My Phoenix Favorites

On my recent trip back to Phoenix, I realized something. I realized that I moved away from the city at just the right time. Had I been stuck there any longer, I believe I would have resented the Valley of the Sun even more. But, as luck would have it, I was able to escape, and having been back to visit since the move, I now know that when I return to Phoenix for future visits I will focus on all of the good parts of the city instead of the negative things that drove me away. I've compiled a list of my favorites, in no particular order. Do with it what you will.

It wouldn't be right if I didn't start the list out with:

Shady's (fine ales and cocktails, of course):
This was the local dive in my neighborhood. Known by some of my friends as "the mouth of hell." Very awesome jukebox, fun place to meet up on any night of the week. Watch out for sketchy boys. Oh, and watch out for that whiny drunk girl that's screaming at you to play some Depeche Mode (I love you, Michelle).



Roosevelt Tavern:
The best grilled cheese and tomato soup you will ever have. Pair that with a Great White from the tap, and I'm a happy woman.



The Sonoran Hotdog Stand:
Located any night of the week at the guitar shop parking lot on Indian School and 20th St. Open VERY LATE. Envision a hotdog wrapped with bacon, smothered in mayo, beans, salsa, chiles, cheese, onions, and whatever else you may wish. Don't knock it until you've tried it. The owners don't seem to speak English very well, but Lil J and I concluded that the phrase, "DOS...MAS GRANDE!" works just fine.

Padre's:
Two words: Lobster quesadilla

Carly's Bistro:
Horrible service, but if you get the pita pizza or the Mediterranean bruschetta you won't be disappointed.

Durant's:
Think Frank Sinatra-style. Despite the massive amount of old folks in this joint, it will always be my favorite place in Phoenix to go for a steak....or a dirty vodka martini. Great place to take your family to if they are visiting in town as well. Be sure to walk in through the kitchen in the back...it's part of their tradition and the staff always say hello.

Filiberto's (Fili-B's for short):
Super Nachos will always satisfy my need for late night drunk food. Lil J and I usually split this..I go for the sides with guacamole and sour cream, and she's all about the pico!

Delux:
A trendy late night grub spot. Best things on the menu: Delux Burger, sweet potato fries (with the special sauce), and a strawberry milkshake. They serve the fries in these cute little shopping carts...my friend Rebecca now has one of these as a souvenir, that was confiscated while she was visiting from Chicago (hehe!). For the two menu pages of food they serve here, they have about 6 pages worth of alcohol. Best is the Papago Brewing Company's Orange Blossom Hefeweizen. I got introduced to this beer by my pal Hartman. His discription..."It's beer that tastes like a dreamsicle." So true.



La Grande Orange Grocery and Pizzeria:
Great place to pick up an interesting bottle of wine, or a very original looking greeting card. The pizza is awesome, of course. I suggest sharing a strawberry salad with someone, then building your own pizza. Mine usually goes something like: roasted & sun-dried tomatoes, basil, artichokes, and mushrooms.

The Rockerij:
First set of advice on this place...sit in the cellar instead of the dining room. This place has the best small plates around, and it kills the ambiance to eat in the dining room setting. Good place to go in the winter too, as they love to keep the fire lit downstairs.

Richardson's New Mexican Cuisine:
Owned by the same folks as The Rockerij. Love going to this spot for brunch. Breakfast burrito is the best. Lil J and I used a 5K run as an excuse for each of us to eat one.

The Vig:
I used to enjoy socially drinking at this spot, however, I found that as time passed by, more and more of the douchey Scottsdale crowd started hanging there...which kinda ruined it for me. They have pretty decent drink specials on wine and champagne Sundays I think, but the food is definitely over-priced.

Cibo:
While the pizza is great in the evening, I actually enjoy this place more for lunch. Get the Porcino (bbq pork) sandwich, with a fruit salad on the side...watch out, it's a little spicy! They have extra tart tasting lemonade too, which always tastes good when it's warm out. I got to enjoy one of these lunches when I was visiting, with my cool friend Nick!











Four Peaks Brewery (Tempe, of course):
Great spot to day drink. Always good people watching, and the beer's good too!

FEZ:
I had my 26th b-day bash at this place. Martinis galore. I <3 martinis.












Rogue:
Oh, the Saturday night dance parties I've had in this place. The best indie rocker, electo-punk-pop people watching in the city. Damn good DJ's too.

Fate:
I have since heard that this lovely Asian spot has changed owners, and is in the midst of remodeling and a menu change. So sad to know that my favorite dish, House Dynamite, might be no more!

Greasewood Flat:
Yeehawwww! This place is great in the spring and fall, when it's kinda warm, but not too hot. It's out in the middle of nowhere on the north side of town, and you can start your own fire, have burgers and beers, and toss horse shoes all night while listening to live bands. There are probably a few thousand dollars worth of dollar bills stuck to the walls of this place as well.










Coach House:
Just go there around Christmas time. The view speaks for itself. You never know who you're going to meet there, either!

















Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles:
Soul food. It might give you a heart attack, but I think it's worth it. Drink some lemonade or Kool-Aid, whichever your heart desires. The Kool-Aid comes in grape or red....got milk? Well LO-LO's DO!



My Florist Cafe:
Another amazing lunch spot. I usually get the brie plate and eat that all by itself! My friend Nick is obsessed with their olive loaf bread too...nom nom nom!

Welcome Diner:
This little bitty boxcar diner is hidden away on Roosevelt Street just east of 7th Street. Cash only, and it's only open for lunch, but it's well worth it. Best sandwich there: The Garfield.

Carolina's:
This whole in the wall Mexican spot is home to the best tortillas. My fav is the machaca tacos...quite messy, but when all is said and done, I don't really give a shit!

The Yucca Tap Room:
Great place to go see a band. Never a cover. Super duper divey.

The Bikini Lounge:
Phoenix's oldest tiki bar. I don't think I know of another tiki bar in Phoenix, but all the same, if it wasn't so damn old, it wouldn't be near as cool. Cheap drinks that are STRONG AS HELL. You could mistake a rum and diet for a glass full of paint thinner most of the time.


Whiskey River Saloon:
Ladies night on Wednesdays. 25-cent beers. Tons of country music and two-stepping...LOVE IT.



Giligan's:
Goldfish racing...enough said.












Harold's Corral:
Best fireworks and 4th of July celebration in the Phoenix area. Gotta love them country boys!

You know, I could probably keep going, but those are the places that stick out in my mind as far as food and drinks are concerned. I know for a fact that I could do my favs for Flagstaff/Jerome/Tucson/Sonoita too, but I will just have to save that for a later date!

Song of the day: "Shut Up and Let Me Go" The Ting Tings (cause I'm feelin spunky, that's why!)