I’ve written about my favorite date spots and adventures before, but there are so many new (or new to me) spots I want to highlight as 2023 comes to a close.

Experiences

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Lotions and Potions

Absolutely not new, but new to me this year, Lotions & Potions has been a Mill Ave and Melrose classic for decades. My husband and I came and got custom scent blends done, and it was so fun! I loved seeing a fragrance professional at work and being part of the process of creating my own perfume. It’s my favorite scent I’ve ever worn, I use it almost daily, yet it still cost less than a designer perfume.

Alwun House

This artistic spot has a wide variety of activities and events. I enjoyed going to Banned Books Week reading recently, and first visited for a Halloween event in 2022.

Groundwrk

A boutique workout studio, located right next to cute neighborhood shop Monsoon Market, brings fun and tiring classes to midtown.

I always enjoy getting a little treat next door after a workout.

Food & Drinks

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I’ve chosen to focus on breakfast, brunch, happy hour, or dinner here because of my recent lunch roundup.

JL Patisserie

This is my favorite bakery, and I love a leisurely breakfast at their Phoenix location on a weekend or work from home day. My husband and I enjoy sharing a slice of quiche and a pastry or two. Plus, they serve coffee and tea drinks.

Café Boa

It feel strange to say somewhere on Mill Ave is underrated, but this place doesn’t get enough love. I’m obsessed with their brunch menu (and they have a great mimosa deal). Get the Turkish eggs and the crêpes.

Dahlia Tapas, Tequila, and Wine

Prior to Dahlia opening, downtown/midtown Phoenix lacked a good tapas place. I’m so happy the team at Dahlia filled that void.

Quartz

Everything the team behind Belly does is a win for me. This gemstone-inspired concept is my favorite new bar of the year. They also have a good happy hour.

Sunny’s Lounge

My other favorite new bar— possibly only lower ranked than Quartz because I haven’t been as often/it’s not as well located. It’s very much a place for cocktail geeks.

Honorable mentions

Latha — a new African-inspired restaurant in Heritage Square

FYPM — trendy RoRo cocktail bar serving Asian food

Mr. Baan’s Bar and Mookata — pricey but delicious Thai-style hot pot

Liar’s Club — downtown bar with addictive Detroit-style pizza