Phoenix Foodies
Allora Gelato
Because who gets tired of gelato... this may be the only dessert shop in Phoenix that's even better than Frost. Check out unique flavors like Honey Lavender and Mexican Hot Chocolate, all with authentic ingredients imported directly from Italy
Bongiorno Bagels
Can't spend a weekend without NY bagels? This place imports NY water (yes, even in this economy!) and makes the closest thing to NY bagels outside of the tri-state area. Tastes like home
Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse
Grab a burger and watch - or join - tipsy amateurs who ride real bulls every Wednesday and Friday night (and toddlers ride sheep, Fridays only) in this rowdy rodeo bar that's the best of the Wild West - wear your favorite cowboy boots and enjoy this can't-miss, quintessential Arizona rodeo experience
Butters Pancakes & Café
Nostalgic childhood favorites done right (think banana cream pancakes and hearty omelettes). Fuel up with a cozy and delicious brunch before a long flight home
Cafe Mollie
Vietnamese coffee for those who need a strong pick-me-up. Jordana's caffeine addiction is single-handedly keeping them in business! Expand your horizons and get the egg or pandan coffee, or a London fog matcha, and thank us later
Case Study Coffee Lounge
For those not quite brave enough for Cafe Mollie (we won't judge), here is a more traditional coffee shop. This unassuming cafe makes an excellent cup of coffee (with house-made syrups like Brown Sugar Sage) and features handmade furniture by the owner, who turned his woodworking shop into the thriving cafe it is today
Century Grand
A super unique, thematic threefold cocktail bar experience - choose from Platform 18, a simulated & surprisingly believable vintage railcar experience; Undertow, a tiki bar "floating" on the seven seas with multiple flaming drinks; and Grey Hen Rx, an immersive homage to NYC's Chinatown and the only spot you'll find a "wonton soup" that'll get you tipsy (it's a cocktail, don't worry!) Tip: Make reservations in advance for Platform 18 and Undertow. The DDs of the group will also have lots of options to join in with fun mocktails at any of the 3 options!
Châm Pang Lanes
Where else are you going to go duckpin bowling or play pool at midnight* in a neon-vintage themed alley while trying drinks like the "Tokyo iced tea" and eating sushi or tacos (yes, they have both-if you make it in before the kitchen closes!)? *or happy hour Monday through Saturday from 4-8 p.m., and all day Sunday
CIBO
A picturesque Italian restaurant (with an outdoor patio that'll make you forget you're downtown) serving delicious Neapolitan-style pizza. Really good gluten-free and/or dairy-free pizza too if you need! Matt would live here if we didn't have a pug & a mortgage ...
DeFalco's Italian Deli & Grocery
From the famous Michigan Italians comes an Italian deli where you can get your homemade Italian sausage with peppers and onions for here and your mortadella to go
Dodo Bird Kitchen and Cocktails
This casual Scottsdale favorite offers $20 steak and fries on Mondays, and other fun weekly promos, such as 50-cent wing Wednesdays, $1 oyster Thursdays, and an all-week "adult happy meal" if you're into smashburgers & drinks
Electric Pickle
Pickleball, sushi, burgers, cocktails, live music, and nostalgic lawn games all under one roof
Harumi Sushi Bar
Delicious sushi restaurant in downtown Phoenix importing fish straight from literally anywhere and everywhere but here, we promise (no desert surprises!). "Some of the best sushi I have ever had" - Jordana, and others probably. Get the H3 and the sweet potato roll
JL Patisserie
The deliciously-stuffed, life-changing cruffins (croissant-muffin hybrid) you never knew you were missing
LeDu Thai on Seventh
Hands-down the 2nd best Thai in Phoenix (but good luck parking at Glai Baan). Visit Onyx ice cream next door to end the night with freshly torched marshmallow cones!
Mensho Ramen
The closest thing we have to a Michelin-starred restaurant here in Phoenix ... get the wagyu. Just do it (sponsored by Nike)
Negranti Creamery + Coffee
...And even more dessert! Most of their ice cream is made from sheep's milk, for Matt and other lactose intolerant and/or adventurous people. Jet lag? Not after one of their affogatos. Can't decide between flavors like Thai Tea and Blueberry Lavender? Get a flight!
Old Town Taste
The closest thing to NY Chinese food. You can get your Sweet and Sour Chicken and your "classic" Garlic Wood Ear Mushroom Chicken Clay Pot
Outcast Doughnuts
Home to Phoenix's only cronut and beer flight. If you have never had a freshly-baked cronut (croissant/doughnut hybrid), consider this your sign from the universe
Salt & Straw
A West Coast favorite/the only ice cream place you'll find flavors like Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, Arbequina Olive Oil, and The Salty Donut Guava and Cheese. Take our word for it; they taste a lot better than they sound, plus some basic flavors for the those of us on the "double fold vanilla" side
Swig
Take a page out of The Book of Mormon and swap that cup of coffee for drive-through create-your-own custom soda (& pretzel nuggets). A Southwestern classic
Tea Fresho
Fun fact: we had boba, or "bubble tea" to you East-Coasters, on our first date... it was Matt's first time and he casually swallowed all the boba pearls whole (turns out you're supposed to chew them). Good thing Jordana was an ER nurse ;)
The Chai Spot
The Butter Chai alone is worth the 4-hour round trip to Sedona ... while you're there, check out the only McDonald's in the world with teal arches, the Airport Mesa or Devil's Bridge at sunset, Uptown, & the Chapel of the Holy Cross too... but go for the Butter Chai
Topo Arizona
Elotes, burritos, and classic Arizona prickly pear ice cream all in one place! All other Mexican restaurants must be recommended directly from a local to avoid the surprisingly below-mediocre Mexican food of Phoenix (send help....& tacos)
Uptown Farmers' Market
Live like a local and take some time spending too much on locally-sourced food! Highlights include sourdough from Noble Bread, the Classic Italian dip from Dr. Hummus, protein donuts from Protein Sweets, anything from Danzeisen Dairy (root beer float milk, strawberry milk, coffee milk....), and any of the thousand delicious agua fresca stands. Or come for all the cute dogs...just don't tell Peanut