by Jason Keil | photography by Alanna Goodman
After years of construction, the South-Central Extension of the Valley Metro Rail B Line opened last June, adding 5.5 miles to the nearly two-decade-old, two-line light rail system. Beginning at the Downtown Hub, riders are now connected to restaurants and galleries in South Phoenix. Grab your Copper Card and explore this emerging food and culture hub, stretching from Washington Street to Baseline Road.
3 PLACES TO EAT
Poncho’s Mexican Food and Cantina
This South Phoenix mainstay serves food so nice that Bill Clinton ate there twice. A mural inside commemorates his patronage: In 1999, he ordered the La Fiesta Chiquita appetizer platter. He returned in 2024 while campaigning for Kamala Harris.
7202 S. Central Ave.
602-276-2437, ponchosmexicanfood.com
Creampuff Donuts & Coffee
You’ll likely only “need” one of the indulgent doughnuts at this little bakery by Pretty Decent Concepts tucked away in the warehouse district. Considering the delectable varieties available, including its croissant-like cinnamon churro, luckily there is no rule that you can’t savor two.
101 E. Buchanan St.
480-248-9130, creampuffdonuts.com
EZBachi
The popular food truck, specializing in sizzling teppanyaki, now has a brick-and-mortar location. The interior may resemble a ninja-obsessed college freshman’s dorm room, but the flavorful lunch bowls and dinner entrées easily make it worth the visit for grown-ups.
1713 S. Central Ave.
602-900-6183, ezbachi.com
3 THINGS TO DO
The Sagrado
This art gallery and community space celebrates the culture of Chicano Indigenous artists. Take part in an art workshop or visit one of the exhibitions curated by founder Sam Gomez.
6437 S. Central Ave.
602-413-3357, thesagrado.org
Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center
Grab your binoculars and explore this lush stretch of wildlife, home to more than 200 species of birds. Hike the scenic trails on your own or join a guided birding outing at 8 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
3131 S. Central Ave.
602-468-6470, riosalado.audubon.org
Last Exit Live
Artists such as Jelly Roll and St. Paul and the Broken Bones played in this cozy venue before they began packing arenas, and its spacious outdoor patio makes it a great place to grab a cold one on the rare nights when there isn’t a show.
717 S. Central Ave.
602-271-7000, lastexitlive.com
PHOTO OP
“The Mother of Water” by Zarco Guerrero
This bronze and steel sculpture commands attention from every viewpoint as its expressive gaze appears to follow viewers. The piece honors the Akimel O’Odham, Tohono O’odham and Piipaash peoples who built the Valley’s canal system a millennium ago. It towers over the stop at Baseline Road and Central Avenue.
OVERNIGHT OPTION
Hotel Palomar
Enjoy a view of the entire South-Central Phoenix light rail extension (and much more) while sipping a cocktail by the rooftop pool. Afterward, relax in a spacious room at this luxury hotel.
2 E. Jefferson Ave.
602-253-6633, hotelpalomar-phoenix.com
