Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
MXSW guide to eating & drinking in Mesa (Downtown)
Jess Harter
The Phoenix Edition
Sunday, September 20
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Singalong brunch bar to debut Saturday in Old Town Scottsdale
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Eastmarket at Eastmark announces lineup of food & drink tenants
Jess Harter
Friday, September 18
Local press Phoenix New Times
6 new foods to try at State Farm Stadium this NFL season
As the Cardinals take the field this weekend, fuel the fun with these new stadium eats.at Phoenix New Times
Sara Crocker
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
World’s leading bubble tea brand Gong cha to make Arizona debut
Jess Harter
Local press Phoenix New Times
Acclaimed Latin restaurant opens new, larger Valley location
The Arcadia eatery is now serving customers in a new neighborhood. Here's what to expect.at Phoenix New Times
Sara Crocker
Local press Phoenix New Times
Phoenix’s Madison Center for the Arts 2026-27 schedule: Every show announced (so far)
Red Hot Chili Pipers, Sphinx Virtuosi and other touring acts are playing the midtown Phoenix venue.at Phoenix New Times
Benjamin Leatherman
Local press Phoenix New Times
Downtown Phoenix concert series unveils 2026-27 lineup. See who’s playing
Trinity Cathedral hosts jazz, chamber music, classical guitar and more from October through May.at Phoenix New Times
Benjamin Leatherman
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Arizona Restaurant Week kicks off 10-day fall run today
The fall edition of Arizona Restaurant Week kicks off today and runs through next Sunday, Sept. 27. For the next 10 days, nearly 300 restaurants across the state are rolling out specially curated, three-course prix-fixe menus at $33, $44,…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Kuza opens in ex-Chauncey Social space in North Scottsdale
Kuza, Clive Collective’s globally inspired Asian dining concept, has opened in North Scottsdale, taking over the space Chauncey Social vacated near Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101. It’s the hospitality group’s sixth restaurant and third…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Downtown Mesa pretzel shop The Salted Knot to close Oct. 18
Downtown Mesa pretzel shop The Salted Knot is closing – for real this time. After initially announcing a permanent closure in May, then reversing course in June while searching for a buyer, the search has ended. Owners Maria Vassett and…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Restaurants & bars opening soon in Scottsdale & NE Valley
Jess Harter
Thursday, September 17
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Perry’s Steakhouse in Gilbert offers 79-cent lunch
Break out your fanny packs – Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Gilbert is time-traveling back to 1979 (the year Perry’s was born as a scrappy Houston butcher shop) with an upcoming ‘‘Flashback Friday’’ deal so good it feels illegal: lunch for…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press Phoenix New Times
Free things to do in Phoenix this weekend
This weekend, you can attend hit up a local music festival, watch movies about motorcycles or find a new Halloween costume, all for free.at Phoenix New Times
Jennifer Goldberg
Local press Phoenix New Times
Free DIY music fest invades 4 Tempe venues this weekend. See who’s playing
Southern and Mill will get a whole lot noisier Friday and Saturday when 50 local bands play nearby spots.at Phoenix New Times
Benjamin Leatherman
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Valley getting 1st new Cheesecake Factory in 20 years
Jess Harter
Local press Phoenix New Times
One of the Valley’s best taco shops has closed. What to know
Taco fans made pilgrimages to this standout spot. Now, the celebrated taqueria has gone dark.at Phoenix New Times
Tirion Boan
Local press Phoenix New Times
This Phoenix pastry pop-up is worth tracking down and lining up
Its celebrated pastry chef worked at some of the country's best bakeries. Here's where to find her bakes in Phoenix.at Phoenix New Times
Preslie Hirsch
Local press Phoenix New Times
Your favorite chef eats at this pop-up. Meet the musician behind the magic
A simple mission to bring pozole to the people led chef Erick Pineda on a full-circle journey.at Phoenix New Times
Sara Crocker
Wednesday, September 16
Phoenix’s Best 100 Eat See the list →
One enters, one leaves.
- Enters Durant'sPhoenix No.42
- Leaves SidewinderPhoenix Was No. 100 off the list
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Popular Scottsdale Italian spot DiMaggio’s expanding to Phoenix
🍝 Three years ago, Brandon Gioffre was pulling fresh mozzarella under a pop-up tent at the Uptown Farmers Market, selling sandwiches and zeppole to a line that kept getting longer every Saturday. Today, he’s the chef-owner behind…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
MXSW guide to eating & drinking in Tempe (Downtown)
Jess Harter
Local press Phoenix New Times
Scottsdale Italian hotspot to open second Valley location this fall
The restaurant has become a destination for athletes and other VIPs. Here's what to expect at the new eatery.at Phoenix New Times
Tirion Boan
Local press Phoenix New Times
Phoenix’s Tovrea Castle ticket lottery opens Oct. 1. How to enter
The lottery offers a shot at tickets for tours through May 2027.at Phoenix New Times
Benjamin Leatherman
Tuesday, September 15
Added to Scores , from The New York Times · nationwide
The New York Times's Restaurant List
Albi, Dakar NOLA, Meju, and 47 moreat The New York Times
Local press Phoenix New Times
‘Drunk Pirates’ in downtown Phoenix is a bawdy good time
Ahoy, matey: You've only got till Sept. 19 to climb aboard.at Phoenix New Times
Shannon Severson
Local press Phoenix New Times
Mötley Crüe brings Carnival of Sins tour back to Phoenix for a new generation
"It's been 45 years, and it’s creeping in on me that 50 is around the corner,” says Nikki Sixx.at Phoenix New Times
Kelly Walsh
Local press Phoenix New Times
Iconic Phoenix steakhouse named one of the best restaurants in the U.S.
The chophouse is the only Arizona restaurant to be featured in this annual list.at Phoenix New Times
Sara Crocker
Local press Phoenix New Times
The 12 most anticipated restaurants opening in Phoenix this fall
A wood-fired Mexican restaurant, a casual pizzeria and a sinful cocktail lounge are coming soon. Here are the spots we can’t wait to check out.at Phoenix New Times
Sara Crocker
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Reader mailbag: What’s the holdup with Cocina Madrigal?
🫔 An email from MXSW reader tsmithradio last week: Jess – How about an update on Cocina Madrigal in Phoenix. Any idea why they haven’t moved back into their original location that caught fire a couple of springs ago? Great timing on this…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Il Segreto brings refined Italian dining to North Scottsdale
🍝 There’s a new secret in North Scottsdale, and it’s not staying quiet for long. Il Segreto (Italian for ‘‘the secret’’) has opened on the northeast corner of Pima and Pinnacle Peak. The concept leans into its name: a hidden-gem feel built…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press Phoenix New Times
Scam artist faces decade in prison for Valley restaurant fraud
He wanted to build a high-end restaurant in Scottsdale and nightclub in Gilbert. Then, the feds arrested him.at Phoenix New Times
Sara Crocker
Monday, September 14
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Score a free cake at all Nothing Bundt Cakes locations Tuesday
🧁 Free cake alert! But you’ll want to move fast. Nothing Bundt Cakes is marking Tuesday as the first-ever National Bring the Joy Day, and the Dallas-based bakery chain is celebrating with a sweet giveaway at its bakeries nationwide –…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Mexican fusion favorite headed to growing GSQ in West Valley
Jess Harter
Local press Phoenix New Times
7 fall Arizona Restaurant Week menus to try
The fall event starts soon. Here's where to make your reservations.at Phoenix New Times
Georgann Yara
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
2 national bakery chains coming to Gilbert Gateway Towne Center
Jess Harter
Local press Phoenix New Times
See Arizona natural wonders on Free National Park Day Sept. 17
Check out some of the most beautiful places in the state for free on Sept. 17.at Phoenix New Times
Janessa Hilliard
Local press Phoenix New Times
The Superstition Mountains cougar shadow is back. When to see it
The rare Arizona phenomenon is visible daily through Sept. 19. Here’s the best time to see it.at Phoenix New Times
Benjamin Leatherman
Local press Phoenix New Times
A popular Phoenix burger spot is moving into an Uptown bar
Two Valley businesses are combing to create a new destination for craft brews and burgers. What to know.at Phoenix New Times
Sara Crocker
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Restaurants & bars opening soon in East Valley
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Restaurants & bars opening soon in West Valley
Jess Harter
Phoenix’s Best 100
Not looking for Phoenix? Switch to a different metro edition.
- 1 Lom WongPhoenix · Thai Eat score, 94
- 2 BacanoraPhoenix Eat score, 93
- 2 KaiChandler Eat score, 93
- 4 ChiltePhoenix · Modern Mexican Eat score, 90
- 4 Huarachis TaqueriaPhoenix · Sonoran Eat score, 90
- 4 ValentinePhoenix · Southwestern-Sonoran Eat score, 90
- 7 CourseScottsdale Eat score, 89
- 7 Glai BaanPhoenix · Thai Eat score, 89
- 7 IndibarParadise Valley · Indian Eat score, 89
- 10 Cocina ChiwasTempe · Modern Chihuahuan Bistro Eat score, 88
The full 100 → 701 ranked
- 1 Little RitualsPhoenix · Cocktail Bar Drink score, 92
- 2 HighballPhoenix · Cocktail Bar Drink score, 90
- 2 Tell Your FriendsScottsdale · Cocktail Bar Drink score, 90
- 4 Carry OnPhoenix · Cocktail Bar Drink score, 89
- 5 Grey Hen RxPhoenix · Chinese Cocktail Bar Drink score, 88
- 5 Platform 18Phoenix · Cocktail Bar Drink score, 88
- 5 UnderTowPhoenix Drink score, 88
- 8 Bitter & Twisted Cocktail ParlourPhoenix · Cocktail Bar Drink score, 87
- 8 SauvagePhoenix · Natural Wine Bar Drink score, 87
- 10 Barcoa AgaveriaPhoenix · Mexican Cocktail Bar Drink score, 85
The full 100 → 130 ranked
- 1 The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, ScottsdaleScottsdale Stay score, 89
- 2 The Global AmbassadorPhoenix Stay score, 88
- 3 Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon NorthScottsdale Stay score, 85
- 3 Royal Palms Resort and SpaPhoenix Stay score, 85
- 3 The Scott Resort & SpaScottsdale Stay score, 85
- 6 Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old TownScottsdale Stay score, 84
- 6 The PhoenicianScottsdale Stay score, 84
- 8 Kimpton Hotel Palomar PhoenixPhoenix Stay score, 83
- 9 Graduate by Hilton TempeTempe Stay score, 82
- 9 Hotel Valley HoScottsdale Stay score, 82
The full 100 → 234 ranked
- 1 Aji SpaChandler Do score, 91
- 2 The Phoenician SpaScottsdale Do score, 86
- 3 PIP Coffee + ClayPhoenix Do score, 75
- 3 Thunderbird LoungePhoenix Do score, 75
- 3 Xolo CoffeePhoenix Do score, 75
- 6 Nelson's Meat + FishPhoenix Do score, 74
- 6 PHX Cat CafePhoenix Do score, 74
- 6 PuebloPhoenix Do score, 74
- 9 Cham Pang LanesPhoenix Do score, 68
- 10 Brick Road CoffeeTempe Do score, 60
The full 100 → 322 ranked
Heat measures the density of honors, not our taste.
Now scoring:
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Sample · Brooklyn
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and Greenpoint
74
Higher than 62% of scored places
In this report
- One score, 0 to 100, and its rank among every scored place
- The good stuff within a walk, and within a drive
- The weather and the air, right at that spot
- How life goes in the country, and where it ranks
We score the map point and keep no record of who asked. The report names the neighborhood, never the street.
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