Looking for a quick weekend getaway? You should consider Phoenix, Arizona for their up and coming foodie scene.

On my continuing quest for culinary exploration, I went to 9 different restaurant + bars and was blown away by the creativity and culture in Phoenix.

Now here are some of the best food and drink places to check out while you’re there:

1. Beckett’s Table 

The Deets: 

Hands down, Beckett’s Table is one of my favorite restaurants in Phoenix. The atmosphere is lively, the service is exceptional, and the food is one for the senses. In a true farm-to-table fashion, they source their ingredients locally and from farms within 30 miles of its kitchen. Needless to say, you can truly taste the freshness in every ingredient. 

What to order: I was blown away by their signature Short Ribs- the meat was so tender it practically melted off the bones. Their original Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup was another favorite- the outside was perfectly toasted while the inside was warm and melty. For dessert, their Chocolate Dipped Bacon S’mores was to die for. 

PS: Make sure you ask for a glass of wine. They won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the past five years in a row. 

Address: 

3717 E Indian School Road

Phoenix, Arizona 85018

beckettstable.com/

2. SHORT LEASH HOT DOGS & ROLLOVER DONUTS PHOENIX

The Deets: If you’re looking for that Instagram worthy photo, make sure to swing by Short Leash Hot Dogs.

They serve a unique twist on a classic favorite: hot dogs. But instead of using regular hot dog buns, they use naan bread. I’m all about saving calories and less carbs!

What to order: 

Bear hot dog – Gouda, bacon and caramel corn, and drizzled with peanut butter and barbecue sauce.

Moki dog- with green chiles, sauteed onions, chopped tomatoes, pinto beans, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise.

Address: 

2502 East Camelback Road

Phoenix, AZ 85016

https://shortleashhotdogs.com/

3. WINDSOR RESTAURANT PHOENIX

The Deets:

Windsor is a neighborhood bar with a great outdoor patio that is perfect for cocktails and drinks. Come here and enjoy the sunshine with a nice cold beer and a burger. 

What to order: Windsor style backyard burger with extra bacon!

Address: 

5223 N Central Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85012

http://windsoraz.com/

4. CHURN ICE CREAM PHOENIX

The Deets:

After cocktails and burgers at Windsor, head next door to Churn Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet treat. 

The best part? Their ice creams are ALL NATURAL, made with fresh ingredients and with no chemicals or preservatives.  

Hence why I got 4 scoops…. #GuiltFree!

Instagram Pro Tip:

Run over to the cassette tape wall for a quick Instagram moment.

Address: 

5223 N Central Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85012

http://churnaz.com/

5. PHOENIX PUBLIC MARKET CAFE

The Deets: 

If you’re looking for a fun casual spot to hangout with family or friends, this place has it all. They have large communal tables and a vast menu catering to all different tastebuds. If you happen to be here on a Saturday, be sure to check out their open air farmer’s market!

What to order: Menu items range from hearty sandwiches on house-baked bread, crisp salads, fresh-baked pastries, to slow-cooked meats hot off the wood-roasted rotisserie.

Address: 

14 East Pierce Street

Phoenix, Arizona 85004

https://phxpublicmarket.com/

 

6. STOCK & STABLE

The Deets: Stock and Stable is a beautiful restaurant serving American food with an Italian influence. Come here for brunch or dinner and you’ll be full to the brim. Each one of their dishes are extremely hearty, so I recommend ordering family-style to share.

Pro tip: The have a secret speakeasy upstairs through their back kitchen. Make sure to head up there for a drink before you leave.

Address:

5538 North 7th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85014

https://stockandstable.com/

BARS:

7. UNDERTOW TIKI BAR

The Deets:

If this isn’t the definition of a hidden gem, then I don’t know what is. There are no street or building signs. You either hear about it in passing or you know someone who knows about it.

You enter through Sip Coffee and Beer Garage, descend the thatched roof staircase and enter into a small little pirate ship. 

I’m telling you, the decor in here is insane. You literally feel like you’re on board Caption Hook’s ship with tons of booze and hidden treasures. 

Pro tip: You HAVE to make a reservation here (they recommend 8 days in advance) and if you’re 5 minutes late… chances are you’ve already lost your spot. So come early and plan ahead!

Address: 

3620 East Indian School Road

Phoenix, Arizona 85018

http://www.undertowphx.com/

8. TIPSY TEA AT THE BEES KNEES, CAMBY HOTEL

The Deets: 

Ladies, THIS is the spot to get all dolled up and drink boozy tea in the most elegant and chic setting. It’s a modern twist on tea time and I LOVE it. The ambiance is right. The drinks are right. The vibe is right. 

What to order: 

The high tea menu features lady finger sandwiches with herb ricotta & prosciutto, fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs and avocado crab salad sliders. 

To finish it off, make sure to get the dessert platter served on a bed of sprinkles!

Address: 

2401 E Camelback Road

Phoenix, AZ 85016

https://www.thecamby.com/dining/tipsy-tea

9. BITTER & TWISTED COCKTAIL BAR

The Deets: 

Located in a historic building with a speakeasy vibe, Bitter & Twisted has one of the coolest cocktail bar menus I have ever seen. Each page is thoughtfully illustrated with fairy tale themes and drinks.  

Not only are their drinks beautifully made, the presentation is also instagram-worthy. From honey bear jars to Coca Cola cans, be sure to take a picture before you leave!

They’ve also won a TON of awards:

Top 10 “World’s Best Cocktail Menu” 2017 Tales of the Cocktail®

“Best Martinis, Negronis & Punch” Phoenix NewTimes 2017

“Best Cocktails” Readers Choice: Best of the Valley Phoenix Magazine 2017

Address: 

1 West Jefferson Street

Phoenix, AZ 85003

https://bitterandtwistedaz.com/