When early-1900s city planners designed the Willo neighborhood, they could not have imagined that one day Phoenicians would be jumping on a light rail to come to the area to watch an opera, grab a beer or get a tattoo. “Lower Willo,” the southernmost part of the historic neighborhood, runs along McDowell Road, between Central and Seventh Avenues. Residents are committed to maintaining the neighborhood’s charm – a volunteer-run association works to preserve Willo’s historic designation and its Spanish Colonial Revival and Greek Revival architecture. Lower Willo is brimming with spots to explore and relax.
Photography byLisa Patel
3 Things To Do
1 Dogtopia of Historic Phoenix
Drop off your doggo at Dogtopia of Historic Phoenix for some spa time. Pamper your pooch with a facial, paw soak, teeth cleaning or nail-trim. End result? A clean and fresh cuddle buddy to bring back home! Dogtopia also offers daycare and boarding.
520 W. McDowell Rd.
602-607-1500, dogtopia.com/historic-phoenix
2 Roses by the Stairs Brewing
This new brewery offers open-mic nights, live music and trivia. Roses specializes in IPAs, sours and saisons, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients – its Sherri Dear, a fruited sour, features foraged Arizona prickly pear. No food service, but you can bring your own from Little O’s next door.
509 W. McDowell Rd.
415-527-8206, rosesbythestairsbrewing.com
3 Arizona Opera
Immerse yourself in the art of storytelling through song at Arizona Opera, which has been bringing operas and other musical programs to audiences in the city for more than 50 years. This winter, you can experience the 1912 classic Ariadne auf Naxos, Richard Strauss’ opera within an opera.
1636 N. Central Ave.
602-266-7464, azopera.org
3 Places To Eat
1 Little O’s
Neighborhood bar Little O’s is the perfect spot for a weekday lunch or a post-work happy hour. Enjoy the dog-friendly patio and casual menu of burgers, salads and fun bites like elote pizza, Buffalo cauliflower and garlic knots. Vegans can chow down on a farmhouse pizza, nachos and more. This newest location is owned and operated by Summer Anesin, a former O.H.S.O. server.
521 W. McDowell Rd.
602-254-6899, littleosaz.com
2 Caffe Vita
Caffe Vita opened this summer in the former Easley’s Fun Shop building. Whether you want a hot latte, cold brew or iced tea, this Seattle transplant offers it all. Pair your freshly roasted coffee with local pastries including vegan and gluten-free doughnuts.
509 W. McDowell Rd.
602-675-3227, caffevita.com
3 Forno 301
Forno 301 is a local favorite for wood-fired pizzas. The contemporary Italian restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar and a separate room for private events. Its location near the Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona Opera and The Phoenix Theatre Company makes it an ideal spot to grab dinner before a show or museum visit.
1616 N. Central Ave.
480-787-5654, forno301.com
PHOTO OP
“Acts of Service” by Isaac Nicholas Caruso
This uplifting mural by Phoenix artist Isaac Nicholas Caruso adds bright color to the neighborhood. It can be found on the outside wall of the building housing Roses by the Stairs Brewing.
Overnight Option!
The Retreat in Downtown Phoenix
This cozy studio with relaxing blue walls and charming décor is located in a historical adobe complex easily walkable to many of the trendy spots in Lower Willo. Airbnb, West McDowell Road between Seventh and Ninth Avenues.
https://bit.ly/3RTgoBc
