BLUE HOUND KITCHEN & COCKTAILS
This contemporary American gastro-lounge, located on the second floor of the Hotel Palomar at CityScape, is a true urban gathering place. It's stylish but not stuffy, and a bustling bar, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an outdoor patio make enjoying the city as easy as taking pleasure in one of its signature cocktails and shareable plates of seasonal fare. 2 E. Jefferson St., 602-258-0231, bluehoundkitchen.com
MATT'S BIG BREAKFAST
Scratch-made flapjacks, omelets with free-range eggs, and an Angus ground chuck burger grilled in butter are part of what make Matt Poole's breakfast and brunch spot so popular. And its more spacious new digs, just a few doors north of the old location, mean more seating for hungry morning risers. 825 N. 1St St., 602-254-1074, mattsbigbreakfast.com
NEW INDIA BAZAAR & CUISINE
Last year, a small Indian market quietly added a Punjabi-minded eatery to the back of its grocery store. Now, this no-frills, wallet-friendly spot serving top-notch chaat (Indian street food) and flavorful vegetarian dishes is a place the locals can't get enough of — and can't keep a secret. 2544 N. 7th St., 602-712-0009, newindiabazaaraz.com
SOCHU HOUSE
From Hong Kong-born chef Johnny Chu (Lucky Dragon, Fate, Sens) comes a flavor-meets-fashion house party in the heart of the Central Avenue business corridor. Inside a spacious, white room filled with purple lights and thumping beats, the city's young and chic sip sake-based martinis and nibble on small plates of Asian fusion fare like five-spice quail, BLT spring rolls, and spicy basil tofu. 2801 N. Central Ave., 602-340-9777, sochuhouse.com
LO-LO'S CHICKEN & WAFFLES
In 2012, this soul food spot from the grandson of Mrs. White (Golden Rule Cafe) made a leap from small house to sprawling space with exposed beams, brick walls, and Mason-jar chandeliers. Thankfully, success hasn't spoiled Lo-Lo's: Its fried chicken, cinnamon-tinged waffles, and creamy cheese grits are as stellar as ever. 1220 S. Central Ave., 602-340-1304, loloschickenandwaffles.com
VOVOMEENA
A desperately needed option at the chain-infested corner of Seventh Avenue and McDowell, this satisfying breakfast and brunch spot from owner DJ Fernandes (Tuck Shop, Astor House) is packed with local flavor and Midcentury Modern flair. The menu, a culinary travelogue of dishes like New Orleans-style French toast, Portuguese doughnuts, and a Mexican Benedict, pairs well with a Japanese cold-brewed iced coffee. 1515 N. 7th Ave., 602-252-2541, vovomeena.com
SONGBIRD COFFEE & TEA HOUSE
Adjacent to a gallery in the Roosevelt Row neighborhood, this corner coffee and tea shop, located inside the monOrchid Building, can't help having an artistic edge. Its pour-over-style coffee, tea, and pastries frequently mix with events like vintage clothing sales, art shows, and concerts. And for those who just want to kick back, Songbird's eclectic space, featuring Wi-Fi, books, and board games, makes for a cozy nest. 214 E. Roosevelt St., 602-374-4192, facebook.com/songbirdcoffeehouse
REZBOT
Late-night dining is hard enough to come by in the Valley, but late-night Native American food? Forget it. That is, unless you're talking about John Sagasta's (Jobot) bungalow turned eatery, open from 6 p.m. until 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Night owls can select from a menu of locally focused dishes featuring puffy vegan fry bread. Topped with agave nectar, served with soups and stews of roasted red bell peppers and lamb, or packed with fixins like the colossal Green Chile Navajo Burger, the delicacy goes best with the agua fresca made with real fruit and veggie juices. 910 N. 5th St., 602-402-6704, facebook.com/pages/rezbot-an-urban-eatery
Listings
ANGELS TRUMPET ALE HOUSE
810 N. 2nd St.
602-252-2630
angelstrumpetalehouse.com
BONJOUR VIETNAM
202 N. Central Ave.
602-252-1223
CIBO URBAN PIZZERIA
603 N. 5th Ave.
602-441-2697
cibophoenix.com
FEZ
3815 N. Central Ave.
602-287-8700
fezoncentral.com
GREATERTHAN COFFEE
1027 E. Washington St.
602-456-1302
greaterthancoffee.com
HULA'S MODERN TIKI
4700 N. Central Ave.
602-265-8454
hulasmoderntiki.com
THE MAIN INGREDIENT
2337 N. 7th St.
602-843-6246
tmialehouse.com
MAIZIE'S
4750 N. Central Ave.
602-274-2828
maiziescafe.com
MY MOM'S THAI KITCHEN
20 W. Adams St.
602-252-3873
mymomsthaiaz.com
NAMI
2014 N. 7th St.
602-258-6264
tsoynami.com
NOBUO at TEETER HOUSE
622 E. Adams St.
602-254-0600
nobuofukuda.com
PANE BIANCO
4404 N. Central Ave.
602-234-2100
pizzeriabianco.com
PHOENIX CHEESESTEAK CO.
2605 N. 7th St.
602-265-1131
phoenixcheesesteaks.com
THE PINK SPOT
49 W. Thomas Road
602-265-3889
pinkspotcoffeeandicecream.com
SHINE COFFEE
10 W. Vernon Ave.
602-625-6322
shinecoffee.com
ZOOKZ SANDWICHES
4750 N. Central Ave.
602-279-0906
zookzsandwiches.com