Many Valley restaurants celebrate the region’s rich architectural and cultural history while bringing guests into the modern era via adaptive reuse, immersive experiences, and innovative, ever-changing menus. Here are six of our faves.
Culinary Gangster
This Scottsdale mom-and-pop is known for its big, juicy slab of prime beef burgers, The casual, sit-down family restaurant boasts an all-day breakfast menu, featuring chicken and waffles ($18) the Chi-Town Burger ($14), and many innovative quinoa bowls including chicken avocado quinoa ($15) and sweet potato quinoa ($15).
14891 N. Northsight Blvd., Scottsdale, 480-572-1857, culinarygangsteraz.com
Oliver’s Modern American
Located in what was originally the first Polynesian-style Dairy Queen in Scottsdale, built by Ralph Haver, Oliver’s Modern American blends traditional culinary customs with locally sourced ingredients and fresh takes on old classics like baby back ribs with a sweet potato mash ($32) or you could try the blackened salmon ($31) or fig and apple salad ( $15) made with new innovative techniques.
3205 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, 480- 582-0006, oliversaz.com
Taco Guild
Taco Guild is known for its innovative and internationally inspired fare served in a former Methodist church built in 1893 before Arizona became a state. Serving dishes like the chipotle cherry steak taco ( $10) or chile relleno ($15), you are sure to enjoy the innovative atmosphere and history of the former Methodist church turned taco spot.
546 E. Osborn Rd., Phoenix, 602- 264-4143, tacoguild.com
Organ Stop Pizza
A Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ anchors this East Valley pizza joint, which offers live music alongside build-your-own pizza and pasta ($10-$18).
1149 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, 480- 813-5700, organstoppizza.com
The Salt Cellar Restaurant
This historical landmark, located three stories underground, has reigned supreme as one of Arizona’s best and most innovative seafood restaurants. The Salt Cellar sources its seafood from all over the world, so diners can feel as if they’ve traveled to multiple countries in one night. With dishes like Shrimp San Remo ($45) and Alaskan halibut ($56), guests can get their fresh seafood fix in the desert daily.
550 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, 480- 947-1963, saltcellarrestaurant.com
El Encanto
Imagine leaving the parking lot and instantly being transported to an enchanting Mexican village. That is the kind of innovative – and immersive – experience you will get at El Encanto. Each location has a different name and restaurant vibe – El Encanto Uno in Cave Creek, El Encanto Dos in Desert Hills, and El Encanto De La Fuente (“of the fountain”) in downtown Fountain Hills. Enjoy dishes such as Camarones con Salsa Autentica ($23) and Tacos de Pescado Asado ($19).
Multiple Valley locations, elencantorestaurants.com
