Questions for Phoenix-area locals
Hello SnakePitters,
I visit not to talk so much about playoff baseball, or at least in my case, the lack-of, as much as frankly, for my inquiries, I don't think there's anyone better to ask than those of you who actually live in the Phoenix-surrounding area.
Forgive me in advance if my questions seem redundant, I've searched some fairly general terms, and found no real travel guides, or prior FPs from other would-be Chase Field visitors, so I must unfortunately seek to occupy a FP spot with my own questions. If anyone knows of any and could point me to some, that would be great as well.
I'm visiting the Phoenix area in a few weeks to catch a few AFL games. If all goes well, I'll see five games at four of the AFL parks: Phoenix, Salt River, Surprise, Salt River, Mesa. I'm look forward to it all, but what I'd really like the help from anyone willing to help this traveler out is stuff to do in between/after games, and during the one baseball-free off-day in between.
Most importantly, I'm looking for good/unique/interesting food. I'm the kind of guy that pretends like he's on Man v. Food, and I've got my own litany of failed food challenges and things I've eaten in various parts of the country while traveling for baseball, if that's any hint at what I'm looking for. I was mortified to find out that that Heart Attack Grill place closed down, since I really wanted to try that out.
So yeah, if you've got food recommendations, I'd love to hear them. Activities, or things to see, that would be nice too. I'm staying in Tempe, and I will have a rental car to move about, but all in all, I'm really looking more forward to the relaxation of visiting Phoenix, and watching some leisurely AFL games where sure it's nice to see some Braves prospects on the Surprise Saguaros, but I'd still have little vested interest in the outcomes of the games.
Thanks in advance for any help that may be provided, and I look forward to another bout of interaction with your fine community.
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Here you go!
Chompies is one great place to go and it was even on Man vs. Food! They are located in Scottsdale, Chandler, and Tempe and offer deli and kosher meals, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Things to do:
The Arizona State Fair is going on now through the 6th of November but by the time you’re here it will most likely be gone. There are assorted malls with movie theaters, there’s Castles and Coasters (an amusement park of sorts), there’s Fiddlesticks, which has batting cages and miniature golf.
These are a few things I could think of right off the top of my head
I got sprayed by Ryan Roberts!!!
Food, you say? I can help with that. :-)
This is pretty much all Phoenix area, so depending on where you’re staying it could be a bit of a drive to some of these places. I think they’re worth it, though.
- Pizzeria Bianco: Read my signature. As a student at Notre Dame over half-way across the country, I’m really sad that I can’t have any until next summer at the earliest. Might be the best pizza in the country.
- Barrio Cafe: 1) Mexican lady learns how to cook in France, 2) Establishes restaurant in Phoenix combining these styles of cooking, 3) Profit. If the Chiles en Nogada is in season, get it and thank me later. Guacamole is also kick-ass. This is actually the first place I take friends visiting from out of town, although it’s less nationally-renowned than Bianco. Just strikes me as a very Arizona place to go if that’s what you’re looking for. The only thing my girlfriend (from Toledo, Ohio) doesn’t like about Barrio Cafe is that she gets too full on the guacamole (and the bread & olive spread that replaces/is far superior to chips & salsa) to eat more of her main course. Note: the neighborhood isn’t great, although it certainly isn’t actually in the barrio. Still a top-two recommendation, probably #1 for me but behind Bianco for most others.
- LoLo’s Chicken & Waffles: Need I say more? Waitresses will give you attitude, but they’ll also give you delicious food. I’m okay with that. I think they’ve opened a second location in a nicer area than their first location is in, so I’m not sure which will be closer. If you want to be all Man v. Food like, you can do it here. A ton of food for not a ton of money.
- Chelsea’s Kitchen: Short ribs with a fried egg on top are delicious, and there’s a display of free chocolate chip cookies – coarse salt on top, absolutely phenomenal – you can take as you’re leaving. Also have pretty good taco plates, and the tuna ceviche/guacamole appetizer is a must-get. Also have good taco plates if you’re looking for one, including a short rib taco plate.
- Vincent’s: I’m a little biased, considering that I went to school with his son and worked at the farmer’s market they occasionally hold on weekends, but the croissants they make at breakfast time are utterly fantastic (and a personal weakness), and the coffee is good. The main restaurant isn’t open in the morning, but there’s a smallish bistro area they have open in the mornings that is actually worth going to for breakfast (I typically prefer to make breakfast myself, since my preferred breakfast is quite simple). Their omelets are a great way to start the day.
- Havana Cafe: Haven’t been in quite a while, but I recall their Cuban food being delicious. Pretty much like all Cuban food. Their website says there’s also one out in Scottsdale, so that could be helpful. Two word: Cuban coffee.
- Four Peaks Brewery: Obviously not a food suggestion, but check it out. Kiltlifter FTW.
- Drinkwater’s City Hall Steakhouse: Another really fancy, really expensive steakhouse. If you want something unique to Arizona, don’t bother, because you won’t find it here. But if you love steak and want a good one, it’s the best I can think of. Lobster mashed potatoes are also great. Just be ready for a terrifying bill. Fun fact: Ryan Roberts frequently tweets about this place.
I’m sure I’m missing a lot, but those are the first things to come to my mind. I’m sure someone else will offer up some suggestions for other parts of town. Hope that helps!
Founder and Chairman of the Send Dan Some Pizzeria Bianco Commission (SDSPBC). SDSPBC is a totally, definitely for-profit organization.
by Dan Strittmatter on Oct 24, 2011 1:47 PM EDT reply actions
Couple of thoughts
If you want to eat at Pizzeria Bianco, get there when it opens [which I think is 5pm] or bring a book, as the waiting times there are legendary.
Havana Cafe is good, though Mrs. SnakePit is a bit leery, since the owner’s wife, who does the cooking, isn’t actually from Cuba (though the owner is, and knew her family back in Cuba). In that area, she highly recommends (and I can endorse!) Sabor Cubano, at 2030 West Camelback Road, though opening hours are a little…random.
Not been to LoLo’s, but Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe [808 East Jefferson Street] has amazing chicken-fried steak. The walls are covered with autographs of previous famous guests including Orlando Hudson and, it appears, most of the Phoenix Mercury! One block from the park, so if the Pizzeria Bianco wait is too long, this would be an alternate!
SouthWest/Mexican would be the obvious thing to concentrate on, as there’s some really good choices there. Shame you’re not going to Maryvale, as that would be convenient for Garcia’s – the original one, not the chain that bought the name (but allowed the owner to keep his one open) – at 2212 N. 35th Avenue. Really good food, we used to eat there almost every week when we lived in the neighborhood.
"We have to resist it. Do whatever you have to. Cross your fingers. Say a prayer. Think of a basket of kittens. But do not give in to the fear..."
by Jim McLennan on Oct 24, 2011 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
LoLo's/Whites
I believe that LoLo’s was actually opened by the grandson of Mrs. White (yes, she is a real person). It’s just southwest of the stadium. The second location is in Scottsdale. I miss that place. I make it the last meal I have every time I am in town.
The weather outside is weather. - Kunu
Thanks Dan
I didn’t knwo about most of those places. I must go check them out now
Oh where oh where have my Dbacks gone? Oh where oh where could they be!
by imstillhungry95 on Oct 25, 2011 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions
- Barrio Cafe: 1) Mexican lady learns how to cook in France, 2) Establishes restaurant in Phoenix combining these styles of cooking,
She learned to cook in the US and Mexico, as far as I know – although I agree there’s a few French notes here and there.
by Diamondhacks on Oct 26, 2011 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm fairly certain I heard that somewhere...
Strange. There are definitely French inspirations there, which is why I took it as fact, I guess. The sauce use is very French – cream does not go underutilized at Barrio, perhaps my favorite part of the place.
Founder and Chairman of the Send Dan Some Pizzeria Bianco Commission (SDSPBC). SDSPBC is a totally, definitely for-profit organization.
by Dan Strittmatter on Oct 26, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
As for entertainment,
I’d strongly recommend the Musical Instrument Museum. It’s a drive from Tempe (it’s in far north Phoenix) but it’s well worth the experience. MIM’s one of my favorite museums ever, and it’s definitely something you can only do in Phoenix.
Also, I have to second (or third, I guess) Dan’s comment. LoLo’s is fantastic.
What's one more comeback, anyway?
by Zavada's Moustache on Oct 24, 2011 7:44 PM EDT reply actions
I’m the kind of guy that pretends like he’s on Man v. Food, and I’ve got my own litany of failed food challenges and things I’ve eaten in various parts of the country while traveling for baseball, if that’s any hint at what I’m looking for.
These are some fairly distinctive dives, with generally unhealthy portions of delicious food.
The Aforementioned Lolo’s (be sure to get the “side” of waffles)
Los Reyes de la Torta, which was briefly featured on Man v Food (in the Chompies episode)
Cornish Pasty (Tempe and Mesa locations)
Ranch Market #3 (1602 E Roosevelt). Extensive Mexican deli within sprawling Mexican grocery store
Rockstar mentioned the State Fair, where one can, if inclined, munch on a veritable phylum of deep fried and chocolate covered insects and reptiles
Entertainment is hard, because I dont know you, but if I had a spare block of time or a day to get to “know” Phoenix, I’d probably hop on over to one of the city mountain parks (Piestewa, Camelback, South, etc) for a hike, or take a longer drive to the Superstitions or the string of lakes on the Upper Salt River. For a large US city, our topography may be our most unique characteristic.
I do know from experience
That you can see the entire city from the top of Piestawa (I live in that area). Great view.
Founder and Chairman of the Send Dan Some Pizzeria Bianco Commission (SDSPBC). SDSPBC is a totally, definitely for-profit organization.
by Dan Strittmatter on Oct 24, 2011 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions
All these things sound awesome
I live here and I haven’t been to most of these places yet, but they do sound good. I have been to the top of Piestewa though, and this would be a great time of year to do it.
Thanks everyone
For all the great suggestions. Scratching the surface, the most appealing thing to me sounds like Pizzeria Bianco. Even with the possibility of ludicrous wait times, it sounds like something I’d really like to try. Obviously, I want to visit touristy places like Cooperstown and maybe Chompies, but some good pizza sounds excellent too.
I’m a little tepid on the idea of Lolo’s; in Atlanta we have Gladys Knight’s Chicken & Waffles, and the menus look kinda similar to me, so I’m mulling over the idea of seeking some more unique or local SW’ern flavors first.
Obviously, I’ll bookmark this thread on my phone so I can refer to it while in the area. But overall, I appreciate the time many of you took to provide me some suggestions, and I’m really looking forward to some relaxation and some leisurely baseball games, but I’ve never been to Phoenix before, so the exploration is what I’m looking forward to the most.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
Oh geez
From Atlanta…. ummm, yeah, go ahead and skip LoLo’s. Go to Barrio instead. :-)
Founder and Chairman of the Send Dan Some Pizzeria Bianco Commission (SDSPBC). SDSPBC is a totally, definitely for-profit organization.
by Dan Strittmatter on Oct 25, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
The avatar didn't give it away?
I’m glad to have elicited this response though, in regards to Lolo’s. I get enough soul food type of dining where I’m at now, so I’m glad that it’s understood why I’m not real pursuant towards it.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
Ehhh, there are Braves fans everywhere
Some here, even, IIRC. But as good as LoLo’s is, it’s good for Arizona.
Founder and Chairman of the Send Dan Some Pizzeria Bianco Commission (SDSPBC). SDSPBC is a totally, definitely for-profit organization.
by Dan Strittmatter on Oct 25, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
If you're looking for SW'ern flavors
Sierra Bonita Grill is pretty good. Their pork shank w/ green chile is delectable.
Founder and Chairman of the Send Dan Some Pizzeria Bianco Commission (SDSPBC). SDSPBC is a totally, definitely for-profit organization.
by Dan Strittmatter on Oct 25, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, the same people own another restaurant called Phoenix Cite Grille
Cornbread and black bean soup are worth it.
Founder and Chairman of the Send Dan Some Pizzeria Bianco Commission (SDSPBC). SDSPBC is a totally, definitely for-profit organization.
by Dan Strittmatter on Oct 25, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Sierra Bonita's weekend brunch
is very well executed, I think. Not a buffet, but a menu centered on ten or so mostly southwestern egg dishes, priced $10-12. The vibe is more white Republican than authentico, but they use good ingredients and the menu’s got some inventive touches.
by Diamondhacks on Oct 25, 2011 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
The Azteca soup
Is also quite good. Phoenix Cite Grille is much the same, with the stacked green chile chicken enchiladas and beef machaca tostadas being awesome.
Founder and Chairman of the Send Dan Some Pizzeria Bianco Commission (SDSPBC). SDSPBC is a totally, definitely for-profit organization.
by Dan Strittmatter on Oct 25, 2011 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions
The hanger steak
at Christopher’s is what makes life worthwhile…
Is it mid-February yet?
by NASCARbernet on Oct 25, 2011 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Random note on Chompie's
The factory is right next to Chase, on the other side of the 7th St overpass. Walk past it every day at work, on my lunch meander, and pause to inhale the pleasing mix of scents wafting out of the window…
Let us know how Bianco is. Never gone, simply because waiting for 1-2 hours first is anathema to my idea of a fine dining experience…
"We have to resist it. Do whatever you have to. Cross your fingers. Say a prayer. Think of a basket of kittens. But do not give in to the fear..."
by Jim McLennan on Oct 25, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm good about planning trips to popular spots
I’ve beaten the rushes to popular joints in San Diego, Chicago, St. Louis among others, so with your advice, I’ll plan to get to Bianco’s early, or at least drive by it before making any sort of wait.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
the waits arent as bad since they’ve been continuously open from 11AM. they used to close between lunch and dinner and there were legendary traffic jams from 5pm on. but if you caught a 1pm AFL game at Phoenix Muni, for example, and scooted over to Biancos around four M-Wed, the wait shouldnt be much. still crowded in the evenings, however.
Also, if you like craft beer (and even if you dont, frankly), the restaurant and bar next door both serve Hop Knot on tap, a citrusy, aromatic IPA and absurdly fine pizza accompaniment
by Diamondhacks on Oct 25, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah, they're open all day now?
Good to know. Might make a further stab, bearing the above in mind. Not working Mon-Tue has its advantages…
"We have to resist it. Do whatever you have to. Cross your fingers. Say a prayer. Think of a basket of kittens. But do not give in to the fear..."
by Jim McLennan on Oct 25, 2011 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
the pizza’s not as spectacular since Chris left the kitchen (asthma) but it’s very good. Still a distinctive and mostly charming destination.
by Diamondhacks on Oct 25, 2011 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Chjompie'
I got sprayed by Ryan Roberts!!!
by Rockkstarr12 on Oct 25, 2011 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
If you're coming to Phoenix
you have to have Sonora-style Mexican food, period. Garcias on the west side is an obvious place to go, but the ‘franchise one’ on East Camelback is quite nice, too. But also consider The Teepee on Indian School Road between Phoenix and Scottsdale…the food is straight up Sonora style, and you’ll never know who you’ll see there. If you’re a Republican, ask for the George W. Bush table.
Is it mid-February yet?
by NASCARbernet on Oct 25, 2011 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course
the salt-rimmed Margarita IS the official state drink.
Is it mid-February yet?
by NASCARbernet on Oct 26, 2011 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Chompie's is the bomb!
Stupid enter key got in the way before I could finish my original sentence.
Other good places I know are Rigatony’s, Spinato’s Pizzeria, Benihana, The Old Spaghetti Factory, and Abuelo’s
I got sprayed by Ryan Roberts!!!
Most of what
you’ll find in the Phoenix area mimics other places. But if you want something different, and frankly a little weird, then you need to hit up Chino Bandino. Mexican-Asian food. Delicious. Eat it now (or when you get here).
Tomorrow is another day.
Not going to lie
My jaw kind of dropped when I saw the graphic on Chino Bandido’s page. I think I really need to go there.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
The only
downside is that its two locations are not centrally located. You’ll have to drive a bit to get to either one, but it’s worth it.
Tomorrow is another day.
Not a problem
I already looked it up on Google maps, and one of them is 11 miles from where I’m staying. That’s not really a nuisance of a distance for me.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
How
Have I lived in Phoenix for most of my life without anyone telling me about this delicious-looking witchcraft?
What's one more comeback, anyway?
by Zavada's Moustache on Oct 26, 2011 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I think
it’s like a weird secret. People that know about it are really passionate, but no one else knows.
Tomorrow is another day.
You would think
if they were so passionant they would tell more people…
Oh where oh where have my Dbacks gone? Oh where oh where could they be!
by imstillhungry95 on Oct 26, 2011 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions
hmmmm
Chino B has been around a while and reviews over the years are about as mixed as the cuisine. A lot of people decry the quality and cleanliness. A lot of others say it’s delicious with friendly service.
I’ve never been, but have always been intrigued by their fusion concept and am curious as to CB’s polarizing reputation. Thoughts?
by Diamondhacks on Oct 26, 2011 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions
The original
location looks like a dump, so I could understand the concern there. But it doesn’t matter to me, because I’m from Yuma and well that joke writes itself. And I think the strangeness of the cuisine is going to be polarizing.
Tomorrow is another day.
Sounds like the kind of place I'd like
I kind of prefer dive-y kind of places, Irish pubs, and truckstop diners. I scoff at the Cheesecake Factories and P.F. Changs of the world, and don’t mind a little odd, uneven chairs and table legs, pockmarked tables and wooden booths, and the subjective allegations of “dirty.”
But really, I really want a picture with a Mexican panda statue too.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
You'd be more happy in the industrial northeast
Phoenix is a resort area, so the restaurants tend to be more upscale. Sorry…I think.
Is it mid-February yet?
by NASCARbernet on Oct 27, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
No worries
I adapt well and roll with the punches. I’m sure I’ll enjoy Phoenix just fine, regardless of what kind of area it is.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
Eh,
There are still plenty of dive-y places to go in Phoenix. Almost 4 million people live in the metro area, and there are plenty of restaurant flavors and styles to suit all sorts of people.
What's one more comeback, anyway?
by Zavada's Moustache on Oct 27, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, enjoy reporting on them
myself, I’ll stick to the places that get gold seals by the County Health Department…
Is it mid-February yet?
by NASCARbernet on Oct 27, 2011 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Psssh.
What’s a little salmonella now and then?
What's one more comeback, anyway?
by Zavada's Moustache on Oct 27, 2011 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Sadly
even those can be pretty nasty sometimes
Oh where oh where have my Dbacks gone? Oh where oh where could they be!
by imstillhungry95 on Oct 28, 2011 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Dives
The three or four places I mentioned earlier, Los Reyes, Tempe’s Cornish Pasty and the Ranch Market on Roosevelt are all pretty divey, with good food in a colorful atmosphere.
Here’s a few others:
Carolina’s – go to the “original” location on east Mohave, west of Sky Harbor Airport. awful neighborhood, reknowned and cheap sonoran. the newer location, north of town, has less charm.
Al Hana – 20th street, north of Van Buren. another awful neighborhood. there’s a tiny grill and seating area tucked in the back of a middle eastern establishment called Baiz Market. You’ll feel like you’re in Iraq or Jordan, and the food’s really good.
by Diamondhacks on Oct 27, 2011 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Never been to Al Hana
but it reminded me of a Middle Eastern place on Apache Blvd in Tempe called Haji Baba’s. It’s a good lunch place and part of a Middle Eastern grocery store.
Love Haji Baba's
What's one more comeback, anyway?
by Zavada's Moustache on Oct 29, 2011 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Sounds great
In fact, Haji’s is probably a better recommendation. More extensive menu, quality control sounds at least as good, possibly better. Al Hana is more about the adventure and atmosphere for me, of trying a hole in the wall next to the projects near the state mental hospital. If you’re white, for example, you can walk into Baiz Market and regularly be the only white person there. I’m guessing that’s fairly unlikely on Apache Blvd.
There’s a fascinating Islamic butcher counter (and bakery) in back. Lots of woman customers in traditional dress. It’s just a unique little place.
by Diamondhacks on Oct 29, 2011 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions
well if you haven’t already been here, heres one not mentioned yet. rock springs cafe. north of phoenix on the I-17 about 30 minutes, but featured on shows like man vs food for best pies in town. also, hole in the wall restaurant at the pointe at squaw peak (16th st and morten, south of northern) is a cheesy western themed bbq style place. peanut shell on the floor kind of eatery, BUT you can get fried rattlesnake there. and its actually kinda good. and if you want awesome mexican food and are not afraid to carrry a shotgun around, po-po’s on 67th ave and indian school, rough area GREAT food. or mexico city food in a great area la parilla on tatum and cactus. and for an out of towner, halfway to the suprise stadium is a freddy’s steakburger and frozen custard. roughly 50th ave and bell rd. avoid any other custard place in town, freddy’s is the real deal.
Heading up on the 11th
And I can’t believe my eyes when you wrote out “fried rattlesnake.” I think I’m enamored, and feel that this is a must.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.

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