The Best Places for Mac and Cheese in Metro Phoenix

Macaroni and cheese has come a long way from the stovetop blue box. Gourmet varieties have elevated the comfort classic to new heights with the help of additions like pancetta, exotic cheeses, and crispy veggies. From French bistros to soul food and barbecue joints, here are 12 of our favorite mac and cheese dishes in metro Phoenix.

Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe

808 East Jefferson Street

A soul food institution in Phoenix, this downtown, bare-bones eatery with the wall-written menu makes sure no one leaves hungry. And what better way to pair platefuls of pork chops or fried chicken than with a side of Mrs. White's gooey and ultra-smooth four-cheese mac and cheese? A heads up: Portions here are generous.

The Main Ingredient

2337 North Seventh Street

Who knew macaroni baked in a sheet pan could be so good? Sergio's Mac & Cheese at The Main Ingredient comes sliced and steaming with a side of toasted bread. The addition of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and a drizzling of pesto makes it look as good as it tastes. And the generous layer of baked cheddar on top makes Sergio's offering a go-to menu item.

Southern Rail

300 West Camelback Road

Southern Rail's menu is what would happen if comfort food dressed up, so, naturally, the restaurant's mac and cheese is a buttoned-up version of our favorite childhood meal. The creamy cheese is well seasoned, and Southern Rail's "pigtail pasta" is perfectly al dente and sturdy. The additional spices and whole grain mustard round out the order into a well-balanced, flavorful dish.

Windsor

5223 North Central Avenue

We might not have imagined a simple side of mac and cheese to be a menu standout, but Windsor in Uptown manages to blow your expectations. The $4.50 serving comes packed with a surprising amount of flavor. Salty, cheesy, and crunchy from a coating of crispy breadcrumbs — this makes a great snack in its own right.

The Farish House

816 North Third Street

Farish House is a self-proclaimed neighborhood bistro, and that does track. It’s housed — literally — in a historic 1899 brick home on Third and Garfield streets. The Le Mac here is some of the best in town. Though it’s easy to plate mac and cheese, you almost don’t want to disturb the floppy, shell-like pasta glopped with sharp cheddar and gouda cream sauce. It’s topped with crispy onions, which do add good texture, as would the option to mix in crispy bacon.

Tuck Shop Kitchen & Bar

2245 North 12th Street

Coronado's longstanding neighborhood eatery, Tuck Shop, offers an upscale mac and cheese dish called the Truffle Mac n' Cheese. We're talking three-cheese Mornay sauce and black truffle cream, plus crispy pancetta and muddica breadcrumbs for a little protein and texture.

The Duce

525 South Central Avenue

There are mac and cheese muffins from The Duce — that should be incentive enough to visit. Rolled into bite-sized balls, lightly fried, and dusted with Parmesan cheese, the mac and cheese treats come in a little basket that makes their comparison to muffins readily apparent. And these little guys were spotlighted on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" besides.

Lon's at the Hermosa

5532 North Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley

Mac from Lon's at the Hermosa is as refined as macaroni and cheese might ever get. This dish is made with  
cavatelli (pasta shells) mixed with aged cheddar, gruyere cheese, and Parmesan. Though $13 may seem steep for macaroni and cheese, the atmosphere here makes it a decadent treat. 

Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles

Multiple Locations

You can go to Lo-Lo's for the chicken and waffles and end up staying for the mac and cheese. Like a home-cooked classic served in a cozy eatery, Lo-Lo's mac and cheese is creamy, rich, and comes with an optional heap of grilled shrimp, bacon, and onions. It's extremely hearty, and good enough as a meal in its own right.

Vogue Bistro

15411 West Waddell Road, Surprise

Vogue Bistro brings contemporary American bistro cuisine with French influences to this small but stylish eatery in the northwest Valley. Chef and owner Aurore de Beauduy offers her own take on mac and cheese. Made with truffles and hunks of pancetta, it's a classic dish with a touch of French chic.

Little Miss BBQ

8901 North Seventh Street

This popular Phoenix barbecue joint understands that mac and cheese doesn't need to go gourmet to be delicious. The ultra-cheesy, creamy, and rich mac dish at the Sunnyslope location of Little Miss BBQ calls to you from the ordering counter. It's a perfect complement to a slab of brisket.

Zinc Bistro

15034 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

At this upscale bistro of Parisian fare in Scottsdale, mac and cheese gets French-i-fied. With noodles in a béchamel sauce along with Parmesan, tangy Mimolette cheese, and pieces of smoked ham, the Macaroni Au Gratin at Zinc Bistro is truly an oo-la-la moment of creamy, cheesy goodness.

Editor's note: This story was originally published on January 11, 2016. It was updated on September 19, 2020. Cal Faber contributed to this article. See what Valley restaurants are offering takeout, delivery, and dine-in services with our Phoenix Restaurant Directory.