The Chuckbox

The Chuckbox isn’t flashy. It’s not high-tech or cutting-edge. Heck, it still requires cash. But all of the things it’s not are why we love this Tempe institution. Housed inside a rustic cabin, it’s a stark contrast to the Miami-style high-rises that tower above it. The menu is tight, focusing on large mesquite-broiled burgers that […]

Chula Seafood

Established in San Diego in 2009, this family-owned operation started selling never-frozen fish by the pound six years later in Scottsdale (this is the second location opened in Uptown Plaza in 2019). Sustainability is a big thing at Chula. The owners have a 68-foot Hoquiam harpoon fishing boat (aptly named Chula) on which they travel […]

Chula Seafood

Established in San Diego in 2009, this family-owned operation started selling never-frozen fish by the pound six years later in south Scottsdale (a second location opened in Uptown Plaza in 2019, then a third in north Scottsdale in 2022). Sustainability is a big thing at Chula. The owners have a 68-foot Hoquiam harpoon fishing boat […]

Chupacabra Taproom

Downtown Mesa’s Chupacabra Taproom boasts a global selection of 32 brews on tap, ranging from numerous styles of craft beer to hard seltzer and barleywine, but unlike many other taprooms, it also carries a decent stock of boutique wines from near and far. This makes Chupacabra an ideal stop for for those who want to […]

Churn

If you’ve got a sweet tooth after dining at Craig DeMarco and Lauren Bailey’s restaurant/bar Windsor in Central Phoenix, you’ll want to stop by their adjoining sweet shop, Churn, afterward for some stellar homemade ice cream. Classic flavors like butter pecan and peanut butter mix with seasonal varieties, and they all taste great on a […]

Cibo Pizzeria

For a desert town, Phoenix has a surprisingly large number of Italian restaurants. Cibo Pizzeria (it’s pronounced CHEE-boh) is one of the best. The downtown restaurant serves signature wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, salads, saltimbocca bread and fresh limoncello made from a family recipe by chef Guido Saccone. But aside from the house-made pasta, killer burrata and wine […]

Cider Corps

Brothers Josh and Jason Duren live by the motto, “Out of bad comes good,” and it was this belief that created the foundation for Arizona’s widely loved and largest cidery, Cider Corps in Mesa. Jason served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and as a part of his healing and recovery from injuries sustained in Afghanistan, […]

CIELO

Adero is a luxury hotel in Scottsdale and Cielo is the resort’s onsite restaurant. Menu items are made with regionally sourced ingredients, the craft cocktails are heavily on tequila and mezcal, and much of the beer is from Fountain Hills’ Bone Haus Brewing. Cielo, Spanish for sky, also offers plenty of scenic outdoor seating.

Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila

Equal parts art gallery, restaurant, and bar, this hip hangout serves some of the best high-end tequila (we love the Gran Centenario Rosangle, hibiscus-infused tequila) and the yummiest lobster tacos(breaded and fried lobster meat topped with cabbage and tangy sauce)in town. Ole!

Citizen Public House

Don’t let the name and the address fool you. Citizen Public House, founded by former Cowboy Ciao culinary master chef Bernie Kantak, may sound pretentious, but its stylish yet relaxed atmosphere and offerings of classic American fare with a delicious kick are nothing short of modest classiness. From picture-perfect scallops and standout starters like the […]