The Top 100 Places to Eat and Drink Near pa'la wood-fired cooking

Updated June 17, 2026

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  1. Rank 1. pa'la wood-fired cooking

    Wood-fired Mediterranean

    Awards
    Address
    2107 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  2. Rank 2. Wren House Brewing

    Beer Bar

    A 1930s house in the Green Gables neighborhood that's been converted into a taproom where strangers become regulars around a big wooden community table and plastic dinosaurs decorate the bar. The award-winning Spellbinder hazy IPA and rotating fruit beers draw a steady crowd, and food trucks reliably park out front if you didn't bring in takeout from a nearby restaurant.

    Awards
    Address
    2125 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  3. Rank 3. Tacos Chiwas

    Chihuahua-style Mexican

    A husband-and-wife operation that started as a tight counter serving Chihuahua-style street food and has grown into a proper local chain without losing its edge. The barbacoa and pastor tacos are the ones to order, though the rajas quesadilla—spicy enough to make you crave horchata—proves they're equally skilled with everything else on the menu.

    Awards
    Address
    1028 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  4. Rank 4. Rosita's Place

    Sonoran Mexican

    A modest storefront hides a dining room of colorful tile and weathered wood, where a small waterfall burbles in the corner while you eat some of the best tacos in the Valley. Rosita's has been serving Sonoran classics for over three decades—the albóndigas are impossibly tender, the flan is pure caramel cream—and the place still runs circles around younger competitors.

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    Address
    2310 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  5. Rank 5. Bagelfeld's

    NY-Style Bakery

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    Address
    2940 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  6. Rank 6. Tortas El Rey

    Mexican

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    Address
    1811 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  7. Rank 7. Casa Corazon Restaurant

    Southern Mexican

    Casa Corazon's salsa bar is a well-curated spread of a dozen house-made salsas with flavors ranging from creamy pineapple to bracingly fresh serrano, all paired with the restaurant's own tortillas chips. This gourmet Mexican spot in central Phoenix rewards multiple visits to the bar alone, and the smoky morita salsa is worth seeking out if you like heat.

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    Address
    2637 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  8. Rank 8. Ollie Vaughn's

    Bakery

    Ollie Vaughn's is a neighborhood bakery and cafe tucked into a strip mall on McDowell Road, where a decade of careful cooking with local ingredients shows in things like pork chile verde with fried egg in cast iron or lemon ricotta pancakes topped with blueberry compote. Grab a pastry from the case and a cozy table inside, or linger on the small patio while the morning light stretches across.

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    Address
    1526 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  9. Rank 9. Deseo A Coffee Shack

    Mexican

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    Address
    2330 E McDowell Rd Unit D, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  10. Rank 10. Authentic EthioAfrican

    Ethiopian

    A casual neighborhood spot on McDowell that transformed from pandemic takeout into a proper sit-down dining room, complete with Ethiopian furniture and a cocktail list. The generous combo platters are built for sharing—spicy doro wot, gomen, and meser wot arrive on one massive round plate alongside tangy stews and spongy injera that soaks it all up.

    Awards
    Address
    1740 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  11. Rank 11. Glai Baan

    Thai

    Chef Cat Bunnag's tight menu pulls from her Bangkok and Isan roots, delivering kao soi, larb moo, and pork skewers that taste like street food from a Thai night market. This casual neighborhood spot fills up fast, so book ahead and expect to stand around a cocktail if you arrive walk-in—the wait is worth it.

    Awards
    Address
    2333 E Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  12. Rank 12. Honeycomb Coffee Co

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    Address
    2222 N 16th St, Unit 6, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  13. Rank 13. Big Mike's Homie Shop

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    Address
    Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  14. Rank 14. Mariscos Playa Hermosa

    Sinaloan seafood Mexican

    Bright pink and blue chairs face walls painted with Mexican landscapes at this Sinaloan seafood spot, where the dining room is almost as much fun as the food itself. The multipage menu spans grilled shrimp Micheladas, aguachiles, and seafood towers, best paired with a Serrano margarita on the colorful patio.

    Awards
    Address
    1605 E Garfield St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  15. Rank 15. Taco Boys

    Mexican

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    Address
    2949 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  16. Rank 16. The Boom Boom Room

    Cocktail Bar

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    Address
    1544 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  17. Rank 17. Arizona Wilderness Miracle Mile

    Arizonan

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    Address
    1418 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  18. Rank 18. Kabob Grill N' Go

    Armenian Middle Eastern

    At Kabob Grill N' Go, Hasmik greets you warmly while her husband Tony tends the live coals in a haze of mesquite smoke, roasting marinated skewers he's perfected over years. The massive combos come loaded with over a pound of meat, basmati rice, Shirazi salad, and grilled vegetables—casual counter service that feeds two and leaves regulars genuinely evangelical.

    Awards
    Address
    3050 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  19. Rank 19. Yumi's Coffee

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    Address
    3015 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  20. Rank 20. Asi Es La Vida Restaurant

    Upscale Mexican

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    Address
    3602 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  21. Rank 21. Rips Bar

    Dive Bar

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    Address
    3045 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  22. Rank 22. Los Altos Ranch Market

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    Address
    6730 W Camelback Rd, Glendale, AZ · Glendale
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  23. Rank 23. Pizza to the Rescue

    Pizza

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    Address
    2601 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  24. Rank 24. The Wandering Tortoise

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    Address
    2417 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  25. Rank 25. Highball

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    Address
    1514 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  26. Rank 26. Platform 18 at Century Grand

    Cocktail Bar

    Platform 18 at Century Grand recreates the interior of a Prohibition-era Presidential train car with wood paneling and digital windows showing mountain vistas, making it easy to forget you're in downtown Phoenix. The bar specializes in reimagined classic cocktails and original drinks inspired by 1920s New York—try the Film Star, a Vesper variation with olive oil-washed gin and lemon Lillet served with orange and thyme caramel corn, though you'll need a reservation to board.

    Awards
    Address
    3626 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  27. Rank 27. Carry On

    Cocktail Bar

    Step into a meticulously designed 1970s first-class cabin where flight attendants in vintage uniforms serve martinis and roving beverage carts dispense cocktails crafted by award-winning bartender Jax Donahue, all while the city vanishes from the cabin windows. It's an immersive splurge that requires advance reservations and a willingness to suspend disbelief—think Mad Men luxury without the turbulence.

    Awards
    Address
    2 N Central Ave, Ste 101, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  28. Rank 28. Little Rituals

    Cocktail Bar

    Ascend to this fourth-floor hotel bar where a metal beaded curtain announces your arrival at a glittering den of upholstered luxury, and order a cocktail from a menu illustrated like a picture book with drinks you won't find elsewhere. The sophisticated crowd here ranges from hotel guests to locals making a night of it, and the bar snacks run from small bites to proper meals.

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    Address
    132 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  29. Rank 29. The Starving Artist

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    Address
    2144 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  30. Rank 30. Pozoleria Mexican Food

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    Address
    2801 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  31. Rank 31. Chopper John's

    Dive Bar

    This black-and-red dive off Indian School Road has dollar bills papering its walls up to a ceiling strung with Christmas lights, and a regular crowd that feels like the place's natural furniture. Local rock bands play the intimate stage most nights, and the pool tables, bar stools, and patio smokers keep things humming whether you're here for the music or just the company.

    Awards
    Address
    2547 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  32. Rank 32. Lom Wong

    Regional Thai

    In a black bungalow downtown, Lom Wong serves northern Thai food rooted in owner Yotaka Martin's childhood in Chiang Rai—hand-pounded curry pastes, charcoal-grilled sausage, and dishes meant for sharing. Boozy cocktails spiked with fish sauce and rose water pair beautifully with the bold, layered flavors.

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    Address
    218 E Portland St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  33. Rank 33. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour

    Cocktail Bar

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    Address
    1 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  34. Rank 34. The Stand

    A casual burger joint in Scottsdale that borrows In-N-Out's stripped-down playbook but trades it for higher-end beef and a taco menu that justifies the upgrade in price. Most dishes hit hard enough to make you a regular, even if a few menu items don't quite earn their place.

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    Address
    3996 N Alma School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ · Scottsdale
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  35. Rank 35. Pretty Penny

    International

    A sleek Roosevelt Row dining room draped in forest green where two bartenders known for rowdy nightlife pivoted to cooking serious food—think hamachi al pastor and orecchiette with charred-tomato bolognese, plus caviar service if you're splurging. The cocktails (charred tomato martini, passionfruit negroni) are built to match the boldness on the plate, making this an upscale celebration of a meal.

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    Address
    509 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  36. Rank 36. Sidewinder

    Diner American

    A Garfield diner swaggering in neon and Marlboro signage, all cow skulls and dive-bar swagger, where the kitchen turns out hot chicken and five-dollar sloppy joes with equal conviction. It's the kind of place that doesn't apologize for what it is, or what it serves.

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    Address
    924 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  37. Rank 37. Tacos Veganos

    Vegan Mexican

    A casual counter where vegan Mexican food tastes as indulgent as the real thing, with jackfruit quesabirria tacos and loaded burritos that won't leave you feeling deprived. Carnivores and plant-based eaters alike come back for the bold flavors and cheap thrills.

    Awards
    Address
    3301 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  38. Rank 38. Marisco Boys

    Seafood

    The team behind Taco Boys swapped casual for swanky with this new seafood spot on Seventh Street, where mesquite-grilled fish and ceviches get the date-night treatment. Yellowtail tostadas arrive piled with black garlic aioli and fried leeks, and the molcajetes—stacked with shrimp, octopus, and your choice of ceviche or steak—are built for sharing.

    Awards
    Address
    2026 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  39. Rank 39. Gallo Blanco

    Mexican

    Gallo Blanco occupies a historic brick building in Garfield with big windows and an airy feel, serving straightforward Mexican food across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start with the guacamole and chips, then move on to something like the barbacoa burrito or Taco Dorado, ideally chased with a house Paloma.

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    Address
    928 E Pierce St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  40. Rank 40. Chilte

    Modern Mexican

    LT Smith and Aseret Arroyo run this modern Mexican restaurant in a converted motor lodge on Grand Avenue with a swagger that matches the food—birria stuffed into hand-pressed squid ink tortillas, mole de la casa, grasshopper quesadillas. The seasonal menu and frequent chef collaborations reward repeat visits from people who take their eating seriously but refuse to take themselves too seriously.

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    Address
    765 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  41. Rank 41. Killer Whale Sex Club

    Cocktail Bar

    A moody Roosevelt Row cocktail lounge decorated with beautifully smutty polaroids shot inside the bar—a cheeky visual joke that somehow feels democratic rather than sleazy. The veteran mixologists behind the counter match the playful irreverence with inventive, experimental drinks that taste like intimate treats.

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    Address
    922 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  42. Rank 42. Dark Hall Coffee

    Plant-Based

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    Address
    2243 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  43. Rank 43. Huarachis Taqueria

    Sonoran Mexican

    Under the electric pink glow of its neon sign, this casual Sonoran spot serves family-style platters of charred meats—ribeye, roasted chicken, carnitas—with an abundance of sides meant for sharing and tucking into soft tortillas. Chef René Andrade's approach balances earnest technique with playfulness, backed by shareable snacks like loaded asada fries and one of Phoenix's more inventive cocktail programs.

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    Address
    814 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  44. Rank 44. The Original Huarachis Taqueria

    Mexican

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    Address
    814 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  45. Rank 45. Barcoa Agaveria

    Mexican

    A converted warehouse on First Avenue houses two agave-focused bars run by the Phoenix food-festival producer David Tyda: the energetic main-level cantina opens onto a patio where you can sip mezcal cocktails among local artists' work, while the basement bar downstairs trades volume for intimacy and an encyclopedic selection of spirits. Provecho food truck camps outside if you want tacos with your tequila.

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    Address
    829 N 1st Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  46. Rank 46. Valentine

    Southwestern

    A cozy Melrose spot in a midcentury furniture store where chef Nico Zades builds the entire menu around Arizona ingredients—Sonoran wheat pretzels with guinea hen butter, elote pasta with local cheese, grass-fed beef at brunch. The adjacent Bar 1912 speakeasy leans into the same hyperlocal obsession with cocktails built on foraged pine liqueur and Arizona-sourced spirits, all served in a sophisticated but entirely unsnobby room.

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    Address
    4130 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  47. Rank 47. Kid Sister

    Wine Bar

    Kid Sister is an intimate wine bar on Seventh Street where Progress alumni and friends have created a vibrant, airy neo-bistro inspired by travels across Europe and the U.S. The condensed, evolving wine list offers plenty by the glass alongside chef Isaac Mendoza's small bites, and don't sleep on their spritzes.

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    Address
    4810 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  48. Rank 48. Pizzeria Bianco

    Neapolitan Pizza

    Chris Bianco's compact brick room in Heritage Square has been the reason Phoenix became a pizza town—his Neapolitan pies, built on tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil, inspired a generation of American pizzaioli since 1996. Lines still wrap around the block for wood-fired pizza from a man who won two James Beard Awards and fundamentally changed how Americans think about pizza.

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    Address
    623 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  49. Rank 49. Thai Recipe Bistro

    Thai

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    Address
    2234 N 7th St, Unit 105, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  50. Rank 50. Bad Jimmy's

    American

    Bad Jimmy's is a casual downtown burger joint with a cocktail bar tucked in, where a pop-up concept has solidified into a breezy hangout slinging smash burgers and rotating specials. The waffle fries are properly crisp, the wings move fast, and the vanilla soft serve finished with olive oil is the kind of small flourish that keeps people coming back.

    Awards
    Address
    108 E Pierce St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  51. Rank 51. Sunny’s Lounge - Say Less

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    Address
    2701 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  52. Rank 52. Grey Hen Rx at Century Grand

    Chinese-American

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    Address
    3626 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  53. Rank 53. Taco Chelo

    Mexican

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    Address
    501 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  54. Rank 54. Mister Pio

    Peruvian

    Smoke from an enormous rotisserie oven fills this small, modern counter spot the moment you walk in, announcing exactly what you came for. Order a whole or half bird with salad and Peruvian sauces, thick-cut fries, and an Inca Kola, and you'll understand why the parking lot smells the way it does.

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    Address
    4502 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  55. Rank 55. Greenwood Brewing

    Greenwood Brewing's bright, marble-and-brass taproom on Roosevelt Row feels nothing like a typical brewery, which makes sense since it was built by a former home brewer intent on welcoming everyone to craft beer. The pale ale called Herstory anchors a rotating lineup of thoughtful brews, and you can settle into one of two courtyards with a food order from nearby restaurants.

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    Address
    425 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  56. Rank 56. UnderTow

    Tiki Cocktail Bar

    You're in the cargo hold of a 19th-century ship, complete with portholes and ambient sound effects, ordering rum-forward tiki drinks that range from classic to inventively modern. UnderTow has been Phoenix's best bet for that kind of theatrical, immersive cocktail experience since 2016, and it's still worth the visit.

    Awards
    Address
    3626 E Indian School Rd, Unit 100, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  57. Rank 57. Lon's at the Hermosa

    A white-tablecloth Southwestern restaurant in a tucked-away Paradise Valley inn, Lon's commands views of ruddy mountains from its broad patio and a stellar bar, with seasonal menus that might bring parsnip ravioli with elk shank ragout or buttered prawns in red curry coconut milk. The weekend brunch is the move—huevos rancheros and a yeasty monkey bread loaded with cream, caramel and chocolate that could be a meal on its own.

    Awards
    Address
    5532 N Palo Cristi Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ · Paradise Valley
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  58. Rank 58. The Little Woody

    Dive Bar

    Red-lit dive with darts, pool, and a game room where young crowds gather on weekends to dance and play until 2 a.m. The cocktails are sharp—try the bourbon Gun Shy Sour—and the kitchen turns out flatbreads and hot dogs that hit the spot.

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    Address
    4228 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  59. Rank 59. Melindas Alley

    Cocktail Bar

    Duck into the alley beside the Renaissance Downtown and descend into a crimson cocktail lounge that swallows all other colors whole, its low velvet seating and rotating chalkboard of drink specials designed for lingering. Open just two nights a week, this moody basement spot rewards the effort to find it with glamorous coupe glasses and the sense that you've stumbled onto something truly private.

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    Address
    50 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  60. Rank 60. Sottise

    French

    A converted white bungalow on Second Street draws crowds who settle into marble-topped tables under exposed brick to work through the wine list and oysters on the porch. The French bistro moves easily from casual (baked brie with pear and sage) to splurge-worthy (caviar by the gram), backed by a soundtrack of vinyl records and the warm hum of people having a genuinely good time.

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    Address
    1025 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  61. Rank 61. The Dirty Drummer

    Dive Bar

    A longtime Phoenix dive that shuttered and roared back to life in 2019, The Dirty Drummer serves wings and burgers alongside a rotating slate of country, rockabilly, and touring acts that might have you line dancing one night and catching back-to-back sets the next. Sports fans and folks hunting a no-frills good time will find plenty of reasons to return, especially during happy hour.

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    Address
    2303 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  62. Rank 62. Pizzeria Bianco

    Pizza

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    Address
    4743 N 20th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  63. Rank 63. Tratto

    Italian

    Chris Bianco's trattoria pairs handmade pastas shaped with obsessive precision—bucatini, rigatoncini—with Arizona ingredients like local lemons and seasonal foraged bounty. The wine list leans into esoteric Italian amari and house-made liqueurs, and the whole enterprise has the refined-but-unstuffy feel of a place that takes every detail from bread to olive oil seriously.

    Awards
    Address
    4743 N 20th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  64. Rank 64. Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co

    Arizonan

    A brewpub in a converted warehouse on Roosevelt Row with an outdoor bar built into a shipping container, where the rotating seasonal beers are matched by serious bar food—massive burgers that change monthly, duck fat fries, and a hot fried chicken sandwich. The vibe is relaxed and social, with long communal tables perfect for an evening of drinks and eating well under the Phoenix sky.

    Awards
    Address
    721 N. Arizona Ave Gilbert, AZ · Gilbert
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  65. Rank 65. Lovebite Dumpling

    Chinese

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    Address
    116 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  66. Rank 66. Rough Rider

    Cocktail Bar

    A hidden basement speakeasy in downtown Phoenix where you take the elevator down to a moody, wood-lined room that feels plucked from another century, all dark corners and cozy nooks. Cocktails carry cheeky Victorian names and the kitchen matches the mood with chicory-rubbed duck, black garlic pork chops, and fried cauliflower that tastes like upscale fish and chips.

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    Address
    1001 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  67. Rank 67. Case Study

    Awards
    Address
    4802 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  68. Rank 68. Saint Pasta

    Italian

    Chef Racan Alhoch runs a boisterous downtown pasta spot that channels East Coast red-sauce nostalgia through a neon-lit open kitchen playing Frank Ocean and the Sopranos on loop. The rigatoni in vodka sauce and Caesar salad are worth the wait at this no-reservations room where the food stays composed even as the energy around you doesn't.

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    Address
    100 W Portland St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  69. Rank 69. Harvey's Wineburger

    Dive Bar

    A decades-old Phoenix dive with billiards and a jukebox, Harvey's draws a neighborhood crowd with seven-dollar burgers seared on the flat top with red wine and a reliably friendly bar staff. The bright green walls, generous weekend happy hours, and late-night hours until midnight make it an easy place to settle in for a drink and something to eat.

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    Address
    4812 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  70. Rank 70. First & Last

    New American

    The Gold Spot building's soaring ceilings and candlelit booths make this a date-night spot where the Hammonds' rotating menu swings from buttery clams to inventive sourdough bolognese, anchored by craft cocktails with real backbone. By day it's a counter operation slinging focaccia sandwiches and grandma pizza slices that draw lines, though dinner is when the romance kicks in.

    Awards
    Address
    1001 N 3rd Ave, Ste 1, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  71. Rank 71. Latha

    African

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    Address
    628 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  72. Rank 72. Arizona Wilderness DTPHX

    Arizonan

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    Address
    201 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  73. Rank 73. Vayals Indian Kitchen

    Indian

    Vayals Indian Kitchen moved from a food truck into a strip-mall brick-and-mortar where servers steer you right and booths fill up fast with neighborhood regulars seeking rich curries and tender flatbreads. The dal makhani is chunky with whole black lentils, and the kothu parotta—a pan-grilled flatbread chopped up with spicy vegetables and your protein of choice—hits hard.

    Awards
    Address
    507 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  74. Rank 74. Stoop Kid

    American

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    Address
    901 North 1st Street, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  75. Rank 75. CC's On Central

    Cajun & Creole

    Sharon and Devan Cunningham run this cozy neighborhood spot where Louisiana and Mississippi roots show up in a shrimp étouffée that's light and bright, and beef debris so tender and rich it demands grits underneath. The menu moves restlessly between Southern breakfast classics and creative left turns—cardamom-spiced French toast, Hong Kong-style pralines, whatever they feel like cooking that day—and it all lands.

    Awards
    Address
    2800 N Central Ave, Ste A100, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
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  76. Rank 76. Stardust Pinbar

    Cocktail Bar

    You yank open a freezer door at Ziggy's Magic Pizza and slip into Stardust, where a glowing dance floor, pinball machines, and disco ball await behind the speakeasy's barely-concealed entrance. It's the kind of place where goths, Disney adults, and whatever just-released concert crowd is nearby converge most nights to sing in English and Spanish until the small hours.

    Awards
    Address
    401 W Van Buren St, Unit B, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  77. Rank 77. Gracie's Tax Bar

    Beer Bar

    A faded pink building tucked off Seventh Avenue conceals a dive bar that's part neighborhood living room, part rotating nightclub, where cheap beer and a jukebox set the tone for games of Scrabble and late-night DJ sets on the patio. Gracie's Tax Bar, housed in a former tax office since 2017, keeps things loose with themed watch parties and tournaments, the kind of place where strangers become drinking buddies by closing time.

    Awards
    Address
    711 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  78. Rank 78. Bacanora

    Sonoran Mexican

    Rene Andrade mans the grill alone at this bare-bones Sonoran spot, rotating a tight menu of mesquite-charred beef, grilled octopus, and shrimp aguachiles that nod to his childhood street food while reflecting years in fine dining kitchens. His caramelo—a crisp flour tortilla layered with melted cheese and impossibly rich carne asada—is the kind of plate that lingers in your head long after.

    Awards
    Address
    1301 NW Grand Ave, Unit 1, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  79. Rank 79. 1912

    Awards
    Address
    4130 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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  80. Rank 80. Sauvage

    Natural Wine Bar

    Sauvage is a natural wine bar tucked into a historic cottage on McDowell Road, where owner Chris Lingua pours only wines from lesser-known producers and chats up customers about fermentation and terroir over charcuterie and tinned fish. Occasional pop-up dinners from local chefs turn the space into something more ambitious, but the everyday draw is the chance to taste wines that taste like nothing else on a mainstream wine list.

    Awards
    Address
    149 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  81. Rank 81. Chula Seafood

    Seafood

    The owners of this seafood counter in Uptown Plaza catch their own swordfish and deep-sea buoy fish off California waters aboard their harpoon boat, then sell it never-frozen by the pound or in composed dishes. Poke bowls, confit tuna sandwiches, and swordfish tacos anchor the menu, with grilled oysters and Mexican wild shrimp filling out a rotation that takes sustainability seriously without sacrificing flavor.

    Awards
    Address
    100 E Camelback Rd, Unit 172, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  82. Rank 82. Bang Bang Coffee

    Awards
    Address
    10 W Vernon Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  83. Rank 83. The Vig

    Beer Bar

    The Vig is a neighborhood bar with an ambitious drinks list and gastro-pub food that doesn't take itself too seriously, anchored by a sprawling patio that has its own bar and a bocce court. Local bands and DJs keep things lively, and the kitchen stocks plenty of vegetarian options alongside its more indulgent fare.

    Awards
    Address
    606 N 4th Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  84. Rank 84. Taco Viva

    Mexican

    A bright, mural-covered neighborhood taco shop in Arcadia where the cook calls out "con todo" and you say yes to onions, cilantro, guac, and salsa on everything. The al pastor and carne asada are reliably excellent, the mushroom options are inventive, and the orange salsa will clear your sinuses in the best way.

    Awards
    Address
    2815 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  85. Rank 85. dialog

    Awards
    Address
    1001 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  86. Rank 86. T. Cooks

    Mediterranean

    Awards
    Address
    5200 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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  87. Rank 87. JL Patisserie

    French Bakery

    A European bakery where owner Jenna Leurquin turns out exceptionally flaky croissants, kouign-amann, and pain au chocolat alongside thick slices of quiche. The seasonally rotating coffees and buttery viennoiserie justify a morning detour, and the macarons and fresh bread travel well for later.

    Awards
    Address
    4700 N Central Ave, Unit 121, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  88. Rank 88. The Stockyards

    Western Steakhouse

    The Stockyards has been slinging corn-fed steaks and prime rib since 1947, in a dining room that feels like it's been waiting for you since the cattle-baron days, with baking soda biscuits that haven't changed and a wood-paneled saloon designed by a rancher's wife. Order the Arizona cut rib-eye, nurse a whiskey, and settle in among the Western leather and old-school swagger of a place that takes its steakhouse pedigree seriously.

    Awards
    Address
    5009 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  89. Rank 89. Boycott Bar

    Cocktail Bar

    A welcoming lesbian bar in the Melrose District marked by a pink light, Boycott pours cold beers and well-made cocktails alongside drag shows and dancing. The event calendar rotates through Pride parties, Latin nights, and country dance floors, making it equally good for a casual drink or a full night out.

    Awards
    Address
    4301 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  90. Rank 90. Minnow

    Awards
    Address
    4501 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  91. Rank 91. Bikini Lounge

    Tiki Dive Bar

    A wood-paneled relic from 1947, Bikini Lounge still pulls you in with drafts poured into frozen glasses and a bar dressed in kitschy tiki tchotchkes, pool tables, and a patio for smoking. Tuesday nights transform the place into a dance floor when a DJ spins vinyl, though come prepared with cash and patience for a crowd that won't let you leave early.

    Awards
    Address
    1502 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  92. Rank 92. Hidden Track Bottle Shop & Wine Bar

    Wine Bar

    A locally owned wine and beer bar with the vibe of a friend's living room, where the staff has actually tasted everything they stock and can talk you through a bottle with real enthusiasm. The kind of place where you'll find natural wines and small-batch beers you won't see anywhere else, arranged by people who genuinely care about what they're pouring.

    Awards
    Address
    4700 N 12th St, Unit 118, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  93. Rank 93. Christopher's at Wrigley Mansion

    Awards
    Address
    2501 E Telewa Trail, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  94. Rank 94. Restaurant Progress

    European

    A corner of the historic Wagon Wheel building in Melrose has been transformed into a lush, intimate dining room where plants and twinkle lights set a quietly romantic mood. Chef-driven European cooking arrives as a five-course tasting menu or à la carte—handmade pasta and steak tartare are equally at home whether you're committing to the full experience or just dropping in with a bottle of wine.

    Awards
    Address
    702 W Montecito Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  95. Rank 95. Jewel's Bakery And Cafe

    Gluten-Free Bakery

    A breakfast counter in east Phoenix where the entirely gluten-free menu somehow makes carbs the main event—doughnuts with real spring, waffles sturdy enough for crispy chicken and spicy bacon, burritos in supple tortillas. Whether you're avoiding gluten or just hungry, nothing here tastes like it's missing a thing, and bottomless mimosas help seal the deal.

    Awards
    Address
    4041 E Thomas Rd, Unit 101, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
    WebsiteInstagram
    On the Way What's Around

  96. Rank 96. Wren & Wolf

    Awards
    Address
    2 N Central Ave, Unit 101, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  97. Rank 97. Cobra Arcade Bar

    Arcade Cocktail Bar

    A rowdy arcade bar where local murals and vintage games on coin-op machines set the scene for weekend DJ sets that amp the energy to near-chaotic levels. Geeky cocktails like Garbage Pail Kids and Punch Out keep pace with the crowd, and when things get too packed, Hi-Score Club next door offers a calmer anime-themed refuge with Japanese import games and fugu-shaped mugs.

    Awards
    Address
    801 N 2nd St, Unit 100, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
    WebsiteInstagram
    On the Way What's Around

  98. Rank 98. The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe

    Awards
    Address
    3538 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
    WebsiteInstagram
    On the Way What's Around

  99. Rank 99. Steak 44

    Modern Steakhouse

    A dark, polished steakhouse on Phoenix's north side that somehow feels as comfortable for a casual bar dinner as it does for celebrations, with a modern menu that ranges from hand-cut wet-aged beef to soft shell crabs in vanilla bean tempura. The 12-ounce Delmonico arrives butter-drenched with beautiful marbling, or you can splurge on truffle butter if you're feeling it.

    Awards
    Address
    5101 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

  100. Rank 100. Cibo Pizzeria

    Wood-fired Pizza

    Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas and house-made pasta arrive in a twinkling garden patio and 1913 bungalow that feels like dining in a friend's lush, candlelit home. Chef Guido Saccone's kitchen also turns out killer burrata and fresh limoncello from a family recipe, making this downtown spot worth the reservation scramble.

    Awards
    Address
    603 N Fifth Ave, Phoenix, AZ · Phoenix
    Online
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    On the Way What's Around

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