Connolly’s Sports Grill

Like North Phoenix itself, Connolly’s Sports Grill might leave you with the subconscious urge to stretch out a little. It’s not that it’s big, just more open than you might be used to – an airy outparcel made artificially sports-bar-dark with blackout curtains. Well-spaced tables are all that stand between the entrance on one side […]

Copper Blues

The beer gods have given downtown Phoenix a gift, and they also happen to be live music fans. CityScape’s Copper Blues boasts a 60-tap draught beer menu packed with everything from standard domestics to handcrafted artisanal beers and even their own in-house brew. A whole lot of top-shelf liquor gets the vibe going at this […]

Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill

There are lots of homegrown options for Mexican food in Arizona, but we have to hand it to one Utah-based chain restaurant for serving fresh, healthy food: Costa Vida. There are three locations in Arizona: Mesa, Queen Creek, and the newest location in Goodyear, which has online ordering capability. Costa Vida serves standards like burritos, […]

Course

After years of honing his craft at some of the best dining establishments in the Valley, chef Cory Oppold forged his own path with Course. From the outside, this little restaurant is just another tenant in a Scottsdale strip mall. But inside, the experience is fully fine dining. During the evening, Course offers tasting menus […]

Cowboy Ciao Wine Bar & Grill

The goofy moniker might start spaghetti Westerns playing in your head, and the shabby-chic interior may be designed to appeal to yupper-class Scottsdalians with graying temples, money to burn and the fervent need to see themselves as still cool after all these years. But the food is intriguing, inventive and skillfully prepared, and the wine […]

Crabby Don’s

Disregard this Gilbert joint’s fierce-faced logo and surly-sounding name, as Crabby Don’s is often the site of fun and festive times courtesy of its numerous distractions and drink deals. For instance, it’s hard to stay sour when buxom bartenders are serving you such specials as $10 beer buckets (featuring five bottles of domestic brews like […]

Crackers & Co. Cafe

Founded in 1984, Crackers draws all walks of life for its all-day breakfast menu and lunch items, from egg skillets and pancakes, to sandwiches, to sweets like bread pudding and scones. The restaurant now has three popular restaurants in the East Valley, but with so much made-from-scratch goodness on the menu, we wish it would […]

Crackers & Co. Cafe

Founded in 1984, Crackers draws all walks of life for its all-day breakfast menu and lunch items, from egg skillets and pancakes, to sandwiches, to sweets like bread pudding and scones. The restaurant now has three popular restaurants in the East Valley, but with so much made-from-scratch goodness on the menu, we wish it would […]

Cuff

Chef Tom Harvey, late of Eddie V’s in Scottsdale, has brought cuisine to downtown Glendale. Harvey’s a Georgia native, and his menu is crammed with Southern influences and ingredients. Meat is often smoked or pulled; grits and po-boys are featured. He’s partnered with chef Matteo Cataldo, whose Italian touches are apparent in the eggplant Parmesan […]

Culinary Dropout

The menu at this trendy watering hole is full of hearty fare like short rib pasta, grilled cheese sliders, housemade chips, and burgers, although execution still leaves a lot to be desired. As a consolation, there are dozens of wines by the glass or bottle, 25 different craft cocktails ranging from classic (French 75, Moscow […]

Culinary Dropout

The menu at this trendy watering hole is full of hearty fare like short rib pasta, grilled cheese sliders, housemade chips, and burgers, although execution still leaves a lot to be desired. As a consolation, there are dozens of wines by the glass or bottle, 25 different craft cocktails ranging from classic (French 75, Moscow […]

Culver’s

This Wisconsin-based fast-food chain brings a welcome alternative to Mickey D’s, with juicy ButterBurgers (named after the slick of butter on the soft, toasted buns), classic sandwiches, and luscious frozen custard, made fresh daily. Friendly service and a homey, not-too-noisy atmosphere set it apart from the pack.

D’Licious Dishes

This low-key market sells the obligatory specialty items like cheeses and fancy olive oils, but its sprawling assortment of sandwiches, salads, and ready-made dishes from the deli cases are the main attraction. Pick up some homemade soup and a made-to-order sandwich, or splurge on homey entrees like sausage lasagna or pork tenderloin with apricot-Creole mustard […]

Daily Jam

Whether you prefer OG waffles or their adventurous, red velvet cousins, Daily Jam has the best in Arizona – according to the Food Network, anyhow. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., so don’t sweat it if you prefer to sleep in. Pick from simple items like yogurt and granola, variations on eggs […]