Thai Basil

The folks at Thai Basil dressed up a former sub shop with dark wood tables and chairs, muted gold walls, charming vintage portraits, and Thai woodcarvings to make the simple space welcoming to solo diners and small groups alike. The prices are alluring, too. Hardly anything’s over $10, and at lunch, all but two dishes […]

Thai Basil

Although Thai Basil has many different locations to choose from around the Valley, the Tempe incarnation off University Drive and Farmer Avenue downtown is our favorite. Fast and friendly service makes it an ideal spot to grab lunch on a break between classes or from work. The silver noodle soup is our go-to dish because […]

Thai Basil

The folks at Thai Basil dressed up a former sub shop with dark wood tables and chairs, muted gold walls, charming vintage portraits, and Thai woodcarvings to make the simple space welcoming to solo diners and small groups alike. The prices are alluring, too. Hardly anything?s over $10, and at lunch, all but two dishes […]

Thai Boat Noodle.PS

In a small restaurant in Gilbert, a husband and wife team cooks the flavors of home while making everyone feel like family. The menu includes recipes from the Isaan region of Thailand, which borders Laos. Don’t miss the restaurant’s namesake boat noodle soup, but make sure to try a sampling of the menu as well. […]

Thai E-San

While there is an abundance of Thai spots in Central Phoenix, Thai E-San distinguishes itself with bold, pungent flavors and some unusual items that you don’t find just anywhere, like tangy sausages filled with pork and pork skin. The service is low-key but gracious; they’ve even made the inside of a mundane building feel exotic. […]

Thai Rama Restaurant

Reliable, inexpensive Thai cuisine in a modest, pleasant environment. A statue of a praying Thai lady greets you upon entry, and there are the usual Thai knickknacks on the walls, along with portraits of the Thai king and queen. The menu offers a wide selection of Thai eats, including standards such as laab, Panang curry, […]

That’s Amore Gelato

While That’s Amore specializes in all sorts of Italian confections, the large case of authentic gelatos is the reason this north Scottsdale spot is a must-visit no matter where you live in the Valley. However, our favorite gelato flavor from That’s Amore is a less traditional take. The whiskey flavor has a kick of liquory […]

The Adobe Grille

The flavors of New Mexico have landed in Scottsdale, celebrating the state’s signature Hatch chiles. While a few dishes (carne adovada and red chile posole) pack some serious heat, milder mouths will do just fine with tenderloin rellenos, pork tamales or a beguiling chorizo-stuffed chicken in amaretto-mushroom sauce.

The Beach House

Two Hippies Beach House is the sister restaurant to Two Hippies Magic Mushroom Burgers, a psychedelic burger shack on Indian School, but the food here has a lighter spin – nothing’s fried, and the meats and vegetables are organic. The menu’s streamlined, but everything on it is cheap and filling, from fat fish tacos to […]

The Breadfruit & Rum Bar

If environmentally sustainable practices enter into your calculus for choosing where to dine in Phoenix, The Breadfruit should be mighty high on your list. Chef Danielle Leoni has been through so many environmentally focused programs, from those at the James Beard Foundation to others at ASU, that her resume surely spans many pages at this […]

The Grille At Las Sendas Golf Club

A shockingly long list of appetizers and homemade salads, sandwiches and main courses give this sports bar its “best of the valley” reputation. Return customers belly up to the bar with a Bull Dog Margarita, the Grille’s signature drink, and the big game on one of a dozen hi-def TVs, and the after-work crowd comes […]

The Hidden House

The Hidden House is in many ways true to its name. The unassuming house is tucked just off of the bustle of Arizona Avenue in downtown Chandler and easily could be missed. But, step through the iron gates and into what was once a cottage and you’ll find a unique American bistro. Though the house […]

The Larder & The Delta

The reincarnation of The Larder & The Delta was one of the most anticipated openings in 2024. Chef and owner Stephen Jones took a gamble in evolving his Southern restaurant into a fine-dining destination serving a 12-course tasting menu in the former Binkley’s Restaurant. Jones’ risk is being rewarded. He was named a James Beard […]

The Original Blue Adobe Grille

The flavors of New Mexico have landed in Mesa, celebrating the state’s signature Hatch chiles. While a few dishes (carne adovada and red chile posole) pack some serious heat, milder mouths will do just fine with tenderloin rellenos, pork tamales or a beguiling chorizo-stuffed chicken in amaretto-mushroom sauce.

The Reef

Rock, pop, and R&B music pulsates through the evening air every weekend at this colorful Southeast Valley eatery and nightspot adorned with bright green and pink neon lights. DJs man the decks and throw down Top 40 hits and hot rhythms on Saturdays for the benefit of those crowding The Reef’s dance floor. If you’re […]

The Starving Artist

When O.S.H.O. Brewing + Distillery took over the former location and brewing operations of Helton Brewing Co., the team opted to reimagine the space and create a neighborhood tavern that specializes in cocktails and globally inspired bites. The bar is vibrant and eclectic, with red lampshades, toile wallpaper, loungey leather couches and classic paintings refreshed […]