Barrio Cafe
Let’s kick things off with a local favorite revered for bringing the vibrant flavors of Mexico to Phoenix. At Barrio Cafe, you’ll be transported to an authentic Mexican town from the moment you step through their colorfully tiled entryway. Helmed by acclaimed chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, this award-winning institution offers an elevated spin on traditional cuisine. For an appetizing start, dig into their famous bacon-wrapped taquitos served with fiery habanero salsa. Then, dive into the Chiles en Nogada, a dish of roasted poblano chilies stuffed with chicken and smothered in a luscious walnut cream sauce – a house specialty you won’t find executed better anywhere else. Save room for decadent desserts like the creamy tres leches cake. Each bite will transport your taste buds on an exquisite journey through generations of culinary heritage.
Address: 1011 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 622-0051
Durant’s
Tucked inside a charming 1920s-era bungalow, Durant’s is the quintessential Phoenix steakhouse serving up USDA prime aged beef with old-school class. Walking in feels like stepping into a prohibition-era speakeasy, with cozy leather booths perfect for cozying up with your crew. Start with the chilled seafood platter for freshly shucked oysters, jumbo shrimp, and Alaskan king crab legs. Then indulge in Durant’s signature mesquite-grilled Cowboy Ribeye for 40 ounces of perfectly charred, melt-in-your-mouth prime rib on the bone. Complement the tender beefy flavor with sides like the truffle mac and cheese or smoked gouda au gratin potatoes. For a sweet finale, do NOT skip the luscious creme brulee tart or decadent chocolate torte cake.
Address: 2611 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 264-5967
Pizzeria Bianco
When it comes to pizza, Pizzeria Bianco is a certified legend, routinely topping lists of the best pies in America. This bustling joint by pizza mastermind Chris Bianco is a bacon and tomato lover’s paradise with wood-fired, artfully charred Neapolitan-style pizzas that will rock your world. While die-hard fans obsess over the naturally leavened dough, the real star here is the sauce made from Arizona-grown biodynamic tomatoes – a sweet-tart revelation. The Sonny Boy with aged mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh red onion and house-smoked bacon is a proven crowdpleaser, though the Rosa with red onion, Parmigiano-Reggiano, rosemary, and Arizona pistachios is a sleeper hit. Whatever you order, pair it with a pitcher of the refreshingly crisp Bianco house red sangria.
Address: 623 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 258-8300
The Breadfruit
Transporting the vibrant flavors of Jamaica straight to Phoenix, The Breadfruit is a lively rum bar and modern Caribbean eatery that delivers an island getaway with every bite. The colorful, easygoing ambiance sets the tone for a night of tropical-inspired revelry and big, bold, island-inspired flavors. Start by sharing the irresistible Jamaican patty platter with calypso sauce. Then dive into specialties like the signature Hellshire Beach curry with boneless chicken or vegan-friendly jackfruit curry. The kitchen’s secret six-spice blend lends each dish an authentic kick of heat. For sides, the coconut sweet plantain mash is a must, while the jerk roasted cauliflower is a unique veggie treat. Accompany your feast with island cocktails like the Painkiller or Jamaican Mule.
Address: 108 E Pierce St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 267-1266
Little Miss BBQ
For award-winning barbecue in the heart of downtown Phoenix, folks flock to Little Miss BBQ, where meats are cooked low and slow over pecan and oak woods. This no-frills smokehouse is managed by husband-wife duo Scott and Bekke Kelly, who traveled the American South to perfect their Texas and California-style BBQ craft. The Central Texas-style brisket is the house special, arriving with a beautifully rendered smoky bark and juicy, melt-off-the-bone interior. But the baby back ribs deserve equal billing – these hefty, meaty racks are dry rubbed, smoked for hours, and lacquered in a molasses-based sauce that’s sweetly addictive. Load up your tray with smoky favorites like the jalapeno smoked sausage and pit beans, then cool things down with banana pudding or seasonal pie for dessert.
Address: 4301 E University Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (602) 437-1177
Andreoli Italian Grocer
Tucked inside an unassuming stripmall, Andreoli Italian Grocer is a low-key culinary gem adored by in-the-know locals for its housemade pastas and Italian deli delicacies. This market-eatery hybrid run by the Andreoli family evokes an old-world vibe complete with strings of cured sausages and salami hanging from the deli case. While the loaded Italian sandwiches are stellar, you can’t go wrong building your own pasta bowl from the daily selection of fresh stuffed pastas like ricotta-spinach ravioli or squid ink linguini tossed with your choice of sauce (we love the creamy mushroom). Complete your carb-loaded feast with a slice of tiramisu or cannoli from the pastry case. For an extra Italiano treat, browse the imported Italian pantry items like premium olive oils and aged balsamics to take home.
Address: 3345 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 689-9170
Cornish Pasty Co.
A beloved Phoenix institution for over 50 years, Cornish Pasty Co. offers a delicious taste of British comfort food in the heart of the desert. Here you’ll find traditional Cornish pasties (that’s a handheld meat pie for the uninitiated) fresh out of the oven and loaded with savory fillings. Their iconic original pasty stuffed with beef, potatoes, onions, and rutabaga is a classic crowdpleaser, but we’re also partial to the Thai chicken curry variety with coconut milk curry and veggies. Or go big with the meaty oggie – a generously stuffed pasty the size of your head packed with beef, pork, potatoes, carrots and onions. Complete your order with a side of zesty Cornish meatpies or indulgent cheesy chips covered in curry sauce. This cozy cafe also wins for its fantastic British beer selection to wash it all down.
Address: 1941 W Guadalupe Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202
Phone: (480) 820-2726
Reserve Your Private Shuttle to Phoenix’s Best Eateries
With so many must-try local favorites scattered across the Phoenix area, getting around by car is a traffic headache you simply don’t need. Whether it’s a friends’ night out on the town or a large family gathering, leave the driving to Phoenix’s premier party bus provider – Party Bus Phoenix! We coordinate stylish private transportation for all occasions in luxurious shuttle buses equipped with premium amenities like flat screen TVs, nightclub lighting, aux ports for your own playlist, and coolers to keep the beverages flowing. Just sit back, relax, and cruise from hot spot to hot spot as your dedicated team handles the logistics. Don’t let parking woes and DUI risks put a damper on your night. Handle your group transportation the easy way by giving our booking experts a call at 480-425-9845 or online. Life’s too short for average nights out – take your Phoenix food adventures to VIP levels.