Guidebook for Phoenix & Scottsdale
Shopping
Large chain drugstore and pharmacy with good selection. 2 minute drive.
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Walgreens
7939 E McDowell RdLarge chain drugstore and pharmacy with good selection. 2 minute drive.
Groceries and Essentials
This is a large premium grocery stores offering a variety of prepared foods that can be consumed on the premises and even had a bar inside to sample beer and wine and enjoy food. Nice place to stop.
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Whole Foods Market
4701 N 20th StThis is a large premium grocery stores offering a variety of prepared foods that can be consumed on the premises and even had a bar inside to sample beer and wine and enjoy food. Nice place to stop.
Small grocery chains with pretty good selection and quality. easy to get in and out of.
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Trader Joe's
7720 W Bell RdSmall grocery chains with pretty good selection and quality. easy to get in and out of.
AJ's Fine Foods
5017 North Central AvenueSpecialty groceries. Great selection at marked up prices.
Safeway
340 E McDowell RdA large, full service mid-level grocery store.
As Costco's aficiodaos ourselves we do a lot of our shopping at this nearby location. if you're like us you know this is the place to shop for larger groups, lots of home cooking and adult beverages of all kinds. Located close to a Fry's supermarket that will carry the little things you can't find here.
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Costco Wholesale
4502 E Oak StAs Costco's aficiodaos ourselves we do a lot of our shopping at this nearby location. if you're like us you know this is the place to shop for larger groups, lots of home cooking and adult beverages of all kinds. Located close to a Fry's supermarket that will carry the little things you can't find here.
Smaller scale grocery store with emphasis on healthy and organic foods. Includes a deli with prepared foods
Sprouts
4402 N Miller RdSmaller scale grocery store with emphasis on healthy and organic foods. Includes a deli with prepared foods
Food Scene
Green New American Vegetarian
2022 N 7th StVegetarian and Vegan food. $
The House Brasserie
6936 E Main StNew American & Bar. In house and yard $$$
One of our Top 3 favorites! American cuisine, steakhouse, sushi, cocktails. People go here to check out the scene and dinner at the bar is the prime viewing perch. Bets service in town. You may make reservations on their website. $$$
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Hillstone Restaurant
2650 E Camelback RdOne of our Top 3 favorites! American cuisine, steakhouse, sushi, cocktails. People go here to check out the scene and dinner at the bar is the prime viewing perch. Bets service in town. You may make reservations on their website. $$$
True Food Kitchen
15191 N Scottsdale RdHealth, organic food. $$
Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar
2502 E Camelback RdGreat burgers and try the bacon Bloody Mary! $$
The Parlor Pizzeria
1916 E Camelback RdGreat pizza and full bar. Can get busy on weekends. $$
Essence Bakery Cafe
3830 E Indian School RdGreat Breakfast, baked good and coffee. $
Good pizza and northern Italian food in modern and sleek barn with an inviting open kitchen. $$
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North Italia
4925 N 40th StGood pizza and northern Italian food in modern and sleek barn with an inviting open kitchen. $$
Casual atmosphere, tons of local microbrews. Sit on the back patio for great Camelback views. $$
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O.H.S.O. Eatery & nano-Brewery
4900 E Indian School RdCasual atmosphere, tons of local microbrews. Sit on the back patio for great Camelback views. $$
Good food, DJ-curated music on the weekends and nice cocktails in a unique downtown setting (this used to be a department store). Try the pizzas, the prosciutto and the midnight petite martini's. Check out the unique restrooms (former dressing rooms) and the haunted basement! $$
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Hanny's
40 N 1st StGood food, DJ-curated music on the weekends and nice cocktails in a unique downtown setting (this used to be a department store). Try the pizzas, the prosciutto and the midnight petite martini's. Check out the unique restrooms (former dressing rooms) and the haunted basement! $$
This casual and unassuming strip-mall Japanese restaurant is our favorite sashimi spot in town. Great tempura, soba noodles and much more. this place is BYOB with no corking fee so pick up plenty of sake or Asahi's on the way. The place is very busy and does not take reservations. Plenty of authenticity, but don't expect to wear the same shirt the next day unless you really loved the tempura! $$
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Hana Japanese Eatery
5524 N 7th AveThis casual and unassuming strip-mall Japanese restaurant is our favorite sashimi spot in town. Great tempura, soba noodles and much more. this place is BYOB with no corking fee so pick up plenty of sake or Asahi's on the way. The place is very busy and does not take reservations. Plenty of authenticity, but don't expect to wear the same shirt the next day unless you really loved the tempura! $$
This Italian restaurant is housed in a large bungalow house complete with outdoor seating in the front yard. Come for the atmosphere food and pizza has never been disappointed us. $$
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CIBO
603 N 5th AveThis Italian restaurant is housed in a large bungalow house complete with outdoor seating in the front yard. Come for the atmosphere food and pizza has never been disappointed us. $$
Long standing Phoenix gay-friendly restaurant at new modern and fun downtown location. Good for brunch, healthy options and drinks. Outdoor seating available. $$
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FEZ
105 W Portland StLong standing Phoenix gay-friendly restaurant at new modern and fun downtown location. Good for brunch, healthy options and drinks. Outdoor seating available. $$
Amazing breakfast in the heart of Central Phoenix. This hip counter service restaurant serves amazing food and was nominated for Best Breakfast in Phoenix. Try the Croque Madame sandwich. The sophisticated Mexican lady that owns the restaurant is planning to complement the coffee menu with cocktails and add dinner service soon.
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fàme caffe
4700 N Central AveAmazing breakfast in the heart of Central Phoenix. This hip counter service restaurant serves amazing food and was nominated for Best Breakfast in Phoenix. Try the Croque Madame sandwich. The sophisticated Mexican lady that owns the restaurant is planning to complement the coffee menu with cocktails and add dinner service soon.
Great brunch and dinner in uptown Phoenix. Inventive american Fusion, good cocktails and amazing breads baked on site. Atmosphere is great and brunch frequently includes live music. Can't get a table here? Many other good eateries are in the immediate vicinity.
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St. Francis
111 E Camelback RdGreat brunch and dinner in uptown Phoenix. Inventive american Fusion, good cocktails and amazing breads baked on site. Atmosphere is great and brunch frequently includes live music. Can't get a table here? Many other good eateries are in the immediate vicinity.
Great decor and outstanding, authentic Thai food at this upscale restaurant. Full bar with great cocktails. They are on UberEats.
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Soi 4 Bangkok Eatery
8787 N Scottsdale RdGreat decor and outstanding, authentic Thai food at this upscale restaurant. Full bar with great cocktails. They are on UberEats.
Farm themed restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale. Especially popular with the "Ladies who Lunch". Great for brunch, dessert and socializing. Romantic and intimate.
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Arcadia Farms Cafe
7025 E 1st AveFarm themed restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale. Especially popular with the "Ladies who Lunch". Great for brunch, dessert and socializing. Romantic and intimate.
Pita Jungle is a local chain of about a dozen small restaurant in Phoenix Metro. They serve mediterranean, healthy food. Try hummus, gyros, flatbreads, salads. Super speedy, friendly service and reasonable prices.
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Pita Jungle - Arcadia
4340 E Indian School RdPita Jungle is a local chain of about a dozen small restaurant in Phoenix Metro. They serve mediterranean, healthy food. Try hummus, gyros, flatbreads, salads. Super speedy, friendly service and reasonable prices.
This very cheap hole-in-the-wall place is actually worth driving across town for amazingly authentic and tasty Vietnamese food. Popular and usually packed with locals. You don't go here for decor or service, you go for the food. The pho is pho-ntastic but the menu is pages long.
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Da Vang Restaurant
4538 N 19th AveThis very cheap hole-in-the-wall place is actually worth driving across town for amazingly authentic and tasty Vietnamese food. Popular and usually packed with locals. You don't go here for decor or service, you go for the food. The pho is pho-ntastic but the menu is pages long.
This is our top recommendation for authentic Mexican food. The neighborhood isn't that exciting (although the graffiti art on the building is worth a look) but the food definitely is. This place is popular and usually requires a wait; no worries: amazing margaritas available at the tiny bar in the front of the restaurant.
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Barrio Cafe
2814 N 16th StThis is our top recommendation for authentic Mexican food. The neighborhood isn't that exciting (although the graffiti art on the building is worth a look) but the food definitely is. This place is popular and usually requires a wait; no worries: amazing margaritas available at the tiny bar in the front of the restaurant.
Upscale, top-notch Mexican food. Try the guacamole prepared table side.
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The Mission
3815 N Brown AveUpscale, top-notch Mexican food. Try the guacamole prepared table side.
Authentic Thai street-food style offerings. Amazing flavors in a welcoming house setting with patio. Try the laab or the amazing laab-sided cocktail.
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Glai Baan
2333 E Osborn RdAuthentic Thai street-food style offerings. Amazing flavors in a welcoming house setting with patio. Try the laab or the amazing laab-sided cocktail.
Brunch, lunch, cocktails. Great outdoor space and various indoor spaces as well. reservation recommended $$
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Ocotillo Restaurant
3243 N 3rd StBrunch, lunch, cocktails. Great outdoor space and various indoor spaces as well. reservation recommended $$
Elevated & upscale Italian food in a sophisticated ambiance. Great place for a special occasion or romantic dinner. $$$$
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Fat Ox
6316 N Scottsdale RdElevated & upscale Italian food in a sophisticated ambiance. Great place for a special occasion or romantic dinner. $$$$
Upscale & traditional steakhouse with amazing cuts of meat.The only place in town that makes a steak better than Jayson's. $$$$
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Steak 44
5101 N 44th StUpscale & traditional steakhouse with amazing cuts of meat.The only place in town that makes a steak better than Jayson's. $$$$
Delicious breakfast, lunch & brunch with craft cocktails. Indoor and outdoor. In Old Town Scottsdale. Tons of shopping & other restaurants at walking distance. $$
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Prep & Pastry
7025 E Via Soleri DrDelicious breakfast, lunch & brunch with craft cocktails. Indoor and outdoor. In Old Town Scottsdale. Tons of shopping & other restaurants at walking distance. $$
Upscale seafood experience form this newer restaurant by the creators of Steak 44. Near Old Town Scottsdale. $$$$
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Ocean 44
4748 N Goldwater BlvdUpscale seafood experience form this newer restaurant by the creators of Steak 44. Near Old Town Scottsdale. $$$$
A local favorite for great bruschetta boards and $5 wine glasses before 5pm. This is the original location housed on the site of the original Arcadia Post Office. Indoors and outdoors. Among the other locations we suggest the one in Scottsdale for its super cool decor and proximity to the house and the one Uptown for its indoor-outdoor bar & patio. $$
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Postino Arcadia
3939 E Campbell AveA local favorite for great bruschetta boards and $5 wine glasses before 5pm. This is the original location housed on the site of the original Arcadia Post Office. Indoors and outdoors. Among the other locations we suggest the one in Scottsdale for its super cool decor and proximity to the house and the one Uptown for its indoor-outdoor bar & patio. $$
Amazing flavors in these Latin small plates with a bit of a kick. And it's less than 5 minutes from the house - our closest restaurant.
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Vecina
3433 N 56th StAmazing flavors in these Latin small plates with a bit of a kick. And it's less than 5 minutes from the house - our closest restaurant.
Great seafood and ambiance. Raw bar and cocktail bar are both great. Try it for happy hour!
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Buck & Rider
4225 E Camelback RdGreat seafood and ambiance. Raw bar and cocktail bar are both great. Try it for happy hour!
Small Vietnamese and Asian fusion restaurant with great food, cocktails and intimate setting. Kitchen closes at midnight but try and book or call ahead during prime time.
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Belly Kitchen and Bar
4971 North 7th AvenueSmall Vietnamese and Asian fusion restaurant with great food, cocktails and intimate setting. Kitchen closes at midnight but try and book or call ahead during prime time.
If you enjoy hearty and somewhat spicy Mexican-inspired fare in an old-school dim dining room or bar setting, this is the place for you. Large portions.
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Dick's Hideaway
6008 N 16th StIf you enjoy hearty and somewhat spicy Mexican-inspired fare in an old-school dim dining room or bar setting, this is the place for you. Large portions.
Very tasty and affordable Mexican for in a casual and upbeat setting on Roosevelt Row.
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Taco Chelo
501 E Roosevelt StVery tasty and affordable Mexican for in a casual and upbeat setting on Roosevelt Row.
An essential selection of superb Mexican food. Casual counter service, high energy environment with a full bar in the walkable area or Roosevelt Row in DTPHX.
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Taco Chelo
501 E Roosevelt StAn essential selection of superb Mexican food. Casual counter service, high energy environment with a full bar in the walkable area or Roosevelt Row in DTPHX.
Everything Else
Frost Gelato at the Biltmore
2502 E Camelback RdNice gelato! $$
Arts & Culture
I love the permanent modern art collection here as well as the great temporary exhibits. The building is interesting too. Great for rainy days and hot summer days. Free Wednesdays.
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Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N Central AveI love the permanent modern art collection here as well as the great temporary exhibits. The building is interesting too. Great for rainy days and hot summer days. Free Wednesdays.
TripAdvisor rates this as #1 attraction in Phoenix. I have heard great things but have not be able to visit myself yet.
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Musical Instrument Museum
4725 E Mayo BlvdTripAdvisor rates this as #1 attraction in Phoenix. I have heard great things but have not be able to visit myself yet.
If you like Frank Lloyd Wright or are curious to learn more about this Great architect this is the place for you. Great setting and multiple tour options.
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Taliesin West
12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright BlvdIf you like Frank Lloyd Wright or are curious to learn more about this Great architect this is the place for you. Great setting and multiple tour options.
Parks & Nature
This is super close to our house and a great must-do whether you like plants or not. More cactus variety than you can image & great scenic setting. If a temporary light show is being offered arrive an hour before sunset to enjoy the gardens and stay until after dark for the light Show. In the summer, go early before the heat detracts from the exploration.
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Desert Botanical Garden
This is super close to our house and a great must-do whether you like plants or not. More cactus variety than you can image & great scenic setting. If a temporary light show is being offered arrive an hour before sunset to enjoy the gardens and stay until after dark for the light Show. In the summer, go early before the heat detracts from the exploration.
This is a great, popular hike and is very close to the house. Hike Phoenix's iconic Camelback mountain and take in sweeping 360 degrees view of the Valley of the Sun. Park on Invergordon Rd near Chaparral, just north of Camelback Rd. and walk to the Cholla Trail head. The trail starts out easy for all hikers with great views form the beginning. The trail gets steeper and the views get better. Reach a beautiful saddle point after about 45-60mins. If you feel more adventurous carry on for the steepest part of the hike all the way to the top. From the summit, backtrack or take Echo Trail to descend on the opposite side of the mountain from which you can uber back to your car.
Bring water and start early April to October.
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Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
East McDonald DriveThis is a great, popular hike and is very close to the house. Hike Phoenix's iconic Camelback mountain and take in sweeping 360 degrees view of the Valley of the Sun. Park on Invergordon Rd near Chaparral, just north of Camelback Rd. and walk to the Cholla Trail head. The trail starts out easy for all hikers with great views form the beginning. The trail gets steeper and the views get better. Reach a beautiful saddle point after about 45-60mins. If you feel more adventurous carry on for the steepest part of the hike all the way to the top. From the summit, backtrack or take Echo Trail to descend on the opposite side of the mountain from which you can uber back to your car.
Bring water and start early April to October.
This is a beautiful a relatively easy hike. Hike to the peak in 20 to 60 minutes using a trail or a paved road with no traffic.
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North Mountain Village
This is a beautiful a relatively easy hike. Hike to the peak in 20 to 60 minutes using a trail or a paved road with no traffic.
This is a beautiful and somewhat challenging hike. If you liked Camelback Mountain this is probably as spectacular, popular and challenging.
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Piestewa Peak Trails
7232 N Squaw Peak DrThis is a beautiful and somewhat challenging hike. If you liked Camelback Mountain this is probably as spectacular, popular and challenging.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is possibly the best known gay bar in town. At this sprawling country-western joint drinks are cheap and everything else is too. The very dark interior has a dance floor; the back patio welcomes smokers, beach volleyball aficionados and Mexican food you can buy from a food truck at a reach-thru hole. If you're looking for smaller crowds and a classier more sophisticated atmosphere head to Bliss-Rebar.
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Charlie's Phoenix
727 West Camelback RoadThis is possibly the best known gay bar in town. At this sprawling country-western joint drinks are cheap and everything else is too. The very dark interior has a dance floor; the back patio welcomes smokers, beach volleyball aficionados and Mexican food you can buy from a food truck at a reach-thru hole. If you're looking for smaller crowds and a classier more sophisticated atmosphere head to Bliss-Rebar.
A downtown modern, bright and pleasant gay bar with indoor and outdoor space. Popular on Sunday Sunday destination. Food is served next-door, including brunch.
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Bliss ReBAR
901 N 4th StA downtown modern, bright and pleasant gay bar with indoor and outdoor space. Popular on Sunday Sunday destination. Food is served next-door, including brunch.
Most popular gay bar in Scottsdale and a favorite across all of Phoenix. Includes occasional drag shows and a spectacular Halloween extravaganza.
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BS West
7125 E 5th AveMost popular gay bar in Scottsdale and a favorite across all of Phoenix. Includes occasional drag shows and a spectacular Halloween extravaganza.
Great cocktails in a sophisticated environment. If you're dining at the Biltmore you can cross Camelback rd on foot by using an underground tunnel that lets out close to Merc's.
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MercBar
2525 E Camelback RdGreat cocktails in a sophisticated environment. If you're dining at the Biltmore you can cross Camelback rd on foot by using an underground tunnel that lets out close to Merc's.
This bar and restaurant is an iconic destination near Old Town Scottsdale drawing crowds of all ages. The martinis are huge and delicious; the food a little bit less so. The ever-changing decor is always interesting and usually nothing short of mesmerizing. The outdoor seating patio facing the Civic Plaza park. Check out the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art only a 2 minute walk away.
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AZ/88
7353 E Scottsdale MallThis bar and restaurant is an iconic destination near Old Town Scottsdale drawing crowds of all ages. The martinis are huge and delicious; the food a little bit less so. The ever-changing decor is always interesting and usually nothing short of mesmerizing. The outdoor seating patio facing the Civic Plaza park. Check out the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art only a 2 minute walk away.
Tiny, super cool & completely hidden tiki bar. This small underground bar is in the basement "Sips", a jiffy-lube covered to a coffee-by-day, beer-by-night hip joint. Upstairs is fun but the magic happens underground at Undertow. Kitschy tiki decor has been perfected here: huddle around the bar in a recreated ship's hull, sipping delicious and very unusual pirate-life cocktails as you gaze at the ocean from the portholes.
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UnderTow
3626 E Indian School RdTiny, super cool & completely hidden tiki bar. This small underground bar is in the basement "Sips", a jiffy-lube covered to a coffee-by-day, beer-by-night hip joint. Upstairs is fun but the magic happens underground at Undertow. Kitschy tiki decor has been perfected here: huddle around the bar in a recreated ship's hull, sipping delicious and very unusual pirate-life cocktails as you gaze at the ocean from the portholes.
Rooftop bar in the heart of DTPHX. Enjoy view and cocktails. Music and occasional live DJ's $$
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Lustre Bar
2 E Jefferson StRooftop bar in the heart of DTPHX. Enjoy view and cocktails. Music and occasional live DJ's $$