Located at CityScape, downtown Phoenix's entertainment hub, The Arrogant Butcher boasts an ultra-hip vibe and a contemporary American kitchen led by Chef Andrew Ashmore. A popular spot on the social scene, this restaurant is best if looking to catch the day's game, host a private party, celebrate with happy-hour specials, indulge in romantic conversations or rub shoulders with state politicos. There's never a dull moment even when it comes to the menu which covers appetizers of zucchini fritters, mains of jambalaya and sweet potato tortellini and dessert that includes salted caramel pudding and warm peanut butter cup. The minimalistic interiors with plush sofas, portraits on the wall and mood-enhancing lighting adds to the upscale, 1960s feel of the place.
Windsor
Windsor is one of the culinary achievements of Craig Demarco; a local restauranteur celebrated throughout the Valley for his popular Postino Winecafe and Churn. The menu features all the goodness of home with favorites like short-ribs and mac-and-cheese. In addition, the restaurant also serves healthier options such as the Fattoush salad and the grease-free Banh-Mi fish sandwich. The spot is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunches. During the summer months, don't forget to cool off with a creamy, homemade ice cream at Churn, right next door.
Just because this is possibly one of the only Thai restaurants in the area doesn't mean they've slacked on quality; Chanpen Thai Cuisine is a hidden gem serving authentic Thai dishes, and a few with some modern twists. Try drunken noodles, Panang curry and sweet basil duck before finishing your meal off with fried bananas or green tea ice cream (or both!) The simple, no frills dining room leaves no distractions from the incredible flavors and spices of the food.
Occupying a historic 1929 building in popular Heritage Square, Pizzeria Bianco is one of the many establishments opened by celebrated chef Chris Bianco. As its name implies, the restaurant's focus is pizza, with pies made from handcrafted mozzarella and topped with the finest produce from local sources. The restaurant has the classic Margherita or the slightly adventurous Rosa, made with onion, parmigiano, rosemary and AZ pistachios. The best time to visit is lunch because dinner service is usually crowded. The pizza at Pizzeria Bianco is outstanding, particularly if you can discern the aroma of fresh ingredients sourced locally, the smoky, woody flavor imparted by wood-fired ovens and the iridescence of the olive oil on the oven-fresh pizza. Rationalizing cost by writing off the intrinsic and ambient specialties of the pizza would not do justice to the chef’s nature, Italy, which is where each variation has a backstory.
Federal Pizza takes is name from the building it is housed in, which is the old First Federal Bank building from the 1950s and an example of Phoenix Mid-modern design. Federal Pizza focuses its efforts around its wood-burning oven, which turns out delicious gourmet pizzas using ingredients like fresh corn, candied pecans or sweet potato in addition to more conventional ingredients like pepperoni, sausage and mushrooms. Aside from the pizzas, there is also an array of delicious pastas, salads and sandwiches. A great selection of draft and bottled beers and the great wine selection round out the offerings, and make it a great meal you're bound to want to repeat.
Drop in at the Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Phoenix for the best seafood in town. Serving the freshest catch is their claim to fame evident from the delicious fare that they dish up. For those who prefer chicken or steak, this isn't a bad location either. Their Cajun specialties are worth a try. Part of the Pappas Family of Restaurants, culinary expertise is a tradition here. They also offer rooms for private events with their special brand of catering, guaranteed to bowl over the guests.
Located near the valley of Phoenix, Buck and Rider is acclaimed to be one of the best restaurants by its visitors for the delicious American, seafood and sushi food items. They offer menus for brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails, wines and reserve wines. Some of the food items include Deviled Crab Dip, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Steak Tartare, Lobster Roll Nik Niks. The seafood salads consists of Smoked Trout Salad, Thai Style King Crab Salad. You can complement your meals with a wide selection of red and white wines and craft beer. Authentic Japanese cuisine like sushi varieties are Real Crab California Roll, Lobster Tobanjan, Spicy Avocado Roll and Crunchy Shrimp Roll. The ambiance is trendy with comfortable leather sofas.
Starting out as another pizza and sub shop, Santisi Brothers has recently expanded into a sports bar. Besides New York-style pizza, the restaurant provides colossal Calzones and Strombolis. The gargantuan subs are all prepared with Boar's Head deli meats and cheeses. In the bar, autographed sport jerseys reside in glass displays, while two entire walls are devoted to television sets, broadcasting a variety of games simultaneously. Patrons also play darts, video games and pool or jam to the classic rock tunes of the jukebox. Domestic and imported beers are available.
