Here’s a current list of my favorite vegetarian dishes at not-exclusively-vegetarian restaurants. There are so many it’s hard to list, so I’ve broken them down by category. American Fried green tomato sandwich at Welcome Diner The roasted beets and the eggplant meatballs at Ocotillo Elote pasta at Valentine White pizza at Luana’s Anything veggie at FnB — their menu is always seasonal and rotating Smoked … Continue reading Best vegetarian dishes in Phoenix
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
There are many great museums and cultural spots in Phoenix, but for those trying to find the best value on a budget, these are my can’t miss events and activities in the museum and theater space. Phoenix Zoo: Roars and Pours This once a month event is a can’t miss for me because of the discounted ticket, taking the price of admission from $45 for … Continue reading Phoenix local cultural event roundup
With the recent closing of ChaCha’s Tea Lounge (and the significant time that’s passed since my last coffee shop post), I decided it was time for an update. These are my current favorite spots in Phoenix for drinking tea. Copper Star Best drinks: chai, London fog with lavender, iced blueberry matcha blend Best snack: the bagels! Rosemary Asiago all day every day. Bonus fact: They … Continue reading Best Cafés for Tea Drinkers
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
There’s a lot of annual local events in the valley. It’s taken me a few years of living here to realize when things happen and what not to miss! Here’s my best attempt at a round-up of favorites, done in chronological order. Arizona Renaissance Festival While it’s easily a 45 minute drive from downtown Phoenix, our local Ren Faire had to make this list because … Continue reading Favorite Phoenix Area Festivals
There’s so many restaurants and bars opening these days, it’s hard to keep track. Luckily, I take going out to eat as a hobby very seriously. These are my top three spots of 2023 so far. Liar’s Club I’m tired of bars that don’t have good food as well as good drinks. Liar’s Club has funky decor, interesting drinks, and real dinner options. Shareable Detroit … Continue reading Best new spots in Downtown Phoenix
Grace Gets Food 