Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
MXSW guide to eating & drinking in Queen Creek
Jess Harter
The Phoenix Edition
Sunday, October 4
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Scott’s Generations to close after 37 years in central Phoenix
One of the Valley’s last old-school Jewish delis is hanging up the slicer. Scott’s Generations announced it will serve its final meals on Sunday, Oct. 25, ending a run that began in June 1989. Father and son Gene and Scott Snyder opened…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Saturday, October 3
Local press Phoenix New Times
Have a glass of groovy, politicized Chanpan with us
'Everything is political. Music is political,' says Lance Tran.at Phoenix New Times
Rodrigo Cervantes
Friday, October 2
Local press Phoenix New Times
Your guide to the First Friday monthly artwalk in downtown Phoenix
Start off the holiday weekend by enjoying Phoenix's museums and galleries.at Phoenix New Times
Jennifer Goldberg
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
MXSW guide to the top Thai restaurants in the Phoenix metro area
Jess Harter
Local press Phoenix New Times
The wackiest foods we tasted at the Arizona State Fair, ranked worst to best
Fair food will set you back a pretty penny. Here's where to get the most fun and flavor for your money.at Phoenix New Times
Tirion Boan
Local press Phoenix New Times
IGNiGHT Burning Man event returns to Phoenix this weekend
Are you burner-curious? Head to Grand Avenue to get a taste of the culture.at Phoenix New Times
Timothy Rawles
Local press Phoenix New Times
8 Valley Halloween bars to get your booze this spooky season
Treat yourself to potent potions made in sinister settings during this haunted time of year.at Phoenix New Times
Sara Crocker
Local press Phoenix New Times
UwU Con 2026: What to know about the Mesa pop-culture event
The three-day geek fest returns to Mesa with “One Piece” stars, cosplay contests, gaming and more.at Phoenix New Times
Benjamin Leatherman
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Cinnaholic serves up BOGO cinnamon rolls all day Sunday
National Cinnamon Roll Day falls on Sunday, and Cinnaholic is celebrating with buy-one-get-one-free cinnamon rolls all day at its three Valley locations in Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek. The local plant-based bakery is famous for its fully…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Live venue Stage 12 West debuts today in downtown Mesa
Set your alarms. Two weeks ago, I told you that Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Gilbert was planning a 79-cent ‘‘Flashback Friday’’ lunch, with the date TBA. Well, the date is out, and it’s today. It’s the Arizona debut of the chain’s…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Thursday, October 1
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Yard House coming to new SanTan Crossing in Gilbert
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Cafe Lalibela founder: ‘We can no longer afford to continue’
The silence is over. After Cafe Lalibela went dark earlier this week with only a “We are closed” sign on its door, chef and founder Atsade Desta (center) has confirmed the Tempe Ethiopian restaurant is closed for good. ‘‘I have started…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press Phoenix New Times
After nearly 40 years, this Jewish deli will soon close in Phoenix
Here's how to get one last latke or bowl of matzo ball soup before the Valley staple says goodbye.at Phoenix New Times
Sara Crocker
Local press Phoenix New Times
These 12 Phoenix restaurants are now closed, one after 30 years
National chains have exited Arizona and local, family-run spots said their goodbyes.at Phoenix New Times
Tirion Boan
Local press Phoenix New Times
Clear your calendar: These are October’s hottest concerts in Phoenix
Doja Cat, Gorillaz, Charli xcx and Kacey Musgraves lead a huge month of live music in the Valley.at Phoenix New Times
Benjamin Leatherman
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Perry’s Steakhouse in Gilbert sets date for 79-cent lunch – it’s Friday
Set your alarms. Two weeks ago, I told you that Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Gilbert was planning a 79-cent ‘‘Flashback Friday’’ lunch, with the date TBA. Well, the date is out, and it’s tomorrow: Friday, Oct. 2. It’s the Arizona debut…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Los Milics Vineyards returns to Old Town, now with mozzarella
Los Milics Vineyards is back in Old Town Scottsdale, and this time there’s cheese. The acclaimed Southern Arizona winery, led by winemaker and FnB co-owner Pavle Milic, has opened its new Scottsdale Tasting Room & Mozzarella Bar on the…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press Phoenix New Times
Local author imagines a dystopian Phoenix of the future in new novel
Kelly Lydick's "Everything That's Left Behind" depicts a post-climate-disaster version of the Valley.at Phoenix New Times
Larisa May
Wednesday, September 30
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Chick-fil-A SanTan Village reopens with giveaways Thursday
Gilbert, your wait is over. The Chick-fil-A at SanTan Village reopens on Thursday after closing in May for a multi-month renovation. The restaurant is celebrating with a full day of activities, crafts, games, and giveaways. Here’s the…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Wren House wins Brewery of Year at AZ Craft Beer Awards
Phoenix-based Wren House won Arizona’s Brewery of the Year honors Tuesday night at the fifth annual Arizona Craft Beer Awards, presented by the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild and Phoenix Magazine, in downtown Mesa. Wren House scored 21 points…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press Phoenix New Times
The best haunted houses and Halloween displays in Phoenix
Valley haunts serve up killer clowns, possessed dolls, undead hordes and plenty of things that go bump in the night.at Phoenix New Times
Benjamin Leatherman
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
MXSW guide to eating & drinking in Gilbert (Downtown)
Jess Harter
Tuesday, September 29
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Ethiopian restaurant Cafe Lalibela closes after 30 years in Tempe
There was no farewell party and no social media post. Just a “We are closed” sign on the door. Cafe Lalibela, the family-run Ethiopian restaurant on University Drive in west Tempe, has quietly shut down. According to diners, Monday was its…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press Phoenix New Times
Longstanding Tempe restaurant has abruptly closed. What to know
The Tempe favorite introduced diners to Ethiopian cuisine for 30 years.at Phoenix New Times
Sara Crocker
Local press Phoenix New Times
Tempe eatery named the best new restaurant in the U.S.
The glamorous, over-the-top spot has Yelpers captivated.at Phoenix New Times
Tirion Boan
Local press Phoenix New Times
Will 7 Brew open a coffee drive-thru in your neighborhood?
A judge approved a $123.5 million sale for the chain to take over some former Salad and Go locations.at Phoenix New Times
Sara Crocker
Local press Phoenix New Times
Every concert at The Rebel Lounge announced for 2026 (so far)
Black Flag, Violet Grohl and MISSIO are coming to the popular Phoenix venue this year.at Phoenix New Times
Benjamin Leatherman
Local press Phoenix New Times
Chef Christopher Collins closes Scottsdale eatery. Here’s what’s next
The restaurant was the chef's second go at the concept. After two years, it said goodbye.at Phoenix New Times
Sara Crocker
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Wagyu Master Shabu pop-up brings A5 hot pots to Peoria
Chubby Group, the team behind Chubby Cattle, Wagyu House and The X Pot, has opened its second Valley concept. Following Chubby Skewers in Mesa last year, the group has launched Wagyu Master Shabu as a pop-up Arrowhead Fountains Center on…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Monday, September 28
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Lenny’s Craft Burger heading to Cannon Beach next month
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Oregano’s announces opening date for east Mesa location
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Randizzle’s Burger Bar coming to downtown Mesa this fall
Plot twist: Randizzle’s first brick & mortar won’t be in Phoenix after all. Randizzle’s, the gourmet burger and taco truck founded by ex-Arizona Rattlers standout Randy Gatewood, just signed a lease for Randizzle’s Burger Bar on the…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Saint Urban closes in Scottsdale, reborn as private dining room
Saint Urban, the neighborhood wine bar and brasserie from Valley restaurateur and chef Christopher Collins, has closed at McCormick Ranch in central Scottsdale after less than two years. MXSW readers who were dining there last night, the…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
Local press Phoenix New Times
Meet Arizona’s first woman advanced cicerone, a sommelier of beer
Rachel Benkowski knows a lot about beer. Now, she's earned one of the brewing world's most challenging certifications.at Phoenix New Times
Sara Crocker
Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Rise & dine: 3 new breakfast spots worth waking up for
The Valley’s breakfast scene keeps getting better, and this fall brings a fresh batch of places to start your day. A California favorite has made its Arizona debut, a father-son team has opened a new spot in North Scottsdale, and a…at MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Jess Harter
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Local press MOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Restaurants & bars opening soon in Phoenix
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 · Wood-Fired Southwestern Café 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:
any address
Sample · Brooklyn
Williamsburg
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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