Day Trip: Warehouse District

Kate DuffyMay 1, 2023
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In the early 20th century, Phoenix’s Warehouse District was the economic and commercial heart of Phoenix. Just south of Downtown Phoenix, its proximity to the railroad tracks made it a popular spot for agricultural shipping, mainly for produce, citrus and cotton markets. Many of the brick buildings that were once warehouses and industrial buildings or parts of Phoenix’s Chinatown, which flourished in the area until the mid-1940s, still stand and are home to an emerging ecosystem of art galleries, restaurants and nightlife destinations.

3 Things To Do
1 The Duce  

Located in a Prohibition-era warehouse, The Duce is one of the most popular spots to hang out in the Warehouse District. The event and entertainment venue includes a bar, a boxing ring, ping pong tables, shuffleboard, foosball, a clothing store and the occasional dance class. It also now offers brunch on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and released some new menu items in November, including berry brioche stuffed French toast and a breakfast brisket skillet.
525 S. Central Ave.
602-866-3823, theducephx.com

2 Step Gallery

For fans of experimental fine art, Step Gallery is a must-see. Run through Arizona State University’s Master of Fine Arts program, the gallery displays an ever-changing collection of work from emerging artists.
605 E. Grant St.
480-965-7044, art.asu.edu/galleries

3 435 Collective

The 435 Collective building allows artists to collaborate freely and gives them space to create and display their work. Sometimes the venue is home to art galleries, other times it hosts pop-up events and mixers.
435 S. Third Ave.
602-386-7986, 435collective.com

The Duce; Photo by Alyssa Buruato
The Duce; Photo by Alyssa Buruato
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PHM0623EX05.jpg
3 Places To Eat
Kaizen PHX; Photo by Alyssa Buruato
Kaizen PHX; Photo by Alyssa Buruato
1 Kaizen PHX  

Sharing a space with The Larry, Kaizen PHX is a Japanese restaurant that offers a unique blend of flavors from Japan, Mexico, and Central and South America. For a taste of something new, try the pulpo asado (a grilled octopus dish) or the ceviche mixto (a mix of seafood with a Latin American twist).
515 E. Grant St.
602-432-0752, kaizenphx.com

2 ZeeZ Grill

Located on the northwest edge of the Warehouse District, ZeeZ Grill serves Mediterranean and American food in a cozy, communal atmosphere. It’s a great place to grab an omelet for breakfast or a chicken shawarma sandwich for lunch and meet someone new.
209 S. Second Ave.
602-296-4661, zeezgrillphoenix.com

3 The Larry

Whether you’re looking for a spot to socialize at lunch or breakfast, or grab a quick to-go meal, The Larry has you covered with its menu of healthy, comforting food prepared by chef Bryan Messier. Try the smash burger or the crab poke bowl.
515 E. Grant St.
602-432-0752, thelarryphx.com

Photo by Alyssa Buruato
Photo by Alyssa Buruato
PHOTO OP
Events on Jackson Mural

This mural painted on the side of the Warehouse District’s Events on Jackson building by Joseph Delligatti screams Phoenix. It perfectly captures the contrasting oranges and purples of the desert and is sure to make for an eye-catching photo.
245 E. Jackson St.

Overnight Option!

The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
Just a couple of blocks north is the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix, which offers desert-chic luxury suites. The Warehouse District is part of the stunning view visible from the new Eden rooftop bar and pool.
2 E. Jefferson St.
602-253-6633, hotelpalomar-phoenix.com