TEMPE

Like the typical ASU student, downtown Tempe has gone through its share of identity crises. Once a free spirit epitomized by used bookstores and hippie shops, it was seduced by the popularity of the mainstream crowd (Border’s, Gap). Thankfully, this city of 169,712 residents has once again embraced that indie mantra, “I gotta be me,” while retaining a touch of culture.

Witness MADCAP theaters – a forum for under-the-radar thespians and musicians – a pair of wine bars, a hip coffee roastery, a new farmers’ market and live music on Thursdays. Beyond brick- and tree-lined Mill Avenue, you’ll find lovely lakeside walks and the Tempe Center for the Arts, host to Childsplay and all that jazz.


LOVE their FOOD

Photo by Sam Nalven Tempe Town Lake

Chuck Box
202 E. University Dr.; 480-968-4712, thechuckbox.com
What’s to love: Great burgers in a manly setting: dim lights, burlap ceilings, barrel seats, beer in Mason jars

Harlow’s Café
1021 W. University Dr.; 480-829-9444
What’s to love: Hearty standard breakfast fare in a comfortable diner setting decorated with old Hollywood memorabilia

House of Tricks
114 E. Seventh St.; 480-968-1114,
houseoftricks.com
What’s to love: With a tree-canopied patio, cozy cottage interior and Continental cuisine, this gem is the perfect date spot.

La Bocca Pizzeria
699 S. Mill Ave.; 480-967-5244,
laboccapizzeria.com
What’s to love: Great pizzas, bruschettas and wine selections in a hip, urban setting make this the perfect meet-the-girls-after-work venue. Patio seating is great for people-watching.

Photo by Sam Nalven La Bocca Pizzeria

Macayo’s Depot Cantina
300 S. Ash Ave.; 480-966-6677,
depotcantina.com
What’s to love: Started right here in the Valley, Macayo’s makes dining out more fun with live music, great lunch and happy hour specials, and hearty Mexican cuisine.

Mill’s End Café
310 S. Mill Ave.; 480-829-0755,
myspace.com/millsendcafe
What’s to love: Tasty crêpes, comfy couches and a nice outdoor patio with views of A Mountain and Mill Avenue

Monti’s La Casa Vieja
100 S. Mill Ave.; 480-967-7594,
montihttp://montis.com/s.com
What’s to love:  What it lacks in culinary chops it more than makes up for in historic charm; it’s housed in the city’s original pioneer home and the oldest continuously occupied structure in the Valley.

Phoenicia Café
616 S. Forest Ave.; 480-967-8009,
phoeniciagrill.com
What’s to love: Located next to a beautiful mosque, this Mediterranean gem turns out some of the best hummus in town.


MESA

Mesa’s population may be 451,359, but its downtown’s Main Street lined with trees, antique shops, lampposts and sculptures of atavistic everymen (a mason, a newsboy) make it feel like a small town in another century. The mom-and-pop shops, hot dog stand, and history and children’s museums all add to the wholesome appeal.

But among this stands the impressive, nautical-inspired Mesa Arts Center, whose stellar acoustics attract big-name musical acts, and the Contemporary Art Museum, known for spotlighting unsung groups such as tattoo artists, the low-rider culture, disabled artists and experimentalists. Just ’cause it’s Main Street doesn’t mean it’s mainstream.


LOVE their FOOD

Photo by Art Holeman Main Street, Mesa’s main drag

De la Cruz Bistro
10 W. Main St.; 480-258-6942,
elzocalo.com
What’s to love: Grabbing cocktails and chocolate-crusted cheesecake after a show at Mesa Arts Center

Mangos Mexican Café
44 W. Main St.; 480-464-5700,
mangosmexicancafe.com
What’s to love: Eating a carne asada burrito at one of the sidewalk tables

Nunthaporns Thai Cuisine
17 W. Main St.; 480-649-6140,
nunthapornthai.com
What’s to love: Authentic, delicious Thai food at frugal prices served by a welcoming staff

Queen’s Pizzeria
125 W. Main St.; 480-964-1609,
queenspizzeria.com
What’s to love: New York style pizza, local art and poetry slams

S’Bistro
124 W. Main St.; 480-962-0344,
sbistroaz.com
What’s to love: This classy, cozy BYOB bistro is the perfect date place before a night out at Mesa Arts Center.

Sweet Cakes Café
21 E. Main St.; 480-461-9529,
sweetcakescafe.com
What’s to love: Soups and sandwiches at this cute mom-and-pop; save room for delectable oatmeal butterscotch cookies, pumpkin bars and cinnamon rolls.


CHANDLER

Centered on Dr. A.J. Chandler Park (named after the founder of this city of 252,328 residents), this picturesque downtown has the air of a town square. The trellised and balconied buildings, circa 1910s, bear plaques denoting their history, and the park’s Rosales Family Pioneering Project honors the city’s settlers.

Stroll the courtyard of the San Marcos Resort in the footsteps of silver screen stars, and when the weather’s fine, bask on the patios of Kokopelli Winery & Bistro or San Tan Brewing Company. Community pride comes alive at the weekly farmers’ market and art walk, and at annual events like the Hispanic Heritage celebration and Tumbleweed Tree Lighting ceremony.


LOVE their FOOD

Photo by Art Holeman Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort

98 South Wine Bar & Kitchen
98 S. San Marcos Pl.; 480-814-9800, 98south.net
What’s to love: Pairing 30 by-the-glass wines with tasty appetizers

El Zocalo Mexican Grille
28 S. San Marcos Pl.; 480-722-0303,
elzocalo.com
What’s to love: When the weather’s nice, make a beeline to this restaurant’s floral, twinkly lighted back patio, sip a margarita and pretend you’re in Puerto Vallarta.

Guedo’s Taco Shop
71 E. Chandler Blvd.; 480-899-7841
What’s to love: Eating fresh shrimp and fish tacos on a sandy patio

InPockets Bakery
40 S. San Marcos Pl.; 480-726-2253,
inpockets.com
What’s to love: Buttery, flaky hot pocket sandwiches that melt in your mouth

La Stalla Cucina Rustica
68 W. Buffalo St.; 480-855-9990,
lastallacr.com
What’s to love: An Old World Italian menu and authentic atmosphere

Latitude Eight° Thai Grill
11 W. Boston St.; 480-722-0560,
latitude-eight.com
What’s to love: A slick, minimalist décor; ebullient hosts; authentic Thai dishes with fragrant, fiery sauces

Sushi Eye in Motion
58 W. Buffalo St., Ste. 110; 480-686-8183,
sushieye.com
What’s to love: Choosing your sushi from a cool Japanese-style conveyer belt

Urban Tea Loft
11 W. Boston St., Ste. 2; 480-786-9600,
urbantealoft.com
What’s to love: Fresh brewed teas of every color and flavor; tea-infused martinis; an excellent lunch and dinner menu


GLENDALE

This pretty, historic area of brick sidewalks, gas lamps and antique stores brims with nostalgic charm. Catlin Court District’s gift and tea shops have a grandmotherly quaintness, and family friendly festivals abound, from Glendale Glitters to A Chocolate Affaire.

Mix history with horticulture by visiting the preserved 19th century farm in Sahuaro Ranch Park to learn how an agrarian settlement blossomed into a city with a population of 249,811. Next, check out the cornucopia of cactuses at the award-winning Xeriscape Botanical Garden. Thanks to the many mom-and-pops, you won’t leave downtown hungry: Settle into Haus Murphy’s for schnitzel and gemütlichkeit or La Piazza al Forno for famiglia-style pizza.


LOVE their FOOD

Photo by David Venezia Haus Murphy’s

A Touch of European Café
7146 N. 57th Dr.; 623-847-7119
What’s to love: Some of the best pierogies, blintzes and other Polish delicacies in town

Cee Cee’s On the Corner
7123 N. 58th Ave.; 623-847-0086
What’s to love: Homemade, gourmet desserts in a quaint Catlin Court bungalow

Haus Murphy’s
5739 W. Glendale Ave.; 623-939.2480
What’s to love: Go to this Biergarten for the best schnitzel in Phoenix. This German restaurant with an Irish name speaks the universal language of beer, food and gemütlichkeit.

La Piazza al Forno
5803 W. Glendale Ave.; 623-847-3301
What’s to love: The garlic white pizza and carnivorous Italian Stallion are standouts among the wood-fired pies at this Italian-American, family-owned joint.

Lenny’s Burger Shop
5713 W. Glendale Ave.; 623-915-9993
What’s to love: Lots of food for your money; tasty shakes and malts; the half-pound, triple-patty burger

Little Saigon
7016 N. 57th Ave.; 623-939-6136
What’s to love: Affordable, authentic Vietnamese food in a cozy setting

ZANG Asian Bistro
6835 N. 58th Dr.; 623-847-8888,
zangasianbistro.com
What’s to love: Fried chicken dumplings and tempura green beans for under $13; proximity to Downtown Glendale events and festivals