The Hungry Homie

Mobile pizzaiolo Ryan Moreno’s oven only allows him to make one 12-inch pizza at a time. They are worth the wait. He uses Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes and a blend of 00 and Hayden Flour Mills flour to create a spectacularly soft and intensely flavorful dough. Though he says his pizza is in the Neapolitan tradition, […]

Huss Brewing Co. Taproom at Uptown Plaza

This Tempe brewery made its way to Uptown Plaza, settling in a back-corner spot with a cozy patio and open dining area. At Huss Brewing Co. you can grab an icy cold helping of the Papago Orange Blossom or the Koffee Kolsch, which is especially encouraged during happy hour – 3 to 6 p.m., Monday […]

Icehouse

This multiroom mega-venue in downtown Phoenix has hosted numerous raves and underground dance parties over the past decade. Talented turntablists will spin hardcore and house within its cavernous concrete walls while club kids and glowstick types get their PLUR on and sweat up a storm.

Ichi Ban Japanese Restaurant & Sushi

Don’t confuse this small, local restaurant with one of the many similarly named Japanese restaurants spread throughout the country. This central Phoenix spot has been open for years, mostly catering to the busy working lunch crowd in the area. Diners can score a great deal on a buffet-style sushi and seafood fest, or pick from […]

Infinity Sweets

Infinity Sweets’ special offerings include caramel cookie dough brownies, orange creamsicle scones, tiramisu, blueberry matcha tea tart with a mascarpone mousse, and other sweets and treats.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]