You can buy on this list, tax included, with a $10 bill and get change back. I think it’s difficult to judge whether a splurge meal is worth it. I don’t know your budget or your personal taste; it’s impossible to say what more expensive restaurants will always be worth what they cost. This list, I can confidently promise, is all food worth the price … Continue reading Phoenix’s best food items under $10
Back in 2022, I posted about lighter food I recommend for the oppressively hot summer days. Some of those restaurants have since closed, so I figured it was time for an update. Ricemill A new addition to downtown in the CityScape area, this place does a build-your-own bowl with Asian-inspired flavors. It’s my new work lunch obsession, great for vegetarian options. The DinerSaur They’re primarily … Continue reading Keeping it Cool: Lighter Favorites for Summer 2025
Picture this: it’s Friday night and you didn’t make plans but you want to go out for dinner. Don’t get trapped waiting forever— go somewhere it’s easy to walk in. Everywhere on this list is a sit down, table service restaurant where you don’t need a reservation even for a weekend dinner. I will always love popular spots like Glai Baan, Rough Rider, and Valentine, … Continue reading Best No-Reservation Restaurants
As a sort of companion piece to my post of the best new spots that opened in 2024, I have to acknowledge the best places that were new to me this past year. The Persian Room I like everything about this spot, from the great flavor to the ambiance to the family style ordering. Que Hoang It’s always best to be skeptical of a restaurant … Continue reading Best new (to me) spots in 2024
This year brought a ton of new restaurants to the valley. I primarily focused on Phoenix proper, though you’ll see a few outliers on the list from the East valley. Below are my favorites. Pretty Penny Globally inspired small plates? Sign me up. This addition to Roosevelt Row is a great night out for fun food. I loved their diverse options and cocktails. Bad Jimmy’s … Continue reading New restaurant roundup: 2024
Compared to Phoenix and Flagstaff, Sedona and nearby Cottonwood are for an older, more established crowd. Sedona is also especially beautiful just to drive through, even if you aren’t planning to stop for much. If you’re looking to feel like you’re in the movie Cars, this is the place. Food While these places can be on the pricier end, the area is a unique dining … Continue reading Weekend trip inspiration: Cottonwood & Sedona
Of all the Arizona places on my list, Bisbee is the furthest initial drive from Phoenix— just under 3.5 hours. I would never suggest driving further than necessary, so rest assured this place is worth the trip! Bisbee is an old mining town, at one point the largest city in Arizona. It’s past Tucson and close to the Mexican border, built into hills near the … Continue reading Weekend trip inspiration: Bisbee
Clocking in at just over two hours from Phoenix, Flagstaff is my most common weekend getaway year round. I love the college town meets Route 66 vibe here. In the winter, it’s a great home base for skiing at SnowBowl. In the summer, it’s a great escape from the Phoenix heat, with a younger and more casual vibe than Sedona. Food To me, Flagstaff has … Continue reading Weekend trip inspiration: Flagstaff
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 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 … Continue reading My 2023 Favorites
It’s been too long since I’ve done lunch recommendations, and I’ve found a lot more great places since then. As 2023 comes to a close, here are some of my favorites. Café Mollie This is a sweet spot for boba or other fun tea and lemonade drinks. Their menu of Vietnamese food is small, but everything on it is excellent. Great Wall This Chinese place … Continue reading Lunch Lately
Grace Gets Food 