Red Sea Hookah Lounge

The sticky-sweet scent of burning shisha greets you as you enter this Tempe hookah lounge, which is situated in the shadow of Arizona State University next to Club Tattoo. A scintillating selection of close to four dozen different flavored tobaccos are in stock, including such colorful-sounding herbal concoctions as Blue Viper, Razzmatazz, and Mint Chocolate […]

Red White & Brew

This is a true restaurant designed from the ground up to offer the East Valley community a place to eat, drink and relax. The Brew prides itself on providing an exceptional dining experience, and a dinner menu featuring bold entrées that are satisfying and bursting with flavor. An extensive selection of bottled and draft micro-brews […]

Redendo’s Pizzeria

Splendid neighborhood Eye-tie joint, with a 1940s theme, kickass spaghetti and meatballs, and cannoli so sweet, filling, and inexpensive that you’ll consider moving to Fountain Hills so you can have them regularly. The pizza is Brooklyn-worthy, and a half-dozen of those garlic knots, and a glass of vino, and Chef Tony may have to pry […]

Rehab Burger Therapy

From three former executives of Oregano’s, this fun, beach-themed spot in Old Town serves up each of its satisfying burgers in two different sizes: As 10-ounce Rehab monsters and more manageable five-ounce options called Relapses. Featuring well-seasoned ground chuck, a lightly toasted brioche bun, blanket of melted cheese, and choice of toppings, best bets are […]

Relish Burger Bistro at the Phoenician

Located on the Phoenician resort’s golf course, Relish Burger Bistro’s ambience screams “hotel restaurant!” Pricey burgers are juicy but not greasy, served on brioche buns and piled high with dressings that include standards like cheddar cheese and bacon and more adventurous stuff like pickled jalapenos and fried eggs. Tater tots are served with each burger […]

Renegade

Chef-owner Gio Osso’s menu at this tiny, wonderful downtown Scottsdale cafe is a kind of white board of elegant, ever-changing, Mediterranean-inspired dishes revolving around farmers market vegetables, naturally raised meats, and pristine seafood. On one evening, there may be scallops with a heavenly white chocolate beurre blanc; on another, grilled octopus with lemony chickpeas and […]

Republic Ramen & Noodles

College kids and ramen go together like peanut butter and jelly (which, now that we think of it, students love too). Tempe’s favorite noodle bar is conveniently located on University Drive in the heart of ASU’s campus, serving ramen, udon, rice bowls, and drinks like boba slushies, tea, beer, and sake. And this ramen is […]

Republica Empanada

Mesa’s Main Street has seen considerable growth these last few years. The Nile Theater is back, the antique shops never left, and the dining options have exploded. One of the heavier hitters is República Empanada. This hip Latin restaurant is set a block east from Mesa Arts Center in Southside Heights and specializes, as its […]

Restaurant Mexico

This long-running Tempe favorite has been housed in several locations in the Mill Avenue area, but folks always seem to find it – the staff has been there forever, and is nicer than your own family. Imagine Cheers, only Sonoran restaurant style. And, come to think of it, even friendlier.

Restaurant Samarkand

Ever wonder what folks eat in Uzbekistan? Well, then, Samarkand is your place. Run by two Uzbek expats, Samarkand serves killer kebabs, everything from lamb chops and chicken to captain fish (sea bass) and salmon. In addition to the skewers, you can order from a list of salads – including carrot salad, mushroom salad – […]

Restaurant Takamatsu

Cool sushi bar/restaurant serving Japanese and Korean food. The sushi, especially the nigiri sushi, is of pretty high quality, and Takamatsu also offers Korean table barbecue. But the menu is extensive, and this may be your chance to venture into realms of Korean cookery that you’ve yet to explore. A little intestine casserole, anyone? Or […]

Restaurante Salvadoreno

This family-owned place is doing more to bring Salvadoran treats to the Valley than anyone else. Pupusas — stuffed griddled tortillas — are a must-have, especially revueltas con frijoles, chicharron y queso, with ground pork, beans, and cheese. The all-day menu runs the gamut from traditional Salvadoran breakfasts like scrambled eggs with chorizo, to seafood […]