Food Scene
They have great pork green chile and are just around the corner. Known as TMI locally, it is a local hub.
118 locals recommend
The Main Ingredient Ale House & Cafe
2337 N 7th StThey have great pork green chile and are just around the corner. Known as TMI locally, it is a local hub.
Open until 2pm, Duza's has great breakfast and lunch food. Great as in delicious. And for reasonable prices. They also have a heavily shaded outdoor patio area that is always peppered with people working on their laptops. And did I mention yum?
58 locals recommend
Duza's Kitchen
703 W Main StOpen until 2pm, Duza's has great breakfast and lunch food. Great as in delicious. And for reasonable prices. They also have a heavily shaded outdoor patio area that is always peppered with people working on their laptops. And did I mention yum?
Their enchiladas are so good. So is their soup, and their tacos. The sauces tend toward spicy, so those with sensitive palates will have to work to keep it within range. For those of us who love fresh enchiladas with a twist, this is the spot. It is a casual venue and a great place for take out.
77 locals recommend
Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup
3313 N 7th StTheir enchiladas are so good. So is their soup, and their tacos. The sauces tend toward spicy, so those with sensitive palates will have to work to keep it within range. For those of us who love fresh enchiladas with a twist, this is the spot. It is a casual venue and a great place for take out.
What might be considered a hole in the wall, the Middle Eastern Bakery serves up some tasty falafel (and other dishes). Their baklava! Their orange water honey lemonade! And they offer legitimately tasty gluten free pita and gluten free tabbouleh. And try their Turkish coffee sometime with the cardamom. This is another cheap eats location.
8 locals recommend
Middle Eastern Bakery and Deli
3052 N 16th StWhat might be considered a hole in the wall, the Middle Eastern Bakery serves up some tasty falafel (and other dishes). Their baklava! Their orange water honey lemonade! And they offer legitimately tasty gluten free pita and gluten free tabbouleh. And try their Turkish coffee sometime with the cardamom. This is another cheap eats location.
Good, inexpensive tacos and bowls are served up quick. Better as a take out venue, as it is low on ambience.
34 locals recommend
America's Taco Shop
7001 E 1st AveGood, inexpensive tacos and bowls are served up quick. Better as a take out venue, as it is low on ambience.
This walk-up diner with outdoor seating is a delight. For the vegetarians among us, you will hardly believe their BBQ jackfruit. Even the staff have a hard time distinguishing it from the BBQ pork. When I discovered this place a few weeks ago, I went two nights in a row and ordered the exact same thing. Tuesday is all day happy hour. Not a fancy spot, not fancy presentation, but really good comfort food and people out enjoying one another.
117 locals recommend
Welcome Diner
929 E Pierce StThis walk-up diner with outdoor seating is a delight. For the vegetarians among us, you will hardly believe their BBQ jackfruit. Even the staff have a hard time distinguishing it from the BBQ pork. When I discovered this place a few weeks ago, I went two nights in a row and ordered the exact same thing. Tuesday is all day happy hour. Not a fancy spot, not fancy presentation, but really good comfort food and people out enjoying one another.
These folks know how to cook. And their drink concoctions are amazing. This is more of a special occasion or nicer meet-up location, and the staff put on unnecessary airs so it hasn't become one of my regular spots. But the food and drinks are really tasty.
66 locals recommend
The Breadfruit & Rum Bar
1 E Pierce StThese folks know how to cook. And their drink concoctions are amazing. This is more of a special occasion or nicer meet-up location, and the staff put on unnecessary airs so it hasn't become one of my regular spots. But the food and drinks are really tasty.
Who had any idea that soy soft serve "ice-cream" was so delicious? This place is often packed with people who get that craving. They also serve gluten free donuts and several other vegan and/or gluten free baked gods.
71 locals recommend
Nami
2014 N 7th StWho had any idea that soy soft serve "ice-cream" was so delicious? This place is often packed with people who get that craving. They also serve gluten free donuts and several other vegan and/or gluten free baked gods.
Can't speak to this one with direct experience, but people tell me it's great and it is often full. Vegan food owned by the same folks as Nami, and right next door.
163 locals recommend
Green New American Vegetarian
2022 N 7th StCan't speak to this one with direct experience, but people tell me it's great and it is often full. Vegan food owned by the same folks as Nami, and right next door.
A nice restaurant in a surprising location, but sometimes the owners and staff have a bit more attitude than seems warranted.
80 locals recommend
Tuck Shop Kitchen & Bar
2245 N 12th StA nice restaurant in a surprising location, but sometimes the owners and staff have a bit more attitude than seems warranted.
Delicious food and drinks served up in a funky little space. Be sure to listen for the man whistling like a bird while he moves through the space, clearing tables, setting tables faster than I have ever witnessed, and passing through the tight quarters. He is a marvel to watch (and listen to). Great spot for a special occasion, or just a Tuesday.
139 locals recommend
Barrio Cafe
2814 N 16th StDelicious food and drinks served up in a funky little space. Be sure to listen for the man whistling like a bird while he moves through the space, clearing tables, setting tables faster than I have ever witnessed, and passing through the tight quarters. He is a marvel to watch (and listen to). Great spot for a special occasion, or just a Tuesday.
Taco Guild
546 E Osborn RdGreat salsas and guac!
Humble Pie
6149 N Scottsdale RdPretty good pizza just around the corner.
They have delicious vegetarian and gluten free options, in addition to fish and other fare. The lemonades are delightful. Prices are a little higher than might be expected for a place where you order from the counter, but it is tasty.
167 locals recommend
Flower Child
100 E Camelback RdThey have delicious vegetarian and gluten free options, in addition to fish and other fare. The lemonades are delightful. Prices are a little higher than might be expected for a place where you order from the counter, but it is tasty.
Essentials
Safeway
340 E McDowell RdThe closest, large grocery story.
Sprouts Farmers Market
2824 E Indian School RdThe closest natural food grocery story.
Trader Joe's
7720 W Bell RdThe closest Trade Joe's.
Sunshine Market
2302 N 12th StThe closest, decent convenience store.
Walgreens
710 E Camelback RdClosest drugstore/pharmacy
This little spot has fresh veggies and more supplements than you can get around.
42 locals recommend
Natural Grocers
13802 N Scottsdale RdThis little spot has fresh veggies and more supplements than you can get around.
Arts & Culture
They have some great exhibits and the building itself is cool. There is a moderate fee for entry, but there are regular events allowing free entry. Check out: http://www.phxart.org
686 locals recommend
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N Central AveThey have some great exhibits and the building itself is cool. There is a moderate fee for entry, but there are regular events allowing free entry. Check out: http://www.phxart.org
Native American museum with interesting exhibits and learning opportunities. The museum sometimes hosts events and fairs, so look for events on their website.
Entrance price: $18
http://heard.org
Heard Museum Entrance
Heard Museum EntranceNative American museum with interesting exhibits and learning opportunities. The museum sometimes hosts events and fairs, so look for events on their website.
Entrance price: $18
http://heard.org
Take in an opera or listen to the symphony perform! There is limited street parking and several parking garages within a block, including one on 2nd St between Adams and Monroe and one on 1st St between Washington and Adams.
59 locals recommend
Symphony Hall
75 N 2nd StTake in an opera or listen to the symphony perform! There is limited street parking and several parking garages within a block, including one on 2nd St between Adams and Monroe and one on 1st St between Washington and Adams.
The AZ Opera has regular shows at Symphony Hall downtown. A combination of guest artists from around the country and AZ permanent talent put on regular productions. For their calendar, see https://www.azopera.org. (AZ Opera headquarters and rehearsals are across from the Phx Art Museum).
24 locals recommend
Arizona Opera
1636 N Central AveThe AZ Opera has regular shows at Symphony Hall downtown. A combination of guest artists from around the country and AZ permanent talent put on regular productions. For their calendar, see https://www.azopera.org. (AZ Opera headquarters and rehearsals are across from the Phx Art Museum).
The first Friday of every month, come out and see the art walk across various parts of downtown Phx. Phx Art Museum is free; several hotels and other businesses host galleries, and you can see local artists' work while enjoying a fair style event. https://artlinkphx.org/first-fridays/
129 locals recommend
First Friday Roosevelt Row
333 E Roosevelt StThe first Friday of every month, come out and see the art walk across various parts of downtown Phx. Phx Art Museum is free; several hotels and other businesses host galleries, and you can see local artists' work while enjoying a fair style event. https://artlinkphx.org/first-fridays/
Parks & Nature
A short, steep hike up a mostly paved path, you can enjoy gorgeous views of the valley, city and other preserves.
98 locals recommend
North Mountain Park
10608 N 7th StA short, steep hike up a mostly paved path, you can enjoy gorgeous views of the valley, city and other preserves.
One of the most popular peaks to hike, this one requires about 1 hr or more for the ascent alone. Drink lots of water before setting off and bring plenty of water with you, especially when temperatures climb. Don't get caught in the dark up there...there are more helicopter rescues every week than you'd think possible.
Even if you choose to climb only part of it or take some of the lower trails, you will be rewarded by the feeling that you've stepped into a different, beautiful world.
489 locals recommend
Piestewa Peak
One of the most popular peaks to hike, this one requires about 1 hr or more for the ascent alone. Drink lots of water before setting off and bring plenty of water with you, especially when temperatures climb. Don't get caught in the dark up there...there are more helicopter rescues every week than you'd think possible.
Even if you choose to climb only part of it or take some of the lower trails, you will be rewarded by the feeling that you've stepped into a different, beautiful world.
This sweet, private park is lovely and peaceful. You hardly know that you are in a desert. There is a small, $5 entrance fee.
Take a stroll. Bring a book.
http://www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org
183 locals recommend
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
1125 N 3rd AveThis sweet, private park is lovely and peaceful. You hardly know that you are in a desert. There is a small, $5 entrance fee.
Take a stroll. Bring a book.
http://www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org
This is a beautiful spot for a long walk and a bite or drink at their tasty restaurant. Bring a book and chill on one of their many benches. There are small concerts many nights. Best on cooler days or evenings.
$22 entrance fee.
https://www.dbg.org
1231 locals recommend
Desert Botanical Garden
This is a beautiful spot for a long walk and a bite or drink at their tasty restaurant. Bring a book and chill on one of their many benches. There are small concerts many nights. Best on cooler days or evenings.
$22 entrance fee.
https://www.dbg.org
Great network of hiking and biking trails. There are lots of trailheads, so do a little looking to see which one suits.
As always, bring LOTS of water on any hike or biking expedition, especially when temperatures begin to rise. The dry air sucks water out of your body.
350 locals recommend
South Mountain Park
10919 South Central AvenueGreat network of hiking and biking trails. There are lots of trailheads, so do a little looking to see which one suits.
As always, bring LOTS of water on any hike or biking expedition, especially when temperatures begin to rise. The dry air sucks water out of your body.
Medium challenging hiking trails. Bring lots of water. It will surprise you.
1751 locals recommend
Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
East McDonald DriveMedium challenging hiking trails. Bring lots of water. It will surprise you.
Entertainment & Activities
Yoga, barre classes and massage, just around the corner. Sutra often offers discount packages for classes or trial memberships, so you can get in your practice during your stay.
http://www.sutrastudios.com
8 locals recommend
Sutra Studios - Midtown
2317 N 7th StYoga, barre classes and massage, just around the corner. Sutra often offers discount packages for classes or trial memberships, so you can get in your practice during your stay.
http://www.sutrastudios.com
For a bit larger pool inside a large park, check out the Encanto public pool. $3 per visit or $30 for 2 months let's you cool off!
Encanto Pool
2125 N 15th AveFor a bit larger pool inside a large park, check out the Encanto public pool. $3 per visit or $30 for 2 months let's you cool off!
Drinks & Nightlife
Check out the music groups coming through for concerts, or enjoy Saturday night flamenco in the cozy dining area. Great guacamole and drinks as well.
http://www.crescentphx.com
204 locals recommend
Crescent Ballroom
308 N 2nd AveCheck out the music groups coming through for concerts, or enjoy Saturday night flamenco in the cozy dining area. Great guacamole and drinks as well.
http://www.crescentphx.com
Great jazz venue. BYOB. BYOF. Entrance fees vary. Check out the shows online.
http://www.thenash.org
47 locals recommend
The Nash Jazz Club
110 East Roosevelt StreetGreat jazz venue. BYOB. BYOF. Entrance fees vary. Check out the shows online.
http://www.thenash.org
Getting Around
Line 7 will take you downtown near the ASU campus, public government, TGen and other spots. It will take you north to the VA Hospital. It picks up every ~20 during the week, so it is best to use the tracker app to time your arrival so you are not waiting in the sun! Both Sunshine Market and Walgreens listed in this guide sell passes. You can also order them online. https://www.valleymetro.org/fares
N 7th St & E Virginia Ave
Line 7 will take you downtown near the ASU campus, public government, TGen and other spots. It will take you north to the VA Hospital. It picks up every ~20 during the week, so it is best to use the tracker app to time your arrival so you are not waiting in the sun! Both Sunshine Market and Walgreens listed in this guide sell passes. You can also order them online. https://www.valleymetro.org/fares