The city of Phoenix—cultural center of the Valley of the Sun and well known for its “dry” heat. Incorporated as a city in 1881 when a few chuck wagons could still be found, today, food has taken a more permanent role. Phoenix has plenty to offer in terms of great restaurants—none of which are on wheels anymore. So, where does one begin? That’s where the Sonnhalter Insider’s Guide to Phoenix comes in. It’s our way of helping you find the city’s best restaurants, nightlife, the sights and of course, places to cool off.

We asked some of our Phoenix friends for their recom- mendations on the best places to sample some of the local Insider’s Guide to cuisine—and not just the rattlesnake steak. We wanted those secret locales that only the locals know about. Because at Sonnhalter, we not only like to get our hands dirty…we like to get them greasy!

When you’re not convening at the convention center, make sure you have a little fun in the Valley of the Sun. PHOENIX

Downtown/Central Phoenix

The Arrogant Butcher Desoto Central Market Matt’s Big Breakfast Bars, American (Traditional) Grocery, Specialty Food, Delis Breakfast & Brunch (602) 324-8502 (602) 680-7747 (602) 254-1074 www.foxrc.com/restaurants/ www.desotocentralmarket.com www.mattsbigbreakfast.com the-arrogant-butcher Hipster hangout offering eateries, a bar This place gets busy so expect a wait, but Buzzy restaurant turning out upscale New and a farmer’s market all in a vintage don’t leave, it’s the best breakfast downtown. American comfort food in a stylish setting. warehouse space. Noble Eatery Blue Hound Durant’s Cafes, Bakeries New American Steakhouse (602) 688-2424 (602) 495-1111 (602) 264-5967 www.noblebread.com www.bluehoundkitchen.com www.durantsaz.com Even before it served its first cannellini bean A seasonal menu meets hand-crafted cock- This downtown institution, going strong since and crab open-face sandwich, this tiny, lunch- tails, all in a sleek, neighborhood joint atmo- the 50s, is famous for its steaks and martinis. only destination for Italian-inspired soups, sphere. Includes shareable plates and private As the founder Jack Durant says: “Good salads and wood-fired sandwiches in central dining options. friends, great steaks and the best booze, are Phoenix had food lovers buzzing. Namely the necessities of life!” because of the dynamic duo behind it: baker Jason Raducha of Noble Bread, whose

Café at Phoenix Public Market creations have appeared in some of the best Café Harumi Sushi restaurants in town, and venerated Phoenix (602) 253-2700 Japanese, Sushi Bars chef Claudio Urciuoli, formerly of Noca. www.phxpublicmarket.com/cafe (602) 258-0131 www.harumisushiaz.com/ Incorporating produce and other ingredients Vibrant sushi house with a casual ambiance, Pizzeria Bianco from the adjacent Public Market, this casual Pizza, Italian, Sandwiches plus grab-&-go meals and bento boxes urban hangout is open for breakfast, lunch (602) 258-8300 at lunch. and dinner. www.pizzeriabianco.com

Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles Huge crowds congregate at chef-owner Chris Carly’s Bistro Southern, Soul Food Bianco’s legendary Downtown pizzeria for un- Bistro (602) 340-1304 forgettable pies that are full of smoky flavor (602) 262-2759 www.loloschickenandwaffles.com/ and crafted with attention to detail. www.carlysbistro.com Down-home restaurant fixing up fried chicken Local art, a popular brunch, well-made food and soul food accompanied by hearty sides. Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana and a killer happy hour all make Carly’s a Pizza, Italian, Sandwiches downtown mainstay. (602) 795-2555 www.pomopizzeria.com Pizzeria providing Neapolitan pies, plus Italian fare from antipasti to gourmet paninis. Downtown/Central Phoenix (continued)

St Francis Welcome Chicken and Donuts The Wild Thaiger New American Donuts, Coffee & Tea, Chicken Shop Thai (602) 200-8111 (602) 258-1655 (602) 241-8995 www.stfrancisaz.com www.welcomechickenanddonuts.com www.wildthaiger.com The custom wood-burning oven is the Chef Michael Babcock’s at it again, this Family-owned restaurant dishing out Thai center piece at St Francis…nearly every time with impossibly crisp fried chicken standards in a contemporary space with a dish has a component that comes out of tossed in Asian-inspired sauces and full bar. this oven, including the San Francisco-style one-of-a-kind doughnuts put together sourdough bread. with things like a spiced pear glaze, Pinot Noir salt and even Pop Rocks.

North Central

Barrio Café Dick’s Hideaway Rokerij Traditional Mexican Bars, Mexican, Breakfast & Brunch Fish and Steak (602) 636-0240 (602) 241-1881 (602) 287-8900 www.barriocafe.com www.richardsonsnm.com/dicks-hideaway www.richardsonsnm.com/rokerij “Save water, drink tequila” is a footnote Beware, there’s no sign to indicate the Dark and atmospheric…make sure to have on the menu. Some of the best Mexican in strip-mall location of this local favorite, but a drink at the downstairs bar. The name the Valley. the New Mexico-style Southwestern grub means “smokehouse” in Dutch and it’s the is incredible! place to come commune with red meat and Binkley’s Restaurant a Jack Daniels. American Mora Italian (602) 388-4874 Italian Southern Rail www.binkleysrestaurant.com (602) 795-9943 Southern, American (New) With a new menu inspired by the best ingre- www.moraitalian.com (602) 200-0085 dients available and only 24 spots available Finesse and bright flavors from Chef Scott www.southernrailaz.com every day, reservations are a must and go Conant’s open kitchen set this thriving A nostalgic gastronomical journey inspired quickly at this culinary adventure led by Beard restaurant apart. Make sure to try the Burrata by the “flavors from the American south.” award-winning chef Kevin Binkley. appetizer, homemade pasta and the roasted Regional influences stretch from the coastal white fish Orata. Carolinas of “low-country” cooking through the soulful belt of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.

Arcadia/Biltmore

Beckett’s Table The Gladly Restaurant La Grande Orange American (New) American (New) Breakfast and lunch place (602) 954-1700 (602) 759-8132 (602) 840-7777 www.beckettstable.com www.thegladly.com www.lagrandeorangegrocery.com/ Chef-owner Justin Beckett whips up interest- Creative, globally inspired New American Great breakfasts…they also have a ing twists on comfort food in new combina- fare joins a menu of 200+ whiskeys at this separate pizzeria (vegetarian, vegan tions (like chocolate-covered bacon s’mores), stylish bistro. and gluten-fee options). served alongside an endless wine list. Glai Baan The Parlor Chelsea’s Kitchen Thai Pizza, burgers and sandwiches American (Traditional) (602) 595-5881 (602) 248-2480 (602) 957-2555 www.glaibaanaz.com/ www.theparlor.us www.chelseaskitchenaz.com Classic Thai snacks, refined comfort food and Wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta. Bustling, industrial-chic eatery featuring noodle dishes all served in cozy, laid-back They don’t take reservations. American comfort fare and a patio overlook- surroundings. ing the canal. Windsor American (New), Pubs

Ingo’s Tasty Food (602) 279-1111 Delux Burgers American Burgers and sandwiches www.windsoraz.com (602) 795-2884 (602) 522-2288 www.ingostastyfood.com Global comfort food and retro cocktails fill www.deluxburger.com the menu at this neighborhood bar and res- Always a contender for best burger in the city, Proprietary blend from Niman Ranch for their taurant with a backyard-style patio. this gourmet food stand has an old-school burgers and an excellent wine list. Bar and counter as well as picnic garden seating, and grill open late night. a menu full of fresh, quality food.

South Phoenix

Little Miss BBQ Quiessence at the Farm Rustler’s Rooste Barbeque Fine Dining Western Banquet Steakhouse (602) 437-1177 (602) 276-0601 (602) 431-6474 www.littlemissbbq.com www.qatthefarm.com www.rustlersrooste.com This functional eatery with a retro vibe Located in a repurposed farmhouse, and of- “Beef and Brew with a View”…you will get specializes in Central Texas-style BBQ and fering up an intimate atmosphere, this leader the true Southwest experience, right down to traditional sides. of the farm-to-table movement has unparal- the sawdust on the floor and the live country leled service and food, resulting in a unique western music. dining experience. PHOENIX Tempe

Caffe Boa Hong Kong Asian Diner Nocawich Italian Cantonese Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches (480) 968-9112 (480) 705-7486 (480) 758-5322 www.cafeboa.com Don’t let the strip mall location or lack of a www.nocawich.com Led by husband and wife duo, Jay and website fool you, this family-owned and op- Tastemaker Eliot Wexler invades Tempe with Christine Wisniewski. All pastas are erated restaurant is one of the best places the sandwich concept he originally devel- handmade in house and they have a in the valley for authentic Cantonese food. oped for Noca, his now-shuttered James great wine selection (500+ bins and Beard Award-nominated restaurant. Along over 50 wines by the glass). House of Tricks with upscale hoagies, Wexler’s doing break- American (New) fast too, bringing in bagels from New York’s Cornish Pasty Co (480) 968-1114 H&H Midtown Bagels and Nova lox from Russ British, Pubs www.houseoftricks.com & Daughters in Manhattan. (480) 894-6261 Cozy spot serving New American fare in a www.cornishpastyco.com 1920s bungalow with a patio featuring a fire Minimalist bar/eatery, cooking tradition- pit and bar. al and vegan Cornish pasties, plus other English faves.

North Scottsdale

Guido’s Chicago Meats & Deli Proof Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar Deli, Italian, Pizza American (Traditional), Comfort Food American (New), Burgers (480) 951-0636 (480) 513-5085 (480) 285-0690 www.guidosofchicago.com www.proofcanteen.com www.zinburgeraz.com Classic Italian subs and red-sauce dishes A culinary road trip through the 50 Local chain serving gourmet burgers and served in a casual space set within a states…morning, noon and night. shakes, plus wine, beer and cocktails, in a gourmet market. hip, casual space. The Sicilian Butcher Lamp Pizzeria Italian Zinc Bistro Pizza (602) 775-5140 French (480) 292-8773 www.thesicilianbutcher.com (480) 603-0922 www.zincbistroaz.com www.lamppizza.com/ Craft meatballs and charcuterie dominate Consistently at the top of the local media’s the menu at this chef-driven neighbor- Cozy French bistro with an oyster bar featur- “Best of” lists, both with the critics and hood restaurant. An innovative approach ing brassy Parisian-like surrounds with a patio. customers, this wood-fired pizzeria will not to traditional Italian. disappoint. True Food Kitchen Persian Room American (New), Vegetarian, Vegan Middle Eastern, Persian/Iranian (480) 265-4500 (480) 614-1414 www.truefoodkitchen.com www.persianroom.com A “farm-to-table” philosophy permeates Long-running restaurant serving Persian the creative menu of this “green/eco” cuisine in a lavish, multilevel dining room. cafe known for healthy, fresh eats (fans “love the kale salad”) and “modern” interiors that inspire a Zen-like feeling.

Scottsdale

Andreoli Italian Grocer Gyros Express Roka Akor Italian Greek, Mediterranean Sushi, Bars, Steakhouse (480) 614-1980 (480) 483-0300 (480) 306-8800 www.andreoli-grocer.com www.originalgyrosexpress.com www.rokaakor.com/scottsdale A slice of authentic Italian in the Grand Can- It is a dive and the service is sketchy, but the Unparalleled combination of thoughtful yon State, with house-made bread, salami, same family has owned the joint for more design and contemporary Robata Japanese pasta and more served at wooden tables in than 25 years and the gyros and hummus are cuisine. the market space. worth it. SumoMaya Fat Ox Olive & Ivy Mexican-Asian Fusion Italian American (New), Mediterranean (480) 397-9520 (480) 307-6900 (480) 751-2200 www.sumomaya.com www.foxrc.com/restaurants/ www.ilovefatox.com Combining the flavors of Asia with the culi- olive-ivy-restaurant-marketplace Taking regional favorites from different parts nary traditions of Mexico and South America of Italy and fusing them with contemporary Restaurant and bar serving leads to an unexpected and unique culinary methods, results in imaginative antipasti, Californian-Mediterranean fare in experience that is not to be missed. salumi, pasta-roasted meats and more. stylish, bustling quarters with a patio.

Roaring Fork Franco’s Italian Caffe Seafood and Steaks Italian (480) 947-0795 (480) 481-7614 www.roaringfork.com/ francosscottsdale.com/ Wood-fired cooking (rotisserie and oven). Fresh, upscale Florentine Italian dishes like Filet Mignon All’Arrabiata, Bistecca Fiorentina and Spaghetti Salsa Cruda. Be sure and start with one of the restaurant’s trademark brus- chetta, including a popular tuna bruschetta. The restaurant offers a comprehensive wine list, as well.

PHOENIX Old Town/South Scottsdale Citizen Public House FnB The Mission Gastropubs, American (New) American Latin American, Mexican (480) 398-4208 (480) 284-4777 (480) 636-5005 www.citizenpublichouse.com www.fnbrestaurant.com www.themissionaz.com Upscale gastropub turning out creative New Their Arizona-only wine program has brought Chic, dimly lit restaurant and lounge serv- American recipes complemented by craft them local and national praise, with a James ing modern, upscale Latin cuisine and beers and cocktails. Beard Award and no less than Food & Wine craft cocktails. Magazine calling them “the epicenter of cre- EVO ative Arizona cuisine.” Virtu Honest Craft Italian Mediterranean (480) 265-9814 Frank and Lupe’s (480) 946-3477 www.evoscottsdale.com Mexican www.virtuscottsdale.com (480) 990-9844 Chic brick-walled restaurant fixing up refined Nestled inside the Bespoke Inn, this cozy www.frankandlupes.com Italian cuisine until late at night. space has reshaped customer’s expectations, 25+ year-old restaurant…great Mexican food. fusing Spanish, Italian and other Mediterra- Farm & Craft nean traditions and flavors in unexpected and Bistro Marcellino Ristorante pleasing ways. (480) 568-8980 Italian www.ilovefarmandcraft.com (480) 990-9500 www.marcellinoristorante.com Seamlessly integrating gluten-free, vegetar- ian and other healthy options into delicious Award-winning Chef Marcellino has the best Italian restaurant in the city… plates in a stylish atmosphere complete with This is the real deal...Italian cuisine that doesn’t patio, craft cocktails and impeccable service. require a passport or an 11-hour flight.

Multiple Locations

Barrio Queen The Living Room Wine Café & Lounge Spinato’s Pizzeria www.barrioqueen.com www.livingroomwinebar.com www.spinatospizzeria.com/ Mexico City soul food. An innovative wine and food concept. Longtime, family-run pizzeria offering classic and creative pies. Coconuts Fish Café Long Wong’s www.coconutsaz.com Multiple locations and websites The Vig A taste of Hawaii in Arizona. A Phoenix-area institution, with multiple hole- www.thevig.us in-the-wall locations offering up some of the Lawn games, large patios, great food and ex- best wings you’ve ever had. tended Happy Hours. The Jade Palace www.jadepalacescottsdale.com

Excellent and authentic Chinese food. Postino Welcome Diner www.postinowinecafe.com www.welcomediner.net Wine and small plates in a great atmosphere. A retro diner with southern style comfort food classics.

Nightlife and Bars

Bar Bianco – www.pizzeriabianco.com/bar-bianco Hanny’s – www.hannys.net Bar Smith – www.barsmithphoenix.com Hi Fi Kitchen & Cocktails – www.hifibars.com/ The Beverly – www.thebeverly.us Kazimierz – www.kazbarscottsdale.com/ Bikini Lounge – www.facebook.com/theBikiniLounge/ Last Drop at the Hermosa – www.hermosainn.com/lons/last-drop-bar Bitter & Twisted – www.bitterandtwistedaz.com Linger Longer Lounge – www.lingerlongeraz.com Bliss ReBAR – www.blissrebar.com The Lost Leaf – www.thelostleaf.org Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails – www.bluehoundkitchen.com Maya Day + Nightclub – www.mayaclubaz.com Blue Martini – www.phoenix.bluemartinilounge.com Merc Bar – www.mercbar.com Bull Shooters – www.bullshooters-az.com Mill Cue Club – www.millcueclub.com CASA Tempe – www.casatempe.com The Nash – www.thenash.org Coach House – www.coachhousescottsdale.com Rockbar Inc – www.rockbarscottsdale.com Copper Blues – www.copperblueslive.com Rhythm Room – www.rhythmroom.com Counter Intuitive – www.counterintuitiveaz.com Seamus McCaffrey’s – www.seamusmccaffreys.com Crescent Ballroom – www.crescentphx.com Side Bar – www.sidebarphoenix.com The District – www.districtbaraz.com Taste of Tops – www.topsliquors.com The Duce – www.theducephx.com The Whining Pig – www.thewhiningpig.com FilmBar - www.thefilmbarphx.com/

Phoenix Sightseeing

Arizona Science Center – www.azscience.org Mystery Castle – www.mymysterycastle.com Castles N’ Coasters – www.castlesncoasters.com Phoenix Art Museum – www.phxart.org Chase Field – http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com Phoenix First Friday Trolley Tours – www.artlinkphoenix.com/first-fridays Desert Botanical Garden – www.dbg.org Phoenix Public Market – www.phxpublicmarket.com/ Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin West – www.franklloydwright.org Phoenix Theatre – www.phoenixtheatre.com Flying V Cabin – www.pioneeraz.org/flying-v-cabin-original-building Phoenix Zoo – www.phoenixzoo.org Heard Museum – www.heard.org Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum – www.pioneeraz.org Hot Air Balloon Rides – www.go-arizona.com/Phoenix/Hot-Air-Balloon Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art – https://www.smoca.org Hoover Dam – https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam Sedona – www.visitsedona.com Japanese Friendship Garden – www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org Tovrea Castle – www.tovreacastletours.com Martin Auto Museum – www.martinautomuseum.com Western Destinations Canyon Creek Ranch – Tours – www.westerndestinations.com Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot – www.nps.gov/moca

Musical Instrument Museum – www.mim.org Transportation

Apache Taxi – (480) 804-1000 Clean Air Cab – (480) 777-9777 Scottsdale Cab Company – (480) 577-1111 AZ Sedans – (480) 559-8615 Limoz – (480) 744-5466 Sunrise Cab – (602) 800-9941 AZ Elite Transportation – (480) 703-4005 Lyft – www.lyft.com Uber – www.uber.com

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