Dylan-Dylan-Dylan's AZ Restaurant Thread

[amyzzz]

...so it's only fitting that 3 Dylans show up.

[M Sparks]

Went to La Piazza Al Forno. I haven't been to Bianco, so I can't compare, but it was pretty great. The crust was a little too "floppy", you couldn't really pick it up to eat, but man were the edges of the crust delicious and chewy. Absolutely zero wait (it was half empty), quick service, and 3 of us got out of there for $40 including a healthy tip. (But we didn't have wine, obviously.) We got an Italian Meats pie and a White Pie, both were great.

[Mr. Dylanja]

Thanks for the review Marc. What's with the floppy crust? Are we talking fold-and-eat type slices? How can people prefer that? Crunchy is so uncomparably better.

[sin213]

i thought bianco's pizza was "floppy" as well...tried to pick up a slice and it just dangled and all the toppings were sliding off. had to fold or use two hands.

brick's pizza was good too. not as good as bianco, but no wait at all and probably almost as good. so in my book, that makes it better than bianco.

[M Sparks]

I had to fold slightly (or eat with a fork), but they are small. Not like folding a giant NY style slice.

The chewy edges made up for it.

[Timestretch]

HAVE WE TALKED ABOUT STOCKYARDS?!

http://www.stockyardssteakhouse.com/

my dad used to go to this place as a kid when there were actual stockyards. if you're looking for a decent steak without getting too fancy, this is the place.

They have free ground chuck sliders M-F for happy hour. Good if you get them when they are fresh. Beers are about $4. I've never splurged on the steaks, though. $85 for the BeefnReef!

I just saw Franks-A-Lot hot dogs is still open on 40th and Washington. Haven't been there in about 8 years.

As others have said, Ritos (14th st. & Garfield), Carolinas (Mojave & 12th st.) and La Condesa (16th st. N. of McDowell) for great-cheap Mexican food. The mango pork and Oaxacan chicken tacos at Condesa are awesome.

Time to try some of the many suggestions on this thread

[I.F.A.]

I tried the new restaurant by the owners of Postino which opened this month. It's called Windsor (& Churn - Churn being an ice cream parlor next door).

Sat at the bar and had a small pitcher, which was only $5. Don't know if that's just a lunch hour special or what, but great deal. Same price as their pint. I had the kale Caesar salad (quite tasty, though the greens weren't quite chilled enough for it to get the highest marks) and fried okra (I love that they have this on the menu). The halibut bahn mi, of which I stole a bite from my dining partner, was also pretty tasty.

The service was a bit slow for a lunch spot, but I'll definitely be going back again. Would be a really good drink-after-work type spot (especially if the $5 small pitchers are an all day thing), though I'm not sure if they have HH specials. I also need to try the ice cream.

http://www.thehotsheetblog.com/2011/05/09/windsor-churn/

[sin213]

had lunch today at the CherryBlossom Noodle Cafe at 10th st/Camelback.

it was a nice place inside, not too many tables, but not too crowded either.

i had the Hatakata ramen with inari lunch special and it was really good. i dont have anything for comparison, as there aren't any places around that serve ramen. but i'll be going back to try the udon as well...which i can compare with a few places. the inari wasn't anything too special...i've definitely had better, which makes me a little hesitant to try their sushi items.

[Mr. Dylanja]

Dude, I can literally walk to CherryBlossom's in 2mins from my work :nono

[sin213]

yeah? next time i head over there i'll hit you up!

[I.F.A.]

Cherry Blossom is awesome. My favorite thing on the menu is the calamari salad. Their pad thai is also really good.

And the sushi is definitely not the greatest. Stick to the noodle dishes.

[insbordnat]

Zaytoon Kabob Bistro - Tatum and Greenway. Really good, authentic Persian kabob joint. I haven't seen much solid Persian in the valley, so this was a nice surprise. A little spendy (only one kabob on the "entree" plate) but with everything (salad or rice/pita/meat) you'll be filled. 2 of us spent $27 for a feast of chicken kabob, lamb kabob, rice, salad, sauteed eggplant, and tabboleh.

[faxman75]

The best BBQ I have had in Arizona was my dinner yesterday at Joe's Real BBQ in Gilbert. I got the sampler which included brisquit, pork slices a piece of chicken and 2 ribs. It also came with two sides and I got the mac n' cheese and cheesy potatoes. To drink I got home made root beer and it was the best root beer I have ever had, drank two full cups (I never drink soda so this was a treat). I also filled a couple of cups with their habanero bbq sauce. All for $15. The flavor of everything was just fantastic, it's pecan smoked bbq.

http://joesrealbbq.com/wp-content/themes/joesrealbbq/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://joesrealbbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/bbq_sampler_sml1.jpg&w=640&h=640&zc=1

http://joesrealbbq.com/

Next up is this place that i've heard so much about but have yet to try. The same owner as the bbq and all farm fresh food. I just have to figure out when to make the trek out to Gilbert again, this place is a bit further.

http://joesfarmgrill.com/

[Timestretch]

Let's just call 'em all Berto's.


I would be interested in hearing everybody's favorite wing's for those that eat them. I looooove me some chick'n wangs.

My favorite wings are at Oregano's although I don't like their pizza. The wings are a good size, have a good heat to them, all white meat, and all drums. Their crisp enough, but not the crispiest I've had. The medium wings are more of a dry rub so I had them add some of the honey mustard sauce to them (see picture).

Native New Yorker in Tempe use to have good wings ages ago. Now they are small, overpriced, and sometimes cold.

Long Wongs (on Thomas) tends to just flash fry their wings and serve them in a soup of oily wingsauce. The meat does not seem to be high quality.

[chairmenmeow47]

the long wongs on mill used to be superior to all other long wongs. i like native new yorker, but that's probably because they are cheap :p i also like streets of new york.

[Mr. Dylanja]

Oh, I'm glad you guys bumped this, because my search is over...



Zipps' Golden Medium - best wings in town.





I promise. HH 3-7 and 8-11 = double win.

[locachica73]

I have had them there, yes, they are good. Have you tried Brennen's yet? It is pretty close to you and they have some of the best wings I have had. Honey medium for the win. :)

[locachica73]

Also, Monday's they have 35cent wings and $5 pitchers of domestic beer.

[LickTheLizzard]

venezia's gold medium wings are good.

[NachoCat]

Venezias also has some of the best pizza in town. MMMMMMMMMMMM im hungry

[LickTheLizzard]

Venezias also has some of the best pizza in town. MMMMMMMMMMMM im hungry

do you go to the one on mill and southern?

[NachoCat]

Yeah ^

[LickTheLizzard]

my cousin works at that one. there is another one right next to my house at cooper and ray. i eat there far too often.

[westcoastpirate]

They have good lunch specials, I remember it was like $5 for 2 huge slices and a drink. That was a couple years ago though, Venezia's that is.

[drugks Gillespie]

AZ88. Killer burgers ($9) Amazing grilled cheese with bacon and tomato ($7.50) Nothing over $16.00 on the dinner menu.
Impressive bar. Award winning martinis. Very cool building tucked away in the Scottsdale civic center. Full menu every night til 12:30AM
Recommended: Hot Pepper Chicken Sandwich
Wisconsin Burger (not on menu)
AZ88 signature buffalo blue cheese chicken sandwich

[Timestretch]

i'll be eating some Venezia next week. It's close to work and I've had some colleagues recommend it.

[westcoastpirate]

Bumping this, just got back from lunch at Cibo. It's been about 3.5 years since the only time I've eaten there. I got the PLT (prosciutto, lettuce, and tomato). My wife had the eggplant sandwich. Today's lunch was way better than the first time I went there. We also got the Nutella Crepe with bananas which was great. Thumbs way up.

[captncrzy]

God, I love Cibo. I love those effing nutella crepes and their pizzas.

[NachoCat]

i'll be eating some Venezia next week. It's close to work and I've had some colleagues recommend it.

report back

[Timestretch]

It turned out be a good lunch spot like others mentioned. I would also think about ordering it if I had to feed a bunch of people. It wasn't that expensive and would probably please most folks. I didn't care too much for the crust. It seemed flaky (like a croissant) and tasteless. I prefer a more chewy crust. If you like a lot of cheese, this is a good pizza.

I might have mentioned this before, but I'm on the lookout for a good french dip sandwich (not an Italian Beef dip like Lukes). So far the best one's I've had are at Wallys on Camelback and the Stockyards (only on Thursdays between 12-2). Houstons has a good one, but I can't do $18 for a lunch sandwich too often. I love the Au Jus at Doc n Eddys in Tempe, but the sandwich itself is lunch-meat quality roast beef on something slightly better than a hotdog bun. I still need to try the one at Tricks. If there are any St. Louis transplants on here, I'm hoping for something similar to Lions Choice.

[LickTheLizzard]

arby's.

[Timestretch]

Rough! I get the similarity between LC and Arbys, but LC does use real (and good quality) roast beef. They have a deli slicer. I read somewhere that Arbys' roast beef is made from a processed gel.

Edit: I guess that's false: http://www.snopes.com/food/ingredient/arbys.asp, but I still won't do Arbys

[LickTheLizzard]

good to know.

[locachica73]

Have you tried Chompies for a french dip? I haven't had it there but all of the other sandwiches I have had there are amazing. I can't imagine the french dip not following that trend. They also have the best bagels and lox plate I have ever had.

Also, I kinda like Arby's french dip sub.

I had been trying to find a good mongolian bbq place and hit up AJ's Mongolian BBQ at Metro Center Mall... It was not good. :(

[Timestretch]

Chompies is a superior suggestion!

I like the YC's Mongolian on McClintock and Southern, but it's the first MBBQ I ever had so I'm probably biased towards it. I haven't been in there for a decade or so. When I lived in Texas I went to the worst MBBQ place that had diced ham, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, tacos.....The rural Texans weren't quite ready for an all Asian food place so they had to mix it up.

Here's a review from Yelp of that place that shows you the intellect of the community:
While it's a shame that this "Mongolian Fusion Grill" is now closed, as it added an interesting option in the community, we are not surprised it closed as every time my wife and I have drove by we have looked and jokingly said "Wow, it's still open?". Several reasons being that #1 there were never any cars in the parking lot, and #2 when we went in to eat once, we were confused by how to order. They had like a salad bar type thing, you were supposed to pick your meats and then they grilled them or you grilled them or something. While the staff was nice and tried to explain it to us, we couldn't figure it out.

[locachica73]

Yeah, that was how it was at the place we went, just a salad bar full of toppings and no real advice on how to make it work. I have heard good things about YC's also but it is kind of far for us, we are in North Phoenix. They are building a new place over by PV mall called Genghis Mongolian BBQ or something like that but it isn't open yet. I am hoping it's good, there are others all over the valley, has anyone tried it yet?

[faxman75]

Oh, I'm glad you guys bumped this, because my search is over...



Zipps' Golden Medium - best wings in town.





I promise. HH 3-7 and 8-11 = double win.

Oh how I miss Zipps and you are right about their wings. None better. I like the Ivysaur suggestions as well. I've had all of those.

I used to work right by the Zipps on Hayden and Via Ventura. Luch was one of two things. Golden Wings or the kick ass awesome Buffalo Fuccacia. Holy shit those were both fantastic.

[NachoCat]

^ I think im going to go test these "best wings in phoenix" tonight.

[NachoCat]

Dylan's right on the Zipps wings. Also 3.75 for 32oz draft beers aint too shabby either.

/swag


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad53/nachocat/IMG_20110711_184947.jpg

[captncrzy]

Zipps has good burgers too.

[westcoastpirate]

They recently opened a Zipps at 16th St and Bethany Home Rd.

[locachica73]

oooh... that is a somewhat central happy hour location. That is good to know for future reference. Thanks.

[I.F.A.]

That is so by my house. I am officially behind using it as a happy hour location. :)

[amyzzz]

That is so by where I grew up.

[I.F.A.]

My birthday is in a few weeks, and I was thinking of arranging some sort of meet up for those inclined. I might make that the location.

[amyzzz]

I eat burgers now, so I'm in.

[Mr. Dylanja]

drinkzzz

[amyzzz]

No just burgers.

[Mr. Dylanja]

shotzzz

[amyzzz]

You're going the wrong way!

[Mr. Dylanja]

Abzzzynthe!

[westcoastpirate]

Four Lokozzz

[Timestretch]

Chompies French Dip. At $15+ with a Coke I wouldn't get it again. The quality of the roast beef was above average, but it's not a great french dip especially considering how good their corned beef and pastrami looks. I'll definitely go back to try those. The roast beef was good, but I really like places that can serve it medium rare so it's moist and tender. I'm probably being too picky.

Chompies
http://i53.tinypic.com/3144gt3.jpg

Wally's on Camelback
http://i55.tinypic.com/qmyzdj.jpg

[Timestretch]

Thanks to everyone that recommend DeFalcos. It's amazing. I got the Philly cheese-steak on the first trip. It looks like wet dog food and spooge, but it was damn good and the only place that knows how to get the cheese right (liquidity rather than just melted).

http://i55.tinypic.com/33cucnm.jpg

Went back and had to get the French dip and meatball. Both were awesome. The bread doesn't look like much, but it's got a crisp crust and is soft inside. It held up well for all three sandwiches.
http://i55.tinypic.com/3bl6u.jpg

Also tried Spinatos for the first time after I met someone on a train in NJ that recommended it. The sauce is sweet and the sausage could have been spicier, maybe with some fennel, but it was really good.
http://i53.tinypic.com/dd0qs5.jpg
I also hit up Phoenix Pizza House on Van Buren and 48th st. They have this wing and slice combo for $8 or $9.
http://i51.tinypic.com/33nxiqg.jpg

[locachica73]

I use to work by Phoenix Pizza House and ate there often, I use to order the two slices with a drink and add pepperoni and feta cheese, yummm. I love the crust.

Nick and I found a new favorite sushi spot. Yasu Shushi Bistro on 44th Steet & Cactus just west of PV mall. So fucking good. It is a little more spendy but the fish is so much fresher and they also have several non sushi items on the menu, they grill fish and steak as well. When you get there they hand you like 5 menus, which can be a little confusing but they are all very helpful and will explain anything on the menu as well as give you recommendations for new items to try. I highly recommend it.

[NachoCat]

R&R in Scottsdale has an amazing happy hour 3-7 & 10-12

1/2 off Draft beer, well drinks, all wine and Margaritas. $5 Small plates including Ahi/Veggie Tacos, animal fries , sliders etc

My friends got the Ahi tacos which they said where reallllly good. I had the sliders which were also top notch. High quality food with 1/2 price drinks. You really cant beat the price in Scottsdale. I'll take pics next time.

http://www.rnrscottsdale.com/home.html

[insbordnat]

Chris Bianco is planning on opening a new restaurant at the Town & Country (Camelback & 20th), which is a grenade's toss from my office. He's going to open up a bar there too similar to the Pizzeria Bianco setup. It's going to focus on pasta (fresh pasta) and be trattoria style italian instead of pizzas or sandwiches.

In similar news, the Town & Country is being rumored to be getting a Whole Foods and Nordstrom Rack, the former I'm happiest about. That shopping center is dying and it's nice to see new $$ being pumped in there.

[Timestretch]

Calzone from Spinato's. It's really just their medium pizza folded over. I just had ricotta, mozzarella, and pepperoni in it so it was kind of thin for a calzone. But it was good and a lot easier to eat than the traditional thick ones. I'm starting to become addicted to their sweet sauce. There's a slice missing from the photos.


http://i43.tinypic.com/k1vt6f.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/5w065x.jpg

[westcoastpirate]

I got to hit Pizzeria Bianco for my birthday a couple weeks ago. I went with some co-workers for lunch. We were worried about a line so we walked over and got there about 5 minutes before 11am on a Monday. I think we were paranoid because there was no one there. They opened the doors and we got a table for 8 immediately. No one else showed up for another 15 min or so. So I highly recommend going for an early lunch in the beginning of the week if you don't want to deal with a line.

Now about the food...it was EXCELLENT! I had eaten at Bianco's once before, and this recent trip blew the prior experience to shreds. I had the best slice of pizza of my life, a fresh piece of a Rosa pie. All the slices I had of the various kinds of pizza on this trip were great to outstanding, along with the salads. The food combined with no wait and exceptional service made me a huge backer of Pizzeria Bianco. Thumbs way up. And thanks to my co-workers for picking up the tab!

[westcoastpirate]

Has anyone been to O.H.S.O. Eatery + Nanobrewery in Arcadia? I really really really want to check it out. They took over the German place where they had Cheap Thrills.

[Timestretch]

Pepe's Taco Villa off I-17 and Camelback. This is the #14, chicken mole enchiladas for $10.50. I don't think this lived up to the hype on Yelp, but it was pretty damn good. The chicken was fairly moist and all white meat. The mole was good, but not great. It tasted like standard mole, but there wasn't anything distinctive about it that would have me raving about the flavor. The red hot sauce was made for pasty old people. It tasted closer to ketchup than hot sauce, but the verde was good and had a little more spice to it. Will definitely do this again. This seemed better than most chains around town for Sonoran style Mexican food.

http://i39.tinypic.com/10mnfo5.jpg

[Mr. Dylanja]

Thanks for the write up, Timestretch. My personal favorite Mexican food place in that area is Los Compadres on the west side of 7th Ave. north of Indian School, on the west side. Admittedly their salsa doesn't quite do it for me, the food's flavor really makes up for it. Cheese crisp with guacamole for an appetizer is excellent and the green chile chimi is my favorite, but everything is good.

I'm going to Fogo de Chao tomorrow for my birthday, I'll report back.

[westcoastpirate]

Did you ever hit up the La Piazza Al Forno, the Glendale version of Pizzeria Bianco, Dylan? I was thinking about checking it out for our wedding anniversary. Actually, I'll take any westside restaurant suggestions.

[Timestretch]

New Times top 10 wings: http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2012/05/hot_wings_phoenix_best_buffalo_chicken.php

I definitely like their 6-10 picks. Haven't had their top choices.

[Mr. Dylanja]

That's A Wrap on Camelback just east of 7th St.

Vegetable bowl, brown rice with avocado and grilled tofu added on. Side of tomato soup. I think it comes out to $9.10, and I get water instead of a fountain drink.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/7117707359_70aa3f3d4f.jpg

They obviously pride themselves on wraps and oddly enough, I've never tried one. I can't pry myself away from the bowls. This place is great, they play good music too.

[sonnyboy11]

^That thing looks f'in beautiful. Is that what I am eating prior to Kings/Yotes game 1? If so, shiat is shapin up nice.

[Mr. Dylanja]

Sadly no. I don't think there's a unanimous go-to spot at West Gate among the Arizona group, it's mostly chains. There's one well reviewed Italian/Pizza place that none of us have ever tried.

[NachoCat]

The golden medium at Zipps are really good. I did find better wings though. Baseline sportsgrill has some really excellent wings. First off they are massive. Also, they only serve the drumsticks. 2 dozen wings? ALL drumsticks no matter what. Honestly I forgot which flavor I liked best Ill have to go back but rest assured they have some of the best wings in AZ.

[captncrzy]

Did you ever hit up the La Piazza Al Forno, the Glendale version of Pizzeria Bianco, Dylan? I was thinking about checking it out for our wedding anniversary. Actually, I'll take any westside restaurant suggestions.

Haus Murphy's.

[captncrzy]

^That thing looks f'in beautiful. Is that what I am eating prior to Kings/Yotes game 1? If so, shiat is shapin up nice.

Not much but chains at the Westgate area (Native New Yorker, Yardhouse, Big Fat Greek Shit). Some decent stuff in downtown Glendale:

Haus Murphys (German food and beerz)
Pizza al Forno or whatever
La Perla Cafe

[westcoastpirate]

Haus Murphy's.

What about for non-meat eaters?

[captncrzy]

Facists

They have a couple vegetarian things but meh.


http://hausmurphys.com/Dinner.html

[Somewhat Damaged]

Fascists.

[faxman75]

New Downtown Phoenix Dining Guide is out.

http://bluetoad.com/publication/?i=115378

[Mr. Dylanja]

You shoud hit up Zoe's Kitchen for lunch. A lot of twists on chicken dishes with a Greek touch, and all lunches come with chips and 1 side (pasta salad, coleslaw, etc...). They also have bomb chocolate cake.

Zoe's Kitchen - Chicken Salad Fruit Plate
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/7436023822_7c884fb044_z.jpg

I'm not huge on Zoe's but it is convenient for me. I usually stick with the salad/fruit plate or the grilled chicken sandwich. It's a $10 lunch, and it's not really worth the price, imo.

[NachoCat]

The breakfast buffet at AZ Grand resort is phenomenal. Cant say that for the rest of the resort but holy damn that breakfast is good. Great view too, especially if you are on the patio. Its right on the golf course. It was $17 which includes drink (I got coffee) They have everything! High quality breakfast anything. I'm going to convince my GF to go back there this Sunday and I'll take some pictures.

[Timestretch]

The breakfast buffet at AZ Grand resort is phenomenal. Cant say that for the rest of the resort but holy damn that breakfast is good. Great view too, especially if you are on the patio. Its right on the golf course. It was $17 which includes drink (I got coffee) They have everything! High quality breakfast anything. I'm going to convince my GF to go back there this Sunday and I'll take some pictures.

nice. Does $17 include mimosas or a bloody mary?

[Mr. Dylanja]

Anybody have any good eats lately?

[TallGuyCM]

Not that it means much, because he usually just visits the hyped places that tend to me massively overrated, but Adam Richman dropped the name of this place on Kimmel's show last week, talking about his new show Best Sandwich in America:

http://pizzeriabianco.com/pane/

[Timestretch]

I had the wings at Rose and Crown a few nights ago. They were excellent. The sauce is closer to a mole than the traditionally hot wing sauce. It's not chocolate based, but dark and thick. The fries were also good. I didn't see your post about Los Compadres before, but I use to work on 5th and Indian School and we would eat there almost everyday.

Pane: I dig their sandwiches, but they are closer to a snack for me than a meal.

[captncrzy]

Brat Haus. Duh.

[westcoastpirate]

I haven't eaten at Tediberto's yet, but I am extremely intrigued to check out a vegan Mexican food joint. It's close to my work so I'll probably hit it up for lunch sometime soon.

[Mr. Dylanja]

Has anybody been to Tuck Shop (http://www.tuckinphx.com/index.html)? Looks like a pricier version of The Main Ingredient, amirite?

[captncrzy]

Haven't been. Looks to rich for my blood.

[westcoastpirate]

Has anybody been to Tuck Shop (http://www.tuckinphx.com/index.html)? Looks like a pricier version of The Main Ingredient, amirite?

It's supposed to be good with really good drinks. I personally haven't been there, but a couple friends have.

[westcoastpirate]

FYI, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am-4pm=$5 bean+cheese burrito, chips, and a beer at Crescent Ballroom. I've been hitting it up pretty regularly on Thursdays.

[amyzzz]

Some of us will be there tonight. The problem is I can't be there until after 6. :(

[westcoastpirate]

Some of us will be there tonight. The problem is I can't be there until after 6. :(

I was just there! I can't make it tonight, but I hope you have fun!

[Somewhat Damaged]

Some of us will be there tonight. The problem is I can't be there until after 6. :(

So looking forward to this. Shitty day, so it'll be great to cap it off with drinks for your birthday. :)

[Mr. Dylanja]

Has anybody been to Tuck Shop (http://www.tuckinphx.com/index.html)? Looks like a pricier version of The Main Ingredient, amirite?

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/TuckShop.jpg

Chicken & Waffles @ Tuck Shop -- Nestled in the heart of Downtown Phoenix's historic Coronado neighborhood this tiny eatery serves up huge plates of citrus-brined crispy chicken with their airy white cheddar waffles smothered in sweet butter and a generous helping of charred and salted green beans sandwiched in the middle. This is comfort food at it's finest! Make sure your hungry or bring a friend to share this monster sized dish with and don't forget to pair it with a Dark & Stormy made with housemade ginger ale.

[Mr. Dylanja]

Taken from the Best Fried Chicken in the Valley. (http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2012/09/favorite_phoenix_fried_chicken.php)

Has anybody been to Mrs. White's? I've read and heard horror stories about the customer service, but it's supposed to be the best southern food in town.

[Timestretch]

Went to Point in Thyme at Tapitio Cliffs for day 1 of restaurant week. $30 for a glass of wine (cheap but ok) any app, entree, and dessert. Service is excellent and the food is good (not great). The filet was seared really good, but it seemed like a cheaper cut of meat and maybe I'm just really picky getting grass fed steaks lately. The cheese grits were awesome. The short-ribs were super tender and had good flavor, while the horseradish mash potatoes could have been spicier. The portions were large and everyone left stuffed. For $30 I'd do it again, but it's not somewhere I would go paying full price. We also went to St. Francis on Camelback and loved it. The ambiance of their patio is really cool for happy hour and the apps we sampled were all top notch.

More to come as I'm taking advantage of this week.

Stockyards: $30 for a cup of chili (very tasty), 8oz prime rib dinner, and pecan pie with bourbon whipped cream. The prime rib was super tender (better than Durants). My complaint is they had a horseradish cream instead of just horseradish so it was not as spicy as I like. The pecan pie was loaded with pecans rather than the normal filling, but very good. It was super dense and nobody could finish their slice. Overall, great value. The other entrees were salmon and buffalo meatloaf.

Cheuvront: A wine bar so great wine and cheese selection. I had the pork belly (really well done and mixed with a lemon sauce), lamb burger (cooked perfectly, but a little too much gruyere cheese since lamb is really subtle. And the frites were not crispy.), and the chocolate bouchon was excellent. The pairing with a light butterscotch ice cream was really damn good. $30 total and an additional $15 with a wine pairing. I would skip the wine pairing and go with a bottle (and a port for dessert) since their selection is much better than the wines they give you with the pairing. Food came out really slow, but otherwise this was a great deal.

[locachica73]

I just tried a place out by my work called Blue Burger Grille, it's out at 93rd Ave & Northern, it was so good. They also have one in Chandler, Scottsdale and Pinnacle Peak. I don't usually rave about burgers but the Blue Burger was amazing. Gorgonzola cheese, carmalized onions and applewood bacon, yum. http://www.bluburger.com/

[Timestretch]

I just tried a place out by my work called Blue Burger Grille, it's out at 93rd Ave & Northern, it was so good. They also have one in Chandler, Scottsdale and Pinnacle Peak. I don't usually rave about burgers but the Blue Burger was amazing. Gorgonzola cheese, carmalized onions and applewood bacon, yum. http://www.bluburger.com/

Looks good!. I need to try this place. Speaking of hamburger places, I went to Deluxe last week and got a single roast beef slider with horseradish and au jus before my burger. It was one of the better takes on a French Dip that I've had in Phoenix. I might get a full order next time instead of the burger.

I've also tried out a few new Mexican places. This place, http://www.yelp.com/biz/asadero-norte-de-sonora-phoenix, Asadero Norte De Sonora had great barbacoa and al pastor (pork) tacos. It's on 16th St. South of Van Buren. The pollo dinner was also good and everything was cheap. I'll probably start going here for tacos instead of Condesa.

A week before I went to Marisco's Playa Hermosa also on 16th St (http://www.mariscosplayahermosa.com/). Ate the Shrimp Endiablado. There's a pic on their website. A good portion of shrimp (although overcooked) in a spicy red sauce. I though it was really good, but my friend though it was ok. They also give you a free ceviche tostada and the beer was cheap.

Both of these places close at 8.

Then my favorite was Los Taquitos (http://www.ltgrill.com/) on Elliot off the I-10. Cheap and small tacos. Got the pastor, Asada, and fish (grilled!). Hot sauce was also hot, but still have flavor. I also had an enchilada that was a small corn tortilla with cheese. The sauce was great, but the enchilada itself was underwhelming. Super tasty though.

[insbordnat]

Awesome. I love getting good recommendations for mex food. Nice to hear Deluxe can put out good food still, they've been getting beat up lately.

I'm going to ShinBay this weekend for a post VD dinner. Google it, 'nuff said.

[Timestretch]

went back to Los Taquitos and took pics. Cheese enchilada, carne taco and two pork tacos (no onions). They have a green and red hot sauce that are both awesome. All this and a drink was $7.00.

http://i46.tinypic.com/3rn9t.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/6nqag0.jpg

[captncrzy]

Tetherball, anyone?

Restaurateur and James Beard Award nominee Sam Fox is no stranger to opening new concepts, but The Yard may be his most ambitious one to date.

See also:
- Scratch Pastries to Open Phoenix Location in February
- Old Dixie's Food Truck Finds Brick-and-Mortar Home at Welcome Diner

Teaming up with Todd Chester, a developer with WDP Partners, Fox has redeveloped a 53,000-square-foot space into a multi-use urban dining and hangout lounge. Located at a former motorcycle garage near the intersection of Seventh Street and Montebello in north Central Phoenix, The Yard will feature several concepts, including a third location of Fox's trendy gastropub Culinary Dropout, set to open at 11 a.m. Monday, February 11.

Here's what guests can expect:

Unlike its other locations in Scottsdale and Las Vegas, the latest version of Culinary Dropout at The Yard will feature a massive patio, live music on the weekends, and lawn games like ****-pong, cornhole, and tetherball on a 1,400-square foot turf. The restaurant will be headed up by 29-year-old chef Andrew Ashmore, who has been with Fox Restaurant Concepts for the past four years.

And in mid-March, The Yard will introduce Little Cleo's Seafood Legend, Fox's first seafood and oyster bar. Plans also are in the works to add future merchants to the space.

"We want The Yard to eventually be the place in north Central Phoenix you come early in the morning to enjoy your coffee outside in our yard, meet for a business lunch, return for happy hour on the patio, stay for dinner at one of the restaurants, and then enjoy lawn games as the night winds down," says Fox.

The Yard
5632 North Seventh Street (just south of Bethany Home Road)
602-680-4040


http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-yard-phoenix-3

[westcoastpirate]

went back to Los Taquitos and took pics. Cheese enchilada, carne taco and two pork tacos (no onions). They have a green and red hot sauce that are both awesome. All this and a drink was $7.00.

http://i46.tinypic.com/3rn9t.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/6nqag0.jpg

Los Taquitos is less than a mile from our home. We get food there often. It's pretty good. They had a surge in business after they were featured on Guy Fieri's show on the Food Network. I was sitting in the restaurant waiting for my to-go order a few weeks ago and a group of people came in and asked the counter person to give them whatever Guy Fieri ordered when he came to Los Taquitos. The episode where Los Taquitos was featured is well over two years old. SMH.

Los Taquitos also opened up a second location near 16th St and Glendale.


Tetherball, anyone?

Restaurateur and James Beard Award nominee Sam Fox is no stranger to opening new concepts, but The Yard may be his most ambitious one to date.

See also:
- Scratch Pastries to Open Phoenix Location in February
- Old Dixie's Food Truck Finds Brick-and-Mortar Home at Welcome Diner

Teaming up with Todd Chester, a developer with WDP Partners, Fox has redeveloped a 53,000-square-foot space into a multi-use urban dining and hangout lounge. Located at a former motorcycle garage near the intersection of Seventh Street and Montebello in north Central Phoenix, The Yard will feature several concepts, including a third location of Fox's trendy gastropub Culinary Dropout, set to open at 11 a.m. Monday, February 11.

Here's what guests can expect:

Unlike its other locations in Scottsdale and Las Vegas, the latest version of Culinary Dropout at The Yard will feature a massive patio, live music on the weekends, and lawn games like ****-pong, cornhole, and tetherball on a 1,400-square foot turf. The restaurant will be headed up by 29-year-old chef Andrew Ashmore, who has been with Fox Restaurant Concepts for the past four years.

And in mid-March, The Yard will introduce Little Cleo's Seafood Legend, Fox's first seafood and oyster bar. Plans also are in the works to add future merchants to the space.

"We want The Yard to eventually be the place in north Central Phoenix you come early in the morning to enjoy your coffee outside in our yard, meet for a business lunch, return for happy hour on the patio, stay for dinner at one of the restaurants, and then enjoy lawn games as the night winds down," says Fox.

The Yard
5632 North Seventh Street (just south of Bethany Home Road)
602-680-4040


http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-yard-phoenix-3

My friends went there the day it opened and loved it. The only spot open in the Yard at the moment is Culinary Dropout.

[chairmenmeow47]

jen, sounds fun. also sounds like the old montessori near arrowhead. you could grill (their food, you grill) and play volleyball.

[westcoastpirate]

jen, sounds fun. also sounds like the old montessori near arrowhead. you could grill (their food, you grill) and play volleyball.

Holy crap, I haven't heard anyone mention the Montessori in a long time. Hahaha, we used to go there when I was younger and lived on the westside. I thought they had one in Mesa too.

[captncrzy]

Oh my god. I just realized the game of p - i - n - gpong is missing the first four letters. HAHAHHAAA

[amyzzz]

I think there is a similar place in Mesa, called The Monastery. We tried to meet my sister-in-law and her husband there for dinner, but they did not allow children there after 7pm because of the outdoor bar.

[Timestretch]

Oh my god. I just realized the game of p - i - n - gpong is missing the first four letters. HAHAHHAAA

Why is that? What happened in the past on the board where someone had to censor it?

[RotationSlimWang]

Oh my god. I just realized the game of p - i - n - gpong is missing the first four letters. HAHAHHAAA

I don't get why you're laughing about this. That word being censored is something that has existed for years and I know has been brought up at least like forty fucking times. In what possible world does it deserve all caps laughter?

[captncrzy]

I had way too much caffeine this morning.

[westcoastpirate]

I think there is a similar place in Mesa, called The Monastery. We tried to meet my sister-in-law and her husband there for dinner, but they did not allow children there after 7pm because of the outdoor bar.

That's exactly what it was, it was called the Monastery. They had one in Peoria, Central Phoenix, and Mesa.

[chairmenmeow47]

anyone know of good places to eat & grab a beer in ahwatukee or on mill with WiFi? i'm at macayo's, but the music is so fuxking shitty. beiber, fun, etc.

[chairmenmeow47]

i forgot how fantastic comedor guadalajara is. just south of downtown. we went there before birds n' beer at the audubon (also fabulous).

http://www.comedorguadalajara.com/

[westcoastpirate]

anyone know of good places to eat & grab a beer in ahwatukee or on mill with WiFi? i'm at macayo's, but the music is so fuxking shitty. beiber, fun, etc.

I know this is late, but Hillside Spot on 48th & Warner has a huge beer and wine selection. I think the drinks are $1 off during happy hour. I don't know if they have free Wifi.

[westcoastpirate]

We've really been digging Federal Pizza, the new place by Upward Projects (Postino, Windsor, etc). Wood fired pizza that is really good. They have the best margherita pizza I've had in Phoenix. Plus they have 10 taps and pitchers are $5 before 5pm. The pitchers are small so it basically comes to $2.50 a beer. It's a loud spot just like other Upward Project locations.

[Mr. Dylanja]

The sandwich thread got me interested in the best stuff around town. What's everybody's favorite sandwich at what place? Mine used to be at Market Bistro until it shut down.

insobordnat, tell me about this Croque Madame.

Pics plz.

[westcoastpirate]

The sandwich thread got me interested in the best stuff around town. What's everybody's favorite sandwich at what place? Mine used to be at Market Bistro until it shut down.

insobordnat, tell me about this Croque Madame.

Pics plz.

Chëba Hut
The Main Ingredient

[captncrzy]

I generally don't order sandwiches at restaurants but I like the ones they have at the Main Ingredient and at Carlys.

[Mr. Dylanja]

o.O

I forgot. Potbelly is fairly new, and I'm a fan of their stuff. I think there's a few locations in town.

http://www.potbelly.com/Food/OurMenu.aspx?subPage=Sandwiches

[locachica73]

I may have to give that a try. I went to Which Wich today, I posted about it in the sandwich thread. It was better than Subway & Quiznos. I am going to try a few more sandwiches to see how they compare, but the Grinder was pretty fucking good.

I also recently went to Sushi Brokers at 44th St & Indian School Rd. They just built it and it was pretty nice inside. We sat at the bar and the sushi chef was very friendly and answered all of our questions. We tried the lollipop roll which is assorted fresh fish, shrimp, avocado & spicy krab mix rolled in cucumber topped with masago, siracha and ponzu. It was fucking amazing.

10853

[amyzzz]

Can anyone recommend a restaurant/bar near Celebrity Theatre? (32nd St and Van Buren) I'm going there with my brother tomorrow see some Beatles cover band.

[LickTheLizzard]

I always eat at the original Red Devil when I go to Celebrity, not sure if that is the type of place you are looking for though.

Menu (http://www.reddevilrestaurant.com/uploads/Red_Devil_Dine_In_Menu_120112.PDF)

[insbordnat]

The sandwich thread got me interested in the best stuff around town. What's everybody's favorite sandwich at what place? Mine used to be at Market Bistro until it shut down.

insobordnat, tell me about this Croque Madame.

Pics plz.

The place I was talking about was La Petite France in Scottsdale (Scottsdale Seville, near ShinBay and formerly where Nimbus was). Looks like they are now closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, hopefully this isn't a foreboding sign. Owner is really nice. No pics, (but check out their site - www.lapetitefranceaz.com). They also specialize in Flammekueche (i.e. Tarte Flambee). Rich but delicious. Small quiet patio area too.

I haven't been, but I've heard good things about Pellini in North Scottsdale for a fast casual resto. Sort of like an italian wrap.

I've heard good things about Pane Bianco, but I can't fucking stand Chris Bianco's shit attitude nor his pretentious waitstaff at Pizzeria Bianco or Italian Restaurant.

Have you tried Salty Sow yet? It's an Eddie V's gastropub concept (Wildfish/Eddie V's/Roaring Fork). Fun place and better than decent food (including great sandwiches, when they have them - the menu rotates).

And if you're in the mood for a belly bomb, there's always El Rey De La Torta in Sunnyslope neighborhood.

[amyzzz]

I always eat at the original Red Devil when I go to Celebrity, not sure if that is the type of place you are looking for though.

Menu (http://www.reddevilrestaurant.com/uploads/Red_Devil_Dine_In_Menu_120112.PDF)No, but thanks for the suggestion. I want some place with a decent bar and more interesting food. I keep ending up at The District in downtown Phoenix, which I like, but I want to try something different.

[insbordnat]

No, but thanks for the suggestion. I want some place with a decent bar and more interesting food. I keep ending up at The District in downtown Phoenix, which I like, but I want to try something different.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/889614

[captncrzy]

I love the original Red Devil; we used to go there as kids.

[Mr. Dylanja]

Can anyone recommend a restaurant/bar near Celebrity Theatre? (32nd St and Van Buren) I'm going there with my brother tomorrow see some Beatles cover band.

Christie's Cabaret. Quality menu, with a wide variety of options.



Helpful hint: namedrop TomAz at the door for 10% off.

[captncrzy]

Also, Rick and I went to the Welcome Diner (http://www.marthaandmary.net/welcomediner/)a week or so ago for a quick bite and it was incredible. The guy that runs/used to run Old Dixie's Southern Kitchen food truck owns it. It's only got the nine seats inside the trailer but they've got some really casual seating out on the front lawn. I ended up getting the homemade biscuit sandwich with fried chicken, cheddar, bacon, and gravy. So so so good. So glad I didn't get any fries because I couldn't even finish my sandwich. Rick liked his burger too. Spent time visiting with the cook and the counter guy and the patrons for quite a while; it was fun.

[amyzzz]

I'm not going to a strip club, but thanks for the suggestion.