Downtown Phoenix might look pretty barren, but there are plenty of eats if you know where to look -- and here are our top picks. So get hungry and hit the jump below to find out where you should be noshing once those dorm burgers finally start to get old.
Hanny's: (40 N. 1st Street.)Late night dining with style - and alcohol. Hanny's, a contemporary urban eatery and bar situated in a former 1940s clothing store, serves mouthwatering gourmet sandwiches until 1 am. Our favorite? The Roast Beef, which comes complete with crisp bacon and a tender fried egg, all for $9.50. Pulling an all-nighter for that nursing exam? This is where you come to refuel.
Our regular: Roast Beef
6. The Breadfruit: (108 E. Pierce Street)
While Jamaican restaurant Breadfruit has no shortage of delectable meat dishes, such as its spicy Jerk Chicken with Mango Chutney, the casual eatery and rum bar truly shines with its healthy, yet damn tasty vegetarian-friendly offerings, such as its Coconut Curried Tofu and the Pop Cho (mashed sweet potatoes sautéed in rum) with Sweet Ginger.
Our regular: Pop Cho with Sweet Ginger
5. Nobuo at Teeter House: (622 E. Adams Street)
One our favorites , Nobuo at Teeter House is delicious and unique Japanese dining experience, all situated in a quaint, yet chic converted bungalow. Award-winning Chef Nobuo Fukua's gourmet-take on izakaya (Japanese street food) has made this place one of Phoenix's critical darlings, and for good reason. The food is inspired and high quality, yet still affordable, with a regularly rotating dinner menu. Our list of favorites is extensive, ranging from the hearty Okonomiyaki to the eye-opening Big Eye Tuna Sashimi.
Our regular: Okonomiyaki (Japanese seafood and pork pancake)
4. Pizzeria Bianco: (623 E. Adams Street)
The place to know for trendy downtown students and it's only about a ten minute walk from campus. Pricey on college budget, but so worth it for Italian pizza done this right. Be warned, lunchtime and dinnertime waits are notorious in length, so reservations are key. Don't forget your v-neck and Buffalo Exchange boots.
Our regular: Wiseguy (Wood Roasted Onion, House Smoked Mozzarella, Fennel Sausage)
Moira is an urban eatery that offers a nice mix of traditional sushi staples and trendy, fusion offerings. They also have a great weekend happy hour (Friday: 9pm - 12am; Saturday 9pm -2am). Be sure to order the Neo Tokyo Roll, a spicy concoction of lotus, tuna, salmon, avocado, yamagobo, and yellowtail wrapped in soy paper). Also check out the shrimp tempura, enhanced with avocado.
Our regular: NeoTokyo Roll
2. Phoenix Public Market: (14 E. Pierce Street)
The Phoenix Public Market is a veritable oasis of cheap eats that's mere minutes away from the Taylor's Place student dorms. In addition to the organic offerings from its open-air market, the collective offers tasty, inexpensive meals via the food trucks situated in the parking lot, such as the Filipino fare of Hey Joe's. Also be sure to visit the café at Urban Grocery and Wine Bar, which offers made-to-order sandwiches, and a side, for under $8.
Our regular: Friggin' Chicken at Urban Grocery and Wine Bar
Matt's Big Breakfast is small and crowded. If you're not careful and show up at peak hours, especially on weekends, you'll more than likely be waiting for a table longer than it actually takes to eat your meal, which you will, of course, be rubbing elbows with strangers for the duration of.
And it's all so damn worth it. Matt's Big Breakfast long line of followers and fans is well-earned, serving some of the best breakfast and lunch diner-fare the Valley can offer. The menu is distinctly American, unpretentious, affordable, and almost sinfully delicious. There to start your morning? Go with The Chop & Chicks (two eggs over a pork chop skillet-fried) or they're bliss-inducing Griddle Cakes. Lunchtime? We can't stress the Reuben enough.
Our regular(s): The Chop & Chick and the Reuben -- but seriously, we bet you'll be happy (and full) with anything on the menu.
For more about the downtown campus, check out our unauthorized guide on Jackalope Ranch.