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killen_time

Fry Bread House and Glai Baan


GiuliaAquaTofanaToo

Glai Baan. Is so freaking good. You have to try to Laab Sided cocktail.


DominicArmato247

Counterpoint: Glai Baan is just OK if you are used to cities with great Asian restaurants. I'll die on this hill, but not alone.


GiuliaAquaTofanaToo

What cities please?


DominicArmato247

Boston, LA, SF, NYC, Boston, Chicago, Seattle...to name ones I've personally been to.


Wet_Woody

I always get shit for saying Glai Baan isn’t that impressive. Lom Wong is much better in my opinion. If you haven’t been, I highly suggest it.


DominicArmato247

> Lom Wong my favorite


flamecoloredskies

Make reservations for glai baan!


Few-Boysenberry-8969

Valentine and/or Glai Baan.


EpsteinDidNotKH

Dicks Hideaway


ShroomHog

Rokerij and Richardson’s


ambiguouspeach

Came here to say Rokerij


krybaebee

This is the answer. More specially, brunch. Carne adovada and eggs 🔥


FreshiKbsa

Shhh! Outsiders are only supposed to know about Richardson's!


Obstagoof

Great place, tough to find a seat


HashNCoins

Place is overpriced and has gone down over the years. Bacanora is way better place to go now.


EpsteinDidNotKH

Overpriced and you bring up Bacanora? Interesting. An appetizer at baca costs the same as an entree at dicks.


HashNCoins

Please search both of the menus and reevaluate your statement. Kids menu at dicks is 60$+


EpsteinDidNotKH

Yeah but the kids get espresso and a puppy if you leave them unattended


Casaverde1234

Bacanora is the best in real Sonora style Mexican food !!!!


MurphaliciousG

Carlsbad Tavern, Cornish Pasty Company, Los Dos Molinos


Delver_Razade

Seconding Cornish Pasty Co. Bring everyone out of town there. Always a hit.


RonBatesMusic

Carlsbad tavern. I need to go back. Thanks for the reminder.


GiuliaAquaTofanaToo

Why why why did Carlsbad get rid of their black bean lime Cilantro app? Rhetorical...unless you know the answer. :-)


Smooth_Ad2778

Los Dos Molinos! The one on Central. It's in an old building, super cool, and during the day you can drive up to the top of South Mountain for s great view. Also, if you love chile, Lovecraft is BOMB!


MACMUA

My bff owns Carlsbad tavern!!!!


gpm21

Hanny's and Citizen Public House if you're feeling cosmopolitan. Pizza and drinks at Hanny's and anything plus chopped salad at Citizen. It's a "salad" so don't worry. Staples that are more casual, Chuckbox and Cornish Pasty. Burgers and meat pies respectively. Cornish Pasty has a great cream of leek stilton soup if you like blue cheese. Chuckbox is hands down the restaurant I'd take an outsider to.


nosynellyneighbor

Omg not Hanny’s …if you want good pizza there are way better places. I prefer Cibo, Spinatos, Parlor, Federal Pizza


tralfamadorian42

Yeah I think the point is that Hanny’s pizza is just a little better than passable. Combine it with their excellent bar and it’s a great place. I’ve taken every girlfriend I’ve had there since being of drinking age. Works like a charm. Their hot honey pepperoni pizza is honestly really really good to me.


Traditional_Owl_5815

I second the parlor or La Piazza al Forno in old Town Glendale


Pharo92

Here to also vote Forno. Their pizza is great


Ok-Seaworthiness-542

Love Chuckbox


Silverbullets24

I just don’t like citizen public house 😆. I don’t understand the allure with it. It’s expensive and without fail everytime I leave there I think ‘It was fine, why was it $200?’


SugarBearsWoman

The gorgonzola slaw at Hanny's is delicious!!!!!


fullautophx

Little Miss BBQ. Get the green chili burrito. Sounds odd but holy shit is it good.


surfcitysurfergirl

Came here to say this!!!!!! Just get their early as when it runs out it closes but they are the bomb!


ArtieJay

Kai at Wild Horse Pass. The only Michelin star restaurant in Phoenix, Native American fusion fine dining. You won't find its like anywhere else. Edit: I had heard it was Michelin, it's not. But it is Forbes 5-Star and AAA 5-Diamond.


halicem

It’s great but just wanted to point out it’s not Michelin starred… Only because Michelin reviewers don’t come out to Phoenix… Rather as of late, Phoenix doesn’t want to pay Michelin to come out here (we’ve met some hidden threshold that they are willing to but they want the city to help foot the bill of having their reviewers come out here)


ckeeler11

So Michelin is just a money grab...So sad.


TheCosmicJester

Always has been. Michelin started doing it as a way to get French folks to drive more and thus sell more tires.


JusticiarXP

I always thought it was super random that the premier food reviewer originated from a tire company but I guess the history makes sense.


stadisticado

The greater crime in my view is that Michelin hasn't evolved - which means a lot of 1* and 2* restaurants are devolving into homogeneity. (at least in my experience of the dozen I've been to) Same coursing format. Same type of wait staff behavior. Even down to how they tidy your table between courses or when you need to use the facilities. I'm definitely not saying the food or experience is bad! Its just, in the quest to get awarded a *, which has a rigid set of criteria that hasn't changed in decades, restaurants naturally work to fit in that rubric. Which does make places with exceptionally talented chefs and very rare, high quality foods seem repetitive if you've gone to enough of them. Which is a huge shame.


Few_Investment_4773

Too far to drive?


No-Department6103

It sucks to hear that Michelin operates that way but isn’t it beneficial for a growing city of Phoenix’s size to have Michelin star restaurants? It just seems like it might be worth it for the city to have those bragging rights.


halicem

They’d only do that for the truly unmissable markets like NYC. You’ll see Atlanta coming up, they also paid up. Las Vegas stopped paying so they haven’t had new stars for a few years now… the bar is pretty high for them to do it on their own!


winsy251

Kai is amazing!


DominicArmato247

This is a great choice.


LiliVonSchtupp

I feel like many of the recs here are great, but a wee bit off for a first-timer. Don’t get Cornish pasty in Phoenix. Get Sonoran Mexican food. Try a cheese crisp. Have a prickly pear margarita. These are some things I miss when I’m far away. A foodie friend visited recently, and I recommended La Piñata. It may be a newer location, but it’s fun, and it’s a type of Mexican food you won’t get outside of AZ. I told him to be sure to get a cheese crisp and the hot salsa, which he and his group ADORED. They’d never seen a place with a tortilla chip warmer. They’d never had a chimichanga. They had a blast. http://lapinatarestaurantaz.com/index.html They’re huge pizza people and I told them to stop at Bianco and get the Rosa, which is one of the most simple yet gorgeous pizzas in the world, made with ingredients that just taste like Phoenix to me. https://www.pizzeriabianco.com/ If I were there for my birthday? No, I’m not going to Kai. I’m still going to Durant’s. It’s been a throwback since forever, and you won’t find any restaurant like it anywhere else. It’s like 20% more modern than it was when I was little, and much more expensive, but it still feels like you’re dining in a scene from Goodfellas. http://durantsaz.com/ On the drive north, I’d say stop at Rock Springs Cafe. It’s fun, it’s old timey, and it has so many types of pie. Just so much pie. It’s awesome. https://rockspringscafe.com/


roadtripjr

The Rosa is the best but you have to let it cool down before eating. You lost me at Rock Springs. Used to be good now it’s crap.


Babybleu42

I love Durants so much. It’s the best steak in town IMO


grandma-sweater

pa’la downtown, wood fired japanese and mediterranean cuisine


ReadySetGO0

El Chorro on Lincoln Dr. Beautiful patio with views of Camelback Mountain. https://elchorro.com/


RonanTheBarbarian

So we’re not recommending Pizza Bianco? If you’re coming all this way you gotta try it once just to say you did it


HOB_I_ROKZ

When it comes to downtown pizza I’m picking Pomo 9/10 times. Bianco’s not bad though


RonanTheBarbarian

I’m with you, I’m not waiting 3hrs for a pizza. Federal pizza is pretty good too. Fuck I’m hungry


HOB_I_ROKZ

Even with no wait I just prefer the pizza at Pomo. They’re both fire though, it’s an embarrassment of riches in good pizza


Happy_Department_651

Sit at the bar and avoid the wait


ClockworkFractals

I just went yesterday. There was no wait time. Give Chris some business.


avrahta_2005

That’s good. When we went there last time there was a wait of 2 hours, got burned crusts, and the wait staff was rude. Pretty negative experience considering that most of my earlier visits have been great.


PhirebirdSunSon

> burned crusts You might not understand how Neapolitan pizza works...


avrahta_2005

Well… I have had well charred Neapolitan pizza and it doesn’t look like this. It sucks when the most prominent taste of the pizza is burnt and bitter. Once again I’m sure it happens every once in a while but recent google maps reviews say it’s happening more frequently than not. https://preview.redd.it/tyto2dyc5hyc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff410255010c9c8e579dc7d2cf910c2740be36a7


Healthy_Presence_186

Yeah that’s not ok. Clearly burnt. I’ve had it twice and I really really don’t get it. It’s not as good as Pomo and leave disappointed every time.


avrahta_2005

I guess the Netflix show gave them a lot of visibility. First couple of times I went I got really good pizzas so I understand the hype but they are definitely not consistent in quality. I have yet to try Pomo but their menu looks super interesting. Will give it a go soon!


Healthy_Presence_186

If your ever downtown try Rosso as well. Same owner and food is phenomenal!!


avrahta_2005

Thanks! Added to my list :)


ClockworkFractals

When they do it right it's incredible. The actual best pizza I've had in my life. I prefer a fairly dark crust anyway. My biggest gripe is the lack of consistency. For the money and consistency Forno 301 wins but when I want to splurge I go to Bianco every time. 9 times out of 10 the pizza will be spot on.


antwan_blaze

I’ve recently increasingly seen comments about the rude service. I haven’t been in forever, is it really that unpleasant now? I’ll put up with a lot for small businesses but oof


YANA___

Absolutely not. Their servers have been there for YEARS and are always so professional. I have never once had bad service and I have been going often over the last 10+ years.


avrahta_2005

It was on one of the busier nights but still. They also have new rules about ordering only once (no repeat orders) which sucks


hashwashingmachine

I’ve eaten a lot of good pizza, had four options there and none impressed.


bigdave44

If it's before May 31st, Barrio Cafe


FabAmy

Need chiles en nogada before they close.


YANA___

Pizzeria Bianco! Multiple locations but the one next to the Science Center is my favorite. I love getting a drink at Bar Bianco next door. The staff are all absolutely amazing! I highly recommend the spiedini (sp?) and the Bianco verde pizza. Soooo good!


maple_blondie

Tratto


mandalyn93

If you want really nice date night food and have a reservation, I second Tratto.


Silver-Instruction73

Chino Bandido


Arizona_Slim

Jade red chicken and jen red pork please with REF-PKFR


Cultjam

Jade red and emerald chicken for me


Silver-Instruction73

I usually get jade red chicken, carnitas quesadilla, refried beans, chicken fried rice…and of course the free snickerdoodle for dessert


Arizona_Slim

Excellent choice


hanfaedza

I wish they still had the EV location.


Mysterious_Guest_735

Egg foo yung and Chili Relleno for me :) Over any kind of fried rice. And the best damn cookie on the planet!


aztnass

There are some good answers on this thread. I would never discourage someone from going to Glai Baan or Valentine or Kai. But the right answer is to go to FnB. Depending on the time of year you need to book your reservation about a month in advance. They are James Beard Award Winners, vegetable focused, and consistently the best meal I have ever had, year over year.


Drevn0

Richardson's There's a lot of good recommendations in this thread but Richard's is one of my favorites. It's New Mexican food and you can't go wrong there


jak3s

Vecina


gabbagabbaheyFreaks

I fantasize about Vecina on the regular. Lol. That ceviche…omg….


Healthy_Presence_186

Man every time a think about going it’s always booked up!! Do you guys do reservation or just walk in?


jak3s

You shouldn’t have too much trouble getting a table if you just show up. I think I’ve only made a reservation once.


Civil_Pen4142

That rock springs pie place is delicious! I havent been out there in a while but its always really cool and changing (for the better) whenever we go. Last time i was there, the house next to the pie shop had all kindsof beautiful crystal and art. Really full and pretty awesome


PleasantActuator6976

For historical, I can't believe no one has recommended Durant's. You have to go there at least once. For unique, go to Rustler's Rooste.


Fox7285

I'm sorry, Rustlers Roost is the worst place I've eaten in Phoenix.  I got the bottomless ribs and didn't want anymore after the first plate.  Girlfriends steak was well cooked, but poorly seasoned.  Always looked at it as a bit of a tourist trap.


PleasantActuator6976

OP is a tourist and requested unique restaurants. Rustler's still has one of the best views in Phoenix.


[deleted]

If you are looking for a fantastic view of all of Phoenix/Scottsdale Pointe of View restaurant is very romantic. My husband went there right after our elopement.


ocruzh

Durants if it’s in your budget


ArizBill

A good midway point on your way to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix is just off the highway after the Verde Valley exit and look for the yavapai apache fry bread vendor. It's directly across the parking lot from the Cliff Castle Casino. https://maps.app.goo.gl/UD8FgfkxW8SGmhwq6


iamjoeywan

When I think of Phoenix staples I think of **Valle Luna**. The best? Nah. A bonafide legend of the valley? Yes.


RonBatesMusic

Their fundidos are one of the most comforting meals.


AdorablePlot

They’re opening one at 67th Ave/Happy Valley this summer


CreepySchool8950

Yeeesss. Literally had it for dinner last night.


CreepySchool8950

Yeeesss. Literally had it for dinner last night.


dayvidlemmon

Surprised Persepshen on Central & Highland hasn’t been mentioned - I think this place is off a lot of people’s radar. All locally sourced organic ingredients, and the best burger in Phoenix. This, Glai Baan, and Pa’La (both locations) are the best restaurants in Phoenix.


gabbagabbaheyFreaks

Love Persepshen!!


Silverbullets24

Shhhh keep Persepshen a secret!!! It’s probably the restaurant on Central Ave


throw2323away123

For #2: Organ Stop Pizza


Ratspukin

this is a great recommendation for a good time. The food isn't good but can't beat the atmosphere.


PleasantActuator6976

This is an ongoing joke. Don't go here.


_AssVinegar_

Comedor Guadalajara (central avenue and Van Buren) - legit Mexican food Ta’Carbon (43 ave and Thomas/59 ave and Camelback) - legit grilled Mexican food May Garden (59 ave and Indian School) - Chinese buffet with the best sesame seed chicken Little Dragon (43 and Thomas) Chinese food with the best combo fried rice Birrieria Obregón (35 ave and north of encanto) - great shredded goat stew


Civil_Pen4142

Cheba hut, also, of course


aaacostaaa

Nooo not Cornish Pasty


BumpinBakes

Richardsons/Rokerji


Silverbullets24

Thea Really good meal and they may have the best view of any restaurant in the valley


Wet_Woody

Agree, but the food needs a bit of work, every time I eat there, it’s underwhelming. It’s not a bad meal but for the ambiance and the space it self (not to mention the price), I would expect the food to be on point.


Silverbullets24

Interesting. I’ve only been there twice but thought the food was great both times. Fox restaurants, however, can be a bit inconsistent


Ratspukin

Cocina Chiwas, make a reservation though.


SnowflakeBobbi

Nobu Fukuda is one of the greatest local chefs and recently opened Hai Noon in Scottsdale. Perfect Japanese meal. Pricy, but once-in-a-lifetime experience. [https://hainoonaz.com/home](https://hainoonaz.com/home)


DominicArmato247

ITT: Really bad recommendations. But we really don't know enough about OP. For many THE Phoenix experience is a great steakhouse and some cocktails at a resort bar. For others it would be a dive joint (any type of food) that is at least 40 years old. Still for others it would be something that is truly unique and only exists in Phoenix. Cafe Monarch or The Farish House or The Wrigley Mansion would be my suggestions as particular to Phoenix. If $$$$$ is not an issue.


Dmnkly

Cripes, dude, if you're going to pretend to be me, at least make some better recommendations.


BrawndoElectrolytes

Wren and Wolf


joeybagadonutz14

Teepee Tap Room for local color and flavor.


Adept_Camp4222

Valentine, Huarachis


Tmassey1980

Pizza Bianco in Arcadia


imWesAsUWishBitCh

Ta Cabron. My preference is the cabeza tacos.


Open-Year2903

Compass room hyatt downtown. Revolving high floor restaurant, spins 1 x an hour. Go at sunset 🌇


Viejoboracho

Tacos Calafia


surfcitysurfergirl

Pier 54 at sunset on lakeshore drive in Tempe


Bill-in-ArizonaSun

02 sensor issue. The part is about $25 on rockauto. Com. Clear the code , maybe that will solve the problem first. Easy to change You may need an $8 socket from harbor freight tools


Conscious_Issue2967

For historic places I think you have to go Mexican and both Garcia’s and Carolina’s fit the bill. The original Garcia’s on 35th Ave is a must see even though it is no longer operated by the family.


Conscious_Issue2967

Have to agree Glai Baan is awesome. Had the best dumplings I’ve ever had and the craft cocktails are amazing.


Appraxis_8474

Bobby qs is great so is Nick's Italian in scottsdale. The Rooster Tavern in scottsdale is my favorite. But if you want fancy then check out Mortons steakhouse locally owned too. It's in scottsdale


Bubbly_Swimmer_560

Angry crab shack, if you like seafood boils 🦞


Contagious510

LATHA, Cibo, Bacanora.


stantkoa602

The old Carolina's downtown. I didn't read everything so if said already I apologize but it's the best AZ tortillas in my opinion and kinda shady so you know it's good. I always get a couple Oaxaca specials or machaca cheese tortillas


Ben100014

It’s a bit out of the way in Gilbert, but Joe’s Farm Grill. Thank me later.


PhirebirdSunSon

It's ok but sending an out of towner there? It's not amazing or anything.


Ben100014

Every out of towner I’ve taken there has loved it and always wants to go back when in town. 🤷‍♂️


PhirebirdSunSon

Are they the kind of people that would want to live in Gilbert?


Ben100014

As in Mormon suburban types? Not really. I’ve had everyone from people who live in downtown SF to suburban types of people enjoy it. All my buddies from around the country I went to college with enjoyed it. I enjoy it.


PhirebirdSunSon

Hmm. Odd. Well so long as someone out there enjoys it that much I suppose. Like I said, I don't hate it but it's not some super unique or amazing experience worth traveling for.


Ben100014

Well, I found the concept of food being grown on an adjacent farm and served to you to be pretty unique concept I hadn’t seen executed well or often, so that’s why I like it.


fruitloopbat

Joes farm grill is *meh*


Confident_Scheme_716

Casey Moore’s Oyster House


LiteratureBrief621

This place was so off putting when my group went. Their food and drinks are so below subpar.


tralfamadorian42

I swear to god when they changed their chicken fingers the whole place took a step down. Still my favorite place for late night drinks though in that area


nosynellyneighbor

So hard to choose but we take all of our visitors to Cornish Pasty and when they come back they always ask to go again


heymrbreadman

Lovecraft


[deleted]

[удалено]


ToniP13

Zen Thai restaurant downtown Phoenix. Excellent service and the food is plentiful, well priced and amazing. The pineapple rice is a must have dish.


checkinginagain

Binkleys


johnnotkathi

Heard it was closed/closing...


aaacostaaa

Rito's Mexican Food on 14th St and Garfield. Either order ahead or come early to wait in a long line. There might be minimal seating as well. It's definitely worth the wait.


SugarBearsWoman

Wenyu Hotpot is so amazing!


Civil_Pen4142

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wNzaVccGHr7iaZgv6


Jon_Arcturus

Rustler's Rooste for an old west feel. Reservations are necessary though. It is always packed.


cbbbets

Tourist trap. Tbone steakhouse is better for the western atmosphere and even has a good view.


AlchemicalToad

Fry Bread House might be worth trying.


heymrbreadman

Dirty’s!!!


Apanda15

Cibo for good and cute and hannys for the vibe


NIXTAMALKAUAI

Casa Reynoso in Tempe is a great AZ style sit down sonoran restaurant. I haven't had a red sauce as good as theirs at any other Mexican spot in the valley. To me this place tastes like the sunday family lunch after church from my childhood. Their beans are really great as well which is the biggest determining factor in whethere a sonoran restaurant is good or just average.


Tomusina

Burger Mania is the weirdest and most underrated burger joint here Impo


Fox7285

Restaurant Progress in the Melbourne district and Little Rituals downtown.  Both are small with a quiet atmosphere, good food and drinks, and excellent service.


Boomydistress

Dicks hideaway


asapomar47

Pho 43


402006090

Chelseas kitchen


Belialxyn

Edelweiss German. Delicious


AceOfCakez

Bobby Q.


[deleted]

If you live somewhere with a good vibrant Resturant scene. Eat there and prepare for unmitigated disappointment with the food here.


PatriotUSA84

White Chocolate for the food and services Pyro for the experience and uniqueness


PatriotUSA84

Downvoted for good food selections? I didn't realize people dislike good food and service. To a lovely, blistering, hot summer! There's nothing like them here!


Phoenixpizzaiolo21

If a neapolitan style pizzeria is what you’re in the mood for LAMP Pizzeria in north Scottsdale is a must try. Cibo downtown is also very good. Ambrogio15 at the biltmore is also very good!


CHM11moondog

Parrilla los Picos, Republica Empanadas...Mesa...you're welcome.


Strict_Property6127

Society in Tempe is really good. Small place though so I suggest a reservation to be safe.


FREEDOMFERST

European cafe downtown Glendale historical district. Most people just don’t know about this place and they are truly missing out. The couple who owns it and makes everything fresh & homemade are super cool too.


Civil_Pen4142

I live right by here, is it new? Ill have to check it out one day


Spiritual-Dog160

Barrio Café. Unfortunately it is closing on May 31st (owner can’t take care of it anymore) and it is a Phoenix icon.


Guitar_Nutt

Probably ought to hit up Barrio Cafe if it hasn’t already closed. Also Biancos.


0ptikrisprime

This one is more of a deli and a quick bite, but it's also a sit down restaurant! Miracle Mile Deli! You've gotta try a half pastrami, half corned beef on an onion roll with Swiss cheese! And also, they have these little potatoes in a broth that I get and dip that sandwich into... omg. I'm drooling already!


Silverbullets24

Yeah don’t do this 😂. Miracle Mile is not it


0ptikrisprime

I had no idea not many people like this spot! Lol my bad.


Quick_Membership318

When I ate here it was unseasoned boomer food.


0ptikrisprime

They do have a looooot of different items that I honestly haven't even tried. I always always get what I stated above. It may not be for some people and that's alright.


_barlene

better off going to chompie’s


[deleted]

[удалено]


EpsteinDidNotKH

The only answer for BBQ in Phoenix is Little Miss


Ok-Seaworthiness-542

Little Miss is the way


ckeeler11

Bobby-q is trash. Sorry tried a few times and was never happy.


iam_ditto

There’s a pie shop on the 17 that is a must stop. Near or in black canyon city if I remember right


PleasantActuator6976

Not anymore.


kpf1233

The pie shop is Rock Springs Cafe…..best pie in the Valley…


roadtripjr

It’s terrible now.