1. Lick Your Fingers And The Bone Clean With The Best Barbecue In Phoenix
Little Miss BBQ
4301 E University Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 437-1177
Yelp: 5 stars, 340 reviews
Little Miss BBQ got their start as a competitive team, learning how to perfect the craft of barbecue against Arizona’s finest. They’ve now brought their skills (and trophies) to Phoenix.
Just, make sure to get here early. Their brisket and ribs are famous and they sell out fast.
2. Pomo Cucina Is Authentic Culinary Amore
Pomo Pizzeria
705 N First St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 795-2555
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 334 reviews
Take a seat in this welcoming pizzeria and dive into some complimentary limoncello and fried dough balls. Whether you’re looking for the best pizza or a plate full of something more unique like pineapple prosciutto, Pomo’s got that old-fashioned Italian experience you’ve been searching for.
Order the Margherita pizza and use the olive oil provided on the table to lightly drizzle each slice and eat your way to bliss.
3. Find Out How Scottsdale Rolls At ShinBay
ShinBay
7001 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
(480) 664-0180
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 130 reviews
This is the desert, not Mars. Did you honestly think that there wouldn’t be sushi? And you’ll find some of the best you’ve ever tried anywhere when you visit ShinBay in Scottsdale.
Even Wagyu beef from Japan is on the menu. And if you have a few extra dollars to spare, definitely don’t miss out on the five course tasting menu.
4. Spread Your Wings And Dine At Café Monarch
Café Monarch
6934 E 1st Ave
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 970-7682
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 305 reviews
At Café Monarch, you’ll fall in love with the romantic ambiance with white table cloths and wrought iron. Get a table on the patio and enjoy an unmatched menu that gets updated every day.
You’ll find dishes made with passion, like the pan roasted filet mignon, parmesan-gremolata tater tots, grilled asparagus, maiitake mushrooms, and a balsamic-beef jus emulsion which speaks for this restaurant more than any review could.
5. Get Extra Dirty At Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
1130 W Grove Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210
(480) 610-6750
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 206 reviews
At Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, it’s all about the dirty sauce. With an unbelievable assortment of delicious sandwiches to choose from, including gluten- and dairy-free options, you probably won’t even know where to start.
So, try the Bella on Dutch Crunch bread and go from there. But don’t forget to order it with extra bacon, just because you can.
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6. Find The Best Reason To Get Pasty
Cornish Pasty Company
1941 W Guadalupe Rd
Mesa, AZ 85202
(480) 838-3586
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 662 reviews
You know who doesn’t like pasties? Turncoats, that’s who. Come to Cornish Pasty Company in Mesa to experience all the pasties that your British cuisine-loving heart desires.
And if you’ve never experienced the joy of a pasty, think of it as a cross between a shepherd’s pie and Stromboli –a hearty meal stuffed inside of a perfectly flaky crust. Win-win.
7. Some Like It Hot At Tucson Tamales In Tucson
Tucson Tamale Company
2545 E Broadway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 305-4760
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 396 reviews
When you’re craving a tamale in Arizona, there’s definitely no shortage of places to go. But Tucson Tamales is the most optimal tamale experience in the Southwest.
Once you dive into a cup of the guac here, you’ll definitely be sold, but it’s the green salsa that will make you a Tucson Tamale loyalist until the end of time.
8. Find A Taste Of Jamaica At D’s Island Grill
D’s Island Grill Ja
3156 E Fort Lowell Rd
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 861-2271
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 99 reviews
One thing you don’t find too often around Tucson is a good Jamaican joint. But D’s Island Grill has filled that void. Start off with an order of plantains before moving onto the oxtail stew or some jerk chicken or a jerk burger with a side of rice and beans.
But the real surprise here are the jerk-flavored tacos which are some of the most flavorful and delicious fish tacos that you’ll find throughout Arizona.
9. Get In The Habit For A Good Burger
The Habit Burger Grill
1817 E Guadalupe Rd
Tempe, AZ 85283
(480) 456-8912
Yelp: 4 stars, 140 reviews
If you’re a Tempe local, you know that they’re the cornerstone to your entire diet thanks to The Habit Burger. Order the double charburger and pick from sides including fries, sweet potato fries, and onion rings and you’ll have yourself some fast food you won’t regret in an hour.
10. Get Your Conies In Tucson
Detroit Coney Grill
930 W Broadway Rd
Tempe, AZ 85282
(480) 219-7430
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 277 reviews
One hotdog is the same as any other hotdog, right? File that under “things a true hot dog lover would never be caught dead saying.” Detroit Coney is one of the few places that can do all of them right.
Smothered in the perfect blend of chili, mustard, and onions, it’s easy to knock back three of these bad boys in one sitting.
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11. It’s Always Tac-O’Clock Thanks To La Santisima
La Santisima Gourmet Taco Shop
1919 N 16th St
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 254-6330
Yelp 4.5 stars, 642 reviews
It’s pretty hard to mess up a taco. But it’s not always easy to make a taco that stands out. At Santisima’s, you won’t just find the best tacos, but you’ll also get the added bonus of some top notch churros.
And you have to see the salsa bar, which offers a variety of fresh made salsas with something for everyone to top off their chips and taco de elección.
12. Head To Glendale For The Best Pho
Little Saigon
7016 N 57th Ave
Glendale, AZ 85301
(623) 939-6136
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 203 reviews
Little Saigon in Glendale makes a huge splash in Arizona as one of the best places to find real Vietnamese dishes in the state. The egg rolls are crisp but never greasy and other items like the Vietnamese pancake, sweet and sour catfish, crispy noodles, and potstickers are always on point. One trip here and you’ll have your new go-to spot for all things Vietnamese.
13. Get Fancy In Flagstaff At The Cottage Place
The Cottage Place Restaurant
126 W Cottage Ave
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 774-8431
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 102 reviews
Have you ever seen a Beef Wellington more special than that? The food at Cottage Place makes it a gem in the crown of Flagstaff.
Some of the highlights include the scallops, rack of lamb, and a pistachio encrusted steak. If you have a few extra bucks, definitely go for the tasting menu.
14. Brunch Like A Boss At Butters Pancakes & Café
Butters Pancakes & Café
8390 E Via de Ventura
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(480) 629-4333
Yelp 4.5 stars, 375 reviews
When you have the word pancakes in your name, you better deliver on some fluffy breakfast delights. Luckily, Butters Pancakes & Café does just that and then some. Along with their oversized stacks, you can also load your table up with cheesy grits and a killer bacon cheddar omelet.
If you do go with the pancakes or French toast, make sure you get it topped with their amazing wildberry sauce.
15. Good Bar Grub And Lots of Nostalgia At The Whining Pig
The Whining Pig
1612 E Bethany Home Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 633-2134
Yelp: 5 stars, 187 reviews
The Whining Pig has a little bit of everything here for the perfect night out. Bring your friends to grab a drink from their huge selection of drafts, crafts, domestics, and wines as well as plenty to eat.
You’ll find lots of fancy bar food and snacks to keep you busy, and for the love of games, they have all kinds of awesome blasts from the past to keep you and your gang entertained and laughing through the night.
What’s your go-to for great grub in Arizona? Tell us in the comments below!
