Head north of Northern Avenue for an eclectic array of eating and drinking establishments.
Bootleggers
Barbecue/American
3375 E. Shea Blvd. 602-996-4228, bootleggersaz.com
The Valley’s bougie barbecue flag-bearer boasts brisket and a bacon board. Smoked meats and moonshine are the stars of this speakeasy-inspired temple of America’s signature cuisine. Chase Dr Pepper-braised short ribs with apple pie ‘shine à la mode. $$
Carolina’s
Mexican
1202 E. Mohave St. 602-252-1503, carolinasmex.com
By 11 a.m., this bare-bones stalwart is knee-deep in customers, lined up for homey, straightforward tacos, tamales, burritos and enchiladas. The smart ones take home a few packages of Carolina’s huge and amazing tortillas, made fresh daily. $
Eden’s Grill Inn
Middle Eastern
13843 N. Tatum Blvd. 602-996-5149, edensgrill.com
Housed in a strip mall, this small Middle Eastern restaurant is far prettier than you’d imagine, and the made-from-scratch food is wonderful. Try dolmeh, baba ghannouj, kebabs, catfish and the best baklava in town. $-$$
Humble Bistro
Italian
5415 E. High St. 480-502-2121, humblepieusa.com
What would Humble Pie be like without the pie? Well, here’s your answer, in the guise of a casual pan-Italian bistro in the High Street area. Boldly chart new territory by ordering the charcuterie-style Bistroboard. New location in Gilbert. $$$
Humble Pie
Pizza
3890 W. Happy Valley Road, Glendale, (623) 580-4300, humblepieusa.com/happy-valley/
This urban, casual pizza place serves wood-fired pies topped with local farm-fresh ingredients. We love This Lil’ Figgy with goat cheese, capicola and fig compote. $$
Humble Oysters & Bubbles
Seafood
5415 E. High Street, 602-755-7755, humbleoysterbar.com
A seafood parlor and bubbles bar, Humble Oysters & Bubbles offers a casual, yet sophisticated menu of oysters from boutique farms, mussels, clams, crab, lobster, shrimp, scallops, octopus and fresh fish.
Krua Thai
Thai
1510 E. Bell Rd. 602-971-4988, kruathaicuisine.com
Expect familiar Thai faves and a few rare regional dishes at this tiny café. The curry noodles and spicy fried rice are tops. $
The Mexicano
Modern Mexican
4801 E. Cactus Rd. 602-812-2100, themexicano.com
From Valley restaurateur Joey Maggiore comes this irresistably high-energy dining playground with fun, sophisticated takes on molcajete and other Mexican faves. $$-$$$
Ocean Prime
Seafood/Steak
5455 E. High St. 480-347-1313, oceanprimephoenix.com
Start with inventive appetizers like white truffle caviar deviled eggs before moving on to superlative surf-and-turf selections, like Chilean sea bass in Champagne truffle sauce. $$$$
The Oink Cafe
American
4326 E. Cactus Rd. 602-404-6465, theoinkcafe.com
This breakfast/lunch eatery serves some fine swine. The pocket patio makes a great place to enjoy a cappuccino and hearty breakfast. Curious about the various bacon flavors? Order a tasting flight. $-$$
Patio 54 Fusion Kitchen
American
5415 E. High St. 480-687-8026, patio54az.com
This sleek newcomer sports two patios and an American menu that caroms between Asian and Southwestern influences. $$
Press Roastery
Coffee shop
10443 N. 32nd St. 602-314-4201, presscoffee.com
Have a sip at the roaster’s spacious flagship shop south of Shea Boulevard. The Valley’s most potent brew. $
Seydi’s Pupuseria & Grill
Salvadoran
2625 E. Greenway Pkwy. 602-404-7634
This friendly mom-and-son restaurant hangs its hat on cheesy, melty, hot-pocket-like pupusas. Cheap and good. $
The Sicilian Butcher
Italian
15530 N. Tatum Blvd. 602-775-5140, thesicilianbutcher.com
Specializing in Sicilian street eats, this restaurant has an appealing menu of filling and snacky dishes such as arancini, bruschetta and meatballs. $$
Tryst Cafe
Organic
21050 N. Tatum Blvd. 480-585-7978, trystcafe.com
Here’s a fun spot to dine out that takes healthful eating seriously. Almost everything comes in an organic version, and the menu’s full of vegetarian and vegan options. Try the open-faced portabella sandwich or the Hawaiian breakfast, a huge bowl of fried eggs and house-smoked kalua pork. $$
Sizzle Korean BBQ
Korean
21001 N. Tatum Blvd. 480-265-9406, sizzlekoreanbbq.com
Meat is the raison d’être at this elite Korean you-cook-it barbecue restaurant, popular for its smart culinary flourishes. Traditional galbi and bulgogi are grand, and you’ll be tempted by mouthwatering selections such as beef tongue, pork jowl and prime ribeye. Other location: Scottsdale. $$$
Shogun
Japanese
12615 N. Tatum Blvd. 602-953-3264, shogunaz.com
One of the longest-running Japanese restaurants in the Valley. The sushi bar is always jammed, but it’s pretty easy to nab a table for cooked specialties. $$-$$$
Tía Carmen
Southwestern
5350 E. Marriott Dr. 480-293-3636, tiacarmendesertridge.com
Celebrity chef Angelo Sosa brings his light, beautiful version of Southwestern cuisine to this dramatically designed resort restaurant, where the experience is amplified by thoughtful cocktails and intimate patio seating. If tostadas and flan sound boring, think again. They’re elevated and phenomenal here.
