Like most holidays, 4/20 is replete with food traditions and tropes – albeit often unsatisfying convenience store or drive-thru fare.
But it doesn't have to be that way. For this year’s big cannabis celebration, treat your tastebuds at one of these six places around the Valley when the munchies inevitably strike, marijuana-induced or not.
Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop and its sister pinball-themed bar Stardust Pinbar take their interstellar vibe from “Starman” David Bowie. The pie shop is also a retro New York-style pizzeria, serving large slices, whole pies, wings, sandwiches and garlic knots from the same downtown building as popular concert venue The Van Buren. If you’re looking to keep your stoner eats on brand, try the Maui Waui, with tomato sauce, pineapple, bacon, ham and mozzarella. Shake off your impending food coma at Stardust by playing classic pinball machines or taking a spin on the illuminated disco dancefloor.
Chickadees had us at “cup of chicken” – a soda cup overflowing with popcorn chicken, served plain or dipped in any of the restaurant's housemade sauces. But there’s more to the Old Town Scottsdale chicken and fries joint, including onion rings and caramel churros. Bonus: Chickadees stays up late, serving until 3 a.m. daily.
Cookie Plug
4575 E. Cactus Road, #135
922 E. Apache Blvd., #105, TempeThere’s a new cookie shop in town – and it’s opening its Tempe location on 4/20 for all your cannabis-induced cravings. The SoCal-based, ’90s hip-hop-inspired bakery Cookie Plug descended on the Valley earlier this month, opening its first outpost in Phoenix. The baked goods are described as a combination of a cookie, brownie and cake, all rolled into one “fat stack.” Its menu includes classic versions such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, along with more inventive riffs, including a cookie made with Fruity Pebbles cereal or the Purple Haze, a violet-hued cookie with white chocolate chips. In addition to picking up your treats in-store, Cookie Plug offers delivery.
Pop’s Exotic Sodas & Snacks
423 N. Country Club Drive, #41, MesaPerhaps you’re looking for familiar salty and sweet treats, but with a certain je ne sais quoi. Look no further than Pop’s Exotic Sodas & Snacks in Mesa. The store has sold convenience store staples of a different stripe – barbecue-flavored Cheetos, peach-flavored Fanta or freeze-dried sour Skittles – since 2018. A bonus for shopping on 4/20: all items in the store are 50% off that day, according to the shop’s Instagram.
Sauvage Wine Bar and Shop
149 W. McDowell RoadFor a more upscale, social experience, head over to Sauvage for its Fun Haus 4/20 party. The wine bar will have dinner service from Sonoran Pasta Bar, tea service from Harlem Coffee Co. and a mocktail menu. In addition to plenty to eat and drink, the event will feature DJs, a cold plunge pool and activities including video games and arts and crafts.
Walter Station Brewery
4056 E. Washington St. The downtown Phoenix craft brewer will offer a special menu and beer release on 4/20. Walter Station will serve on-the-nose eats including a chili cheese dog topped with Flammin’ Hot Cheetos and pizza rolls. The brewer will tap a firkin of its special “danky pale ale” Bowl Resin, at – you guessed it – 4:20 p.m. You’ll also find the kitchen’s normal lineup of bar snacks and pizzas and selection of brews.
But it doesn't have to be that way. For this year’s big cannabis celebration, treat your tastebuds at one of these six places around the Valley when the munchies inevitably strike, marijuana-induced or not.
ATL Wings
Multiple LocationsThis family-owned wing spot has 16 locations around the Valley, serving dry-rubbed and sauced wings. In the past, ATL Wings has taken over the kitchen at The Mint Cafe, tossing flats and drums with Angry Errl, Mint Cafe’s line of THC-infused hot sauces. While there won’t be any infused sauces at ATL Wings on April 20, there will be plenty of satisfying selections. Try the red hot or barbecue sauces on your wings or tenders. ATL Wings also serves sandwiches, deep-fried biscuits with honey and Kool-Aid.
Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop
401 W. Van Buren St.Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop and its sister pinball-themed bar Stardust Pinbar take their interstellar vibe from “Starman” David Bowie. The pie shop is also a retro New York-style pizzeria, serving large slices, whole pies, wings, sandwiches and garlic knots from the same downtown building as popular concert venue The Van Buren. If you’re looking to keep your stoner eats on brand, try the Maui Waui, with tomato sauce, pineapple, bacon, ham and mozzarella. Shake off your impending food coma at Stardust by playing classic pinball machines or taking a spin on the illuminated disco dancefloor.
Cheba Hut
Multiple LocationsThe “toasted subs” chain has centered its entire brand around cannabis culture. Despite leaning into the cliches, Cheba Hut has been named the New Times’ Best Stoner Hangout because its sandwiches, loaded nachos and crispy cereal bars always satisfy. And, to celebrate the upcoming occasion, Cheba Hut offers $4.20 “nugs,” its 4-inch subs, on April 20.
Two Lucky Charms-crusted beef patties are the centerpiece of the 420 Burger at Paradise Valley Burger Co.
Paradise Valley Burger Co.
Paradise Valley Burger Co.
4001 E. Bell Road #102
The over-the-top burger and shake place that made a buzz with features on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and Man v. Food is ready to crush your cravings with guilty pleasures like its Brulee Burger. The quarter-pound burger is layered with bacon, Havarti cheese, a perfectly fried egg, Thousand Island dressing and pickled onions before it's finished with a burnt sugar-crusted bun. Paradise Valley Burger Co.’s special 4/20 menu drop is always awaited with anticipation. We haven't seen 2024's menu yet, but past items have included include Nugs, or brown sugar and cumin dusted deep-fried Brussels sprouts, and southwest egg roll “Pre-Rolls” with shredded brisket and smoked ham hocks.
815 E. Baseline Road, Tempe
Chin Up Donuts
7325 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. #103, Scottsdale
7021 E. Main St., Scottsdale
Chin Up Donuts asks a very important, if not rhetorical question on its website: “If you're going to eat a doughnut, might as well go all out, right?” On any day, that answer is “yes.” On 4/20, that answer is “hell yes.” The bakery – one of the New Times' favorite spots for doughnuts – offers made-from-scratch brioche-style confections, infusing a range of flavors, from familiar Oreo or lemon poppy to unique options like lavender or spicy-sweet wasabi glaze topped with a ginger-infused caramel drizzle. Check their rotation of specialty doughnuts, such as the Maple Bacon that is topped with candied bacon and a maple glaze, or its Pizza Party doughnut, which includes a marinara glaze, pepperoni and shredded cheese, all torched to melty perfection. Chickadees
4441 N. Buckboard TrailChickadees had us at “cup of chicken” – a soda cup overflowing with popcorn chicken, served plain or dipped in any of the restaurant's housemade sauces. But there’s more to the Old Town Scottsdale chicken and fries joint, including onion rings and caramel churros. Bonus: Chickadees stays up late, serving until 3 a.m. daily.
Cookie Plug
4575 E. Cactus Road, #135922 E. Apache Blvd., #105, TempeThere’s a new cookie shop in town – and it’s opening its Tempe location on 4/20 for all your cannabis-induced cravings. The SoCal-based, ’90s hip-hop-inspired bakery Cookie Plug descended on the Valley earlier this month, opening its first outpost in Phoenix. The baked goods are described as a combination of a cookie, brownie and cake, all rolled into one “fat stack.” Its menu includes classic versions such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, along with more inventive riffs, including a cookie made with Fruity Pebbles cereal or the Purple Haze, a violet-hued cookie with white chocolate chips. In addition to picking up your treats in-store, Cookie Plug offers delivery.
