Will & Zhenni's Guidebook
Micro Brewery & Taproom
Very close to the house, this is a good spot to sit down for a cold pint or grab a can to go.
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Wren House Brewing Company
2125 N 24th StVery close to the house, this is a good spot to sit down for a cold pint or grab a can to go.
Huss, a local brewing company has a taproom in a trendy little shopping center at Central Ave. & Camelback Rd. Lou Malnati's Pizzaria is right next to it.
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Huss Brewing Co.Taproom at Uptown Plaza
100 E Camelback RdHuss, a local brewing company has a taproom in a trendy little shopping center at Central Ave. & Camelback Rd. Lou Malnati's Pizzaria is right next to it.
This is another great tap room just a few minutes north on 24th street.
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The Wandering Tortoise
2417 E Indian School RdThis is another great tap room just a few minutes north on 24th street.
Breakfast & Coffee
This is nice little cafe just a few minutes west on McDowell Rd. They make in-house baked goods and take pride in their espresso drinks.
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Ollie Vaughn's
1526 E McDowell RdThis is nice little cafe just a few minutes west on McDowell Rd. They make in-house baked goods and take pride in their espresso drinks.
This is a nice little breakfast and coffee shop in the Coronado historic district.
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The Coronado PHX
2245 N 12th StThis is a nice little breakfast and coffee shop in the Coronado historic district.
There are a few Matt’s locations around Phoenix now. There is one closer to the Biltmore district and then there is one in downtown Phoenix - either location is good.
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Matt's Big Breakfast
825 N 1st StThere are a few Matt’s locations around Phoenix now. There is one closer to the Biltmore district and then there is one in downtown Phoenix - either location is good.
This is a modern breakfast place downtown on Central Ave. and they serve breakfast cocktails as well as great coffee. Good spot to set up with a laptop as well.
Ncounter
888 North 1st AvenueThis is a modern breakfast place downtown on Central Ave. and they serve breakfast cocktails as well as great coffee. Good spot to set up with a laptop as well.
Very close to the house; new little family-owned coffee shop; cozy and offers espresso and nitro brew
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Deseo Coffee
2330 E McDowell RdVery close to the house; new little family-owned coffee shop; cozy and offers espresso and nitro brew
Food scene
Glai Baan is a hidden gem that is about a mile north at 24th Street and Osborn Road. It is owned and operated by a husband and wife and they cook up some amazing Thai street food dishes. The restaurant is a converted old house with ivy all over the front. They have a little patio and a full bar too.
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Glai Baan
2333 E Osborn RdGlai Baan is a hidden gem that is about a mile north at 24th Street and Osborn Road. It is owned and operated by a husband and wife and they cook up some amazing Thai street food dishes. The restaurant is a converted old house with ivy all over the front. They have a little patio and a full bar too.
This is a nationally renown, well-reviewed, authentic Mexican restaurant that is 5 minutes away.
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Barrio Cafe
2814 N 16th StThis is a nationally renown, well-reviewed, authentic Mexican restaurant that is 5 minutes away.
This is unique new Mediterranean restaurant that is getting some popularity. It is a bit expensive for a lunch, but definitely worth a try.
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Pa'la
2107 N 24th StThis is unique new Mediterranean restaurant that is getting some popularity. It is a bit expensive for a lunch, but definitely worth a try.
I am a huge ice cream fan and this place hits the spot. While I am not vegan, if you are, this place is apparently compatible with your diet. The ice cream is soy based and everything they serve is vegan. It is in/near the Coronado historic district.
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Nami
2014 N 7th StI am a huge ice cream fan and this place hits the spot. While I am not vegan, if you are, this place is apparently compatible with your diet. The ice cream is soy based and everything they serve is vegan. It is in/near the Coronado historic district.
This is a great spot for ice cream right on Central Avenue. Central Avenue is the oldest avenue in Phoenix and home to many large old mansions and established businesses.
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Churn
5223 N Central AveThis is a great spot for ice cream right on Central Avenue. Central Avenue is the oldest avenue in Phoenix and home to many large old mansions and established businesses.
This place has amazing, authentic Chicago deep dish pizza. Highly recommended, especially if you haven't ever tried this place in Chicago. Phoenix is the only place beside Chicago that has a Lou Malnati's due to the amount of Chicago folk that live here.
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Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
100 E Camelback RdThis place has amazing, authentic Chicago deep dish pizza. Highly recommended, especially if you haven't ever tried this place in Chicago. Phoenix is the only place beside Chicago that has a Lou Malnati's due to the amount of Chicago folk that live here.
Local authentic mom & pop Mexican restaurant rated very well.
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Rosita's Place
2310 E McDowell RdLocal authentic mom & pop Mexican restaurant rated very well.
As a huge fan of authentic Chinese food, I recommend Chen's noodle house. He takes pride in his recipe which he has taken decades to perfect. No MSG, or any junk. Highly recommend the spicy beef noodle soup and the lamb noodle soup (house specialty). This is a small mom & pop place, casual relaxed vibe, and set right in the heart of the Arizona State University campus just across the Salt River in Tempe.
Chen's Noodle House
1043 E Lemon StAs a huge fan of authentic Chinese food, I recommend Chen's noodle house. He takes pride in his recipe which he has taken decades to perfect. No MSG, or any junk. Highly recommend the spicy beef noodle soup and the lamb noodle soup (house specialty). This is a small mom & pop place, casual relaxed vibe, and set right in the heart of the Arizona State University campus just across the Salt River in Tempe.
As a huge fan of authentic Chinese food, Spice Spirit offers delicious spicy Sichuan style cuisine. This is a bit further, as it is in Mesa, but Mesa is also home to a wide variety of very good authentic Asian restaurants. I highly recommend the spicy sichuan fried chicken, cauliflower dry pot, and water boiled spicy sichuan fish.
Spice Spirit Chinese Cuisine and Bar 麻辣诱惑
1955 West Main StreetAs a huge fan of authentic Chinese food, Spice Spirit offers delicious spicy Sichuan style cuisine. This is a bit further, as it is in Mesa, but Mesa is also home to a wide variety of very good authentic Asian restaurants. I highly recommend the spicy sichuan fried chicken, cauliflower dry pot, and water boiled spicy sichuan fish.
As a Japanese sushi lover that prefers sashimi and nigiri, rather than rolls, this is my go-to spot in Phoenix. It is in Scottsdale, and a small format mom & pop restaurant run by a Japanese family, and this place gets very very busy especially on the weekends, so make a reservation at least a few days in advance. Try sitting at the bar and order something you've never tried.
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Hiro Sushi
9393 N 90th StAs a Japanese sushi lover that prefers sashimi and nigiri, rather than rolls, this is my go-to spot in Phoenix. It is in Scottsdale, and a small format mom & pop restaurant run by a Japanese family, and this place gets very very busy especially on the weekends, so make a reservation at least a few days in advance. Try sitting at the bar and order something you've never tried.
This is a little Asian style beverage shop in Tempe near Arizona State University's campus. I recommend the Sun Devil boba drink, and the ice cream with waffle. Good place to stop by after dinner for a refreshment.
Mango Rabbit
1250 E Apache BlvdThis is a little Asian style beverage shop in Tempe near Arizona State University's campus. I recommend the Sun Devil boba drink, and the ice cream with waffle. Good place to stop by after dinner for a refreshment.
This is an ultra high end steak house in Scottsdale. If you have something to celebrate, deep pockets, and dinner attire, give it a try.
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Steak 44
5101 N 44th StThis is an ultra high end steak house in Scottsdale. If you have something to celebrate, deep pockets, and dinner attire, give it a try.
T. Cook's is an upscale restaurant within the historic Royal Palms resort. It is a nice place to stop by for a cocktail and appetizer, and definitely take a stroll around the gardens.
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T. Cook's at Royal Palms
5200 East Camelback RoadT. Cook's is an upscale restaurant within the historic Royal Palms resort. It is a nice place to stop by for a cocktail and appetizer, and definitely take a stroll around the gardens.
The Vig is a good spot for lunch or happy hour/dinner. There are 3 locations within easy driving distance from the house. One uptown, one downtown (Fillmore), and one in Arcadia.
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The Vig Arcadia
4041 N 40th StThe Vig is a good spot for lunch or happy hour/dinner. There are 3 locations within easy driving distance from the house. One uptown, one downtown (Fillmore), and one in Arcadia.
Z’s Greek is a good spot for a quick bite, or takeout. They have counter and drive through service and usually have ample parking in their lot. Lamb kebabs, gyros, and salads are all good.
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Z's Greek
4026 E Indian School RdZ’s Greek is a good spot for a quick bite, or takeout. They have counter and drive through service and usually have ample parking in their lot. Lamb kebabs, gyros, and salads are all good.
We recommend this mom & pop Persian style restaurant for dinner. It focuses on a lot of delicious vegetarian options but has good lamb, salmon, and chicken dishes too.
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Persian Garden Cafe
1335 W Thomas RdWe recommend this mom & pop Persian style restaurant for dinner. It focuses on a lot of delicious vegetarian options but has good lamb, salmon, and chicken dishes too.
Neighborhoods
The Coronado Historic district is a quaint neighborhood in Central Phoenix that is home to many unique homes and restaurants.
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Coronado
The Coronado Historic district is a quaint neighborhood in Central Phoenix that is home to many unique homes and restaurants.
Biltmore Area
Entertaining Restaurant and Bar
The Yard is a fun place to check out with a group. There are a couple locations and they are outfitted with an array of backyard games such as ping pong, bags, etc.
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The Yard
5640 N 7th StThe Yard is a fun place to check out with a group. There are a couple locations and they are outfitted with an array of backyard games such as ping pong, bags, etc.
This is a larger format restaurant, as opposed to a mom & pop style. Fun place for food and drinks and many people that work in the Biltmore district come here for lunch or happy hour.
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Blanco Tacos + Tequila
6166 N Scottsdale RdThis is a larger format restaurant, as opposed to a mom & pop style. Fun place for food and drinks and many people that work in the Biltmore district come here for lunch or happy hour.
Roosevelt Row is a recently developed Central Phoenix area with some trendy new bars and restaurants. It is in the center of all the historical districts. You can enjoy the arts district as well. People like to pose in front of the murals for Instagram - apparently there are tours just for that.
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First Friday Roosevelt Row
333 E Roosevelt StRoosevelt Row is a recently developed Central Phoenix area with some trendy new bars and restaurants. It is in the center of all the historical districts. You can enjoy the arts district as well. People like to pose in front of the murals for Instagram - apparently there are tours just for that.
Shopping and Restaurants
The Biltmore District is about 5 minutes north on 24th Street. It is home to the famous Biltmore resort, hotel, and golf course, historic Wrigley Mansion. The area is upscale and has many great dining and bar options.
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Biltmore Fashion Park
2502 E Camelback RdThe Biltmore District is about 5 minutes north on 24th Street. It is home to the famous Biltmore resort, hotel, and golf course, historic Wrigley Mansion. The area is upscale and has many great dining and bar options.
Scottsdale Fashion square is the luxury shopping capital of Arizona. If you’re looking for a day of shopping, this is your place.
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Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 E Camelback RdScottsdale Fashion square is the luxury shopping capital of Arizona. If you’re looking for a day of shopping, this is your place.
Whole Foods is in a shopping center about 3 miles (7 minutes) north of the house and also offers grocery delivery service. It’s is adjacent to Trader Joe’s, LA Fitness, Nordstrom Rack, and many other stores and places to eat.
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Whole Foods Market
4701 N 20th StWhole Foods is in a shopping center about 3 miles (7 minutes) north of the house and also offers grocery delivery service. It’s is adjacent to Trader Joe’s, LA Fitness, Nordstrom Rack, and many other stores and places to eat.
Trader Joe’s is about 3 miles (7 minutes) north of the house. It is located in a shopping center adjacent to Whole Foods, LA fitness, Nordstrom Rack, and other stores and places to eat.
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Trader Joe's
7720 W Bell RdTrader Joe’s is about 3 miles (7 minutes) north of the house. It is located in a shopping center adjacent to Whole Foods, LA fitness, Nordstrom Rack, and other stores and places to eat.
Sightseeing
Camelback Mountain speaks for itself. If you're a hiker, it's a must. There are two trails to the peak, one being harder than the other, so be sure to do a little further research online before going. However, be sure to prepare by going early (earlier the better as parking is limited; I might suggest taking an Uber/Lyft). Importantly, be certain to prepare by eating well beforehand and drinking and packing plenty of water. It is a very vertical hike and even has section with built-in railings to help climb up parts. It is very rocky and steep. Regardless, you will see people with babies strapped on their backs or with their dogs. A few times per year, hikers don't make it down by sunset or get injured and require helicopter evacuation, so be sure to stay on track. Highly recommended, but be prepared.
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Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
East McDonald DriveCamelback Mountain speaks for itself. If you're a hiker, it's a must. There are two trails to the peak, one being harder than the other, so be sure to do a little further research online before going. However, be sure to prepare by going early (earlier the better as parking is limited; I might suggest taking an Uber/Lyft). Importantly, be certain to prepare by eating well beforehand and drinking and packing plenty of water. It is a very vertical hike and even has section with built-in railings to help climb up parts. It is very rocky and steep. Regardless, you will see people with babies strapped on their backs or with their dogs. A few times per year, hikers don't make it down by sunset or get injured and require helicopter evacuation, so be sure to stay on track. Highly recommended, but be prepared.
The Phoenix Zoo is great for people of all ages. Locals even enjoy visiting annually during the holidays when they do "Zoo Lights". Great family excursion.
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Phoenix Zoo
455 North Galvin ParkwayThe Phoenix Zoo is great for people of all ages. Locals even enjoy visiting annually during the holidays when they do "Zoo Lights". Great family excursion.
The Desert Botanical Gardens is a must visit in my opinion unless you hate plants. Very vast and unique selection of desert landscaping with lots of photo opportunities. They also do seasonal events such as during Fall/Halloween season they light up the park and have pumpkins everywhere. Many locals get the annual pass because it is a better deal if you visit more than once per year or bring a couple guests with you.
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Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Gardens is a must visit in my opinion unless you hate plants. Very vast and unique selection of desert landscaping with lots of photo opportunities. They also do seasonal events such as during Fall/Halloween season they light up the park and have pumpkins everywhere. Many locals get the annual pass because it is a better deal if you visit more than once per year or bring a couple guests with you.
This is a Japanese style garden that is run very well and a great place to take a stroll and enjoy scenery. It is a few bucks to enter, but worth it if you enjoy a well maintained garden. They occasionally have events, such as tea ceremonies which you can sign up for.
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Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
1125 N 3rd AveThis is a Japanese style garden that is run very well and a great place to take a stroll and enjoy scenery. It is a few bucks to enter, but worth it if you enjoy a well maintained garden. They occasionally have events, such as tea ceremonies which you can sign up for.