Buck & Rider

Buck & Rider has opened multiple locations in recent years, but we’re partial to the Camelback Road classic. Make a reservation for a booth in the comfortable yet elevated dining room, or grab a seat at the bar for happy hour. Whatever you decide to order, the name of the game at this seafood spot […]

Cakes and Ribbons

It’s hard to miss the bright pink sign. Cakes and Ribbon bakery opened their shop two months ago, with cupcakes, tres leches cake, candy apples and other sweets filling their small counter refrigerator. Owned by brother and sister duo Maria del Carmen Vasquez and Cesar Gonzalez, their business began five years before the brick and […]

California Pizza Kitchen

CPK won’t be putting indie, gourmet pie joints like Cibo or Pizzeria Bianco out of biz any time soon, but this La-La-Land-based chain is still reliable on many fronts. The service is attentive, and the menu offers many options besides the signature CPK pizzas, though these are by no means terrible. The “Tuscan hummus” appetizer […]

The Capital Grille

This ultra-luxe steakhouse features classic prime-grade meat, veal chops and fresh seafood, served in huge a la carte portions with huge traditional side dishes (the mashed potatoes and roasted mushrooms are magnificent). Come dressed for a power meal, and be prepared to leave quite a bit poorer, but happy.

Carmel’s Coffee & Bakery

This Central Phoenix coffee house – located in a vintage 1940s house on Camelback Road in Arcadia – is a favorite for its warm, cozy interior, interesting artwork, and freshly brewed java (using Lux beans). But what has us returning again and again is the full menu of breakfast and lunch items. Carmel’s Coffee and […]

Century Grand

For years, Jason Asher and Rich Furnari have defined the cutting edge of local cocktail culture, and Century Grand and the three bars housed inside are the culmination of their efforts. Highly stylized and themed, Century Grand is home to UnderTow, The Grey Hen, and Platform 18. All immersive experiences, the first makes customers feel […]

Chelsea’s Kitchen

This outpost of Craig and Kris DeMarco and Bob Lynn’s ever-expanding culinary kingdom leaves behind the boutique ambiance and eats of Postino and La Grande Orange for something far more sophisticated and satisfying. Built like an airy, one-story Arizona ranch house, with a peaked roof, a big front porch, and a huge patio out back […]

Chestnut Fine Foods and Provisions

Although this Arcadia spot wows in terms of decor, with a vintage aesthetic that relies on marbled bar tops, glass apothecary jars, and other antique chic touches, the breakfast and lunch restaurant has some improving to do. Sandwiches like the bacon-covered Billy Club and the Lobster Roll are served on MJ Bread, but the sammies’ […]

Chicago Hamburger Co.

We started going for the pinball and video games and ended up returning for the old fashioned milkshakes and the Vienna hot dogs on big, fluffy steamed buns. Chicago Hamburger Co. is home of the Original Windy City Slider, and also offers one of the tastiest triple-cheese subs in town. A real neighborhood restaurant, Chicago […]