Food scene
Restaurant recommendations
MEXICAN FOOD
This place has great food! Try the baked potato with meat toppings and the authentic salsa bar! Tuesdays all tacos are $1.95
31 locals recommend
Backyard Taco - Mesa North
1524 E University DrMEXICAN FOOD
This place has great food! Try the baked potato with meat toppings and the authentic salsa bar! Tuesdays all tacos are $1.95
MEXICAN FOOD-TAMALES
Literally best tamales ever! BUT make sure to go early in the day (by lunchtime) for best selection. On a Saturday I once waited until near lunch to get my green corn chicken tamales and they were sold out for the day!
This place is quite "authentic" & closes at 6pm.
Old El Paso Tamales
730 E Brown RdMEXICAN FOOD-TAMALES
Literally best tamales ever! BUT make sure to go early in the day (by lunchtime) for best selection. On a Saturday I once waited until near lunch to get my green corn chicken tamales and they were sold out for the day!
This place is quite "authentic" & closes at 6pm.
MEXICAN FOOD
I've been eating at the original Carolina's for gosh 35+ years. Truly the best tortillas in the world and often the local Phoenix & Mesa winner year after year!
If trying something new I recommend the 3-way burrito. It's red chile, green chile, and refried beans. My fave here!
The Mesa location is new and the downtown Phoenix location is original. I recommend sticking with the Mesa location.
13 locals recommend
Carolina's Mexican Food - Mesa
1450 S Country Club DrMEXICAN FOOD
I've been eating at the original Carolina's for gosh 35+ years. Truly the best tortillas in the world and often the local Phoenix & Mesa winner year after year!
If trying something new I recommend the 3-way burrito. It's red chile, green chile, and refried beans. My fave here!
The Mesa location is new and the downtown Phoenix location is original. I recommend sticking with the Mesa location.
MEXICAN FOOD AND BBQ
This is a locally owned restaurant. It's in an odd location and almost always busy! Both the mexican food and BBQ have both been great! They have a number of BBQ sauce options to explore.
They only offer outside seating so summer lunches may not be on your list, but when it's cooler outside sitting amongst the citrus groves at picnic tables is sure fun!
20 locals recommend
Jalapeño Buck's
3434 N Val Vista DrMEXICAN FOOD AND BBQ
This is a locally owned restaurant. It's in an odd location and almost always busy! Both the mexican food and BBQ have both been great! They have a number of BBQ sauce options to explore.
They only offer outside seating so summer lunches may not be on your list, but when it's cooler outside sitting amongst the citrus groves at picnic tables is sure fun!
MEXICAN FOOD
This is some of the best true Mexican food I've eaten. Their salsa is outstanding and everything I've eaten there is top-notch!
There can often be a wait for dinner so go by 5 pm or get a reservation! Also, the area around the restaurant is a fun place to stroll if you are waiting for a table.
193 locals recommend
Barrio Queen
7114 E Stetson DrMEXICAN FOOD
This is some of the best true Mexican food I've eaten. Their salsa is outstanding and everything I've eaten there is top-notch!
There can often be a wait for dinner so go by 5 pm or get a reservation! Also, the area around the restaurant is a fun place to stroll if you are waiting for a table.
ITALIAN FOOD
An older but nice restaurant with quality food. We've held special dinners here because the food is sooo good.
15 locals recommend
Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante
1947 N Lindsay RdITALIAN FOOD
An older but nice restaurant with quality food. We've held special dinners here because the food is sooo good.
ITALIAN FOOD
Fresh homemade Italian tasting Italian...not American Italian. Food made fresh daily!
10 locals recommend
Alessia's Ristorante Italiano
5251 E Brown RdITALIAN FOOD
Fresh homemade Italian tasting Italian...not American Italian. Food made fresh daily!
ITALIAN FOOD & GELATO
Locally owned and a HUGE gelato favorite!
Big time YUM all the way around! They also have a small restaurant side with all homemade Italian foods (super great pasta dishes) and a deli & grocery with imported items. Great for dinner and dessert!
16 locals recommend
Gelato Dolce Vita
5251 E Brown RdITALIAN FOOD & GELATO
Locally owned and a HUGE gelato favorite!
Big time YUM all the way around! They also have a small restaurant side with all homemade Italian foods (super great pasta dishes) and a deli & grocery with imported items. Great for dinner and dessert!
AMERICAN FOOD & DESSERT---LUNCH
A full bakery with a small but tasty menu. Their salads are tasty, the quesadilla and pulled pork sandwiches are great, and their homemade oreo cookies are out of this world! (They close at 5pm.)
An independent locally owned bakery/restaurant.
Sassy's Cafe & Bakery
4210 E Main StAMERICAN FOOD & DESSERT---LUNCH
A full bakery with a small but tasty menu. Their salads are tasty, the quesadilla and pulled pork sandwiches are great, and their homemade oreo cookies are out of this world! (They close at 5pm.)
An independent locally owned bakery/restaurant.
AMERICAN/BBQ
If you haven't eaten at Rudy's in Texas then you are in for a treat!
Everything is excellent but the creamed corn is our favorite side. (This is a chain from Texas; we use to live near the original)
13 locals recommend
Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
7300 W Chandler BlvdAMERICAN/BBQ
If you haven't eaten at Rudy's in Texas then you are in for a treat!
Everything is excellent but the creamed corn is our favorite side. (This is a chain from Texas; we use to live near the original)
AMERICAN/BBQ
Red, White, and Brew does have lots of wines and brews but they are first and foremost an excellent restaurant with choices to make everyone happy. Very busy for dinner seating. In by 5 pm usually gets a quick table. Winter months expect a long wait (after 5pm) for a table without a reservation!
Locally owned and operated.
13 locals recommend
Red White and Brew
6740 East McDowell RoadAMERICAN/BBQ
Red, White, and Brew does have lots of wines and brews but they are first and foremost an excellent restaurant with choices to make everyone happy. Very busy for dinner seating. In by 5 pm usually gets a quick table. Winter months expect a long wait (after 5pm) for a table without a reservation!
Locally owned and operated.
ASIAN - THAI
A nice restaurant with quality Thai food. We’ve held special dinners here because the food is sooo good. Our favorites are BBQ Pork, Cashew Nut, and Thai Panang Curry.
One of our favorite servers is Alyssa. Ask for her...she'll take good care of you as will every server here!
Locally owned and operated.
5 R Cha Thai Bistro
2011 N Recker RdASIAN - THAI
A nice restaurant with quality Thai food. We’ve held special dinners here because the food is sooo good. Our favorites are BBQ Pork, Cashew Nut, and Thai Panang Curry.
One of our favorite servers is Alyssa. Ask for her...she'll take good care of you as will every server here!
Locally owned and operated.
Known for the best sandwiches in Arizona they also are known for their coffee. Open till 9pm.
42 locals recommend
Worth Takeaway
218 W Main StKnown for the best sandwiches in Arizona they also are known for their coffee. Open till 9pm.
OTHER TYPES OF FOOD
A Brazillian style steakhouse but affordable. Three options: menu, buffet, or buffet plus meats brought to your table. The all you can eat buffet is about $20 and FULL of lots of tasty foods so skip the $30 buffet plus meats. Truly the buffet is PLENTY!
7 locals recommend
Rodizio Grill - Mesa
1840 S Val Vista DrOTHER TYPES OF FOOD
A Brazillian style steakhouse but affordable. Three options: menu, buffet, or buffet plus meats brought to your table. The all you can eat buffet is about $20 and FULL of lots of tasty foods so skip the $30 buffet plus meats. Truly the buffet is PLENTY!
Morning glory Brunchery
4545 E McKellips RdBREAKFAST & LUNCH
Excellent food and fabulous pineapple jalapeno salsa!
PIZZA
This is truly a unique one of a kind pizza place.
Come here for the ambiance and music. In the center of the room is at vintage Wurlitzer pipe organ built for a theatre in Denver in the 20s (the 1920’s that is) The room is centered around the organ which has over 6000 pipes. Not only does the organist play songs by request only, they also control all the other “instruments” including birds, horse hooves, snare drum, cowbell, bubble blower, whistles, and the list goes on and one.
Kids and teens especially like this restaurant.
Organ Stop is ONLY open for dinner, organists take a short break every 15 minutes, and they ONLY take CASH. It’s really a fun dinner if you get the chance!
I remember coming here at a teenager and the organ doesn’t disappoint. More recently we’ve rented the facility for a private luncheon for our family reunion.
Their gluten-free pizza is great!
60 locals recommend
Organ Stop Pizza
1149 E Southern AvePIZZA
This is truly a unique one of a kind pizza place.
Come here for the ambiance and music. In the center of the room is at vintage Wurlitzer pipe organ built for a theatre in Denver in the 20s (the 1920’s that is) The room is centered around the organ which has over 6000 pipes. Not only does the organist play songs by request only, they also control all the other “instruments” including birds, horse hooves, snare drum, cowbell, bubble blower, whistles, and the list goes on and one.
Kids and teens especially like this restaurant.
Organ Stop is ONLY open for dinner, organists take a short break every 15 minutes, and they ONLY take CASH. It’s really a fun dinner if you get the chance!
I remember coming here at a teenager and the organ doesn’t disappoint. More recently we’ve rented the facility for a private luncheon for our family reunion.
Their gluten-free pizza is great!
MEXICAN FOOD (ish)
A great eatery similar to Chipotle which also is at Dana Park, but better in my opinion. I recommend the sweet pork salad and burrito enchilada style!
7 locals recommend
Costa Vida
1744 South Val Vista DriveMEXICAN FOOD (ish)
A great eatery similar to Chipotle which also is at Dana Park, but better in my opinion. I recommend the sweet pork salad and burrito enchilada style!
Neighborhoods
Fun neighborhoods
The downtown Gilbert area is historic and has fabulous food, is fun to stroll around, has a local theatre for plays, and even a vibrant night scene.
74 locals recommend
Gilbert
The downtown Gilbert area is historic and has fabulous food, is fun to stroll around, has a local theatre for plays, and even a vibrant night scene.
A fun upscale area. It's easy to walk around and no shortage of expensive restaurants with good food!
6 locals recommend
Scottsdale Old Town Plaza
A fun upscale area. It's easy to walk around and no shortage of expensive restaurants with good food!
Fun with Kids
A fun city park with splashpad for younger kids and a tall climbing "tree" even teens will LOVE to climb!
Splash pad is open 9 am - 10 pm 7 days a week.
The lake area has fishing and it's a great place to walk when it's cooler outside. Also, it's located adjecent to the Cubs spring training facility.
20 locals recommend
Riverview Park
Riverview ParkA fun city park with splashpad for younger kids and a tall climbing "tree" even teens will LOVE to climb!
Splash pad is open 9 am - 10 pm 7 days a week.
The lake area has fishing and it's a great place to walk when it's cooler outside. Also, it's located adjecent to the Cubs spring training facility.
This is truly a unique one of a kind pizza place.
Come here for the ambiance and music. In the center of the room is at vintage Wurlitzer pipe organ built for a theatre in Denver in the 20s (the 1920’s that is) The room is centered around the organ which has over 6000 pipes. Not only does the organist play songs by request only, they also control all the other “instruments” including birds, horse hooves, snare drum, cowbell, bubble blower, whistles, and the list goes on and one.
Organ Stop is ONLY open for dinner, organists take a short break every 15 minutes, and they ONLY take CASH. It’s really a fun dinner if you get the chance!
I remember coming here at a teenager and the organ doesn’t disappoint. More recently we’ve rented the facility for a private luncheon for our family reunion.
Their gluten-free pizza is great!
60 locals recommend
Organ Stop Pizza
1149 E Southern AveThis is truly a unique one of a kind pizza place.
Come here for the ambiance and music. In the center of the room is at vintage Wurlitzer pipe organ built for a theatre in Denver in the 20s (the 1920’s that is) The room is centered around the organ which has over 6000 pipes. Not only does the organist play songs by request only, they also control all the other “instruments” including birds, horse hooves, snare drum, cowbell, bubble blower, whistles, and the list goes on and one.
Organ Stop is ONLY open for dinner, organists take a short break every 15 minutes, and they ONLY take CASH. It’s really a fun dinner if you get the chance!
I remember coming here at a teenager and the organ doesn’t disappoint. More recently we’ve rented the facility for a private luncheon for our family reunion.
Their gluten-free pizza is great!
Jakesumlimited.com
All you can eat Pizza/salad/etc Buffet
Home of the unicorn tacos (cotton candy tacos filled with more sugar!)
Laser Tag arena, bowling, bumper cars, arcade, mini-bowling which is super fun, rides like Radius and Teacups, arcades, two full bars for the adults who are kids at heart, and more.
Also, every evening starting at 8 pm they have Jakes After Dark. Admission is free and everything is a-la-carte.
17 locals recommend
Jake's Unlimited
1830 E Baseline RdJakesumlimited.com
All you can eat Pizza/salad/etc Buffet
Home of the unicorn tacos (cotton candy tacos filled with more sugar!)
Laser Tag arena, bowling, bumper cars, arcade, mini-bowling which is super fun, rides like Radius and Teacups, arcades, two full bars for the adults who are kids at heart, and more.
Also, every evening starting at 8 pm they have Jakes After Dark. Admission is free and everything is a-la-carte.
Fatcatsfun.com/gilbert
Fatcats is similar to Jakes Unlimited in that this is a play place.
Attractions include:
Movie theatre, Bowling, Arcade, putt putt golf, and thunder alley (night bowling with rock music)
Their movie selection can vary by day/week
Food selection is typical bowling alley type of food.
44 locals recommend
Fat Cats Gilbert
4321 E Baseline RdFatcatsfun.com/gilbert
Fatcats is similar to Jakes Unlimited in that this is a play place.
Attractions include:
Movie theatre, Bowling, Arcade, putt putt golf, and thunder alley (night bowling with rock music)
Their movie selection can vary by day/week
Food selection is typical bowling alley type of food.
THE ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
53 N Macdonald Mesa
Arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org
This is a fun place for younger children. They get to see dinosaur bones and some animatronics, superimpose themselves into western movies, walk through a territorial jail and even pan for gold. There are many hands-on activities to play with.
Trip advisor rates this as the #5 thing to do in Mesa
72 locals recommend
Arizona Museum of Natural History
53 N MacdonaldTHE ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
53 N Macdonald Mesa
Arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org
This is a fun place for younger children. They get to see dinosaur bones and some animatronics, superimpose themselves into western movies, walk through a territorial jail and even pan for gold. There are many hands-on activities to play with.
Trip advisor rates this as the #5 thing to do in Mesa
This is a HUGE park! Includes nearly everything you'd want in a park.
- Lots of grass
- carousel
- train rides
- baseball/softball fields
- huge hills to slide ice blocks down
- 2 lakes stocked with fish for fishing
- skate park
- trails for walking go through here
- lighted sand volleyball courths
- lighted basketball and tennis courts
- RESTROOM FACILITIES and more!
Open daily 5:30 am - 10 pm
43 locals recommend
Freestone Park
1045 E Juniper AveThis is a HUGE park! Includes nearly everything you'd want in a park.
- Lots of grass
- carousel
- train rides
- baseball/softball fields
- huge hills to slide ice blocks down
- 2 lakes stocked with fish for fishing
- skate park
- trails for walking go through here
- lighted sand volleyball courths
- lighted basketball and tennis courts
- RESTROOM FACILITIES and more!
Open daily 5:30 am - 10 pm
Entertainment
Great comfy seats, Tuesday movies all day are $5.50 and you can book online!
38 locals recommend
Cinemark Mesa 16
1051 N Dobson RdGreat comfy seats, Tuesday movies all day are $5.50 and you can book online!
Your local AMC Movie Theatre. Great comfy seating!
On Tuesday's movies are discounted until 5 pm showings.
I recommend reserving tickets online if it's a newer movie to ensure you get in.
16 locals recommend
AMC Mesa Grand 24
1645 S Stapley DrYour local AMC Movie Theatre. Great comfy seating!
On Tuesday's movies are discounted until 5 pm showings.
I recommend reserving tickets online if it's a newer movie to ensure you get in.
This is a fabulous local theatre for plays and musicals! A truly fun and unique experience. The theatre is round, the stage located in the center and stadium seats go up from the ground floor.
No need to dress up! Jeans or shorts work just fine.
HIGHLY recommend securing your tickets in advance and pick up at Will Call.
This downtown Gilbert area is great for dinner and a stroll too!
www.haletheatrearizona.com
56 locals recommend
Hale Centre Theatre - Arizona
50 W Page AveThis is a fabulous local theatre for plays and musicals! A truly fun and unique experience. The theatre is round, the stage located in the center and stadium seats go up from the ground floor.
No need to dress up! Jeans or shorts work just fine.
HIGHLY recommend securing your tickets in advance and pick up at Will Call.
This downtown Gilbert area is great for dinner and a stroll too!
www.haletheatrearizona.com
Jesterz is clean improv comedy. It's a fun environment with lots of audience involvement. Recommend purchasing tickets on-line ahead of time but there is typically plenty of seating.
We’ve known the owner for years and my cousin is a long time comedian there also.
7 locals recommend
JesterZ Improv
1061 North Dobson RoadJesterz is clean improv comedy. It's a fun environment with lots of audience involvement. Recommend purchasing tickets on-line ahead of time but there is typically plenty of seating.
We’ve known the owner for years and my cousin is a long time comedian there also.
BARK BARK
All things associated with Doggies!
A fun park for humans AND dogs!
Off-leash play areas and separately fenced areas for timid dogs and active dogs. They also have benches and water fountains for both dogs and humans.
Closed Tuesdays for maintenance and daily from 12:00-1:00.
Countryside Park
3130 E Southern AveA fun park for humans AND dogs!
Off-leash play areas and separately fenced areas for timid dogs and active dogs. They also have benches and water fountains for both dogs and humans.
Closed Tuesdays for maintenance and daily from 12:00-1:00.
I love buying my dog food and treats here. They only carry top of the line product and the employees are experts on how to help your pooch. The owner Rick is a wealth of knowledge that has been invaluable to me and my super sensitive girl.
I haven't used their boarding facilities. I've always been able to get in to see a vet if needed here.
Bark Avenue Pet Supply
3109 E McKellips RdI love buying my dog food and treats here. They only carry top of the line product and the employees are experts on how to help your pooch. The owner Rick is a wealth of knowledge that has been invaluable to me and my super sensitive girl.
I haven't used their boarding facilities. I've always been able to get in to see a vet if needed here.
Sightseeing
This is on my list of things not to miss in the Phoenix Area!
The Deseret Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place and fun for all ages. They often have different events and class so check out their calendar for your the time you are visiting. Their schedule is found at https://www.dbg.org/explore/events/
They also publish a quarterly magazine at https://www.dbg.org/publications/
This is an especially fun place to visit for budding photographers! There is a lot of beauty at the Deseret Botanical Gardens!
1231 locals recommend
Desert Botanical Garden
This is on my list of things not to miss in the Phoenix Area!
The Deseret Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place and fun for all ages. They often have different events and class so check out their calendar for your the time you are visiting. Their schedule is found at https://www.dbg.org/explore/events/
They also publish a quarterly magazine at https://www.dbg.org/publications/
This is an especially fun place to visit for budding photographers! There is a lot of beauty at the Deseret Botanical Gardens!
Traveler advice
What to pack
Bring clothing for HOT climates. If you aren't used to hot weather it can feel extra hot.
Outside of what you normally would like to have with you when you travel, here are a few things we recommend you bring.
Swimwear - Swimming season for kids is a little longer than adults as kids tend to tolerate the colder water better than adults. Swimmable pool temperatures are easily seen mid-May-mid Oct for kids. The hot tub is always a good idea though!
Sandals- The ground is really hot during summer and warm most other times of the year.
Your favorite water bottle (empty if you are flying in). We might be cooler in the winter but it's still dry. The need to ensure you hydrate cannot be understated here!
Useful phrases
Use manners
The best advice I can offer is to use manners. What do I mean by that?
Say "hello". When you enter a store, say hello to the clerk. Say hello when you meet someone's eyes while standing in line. etc.
Say "please" and "thank you" at appropriate times like when asking for something or when someone does a kindness toward you.
Say "excuse me" or "sorry" when you bump into someone or make an error. You can always say these even when it's not your fault because you may not realize that it was actually your fault.
Customs and culture
Expect long delays at restaurants from mid October - mid April
Our winter months (Oct-Apr) bring lots of visitors to the Phoenix area. This makes for long lines everywhere, and odd traffic patterns.
Getting around
HOV (aka carpool lanes) Rules & Rush Hour
HOV LANES
On our freeways, the left lanes are often designated HOV lanes. HOV stands for High Occupancy Vehicle (defined as 2 or more in a car). Lanes may be entered or exited at anytime.
See the freeway signs for appropriate HOV times. When not HOV times, the lanes may be used as regular freeway lanes.
RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC PATTERNS
Traffic generally flows toward Phoenix in the AM and away in the PM.
Rush hours are approx 6:30-9:00 am, and 4:00-6:30 pm AND can greatly impact travel time