Central Phoenix Guidebook
Food scene
Rosita’s Place has great Mexican food in an atmosphere that makes you feel like your tia is in the kitchen cooking for you.
15 residents recomanen
Rosita's Place
2310 E McDowell RdRosita’s Place has great Mexican food in an atmosphere that makes you feel like your tia is in the kitchen cooking for you.
Tacos Sahuaro
2320 N 32nd StThe tacos here are some of the best in the area.
Tacos Chiwas
1028 East Indian School RoadGreat Chihuahuan style Mexican food.
Green features all your favorite foods made with 100% plant-based ingredients, vegan cheeses, and mock meats.
163 residents recomanen
Green New American Vegetarian
2022 N 7th StGreen features all your favorite foods made with 100% plant-based ingredients, vegan cheeses, and mock meats.
Open, contemporary kitchen serving New American fare & innovative Oaxacan-style Mexican dishes and cocktails.
61 residents recomanen
Otro Cafe
6035 N 7th StOpen, contemporary kitchen serving New American fare & innovative Oaxacan-style Mexican dishes and cocktails.
Purveyors of sustainable seafood, daring new rum cocktails, and a meticulously curated collection of premium rums.
66 residents recomanen
The Breadfruit & Rum Bar
1 E Pierce StPurveyors of sustainable seafood, daring new rum cocktails, and a meticulously curated collection of premium rums.
Set in an old church, this gastropublike spot serves sustainable Mexican fare, craft beer & tequila.
139 residents recomanen
Taco Guild
546 E Osborn RdSet in an old church, this gastropublike spot serves sustainable Mexican fare, craft beer & tequila.
Founder, Irma Valle, was inspired by her travels in San Carlos Bay, Sonora Mexico. Wanting to share her experience, she brought that relaxed atmosphere and fresh seafood delivered directly from Guaymas Sonora to Phoenix residents.
San Carlos Seafood Restaurant
1901 E McDowell RdFounder, Irma Valle, was inspired by her travels in San Carlos Bay, Sonora Mexico. Wanting to share her experience, she brought that relaxed atmosphere and fresh seafood delivered directly from Guaymas Sonora to Phoenix residents.
Hip, modern eatery serving comfort foods from a variety of Asian countries, plus cocktails.
83 residents recomanen
Clever Koi
4236 N Central AveHip, modern eatery serving comfort foods from a variety of Asian countries, plus cocktails.
Relaxed restaurant luring locals with seasonal New American meals & an extensive wine list.
63 residents recomanen
Beckett's Table
3717 E Indian School RdRelaxed restaurant luring locals with seasonal New American meals & an extensive wine list.
The family-run Fry Bread House is a longtime Melrose staple that far predates the more recent arrivals in the neighborhood; it opened in 1992 and has been serving traditional Tohono O'odham food here ever since.
19 residents recomanen
Fry Bread House
4545 N 7th AveThe family-run Fry Bread House is a longtime Melrose staple that far predates the more recent arrivals in the neighborhood; it opened in 1992 and has been serving traditional Tohono O'odham food here ever since.
The Roosevelt Row Arts District, dubbed RoRo by the locals, has been named among 15 great places in America by the American Planning Association. This neighborhood — approximately defined by McDowell Road south to Van Buren Street and Central Avenue east to Seventh Street — is home to a wide variety of galleries, small stages, restaurants, bars, and boutiques that draw in locals and visitors alike.
129 residents recomanen
First Friday Roosevelt Row
333 E Roosevelt StThe Roosevelt Row Arts District, dubbed RoRo by the locals, has been named among 15 great places in America by the American Planning Association. This neighborhood — approximately defined by McDowell Road south to Van Buren Street and Central Avenue east to Seventh Street — is home to a wide variety of galleries, small stages, restaurants, bars, and boutiques that draw in locals and visitors alike.
Upscale, old-school chophouse serving steak, seafood & martinis in a vintage red-velvet setting.
137 residents recomanen
Durant's
2611 N Central AveUpscale, old-school chophouse serving steak, seafood & martinis in a vintage red-velvet setting.
Local chain serving a wide variety of seafood dishes in a relaxed, nautically themed space.
Bluewater Grill
Local chain serving a wide variety of seafood dishes in a relaxed, nautically themed space.
Cozy destination serving New Mexican cuisine in a stylish space with a rustic feel.
69 residents recomanen
Dick's Hideaway
6008 N 16th StCozy destination serving New Mexican cuisine in a stylish space with a rustic feel.
Hip spot for Vietnamese pho, banh mi & street food favorites, plus drinks & happy-hour specials.
28 residents recomanen
Rice Paper Vietnamese Restaurant
2241 N 7th StHip spot for Vietnamese pho, banh mi & street food favorites, plus drinks & happy-hour specials.
Dynamic, colorful eatery offering tacos, frijoles & other Mexican dishes, plus beer & margaritas.
Tacos Calafia Downtown
Dynamic, colorful eatery offering tacos, frijoles & other Mexican dishes, plus beer & margaritas.
Ramen & Japanese dishes turned out in a snug, counter-service location with basic seating.
Ramen Kagawa
Ramen & Japanese dishes turned out in a snug, counter-service location with basic seating.
Sports
Sporting arenas and venues
Talking Sticks Resort Arena
201 E Jefferson StCome see the Phoenix Suns play!
Estadi Chase Field
401 E Jefferson StCome see the Arizona D-backs play!
Right across 7th Street from The Wexler, lies an urban oasis that has served the surrounding community since 1899. Phoenix Country Club is a private premier club where many of the valley's most influential people have enjoyed the high quality amenities and activities for over a hundred years.
11 residents recomanen
Phoenix Country Club
2901 N 7th StRight across 7th Street from The Wexler, lies an urban oasis that has served the surrounding community since 1899. Phoenix Country Club is a private premier club where many of the valley's most influential people have enjoyed the high quality amenities and activities for over a hundred years.
Museums
“Since its founding in 1929, the Heard Museum has grown in size and stature to become recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming and its unmatched festivals.”
653 residents recomanen
Museu Heard
2301 N Central Ave“Since its founding in 1929, the Heard Museum has grown in size and stature to become recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming and its unmatched festivals.”
Phoenix Art Museum has provided access to visual arts and educational programs in Arizona for more than 60 years and is the largest art museum in the Southwestern United States. In addition to an annual calendar of special exhibitions, Phoenix Art Museum’s permanent-collection galleries are drawn from more than 20,000 objects of modern and contemporary art, fashion design, and photography, as well as American, Asian, Latin American, and European art. Each month, the Museum hosts a wide variety of public programs, including lectures, performances, tours, workshops, and film screenings designed for audiences of all ages to enjoy.
686 residents recomanen
Museu d'Art de Phoenix
1625 N Central AvePhoenix Art Museum has provided access to visual arts and educational programs in Arizona for more than 60 years and is the largest art museum in the Southwestern United States. In addition to an annual calendar of special exhibitions, Phoenix Art Museum’s permanent-collection galleries are drawn from more than 20,000 objects of modern and contemporary art, fashion design, and photography, as well as American, Asian, Latin American, and European art. Each month, the Museum hosts a wide variety of public programs, including lectures, performances, tours, workshops, and film screenings designed for audiences of all ages to enjoy.
Founded in 1984 as the Arizona Museum of Science & Technology in a downtown storefront, the Arizona Science center has daily demonstrations throughout the Center, and provides shows in the Dorrance Planetarium and in a five-story, giant screen IMAX Theater.
292 residents recomanen
Arizona Science Center
600 E Washington StFounded in 1984 as the Arizona Museum of Science & Technology in a downtown storefront, the Arizona Science center has daily demonstrations throughout the Center, and provides shows in the Dorrance Planetarium and in a five-story, giant screen IMAX Theater.
One of the top children’s museums in the nation, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a wondrous place of imagination, inspiration, creativity and just plain fun! Designed for children ages birth to 10, this is not your typical Museum…here we want you to touch EVERYTHING! And with over 48,000 square feet of space, there’s plenty to touch.
183 residents recomanen
Museu Infantil de Phoenix
215 N 7th StOne of the top children’s museums in the nation, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a wondrous place of imagination, inspiration, creativity and just plain fun! Designed for children ages birth to 10, this is not your typical Museum…here we want you to touch EVERYTHING! And with over 48,000 square feet of space, there’s plenty to touch.
The Arizona Capitol Museum utilizes historic artifacts, guided interpretation, virtual resources, interactive activities, and public programs to educate visitors on Arizona’s governmental, political, and social history. Educational programs support Arizona Social Studies Standards with an emphasis on civics and government.
12 residents recomanen
Arizona Capitol Museum
1700 W Washington StThe Arizona Capitol Museum utilizes historic artifacts, guided interpretation, virtual resources, interactive activities, and public programs to educate visitors on Arizona’s governmental, political, and social history. Educational programs support Arizona Social Studies Standards with an emphasis on civics and government.
Sightseeing
The nation’s largest municipal park and a great place for hiking
350 residents recomanen
Parc South Mountain
10919 South Central AvenueThe nation’s largest municipal park and a great place for hiking
The conservation-minded Phoenix Zoo has over 1,400 animals on display and contains 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of walking trails.
864 residents recomanen
Zoo de Phoenix
455 N Galvin PkwyThe conservation-minded Phoenix Zoo has over 1,400 animals on display and contains 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of walking trails.
The Desert Botanical Garden offers the world's finest collection of arid plants from deserts of the world in a unique outdoor setting.
1231 residents recomanen
Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden offers the world's finest collection of arid plants from deserts of the world in a unique outdoor setting.
The garden encompasses 3.5 acres (14,000 m2) and includes a tea garden and tea house. It is a joint project of the sister cities of Phoenix, Arizona, and Himeji, Japan. The Japanese name is Rohō-en (鷺鳳園).
In 2004 it was named by the City of Phoenix as one of the Phoenix Points of Pride.
183 residents recomanen
Jardí de l'amistat japonesa de Phoenix
1125 N 3rd Ave The garden encompasses 3.5 acres (14,000 m2) and includes a tea garden and tea house. It is a joint project of the sister cities of Phoenix, Arizona, and Himeji, Japan. The Japanese name is Rohō-en (鷺鳳園).
In 2004 it was named by the City of Phoenix as one of the Phoenix Points of Pride.
More than 400 Navajos served as Marine Corps code talkers during World War II. While members of other tribes served as radio operators, speaking in their own languages, the Navajos created a code based on their language.
The code talkers’ efforts went unrecognized for decades because of the value of their secret code. They began receiving recognition in 1992, when the Pentagon officially honored them.
Navajo Code Talkers Memorial
More than 400 Navajos served as Marine Corps code talkers during World War II. While members of other tribes served as radio operators, speaking in their own languages, the Navajos created a code based on their language.
The code talkers’ efforts went unrecognized for decades because of the value of their secret code. They began receiving recognition in 1992, when the Pentagon officially honored them.
Bars & Lounges
Housed inside the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters at the historic Luhrs Building in downtown Phoenix, Bitter & Twisted is both a stylish eatery and hip drinking space, with innovative bar bites and a world-class, award-winning and globally recognized cocktail program.
151 residents recomanen
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
1 W Jefferson StHoused inside the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters at the historic Luhrs Building in downtown Phoenix, Bitter & Twisted is both a stylish eatery and hip drinking space, with innovative bar bites and a world-class, award-winning and globally recognized cocktail program.
Music, film, spoken word & comedy showcased in an intimate venue with a game room & cocktail lounge.
186 residents recomanen
Valley Bar
130 N Central AveMusic, film, spoken word & comedy showcased in an intimate venue with a game room & cocktail lounge.
Hotel Palomar’s chic bar serves craft cocktails & organic bites in a poolside setup with city views.
31 residents recomanen
Lustre Bar
2 E Jefferson StHotel Palomar’s chic bar serves craft cocktails & organic bites in a poolside setup with city views.
Upscale haunt with craft cocktails, local beers & premium cigars, plus live music & outdoor seating.
32 residents recomanen
Sazerac
821 N 2nd StUpscale haunt with craft cocktails, local beers & premium cigars, plus live music & outdoor seating.
Bustling hangout featuring games like darts & skeeball, plus liquor tastings & local musicians.
102 residents recomanen
The Little Woody
4228 E Indian School RdBustling hangout featuring games like darts & skeeball, plus liquor tastings & local musicians.
American bar bites headline the menu and there are over 60 beers on tap & live music, including blues, rock,progressive, hip hop, punk, and jazz fusion bands. The place is intimate and the acoustics are decent.
56 residents recomanen
Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen
50 W Jefferson StAmerican bar bites headline the menu and there are over 60 beers on tap & live music, including blues, rock,progressive, hip hop, punk, and jazz fusion bands. The place is intimate and the acoustics are decent.
Live Music
The Rhythm Room Roots, Blues & Concert Club in Phoenix, Arizona is a live music venue hosting local and national acts on a nightly basis.
45 residents recomanen
The Rhythm Room
1019 E Indian School RdThe Rhythm Room Roots, Blues & Concert Club in Phoenix, Arizona is a live music venue hosting local and national acts on a nightly basis.
The best in live Blues, R&B, Soul and Funk music the valley has to offer.
42 residents recomanen
Char's Has the Blues
4631 N 7th AveThe best in live Blues, R&B, Soul and Funk music the valley has to offer.
Brick-walled lounge set in a former garage that now offers Tex-Mex cooking & free live music.
204 residents recomanen
Crescent Ballroom
308 N 2nd AveBrick-walled lounge set in a former garage that now offers Tex-Mex cooking & free live music.
American bar bites headline the menu and there are over 60 beers on tap & live music, including blues, rock,progressive, hip hop, punk, and jazz fusion bands. The place is intimate and the acoustics are decent.
56 residents recomanen
Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen
50 W Jefferson StAmerican bar bites headline the menu and there are over 60 beers on tap & live music, including blues, rock,progressive, hip hop, punk, and jazz fusion bands. The place is intimate and the acoustics are decent.
Groceries
Natural Grocers
13802 N Scottsdale Rd655 W Indian School Rd
Sprouts Farmers Market
2824 E Indian School Rd3320 N 7th Ave
Safeway
340 E McDowell Rd340 E McDowell Rd
Safeway
340 E McDowell Rd520 W Osborn Rd