Rio Mirage Café y Cantina
Mexican
12245 Santa Fe Dr., El Mirage
623-583-7708, riomiragecafe.com
Located on the access road where the railroad track crosses Grand Avenue, this modest place is hard to find but worth the search. Just ask the hungry folks who often spill out the door waiting their turn to enjoy fajitas, enchiladas, chimichangas and specialty burritos. Other location: Surprise (623-214-3651). $$
Clever Koi
Asian
4236 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-222-3474, thecleverkoi.com
Creative, non-traditional takes on Asian-inspired fare in a contemporary, energetic atmosphere. Come for barman Joshua James’s thoughtful cocktails, crafted with house-made ingredients and South Pacific flair; stay for the kimchi carbonara, chicken katsu sandwich or big bowls of duck ramen. Other location: Gilbert (480-306-4237). $$
Carolina’s Mexican Food
Mexican
1202 E. Mohave St., Phoenix
602-252-1503, carolinasmex.com
By 11 a.m., this bare-bones South Phoenix 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. Other locations: North Phoenix (602-275-8231), Mesa (480-912-3420), Peoria (623-487-1400). $
J&G Steakhouse
Steak
6000 E. Camelback Rd. (The Phoenician), Scottsdale
480-214-8000, jgsteakhousescottsdale.com
J&G serves stellar steak and seafood in a setting with custom-made furniture, private dining areas and sweeping desert vistas viewable through floor-to-ceiling windows. Expect premium cuts of meat, fresh fish, comfort-food sides and an award-winning wine list. Reservations recommended. $$$$
Hush Public House
New American
14202 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-758-5172, hushpublichouse.com
Just close your eyes and point: Everything is delicious and comforting at this dim, narrow and noisy strip mall restaurant run by industry vet Dom Ruggiero. The menu, which skews New American, features lots of shared plates, so come with a food-loving friend or three and order in quantity. Don’t miss the chicken liver mousse, ricotta gnocchi, luscious Italian beef sandwich or New York strip. $$-$$$
Lee’s Sandwiches
Sandwiches
1901 W. Warner Rd., Chandler
480-855-1778, leesandwiches.com
Started by two brothers from Vietnam, this fast-casual operation specializes in sandwiches made on croissants or house-made baguettes. Vietnamese banh mi are topped with pickled veggies, cilantro and jalapeño. There’s also great coffee, house-made ice cream and smoothies. Other location: Peoria (623-299-8888). $
About this guide
The restaurants listed are noteworthy and randomly selected from our rotating master list. We suggest that you confirm information, and we solicit your help in correcting any errors in the guide. We also ask readers to send us complaints in writing when one of the listed restaurants fails to meet expectations. Please note that, unless otherwise indicated, the listed restaurants offer free parking and recommend reservations for peak hours and large groups. Price categories reflect average dinner entrée prices; drinks, tax and tip are extra.
$=under $10
$$=$11-$15
$$$=$16-$25
$$$$=$26 and over
