If you’ve never been to Phoenix… what are you waiting for!? This place will always have a piece of my heart. But for visitors, it can be really overwhelming since it’s so large & spread out. Here’s a breakdown of my favorite spots categorized by area of town. For a quick tip, all of the Fox Restaurant Concepts sprinkled throughout the Valley are DELICIOUS and highly recommended. Also, I’d highly recommend reservations when you can. A lot of the hot spots book up quickly (especially in peak season), so snagging a table early is always safe!
I decided to create a separate blog post for hiking in Phoenix since there are so many options. You can check that out here!
North PHX/Scottsdale
We have lived in North Phoenix for the majority of our time in AZ and love the location for it’s proximity to several areas – Kierland/Scottsdale Quarter, the new PV Mall development, Desert Ridge, and more. It’s also closer to many hikes we enjoy, so I recommend it as a spot to stay depending on what you’re in town for.
Two outdoor shopping malls across the street from one another and divided by Scottsdale Road. Both have their own great shops and restaurants, and we come here often! Kierland offers plenty of parking lot space while Scottsdale Quarter has free parking garages. You can easily park at one and walk to the other! We love coming here in the morning before the shops open because they close down the streets (Kierland), and it’s very calm + enjoyable!
Antidote Bar – newly opened in the Westin Kierland (right across the street from Kierland), this is such a great spot to grab drinks on a beautiful day or evening. The bar sits on the resort’s pond and golf course, with ample seating and TVs behind it if you want to catch some sports.
Postino Wine Bar – guilty of coming here every single week for $6 pitchers/glasses before 5pm daily + their bomb bruschetta boards (our usual order includes the brie, apple, fig + warm artichoke spread + smoke salmon and pesto + sweet n’ spicy pepper jam and goat cheese). Also a great stop for lunch (recommend their mozzarella panini).
The Mission – admittedly only been here for drinks and chips + salsa at the bar, but it has a unique interior and have heard amazing things about their homemade tortillas. They have a location in Old Town as well.
North Italia – fun cocktails and delicious pizza + pasta options. Enjoy their Happy Hour Tues-Fri from 3pm-6pm and all day Monday.
The Greene House – love this as a date night spot. Go for Wine Wednesday and enjoy 1/2 off wine bottles!
Snooze A.M. Eatery – their benedict options and pancake flights are everything.
Tommy Bahama – great outdoor bar to pop in for a post-shopping drink or stay for a yummy meal!
Maestro’s Ocean Club – if you’re looking for an upscale seafood steakhouse, this is your go-to spot. Food menu full of rich flavor and a white tablecloth experience. Also a good spot to pop into the bar for a nightcap martini!
Dominick’s Steakhouse – get a reservation upstairs next to the reflection pool for a unique experience. We prefer going a bit earlier to enjoy the natural light from the ceiling. Their dessert beignet tree and martinis are to die for.
Culinary Dropout – although there are several locations in the valley, this is the my personal favorite because of the interior decor and view of Scottsdale Quarter. Prefer this for drinks and fun rather than dinner.
True Food Kitchen – for a healthier option (lunch or dinner!) Big fan of their Korean Noodle Bowl.
Zinburger – their onion rings! Try to sit outside under the palm trees. Lots of good burger options but prefer to build my own Bacon & Bleu burger. This is also great to-go.
Press Coffee – another spot with many locations in the Valley, but it’s nice to do a morning walk around the shops and grab coffee here.
La La Land – the most Instagrammable coffee shop with a beautiful interior, trendy cups, and a variety of aesthetic drinks. On busy days, be prepared to stand in a line out the door! But still a great spot to grab a morning beverage and stroll the shops.
Paradise Valley Mall
This mall has been recently renovated into an outdoor dining/shopping space and is still under construction, but several new spots have opened and the upcoming restaurants have us super excited! I will be adding more to this section as they open (Cala, Harry & Izzy’s, Velvet Taco, The Vig).
Blanco Reserva – we have loved Blanco for years and were so happy they opened a new “reserve” location closer to us (which is very similar to their other locations). Perfect for a Taco Tuesday Happy Hour (all day in the bar), or an elevated mexican meal out. You have to get the nachos!
Wren House Brewing Co. – a quaint, local, elevated spot for a quick beer or two! This has become a great go-to for us. If you like IPAs, I recommend their Spell Binder! You can also try some of their beers on cask.
The Melt – a casual order at the kiosk type of place, but nicely satisfies a greasy patty melt or burger craving after a few beers (see above)!
Zu Izakaya – technically in the strip mall across from PV, but a solid sushi spot. We always struggle to find our favorite sushi in a new place, but we were happy with the quality, service, and atmosphere here for a casual night out. Check out their daily Happy Hour!
Misc. North Phoenix/Scottsdale Spots
The Henry – the newest location is open on Mayo Blvd and it’s super cute inside. Food + drinks are good, although a bit pricey IMO. (Multiple Locations).
Il Bosco – a small, unassuming building on Shea/Scottsdale with some of our favorite pizza. We absolutely love this spot, especially as an easy Friday night dinner! We’ve perfected our order with the Alba (add prosciutto), Donna, Valentina, and Aria. (Multiple Locations).
Parma Italian Roots – serving up craft cocktails (A Tre Vie if you’re a bourbon drinker) and scratch-made Italian dishes (Campanelle is rich but to die for). Not the vibiest spot but go for the quality.
Tia Carmen – renowned chef Angelo Sosa opened this in the JW Marriott Desert Ridge and the food does NOT disappoint!
Buck & Rider – seafood spot I have sadly only gone for HH but would recommend 3-7pm daily for drinks + their voodoo rice. If you want to enjoy dinner, just note they only do ‘preferred seating reservations’. Their outdoor fire pit area is relaxing and a nice place to enjoy your drinks! (Multiple Locations).
The Vig McDowell – prefer to come here for drinks and apps. Such a beautiful outdoor space with live music on occasion. (Multiple locations).
La Hacienda at the Fairmont Princess – fun margs and delicious guac. Convenient especially if you’re staying at the resort!
Lou Malnati’s – a Chicago classic, their deep dish pizza is my favorite and definitely worth trying if you’ve never had it before. Get The Lou! (Multiple Locations).
JJ’s Delicatessen – O.M.G. We discovered this place after a hike one day and it changed our world. The options are endless and all fresh, filling, and delicious. Only open for breakfast & lunch – definitely recommend as a post-hike refuel.
The Thumb – ok hear me out… this is a gas station that makes the most incredible BBQ and was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. We had to get ours to-go during the height of Covid, but it seems like a really cute place to dine-in and explore!
JL Patisserie – this local pastry shop went viral on Instagram after an influencer tried to unfairly bash them and they fought back, so naturally we had to give it a try and show our support. It was so hard to even choose what to try from all their delicious pastries, but we especially loved the seasonal strawberry sesame croissant, cinnamon roll, and the crumpets. Be sure to go early, the line gets pretty crazy!
Pinnacle Brewing – we love this place for a casual beer. It’s unassuming with good brews and typically a food truck!
Old Town Scottsdale
You’ve inevitably heard of Old Town Scottsdale – whether it be for the nightlife or the history. It’s a great area to stay nearby because of all the shops, restaurants, and bars. Plus, it’s not too far from Tempe and the airport so you can still check out nearby areas. I’ll admit that I’m not as up-to-date with some of the new spots in this area since we don’t come down too often, but there’s no shortage of options!
Cala Scottsdale – one of the newer & trendier spots near Old Town, the food is really good and the decor is beautiful. And yes, it was featured in a Secret Lives of Mormon Wives episode! We had an issue with how loud it was on our first visit, so my tip is to avoid sitting in the bar area! Menu recs: Mez-cala, Carajillo, whipped ricotta dip, alla vodka pasta, pizza!
Society Swan – yet another Fox restaurant, located in Fashion Square mall, with an upscale feel. It’s certainly vibey! We’ve only gone for HH and sat at the bar, but loved the environment and will be back for dinner.
Uchi – elevated Japanese with a super modern interior and unique drinks. We came for Valentine’s Day and enjoyed the somakase chef’s tasting menu, which was so fun to let them build our meal for us. Highly recommend as something different!
Breakfast Club – a popular breakfast go-to, their menu is filled with mouth-watering options and they recently updated the interior so it’s a bright and fresh environment to start your day! (Multiple Locations).
Morning Squeeze – my preferred brunch spot in Old Town. It’s small but mighty with cute mimosa flights!
The Montauk – such great vibes and a nice spot for any time of day, but I personally prefer their brunch menu over other meals. They do offer Happy Hour all day Monday and 3pm-6pm Tuesday-Friday.
Diego Pops – super cute interior and yum tacos. Happy Hour daily from 3pm-6pm! They also have Taco Monday specials (rather than Taco Tuesday lol)
The Scott Resort & Spa – possibly the most Instagrammable spot in Scottsdale, the Scott Resort & Spa greets you with an adorable, tropical lobby that leads directly into their bar, The Canal Club. They also have a restaurant which I haven’t tried yet.
Toca Madera – total Scottsdale vibes, this trendy Mexican spot is fun for special occasions. I truthfully think there’s better Mexican food for the price, but still would recommend for the experience (we saw a firebreather, but not really sure if that’s a nightly occurrence).
Nightlife
You’ve probably heard of Old Town Scottsdale for their nightlife scene as it’s a popular destination for Bachelor/Bachelorette trips. If you want to check them all out, I recommend starting at Bevvy Old Town (I like it here because it’s more bar than club), then making your way on Saddlebag Trail from there. You’ll see all of the clubs/bars right away.
Downtown PHX
Downtown Phoenix continues to grow and add fun spots! Roosevelt Row is a perfect place to venture to if you’re looking to bar hop and get some good food along the way. Several spots listed below are located on Roosevelt Row!
And then of course, Chase Field (Diamondbacks) and Mortgage Matchup Center (Suns) are both downtown so check their schedules to catch a game!
Rough Rider – located in a basement, this is a different spot with quality drinks and food that looks quality, too (we just got drinks!) Their peppermint espresso martini was perfect for the holidays.
Wilderness DTPHX – a local brewery with a spacious beer garden on Roosevelt Row. Try La Cuidad if you’re into IPAs.
Harumi Sushi – our go-to sushi spot downtown with affordable sushi and modern vibes.
Sophia’s Brunch Counter– super trendy new brunch spot downtown with open-air vibes and a menu that made it nearly impossible to choose from… EVERYTHING was delicious!
First and Last – “nice food for nice people” is their slogan, so how can you not love it here? We enjoyed some incredible sandwiches here after a morning at the Japanese Friendship garden. Chefs kiss.
The Churchill – shipping container courtyard with several local vendors – drinks, food, and small shops. Plus, they provide board games! A great spot for a group.
Palma – the ultimate girlie brunch spot! The cutest decor and outdoor space.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour – a moody & unique spot with a cocktail list 5 miles long! But have no fear, they can help you choose.
Hanny’s – formerly a department store, this restaurant has a very different vibe. Be sure to walk to the basement for an interesting surprise… oh, and definitely get the hot honey pepperoni pizza!
Ocotillo – perfect for a date night or nicer dinner with friends, try to get a reservation outside to dine under the market lights and whimsical trees! Their eggplant meatballs are shockingly delicious.
Camelback/Arcadia Area
Had kind of a hard time identifying this area, but including Biltmore, Arcadia, Camelback, and the areas in between!
Steak 44 – we think this is the best steakhouse in the Valley, but certainly special occasion pricing. Love the ambience as it mixes classic white-tablecloth steakhouse with modern vibes. Would recommend sitting at a table near the bar if possible.
Pyro – one of our favorite new spots we have tried in Phoenix! A must try. The food makes my mouth water just thinking about it and the drinks were just as good!
théa Mediterranean rooftop – picturesque Scottsdale dining! Located on top of the Global Ambassador (a trendy hotel with several restaurants and a moody lobby bar), this is one of my top recs if you’re in town for a short time. You get beautiful Camelback views, fresh mediterranean food, and delicious cocktails. Be sure to reserve in advance, outside books up quickly during peak season!
Aftermath – award-winning burgers in the valley that did not disappoint. We got the mac n cheese app and fought over the last few bites.
Sunny’s Lounge – we drove past this building many times without realizing this was even here! A different place to grab cocktails – mixing quality cocktails with a quaint, lounge atmosphere with a local feel.
Rokerij – another local spot, which is part of the broader ‘Richardson’s’ umbrella. We walked in and sat at the bar in the cellar, which was a cool cozy vibe. Their drink specials were incredible (green chile martini and some mezcal drink I now forget the name of – beso someting?), and the enchiladas were also a hit, although spicy! You can go to Rosie’s, Richardson’s, or Rokerij and get pretty similar menus in the same building.
Upstairs at Flint– a rooftop with a beautiful view of Camelback and open air bar. We didn’t have reservations and just went for a drink, but would recommend looking into reservations since we had to stand.
Hearsay – has a good Happy Hour deal/menu so a nice spot for an after work wind-down.
Lon’s at Hermosa Inn – very similar vibes to El Chorro, but even better in my opinion! We came for brunch – sitting outside is a must! Plus we looooved our drinks and food. Would recommend the Spirit of the Border if you like Mezcal (even just a little).
Luci’s at the Orchard – an order-at-the-counter joint with fresh brunch items, coffees, smoothies, and more. Sit on the outdoor lawn and soak up some AZ sun after a pilates class at Remedy!
The Parlor Pizzeria – technically not located in Arcadia, but doesn’t belong in any of the other areas! Located near the Biltmore, this has been voted #1 pizza in Arizona by the Food Network. And it absolutely does not disappoint.
Hash Kitchen – such a fun & lively brunch experience with a build your own Bloody Mary bar, mimosa flights, and live DJ! Highly recommend for a Bach party or girls trip. (Multiple Locations).
Doughbird – one of my other favorite foods… pizza! And big wine pours. Say no more. (Multiple Locations).
O.H.S.O Brewery – a PHX staple brewery with a dog-friendly patio. If you go for brunch, enjoy a complimentary monster mimosa or 10oz beer with your entree! (Multiple Locations).
Century Grand – things seem to be different since Covid, but we visited here for cocktails and thought it was super neat. They used to do an immersive train car meal, but it appears that’s still paused.
La Grande Orange Grocery – a cute lil “general store” with a walk-up ordering counter for pizza, breakfast, sandwiches, gelato, and more. A fun spot to spend a Sunday morning.
Joy Ride Taco House – a casual spot with Happy Hour Monday – Friday from 2pm – 6pm featuring $5 margaritas, $5 ranch waters (YUM and so refreshing!), and $2 tacos.
