If you haven’t been to Roosevelt Row in a while, you might do a double-take as you drive or stroll through it – especially in the northeast section of Downtown Phoenix’s famed arts district. Historically, “Upper RoRo” was the less developed half of the ’hood, but thanks to a crop of upstart restaurants, shops and murals, it’s buzzing with an infectious new energy. Skip your old RoRo haunts and spend a day or two exploring the “new-new.”
3 Places to Eat
Kahvi Coffee + Cafe
This new cafe from restaurateur Julian Wright (Pedal Haus Brewery) serves up coffee, tea and snacks in a former art gallery. It also boasts a full-service bar and, until 3 p.m., a full kitchen menu. The Mexican- and Scandinavian-inspired coffee shop is located right next to Phoenix General in monOrchid. Come by on Sundays for donation-based yoga classes.
214 E. Roosevelt St.
602-283-4062, drinkkahvi.com
Golden Margarita
While this new hot spot in the residential part of Roosevelt Row has developed quite the reputation for its rowdy nightclub vibe and bottle service, guests can also come by during the day, when it transforms into a cocktail bar and Mexican restaurant.
330 E. Roosevelt St.
480-772-7613, thegoldenmargarita.com
Sottise
“Sottise” means folly in French, but this local bistro is anything but. Housed in cozy, stylish digs, Sottise brings a warmth (and curated wine program) to the Row with its faithful renditions of French cuisine. See our dining critic’s take on page 412.
1025 N. Second St.
602-254-6378, sottisephx.com
3 things to do
RoRo Street Art Tour
This guided tour is both affordable and well-reviewed, and makes stops at two beloved local establishments: Carly’s and The Churchill. On First Fridays, the Row comes alive with vendors, local artists and musicians.
1202 N. Third St.
viator.com/tours/phoenix/el-barrio-street-art-tour/d639-118703P5
Phoenix General
One of two outposts of this local boutique, this location offers a curated selection of goods, including clothing, sundries and local gifts. Based out of the monOrchid coworking space and art gallery, it won our 2021 Editor’s Pick for best boutique.
214 E. Roosevelt St.
623-248-8686, phxgeneral.com
Pemberton PHX
Make it an all-day affair at Pemberton PHX, an outdoor “collective of experiences” on the grounds of the historical Pemberton House. There’s plenty to do here, with a rotating roster of food and drink vendors (Baba’s Falafel, Baby Boy, Hop Box), an Instagrammable dining area, local boutiques (Cleo + Clementine, HILÁLI Jewelry, Vamprodeo Vintage) and events.
1121 N. Second St.
pembertonphx.com
The 1 ½ Street Mural Project
Head to the Evans-Churchill section of Roosevelt Row, where you can find a stretch of beautiful murals created by 12 local artists. The subject matter of each piece varies, but they all come together to form a stunning body of work that embodies the artistic essence of the neighborhood.
901 N. First St., dtphx.org
OVERNIGHT OPTION
Cambria Hotel Phoenix Downtown
Located a block north of Roosevelt Street, this boutique hotel blends right into the neighborhood with its artistic flair, modern décor and local touches. Enjoy the Phoenix skyline and drinks from the rooftop lounge, or start the day on a sassy note at Breakfast B*tch, the Phoenix imprint of a Santa Monica/Venice Beach A.M. favorite.
222 E. Portland St., 602-675-3500, cambriahotelphoenix.com
