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.