636 N Clubgate DrMcCormick Ranch Golf Club
7505 E McCormick PkwyArizona Biltmore Spa
2400 E Missouri AveSpa
The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
6000 East Camelback RoadZolton's Salon & Day Spa
20821 N Scottsdale RdGreat for hair and waxing! It's a drive, but well worth it!
Camelback Inn
Awesome spa!!!
Inspire Day Spa
8300 N Hayden RdSpa Avania
7500 E Doubletree Ranch RdOmni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
4949 E Lincoln DrGroceries and More
These are some of the places you can go for any presciprdtions/medical or for groceries and shopping for random items.
Safeway
340 E McDowell RdNearby Grocery store with the best selection
Fry's Food And Drug
744 W Camelback RdOn the corner of Thomas & 44th Street
Albertsons
2785 N Scottsdale RdOld Town Scottsdale
Target
995 S Cotton Ln44th Street and Thomas
Costco Wholesale
4502 E Oak St44th Street and Thomas
Trader Joe's
7720 W Bell RdBiltmore location
Trader Joe's
7720 W Bell RdNorth Scottsdale location
Walgreens
7939 E McDowell Rd56th Street and Thomas. This one is closest to the house.