There’s more to Downtown Phoenix’s art community than Roosevelt Row. A short drive northwest from the city center, Grand Avenue is an arts district sprinkled with galleries, hip coffee shops and neighborhood restaurants.
3 Places to Eat
A Novel Ice Cream
Head to Novel Ice Cream for a warm doughnut with handcrafted ice cream. Choose among classics like Madagascar vanilla bean, chocolate and butter pecan, or seasonal specials like peppermint mocha, eggnog, Cranberry Bliss and Office Party Punch Bowl – cranberry sorbet with fresh-squeezed orange juice.
1028 Grand Ave., Phoenix
602-373-2235, facebook.com/novelphx
B Grand Avenue Brewing Company
After brewing beer for 12 years, John Coll opened this rustic/industrial brewery in May. Coll recommends the Simple Jack, a Kölsch cream ale; the Creamsicle, a raspberry cream ale; or the Equinox, a single-hop IPA. Pair your beer with a smoked baked potato with butter, sour cream and cheddar cheese.
1205 W. Pierce St., Phoenix
602-670-5465, grandavebrew.com
C Barrio Café Gran Reserva
Intimate and elegant, this eight-table fine Mexican restaurant is located on the corner of Grand Avenue and McKinley Street. Start the meal with tableside guac, then order duck confit with plum and tamarind mole and lemon-marinated beet salad with goat cheese. Try the tasting menu with optional wine pairings.
1301 W. Grand Ave., Phoenix
602-252-2777, barriocafe.com/blank-2
3 Things to Do
D Phoenix Film Revival
Whether you’re an experienced film photographer or just a beginner, this community photo studio and darkroom provides workshops for those looking to learn more about the film world. Classes include darkroom printing and film processing. The studio exhibits local artwork and hosts open lab hours twice a week.
1023 Grand Ave., Phoenix
602-456-0392, phxfilmrevival.com
E First and Third Fridays
Stroll the historic arts district on the first and third Friday of every month to soak up the local art scene. Put {9} the Gallery, Unexpected and Sisao Gallery on your checklist. As you make your way down Grand Avenue, peruse vinyl at Grand Avenue Records and grab a coffee at Trans Am Café, a gallery and café next door.
F Downtown DIY Bar
Gather friends, BYOB and get your creativity flowing at this DIY crafting bar. Instructor-led workshops guide people through a craft or piece of artwork. Children’s workshops, Parent’s Night Out and Moms and Mimosas classes are offered.
1325 Grand Ave., Phoenix
downtowndiybar.com
Photo Op
Stop by the corner of 15th and Grand avenues to check out the massive mural of legendary funk-pop artist Prince by local artist Maggie Keane. Selfies are encouraged.
Extended Stay!
FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel
Plan your next staycation at the Valley’s most art-centric hotel. Its industrial modern style, eclectic art pieces and décor evoke the vibe of an art gallery meets a nightclub. FOUND:RE is approximately a five-minute drive from Grand Avenue. 1100 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-875-8000, foundrehotels.com.
