Phoenix Restaurants Online: July 2010

best phoenix restaurants

Brazilian Bull

“Brazilian Bull, the best reason I know of for calling Ahwatukee home” – Phoenix New Times

Add a little Carnival to your life! Experience an authentic Brazilian Churrasco steakhouse, where savory cuts of meat and old world traditions are celebrated. Skewered meats served table-side, complemented by lavish salad and seafood selections, make your experience complete. Sample everything or choose only what you like! So simple, so good and so much fun.

Best South American Restaurant – AZ Central

4909 E Chandler Blvd (at S 48th St)

Phoenix • (480) 783-6060

best phoenix restaurants

Hong Kong Gourmet Buffet

All you can eat deluxe buffet, Mongolian stir fry, and sushi bar. Full bar and private banquet room available. Children are more than welcome.

4909 E Chandler Blvd (between S 48th St & S 50th St)

Phoenix • (480) 785-0660

best phoenix restaurants

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Dillon’s Restaurant

“The Midwest meets the West Valley in this homey, comfy barbecue joint. It feels like you’re sitting in Grandmother’s living room, but we’d be surprised if she cooked pecan-smoked vittles as good as these. It takes up to 18 hours to crank out Dillon’s fine beef, pork, chicken, turkey, sausage and salmon. Don’t miss the Brontosaurus beef rib platter, with what must be four pounds of food for just $16.” – Phoenix New Times

Our combination of BBQ and American cuisine makes Dillon’s the perfect Family Dining. This is the place to go to meet new and old friends.

Three Locations – Glendale, Surprise & Peoria

8706 W Thunderbird Rd

Peoria • (623) 979-5353

Bryan’s Black Mountain BBQ

“If you’ve been hankerin’ for some tasty ’cue but can’t stand the drive to find it, Bryan’s BBQ gives north Valley residents a reason to holler.

“The barbecue itself – slow-smoked pork ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork and chicken – doesn’t fit neatly into any one regional style. Instead, flavors from several regional cuisines are recognizable, especially Austin (pecan wood smoke and spicy sauce that’s more tangy than sweet) and Memphis (dry-rubbed spices adorn all the meats).” – Phoenix Magazine

Strange for a BBQ joint is his vegetarian options including a “pulled” squash sandwich which has been a favorite from the beginning. Also an heirloom tomato sandwich with peppery upland cress, red onion, basil and Dijon mayonnaise finished in a sprinkle of pecan-smoked sea salt.

Other new nibbles feature fresh-cut watermelon wedges drizzled with homemade cardamom-jalapeno honey, or the “rib salad,” which rather than pork on the bone, is romaine lettuce ribs, rubbed in rib-eye spice and splashed with lemon-pepper vinaigrette for a cool, crunchy treat.

6130 E Cave Creek Rd (west of N Basin Rd)

Cave Creek • (480) 575-7155

Corbin’s Bar & Grill

We are your neighborhood bar and grill set in an edgy, urban environment with a lively and contemporary feel. Corbin’s has an alluring, crisp and dynamic feel; modern dining has never been so much fun. With an exhibition kitchen you know that your food is fresh and prepared with the utmost care. We promise not to disappoint your senses or palate!

All of the food is made fresh on premise and we are dedicated to providing quality in all that we do. From your traditional bar and grill favorites to contemporary cuisine, including Sunday Brunch, Corbin’s has what you’re craving. Sneak a peak at our menu and we know that you’ll agree. Our warm and responsive wait staff are experts in efficiency and anticipating your needs. Best of all… the kitchen is open late! We serve our full menu late into the evening because we know modern day schedules don’t end with the sunset. Anytime’s a good time for Corbin’s!

8729 N Central Ave (north of E. Ruth Ave)

Phoenix • (602)466-3201

19420 N 59th Ave, # F625 (at W. Utopia Rd)

Glendale • (623) 399-8670

Harold’s Corral

The Original Wild West Saloon & Restaurant

Harold’s is THE place in Cave Creek, Arizona for good food, great music and a dang’ good time. Hitch yer hat, hang yer hoss and kick back to enjoy some good times eatin’, drinkin’ and dancin’. Harold’s serves up the best durned cooking in these here parts (or any other parts, for that matter). Our menu has a wide selection of tasty dishes to fit whatever you’re in the mood for.

6895 E. Cave Creek Rd (at N 68th St)

Cave Creek • (480) 488-1906

Honey Bears Barbeque

A Warm Family Atmosphere and the mouth-watering smell of barbecued ribs greets patrons as they walk through the door at Honey Bear’s BBQ. Twenty years of mouth-watering Tennessee style barbeque, three restaurants nine delivery trucks and 70 plus employees later, Honey Bear’s has become one of the most talked about BBQ restaurants in Arizona.

Honey Bear’s BBQ is well known for the secret Tennessee barbecue flavors and sauces which have been handed down through generations for over 50 years to Gary Clark and Mark Smith.

5012 E Van Buren St (east of N 48th St)

Phoenix • (602) 273-9148

Stacy’s Smokehouse BBQ

Welcome to Stacy’s Smokehouse BBQ, nuthin’ fancy, jus’ good ol’ fashun BBQ!!!

We’ve got BBQ and BBQ and more BBQ!!! We smoke our meat in old fashioned pits on real cookin’ wood! Be prepared to wait a spell, we fix everything daily, not weeks or days in advance like the chain stores!!! We’ve got the best smellin’ parkin’ lot in town! CASH ONLY, we’re not set up for “Plastic”!

Best Barbecue Restaurant 2008 – Phoenix New Times

1650 E Indian School Rd (at N 17th St)

Phoenix • (602) 230-6724

Monday, July 12, 2010

Don & Charlie’s

Don & Charlie’s has been providing “Championship Dining Since 1981.”

Don & Charlie’s specializes in BBQ baby back ribs, prime steaks, prime rib, chicken, and fresh fish. The restaurant decor is a virtual shrine to sports memorabilia, with celebrity caricatures, signed magazine covers, autographed baseballs and more than 100 jerseys signed by the men that wore them.

7501 E Camelback Rd (at N 75th St)

Scottsdale • (480) 990-0900

K O’Donnell’s

Great food, good company and unbeatable entertainment are what you come to expect and experience here at KO’s. Whether it’s cocktails with colleagues or a relaxing dinner with friends and family, we have it all.

Experience the buzz everyone is talking about and check out KO’s in person. We promise your first visit won’t be your last. We hope to see you soon!

14850 N Northsight Blvd (north of E Raintree Dr)

Scottsdale • (480) 922-7200

Joe’s Real BBQ

At Joe’s, we offer real food – barbecue slow cooked over pecan wood and equally delicious side dishes and desserts. Located in a real 1929 brick building set in the “golden age” of agricultural Arizona, you will be served by real people who are proud of where they work and what they do as demonstrated through warm, genuine hospitality.

“Joe’s hearkens back to a time when ingredients were fresh, everything was homemade and love went into every recipe.” – azcentral.com

Best Barbecue Restaurant – Phoenix New Times 2007

301 N Gilbert Rd (north of Elliot Rd)

Gilbert • (480) 503-3805

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Wicked Bakery and Cafe

Wicked Witch Bakery is the hottest gourmet dessert and specialty food source in the Phoenix area. Fact is, we are the consistent leader when it comes to cutting edge dessert and food ideas.

Wicked Witch Bakery, founded in 2004 by Slade Grove and based in Phoenix, Arizona, is becoming recognized as the premier leader in gourmet cookies, cakes, and specialty foods. Slade’s tradition of incorporating the highest quality ingredients is the foundation for our successful product line including cakes, cookies, gourmet desserts, baby bundt cakes, individual desserts, premium cheesecakes, muffins, cupcakes and specialty foods.

14848 N Cave Creek Rd (south of Greenway Rd)

Phoenix • (602) 374-3786

CoffeeBuzz

“Warm hospitality and hot grilled sandwiches make this a great place to stop for breakfast or lunch. In addition to yummy pastries and smooth coffees, they carry 10 kinds of soft, chewy Chompie’s bagels, egg-and-cheese sandwiches and build-your-own Panini-style sandwiches with top-quality meats and breads. The Angus roast beef is rich and moist, and the smoked turkey is delicious – not overly smoky or salty. Art exhibits and free Wi-Fi are draws, too.”
- azcentral.com

Best Breakfast, 2008 – Ahwatukee Foothills News

4804 E Chandler Blvd (at S 48th St)

Phoenix • (480) 393-3430

Gluten Free Bakery

Looking for gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, sugar-free or raw? Then our newest location, is your new home.

This bright and uplifting location is the very first totally wheat-free bakery/café in Arizona! All of our 150 items are available at this location – and more!

You can toast a bagel or choose a sandwich to Warm-n-Go using our Cafette area. Or stay awhile, have a special sandwich made for you while you relax or simply enjoy a donut with a cup of coffee.

Our generous supply of desserts to enjoy include an ever changing selection of Lemon Meringue Pie, Cheesecake, Fruit Pies, vegan and raw dessert choices like Ancho Fudge Pie.

Custom cakes and cupcakes are also available.

7607 E McDowell Rd

Scottsdale • (480) 990.2253

Monday, July 5, 2010

Gluten Free Creations

This is our original location, opened in 2003. We offer over 150 items, including the popular “Winkies,” which are a gluten-free version of a Hostess Twinkies filled with non-dairy crème. All items are free of wheat and gluten, and many of them free of other food allergies such dairy, eggs, corn, soy or nuts. Peanuts are not used in this facility.

Our retail area has been abbreviated to allow room for our bakers to expand the wholesale and retail side of the business.

Even though you may not see all the items in the freezer retail section, please know they are available to you. Simply ask.

Basic cakes are available at this location for you to purchase and decorate and inscribe as you desire.

Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed Saturdays

2940 E Thomas Rd (between 29th & 30th)

Phoenix • (602) 522.0659

Better Than Sex Cake Cafe

A cute little cafe tucked into the gardens at “Olde Towne Market Square” in Chandler. Serving a variety of lunch dishes that are uniquely prepared at reasonable prices. Our Chandler Cheesesteak, Hot Pastrami and Grilled Chicken on Focaccia with Bacon and Swiss are sure to please the sandwich lover. The Quiche, Soups and Salads will appeal to the light eater. Round it off with our Pizza and Burgers. We try to add a daily special to introduce new taste treats not found on the menu, and then there are the CAKES!

The Better than Sex Cake has been around for years. With its rich chocolate and tasty whipped cream topping it is a slice of heaven you can now get in a single serving. Or order a whole cake for that office party, holiday, special event or wedding. Your friends, family and co-workers who try it will think you paid a fortune but you will know the difference.

238 S Wall St (between W Frye Rd & W Chicago St)

Chandler • (480) 722-1220

The Coffee Lady

What is unique about Coffee Lady Espresso Café?

Coffee Lady Espresso Café is bright and cheerful with an outdoor feeling created by a hand painted mural that resembles a garden. Another wall is adorned with pictures and gifts from friends and customers. A book shelf offers free books and CDs for exchange by customers. The staff is mature and welcomes everyone of all ages and walks of life. Many have compared Coffee Lady Espresso Café to Cheers, because it is warm, welcoming, personable, cheerful, and it’s easy to get acquainted with others — or sit quietly with a book or laptop. A visit here will surely brighten your day

3933 E Indian School Rd (west of N 40th St)

Phoenix • (602) 224-5678

Friday, July 2, 2010

Essence Cafe and Bakery

“The folks behind the successful Essence Catering have branched out with this laid-back Tempe cafe, which they remodeled with environmentally friendly materials. Quiche Lorraine and spanakopita are house specialties; the warm, open-faced steak sandwich, with sauteed mushrooms, Cabernet butter, and Maytag blue cheese, is another tempting option. And if you’re looking for something lighter, the salads here are delicious, made with organic greens. Homemade cookies and pastries make for a sweet finish.”
- Phoenix New Times

825 W University Dr (corner of Hardy and University)

Tempe • (480) 966-2745

Scratch Pastries

“Oh. My. God. … There are so many things to love about this sweet place you’ll hardly know where to begin. May I suggest standing in front of the pastry case?” – Phoenix Magazine

“Owners Duc and Noelle Liao have their own little piece of Paris at this inconspicuous strip mall patisserie/café, where the vibe is hip and low-key. Bring a friend (or grab a magazine), sip some fragrant Mariage Frères tea, and tuck into luscious traditional pastries, from croissants and butter cookies to fabulous confections. It would be tempting to just fill up on sweets, but the menu includes fabulous quiches and rustic sandwiches, too. Très délicieux!” – Phoenix New Times

7620 E Indian School Rd (at N Miller Rd)

Scottsdale • (480) 947-0057

Karsh’s Bakery

In operation since the early 1960′s, we offer a full line kosher bakery that uses old world ingredients. We offer pareve (non dairy) and dairy products that are available for both retail and wholesale.

Our quality and customer service is the reason we are known throughout the country. We continue to upgrade our products but stick to the product lines that have proven to be our customer favorites

5539 N 7th St (at E Missouri Ave)

Phoenix • (602) 264-4874

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Trader Vic’s

The legend returns. A Polynesian classic is reborn with Valley Ho flair at Scottsdale’s downtown landmark. Trader Vic’s at Hotel Valley Ho features Polynesian fare and big tropical drinks with a unique modern island design that includes traditional tikis and outrigger canoes, but also adds new architectural elements such as floor to ceiling glass walls and curved walls to create a sense of fluid island life.

Chefs here employ a variety of cooking methods such as steaming, grilling using a wok and slowly roasting delicacies from the Chinese Wood Fired Oven. Pupu platters –offering an assortment of appetizers– and tidbits such as Barbeque Spare Ribs, Crab Rangoon and Crispy Prawns top off the finger foods. Other favorites come from the Wood Fired Oven and range from Rack of Lamb to Maple Leaf Duck Breast and Rib Eye Steaks. Along with traditional favorites, Trader Vic’s continues to add new specialties such as Hawaiian Ahi, Mahi Mahi and other fresh seafood.

At the Hotel Valley Ho

6850 E Main St (south of E Indian School Rd)

Scottsdale • (480) 421-7799

Sens Asian Tapas and Sake Bar

Family recipes with a modern edge. The dishes at Sens are served in small portions to allow you to sample the many different and exotic foods that are offered on our menu. If you really wan to experience Asian culture and great food, then Sens is the place for you.

“The food, I have to say, is ridiculously amazing.” – yelp.com

705 N. 1st St (between McKinley & Pierce)

Phoenix • (602) 340-9777

Sapporo

Enjoy Sapporo’s distinct flavors, unique menu items & energetic appeal. Let us create a dining experience for any occasion.

Excite your senses with our Teppan Yaki, Sushi or Pacific Rim cuisine for an upbeat dining experience in a unique and dynamic atmosphere. Indulge in our exquisite cocktails and extensive Happy Hour selection. Sapporo sets the standard for dining in style.

“Sapporo is a dynamic combination of cuisine, service and ambiance.”
- East Valley Tribune

14344 N Scottsdale Rd (at E Acoma Dr)

Scottsdale • (480) 607-1114

Tottie’s Asian Fusion

Chef-owner Tottie Kaya, named one of the Valley’s best new chefs by Food and Life Arizona magazine, welcomes you to Shanghai Palace – A warm, friendly restaurant offering excellent food and great service in a pleasant and casual dining environment. Our menu features your favorite Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese dishes like kung pao, pad thai and pho tai, as well as items you may not find elsewhere. We also offer homemade ice cream in exotic flavors like coconut, lychee, mango and avocado.

Dine In • Take Out • Catering

7901 E Thomas Rd (between N 78th St & N Hayden Rd)

Scottsdale • (480) 970-0633

Roy’s Chandler

Roy’s is all about food — unique, beautiful to gaze upon with pleasing textures and bold flavors — with a taste that is as good as it looks. The menu reflects the highly personal touch of Chef Roy Yamaguchi and his talented culinary team.

Four fresh fish selections from Hawaii can be found on the menu nightly, as well as a selection of exclusively matched wines and tempting desserts. Among Roy’s signature culinary creations are Hibachi Grilled Salmon, Szechwan Spiced Baby Back Pork Ribs, Roy’s “Original” Blackened Island Ahi, and the popular Chocolate Soufflé.

Also located at the Desert Ridge in North Phoenix

7151 W Ray Rd (west of Priest Dr)

Chandler • (480) 705-7697

Geisha A Go Go

“Geisha A Go Go, the latest craze in Asian Cuisine, has brought Tokyo to Old Town Scottsdale. Go Go blends Asian tradition with Tokyo’s quirky pop culture. The restaurant offers a traditional Asian menu featuring Hot Rock cooking and crispy, whole-fried fish plates accompanied by a large selection of Asian Beers, Spirits, and ever-changing, house-made sake. Feng Shui inspired décor including a granite rock garden carved into the dining room and warm, chocolate wood accents are off set by the flash of Pachinko machines and Japanese shoji screens that pulsate with the beat of hip, classic-rock meets dance music.” – scottsdale-phoenix.net

“From capsule-like private karaoke rooms, to high-tech Toto toilets, to cartoonishly cute waitresses who look like they hang out in Harajuku, Geisha A Go Go brings trendy Japanese kitsch to Old Town. The sushi-free menu runs the gamut from dumplings and hot rock dishes to seafood entrees, and while it won’t satisfy your craving for traditional Japanese cuisine (this tavern is more about the scene than the cuisine), it will help you soak up a Hello Kitty cocktail or some fruit-infused shochu.” – Phoenix New Times

7150 E 6th Ave (east of N Scottsdale Rd)

Scottsdale • (480) 699-0055

Nine 05

“There’s a lot to love on the menu at Nine|05 – flavors of Hong Kong, Tokyo, Thailand, and beyond, served with contemporary sophistication. Chef-owner Matt Carter (of Scottsdale’s Zinc Bistro and The Mission) and chef de cuisine Jay Bogsinske have created a hip, energetic hangout in the heart of the city where you can feast on fork-tender char siu pork or tender mussels in red curry sauce while watching the buzzing open kitchen. On a nice night, the front “garage door” wall opens to the front patio, one of downtown’s best spots to sip sake or drink an imported Asian beer.” – Phoenix New Times

“Matt Carter’s newest Asian concept kicks it into high gear with an array of knock-your-socks-off plates.” – Phoenix Magazine

905 N 4th St (at E Roosevelt St.)

Phoenix • (602) 254-6424

Lee’s Sandwiches

“Started by two brothers from Vietnam, this fast-casual operation specializes in sandwiches, classified European or Asian, and made on croissants or house-made baguettes. The Asian sandwiches, topped with pickled veggies, cilantro and jalapeño, are delicious and surprisingly cheap.

“Rarely does ice cream reach this level of flavor saturation. How they get the honeydew to taste so fresh and ripe is near magical. Pina colada, with pineapple chunks and shaved coconut, sweeps you off tothe islands in one link. It’s all made in-house, and flavors rotate, so why not go bonkers and try some of the more exotic Asian flavors?”
- Phoenix Magazine

1901 W Warner Rd (at N Dobson Rd)

Chandler • (480) 855-1778

Asian Cafe Express

“Despite the name, this is no generic pan-Asian fast food joint. Not even close. It’s exceptionally tasty, unbelievably cheap, authentic Hong Kong-style cuisine. Behind it all is chef Michael Leung, former owner of central Phoenix’s Gourmet House of Hong Kong. Be prepared to spend some time ogling the expansive menu, featuring scores of different stews and sautés, fried rice, hot pots, congee, and so many kinds of noodles — egg noodle and rice noodle soups, lo mein, chow mein, and chow fun. There’s a handful of items from Taiwan and Southeast Asia, and even spaghetti.”

Best Chinese Restaurant – Phoenix New Times

1911 W Main St (between N Dobson & N Sycamore)

Mesa • (480) 668-5910

Fresh Mint

“You’ll want to eat your veggies at Fresh Mint.

“Fresh Mint in Scottsdale does more for the (vegetarian) cause than pious declarations or righteous scoldings ever will. Order right, and you may just walk out of here thinking that meat-free Asian dining is not nearly as much of a sacrifice as you feared…Sometimes you have to stop and smell the textured soy protein.”

Best Vegetarian Restaurant, 2009
- Arizona Republic

Most dishes 100% Vegan.

13802 N Scottsdale Rd (at E Thunderbird Rd)

Scottsdale • (480) 443-2556