Isa’s Pizza

Sharing the same space as Aiello’s Salumeria next door, this small, neighborhood pizza joint in north Central Phoenix serves up stellar Neapolitan and Sicilian-style pizzas ordered up at the counter, as whole pies or by the generously sized slice, and for dine-in or to-go. The pizza crust is nothing short of stellar — a little […]

Island Sensation Cuisine

We’re big fans of quality, inexpensive lunches, which is why we also recommend Island Sensation Cuisine. We recommend you start with the house-made ginger beer brew and then work your way down the menu. Chef Lloyd Campbell offers classically Jamaican food, which he fine-tuned in culinary school in Kingston. Plates include classic stewed oxtail with […]

Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks

With a wide selection of juicy, grilled burgers, salads and soft tacos, Islands offers a tastier alternative to fast food. Opt for the cabo loco tacos, stuffed with seasoned pork in a cilantro-chile sauce, or the pineapple-topped Hawaiian burger. The à la carte sides are easily big enough to share with friends.

ITheatre Collaborative

This thought-provoking and well-tuned community troupe brings consistently affordable and high-quality theater. They also offer classes, workshops, and forums that are open to the public about theater and performance. They recently launched a unique series of drama workshops aimed at boosting the self-esteem of Arizona teenagers at a local homeless shelter, helping dozens of at-risk […]

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 […]

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 […]

Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix/Ro Ho En

Situated at the south end of the Margaret T. Hance Park, this three-and-a-half-acre refuge is the perfect place for busy urbanites to slow down and contemplate simple beauties: a 12-foot waterfall, a rocky stream that flows into a koi-filled pond, a shore of carefully selected rocks from Arizona quarries, and stone lanterns and sculptures. Even […]

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’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 […]