Buzz-worthy eateries are as plentiful in Greater Phoenix as cactuses, and they come in just as many varieties. Some are the creations of celebrity chefs who grace the pages of magazines and the sets of cooking shows. Others are local gems that serve Southwestern and Mexican dishes crafted from homegrown ingredients such as peppers, pomegranates and citrus fruits.
In between you’ll find flavors from faraway lands and cozy wine bars that pair fantastic food with great grape. And if you’re hankering for some meaty American fare, be sure to swagger into one of Phoenix’s famous steakhouses.
CITYSCAPE PHOENIX
1 E. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602–772-3900
Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, CityScape is a dynamic, urban, mixed-use destination that brings together a dazzling office tower, boutique hotel, residential apartments and a smart collection of retail shops, restaurants and sophisticated entertainment attractions – all centered on na energy-filled, open plaza. Cityscape is two city blocks of excitement. For a quick lunch, after work drinks, the perfect first date or a casual dinner with friends, CityScape’s 20+ restaurants include The Arrogant Butcher, Tilted Kilt, Five Guys, Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails and more. Sophisticated entertainment and nightlife at Stand up Live, Copper Blues, Gypsy Bar and Lucky Strike.
DESOTO CENTRAL MARKET
915 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-680-7747
Located in the heart of Roosevelt Row arts district, DeSoto serves as a gathering space for community events and houses a hall of boutique restaurants including, seafood, Latin American-Asian fusion and a budget joint.
FILMBAR
815 N. 2nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-595-9187
This ain’t your typical movie theater. FilmBar is a 21-and-over only theater with more than 20 craft beers on tap and a dozen types of wine to sip while checking out an eclectic mix of new, classic, indie, and cult flicks. The bar is open to non filmgoers, too.
MATT’S BIG BREAKFAST
825 N. 1ST Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-254-1074
They keep it simple at Matt’s. Fresh local ingredients. Deliciously addictive fare. It’s what keeps the locals coming back, even with waits regularly reaching more than an hour during peak times, and it’s why they were featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
BITTER & TWISTED COCKTAIL PARLOUR
1 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-340-1924
If you’re looking for something a little more than a whiskey and coke, head to this spot located in the historic Luhrs Building for a new taste from the bar’s massive block of cocktails. Whether it’s sweet, sour, simple, strong, or anything in between, their talented staff will find the perfect drink for you.
ANGELS TRUMPET ALE HOUSE
810 N. 2nd Street
Phoenix, AZ
602-252-2630
Craft beer fans, this is your place. They’ve got 31 rotating taps that features a variety of unique beers from around the globe, and a full food menu sporting classic pub food, great pizza, and some fun surprises (such as Tuesday’s gourmet “TV Dinners”)
THE BREADFRUIT AND RUM BAR
108 E. Pierce Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-267-1266
This award-winning spot uses only fresh, simple foods when creating their Jamaican cuisine creations. Love rum? They’ve got more than 100 rums of all different styles and distillation techniques.
THE ARROGANT BUTCHER
2 E. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-324-8502
Rub elbows with the city’s movers and shakers at this bustling CityScape restaurant. Steaks, seafood and more are on the menu, but don’t leave without indulging in their house soft pretzels and provolone fondue.
