J.P. Pancake

Ooh, good. That’s all we can say, our mouths stuffed with buttermilk pancakes topped with fresh blueberries, seven types of Belgian waffles and oven-baked apple pancakes. Classic pigs-in-a-blanket are familiar friends, too, fashioned with Hormel links and topped with tropical syrup. A short list of sandwiches is worth investigation, particularly the tuna melt and turkey […]

JT’s Bar & Grill

The strip malls spread throughout the Arcadia area are some of the most dense in the Valley. They are jam-packed with all sorts of small businesses including JT’s Bar & Grill. Inside the Indian School Road haunt, you’ll find a mix of regulars chatting with the bartenders and groups of friends gathering to watch the […]

J&G Steakhouse

Though tucked away on the fifth floor of the sprawling Phoenician resort in Scottsdale, J&G Steakhouse manages to stand out as a destination all its own. The sleek, contemporary spot is where you’ll find top-quality cuisine from Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten that simultaneously appeals to classic steakhouse fans and those looking for a modern culinary […]

Jade Bar

There are bars that claim they have extraordinary views, and then there’s Jade Bar. This luxe lounge is located inside Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, which is perched at the base of Phoenix’s most famous mountain. Just about every booth, club chair and plush leather bar stool is oriented to look out at the […]

Jalapeño Inferno

Ah, Tacos al Carbon! We longed for them but couldn’t find them anywhere, until Jalapeno Inferno blew into town. Now we can dine daily on these fresh tortillas filled with grilled strips of marinated chicken breast or beefsteak and studded with Jack cheese, onion, cilantro, avocado and tomatillo salsa. When we want a change and […]

Jalapeno Bucks

You might think it unlikely to find great barbecue in a citrus grove. But that’s just what Jalapeño Bucks is — one of the best and most underrated haunts for smoked meat in our metro area. It’s a gathering place for pork that collapses with the faintest touch and for peanut-butter brisket in a treed […]

Jamba Juice

Sure, you could be virtuous and make a smoothie at home, but washing strawberry seeds out of the blender jar is a pain. Most people are more likely to head to one of the Phoenix outposts of Jamba Juice, a chain 750 locations strong that’s got smoothie-making down to a science (or is it an […]

Jerk Hut Jamaican Grille

This tiny, fast-casual eatery in a strip mall strip by a bus stop on 19th Avenue just north of Indian School Road, delivers on Jamaica’s rich and highly-seasoned flavors from a small selection of traditional, street-side eats served up in plentiful portions and wallet-friendly enough to try more than one. Try the rich and aromatic […]

Jewel of the Crown

Tasty Indian fare in a pretty Scottsdale setting. All the usual suspects are here: curries, masalas, kormas, saags, vindaloos, biryanis and karahis, as well as a nice assortment of breads.

Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe

For gluten-avoiders in Phoenix, Jewel’s Bakery and Café in the Arcadia outskirts is a well-known quantity — everything here is 100 percent gluten-free (or vegan- or dairy-free) and made with locally sourced ingredients. Before scanning the cheeky menu of adventurous Arizona comfort food, we recommend the popcorn chicken and doughnuts, the cornbread pancakes, or the […]

Jimbo’s Sports Bar & Grill

Good times are on tap day and night at this Glendale sports bar and neighborhood haunt. Mornings feature hearty free breakfasts ( three eggs, two bacon, two sausages, toast, and hash browns) with the purchase of a beverage from 8 a.m. to noon. The horseshoe bar has specials throughout the day ($2.50 domestic longnecks every […]

Jimmy and Joe’s Pizzeria

Can there be too much of a good thing? Not at Jimmy & Joe’s. Their New York-style “serious slices” must be seen to be believed. Even one piece of a piping hot pie requires its own metal pan and comes with a pizza cutter to trim it down as you eat.

Jobot Coffee

If you’re looking for a place to hang out and get your creative juices flowing then this Downtown Phoenix coffeehouse might be just the place you need. Located in the heart of the Roosevelt Row arts district, Jobot Coffee Shop is a favorite gathering place for locals, artists and college students all of whom you’ll […]