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PERSONAL RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS |
The following establishments were recommended by players and friends of the Cactus City Softball League. Please consider these locations for your lunch or dinner plans during the week. The estimated prices are per person for a meal with an appetizer, main entrée and dessert with a non-alcoholic drink. $ - less than $15, $$ - between $15-25, $$$ - between $25-40 and $$$$ - higher than $40
Anzio’s Italian Restaurant (Italian)
12418 N. 28th Drive, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.375.1221 | $$
Recommended by Dawn Applegate of the Screaming Unicorns
“It’s a small family owned restaurant with amazing food, large portions at reasonable prices.”
Try everything!
Barrio Café (Mexican)
2814 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.636.0240 | $$
Recommended by Mark Hoover of Monsoon.
“It's so Phoenix -- mix of our heritage (Mexican) and our current (trendy, nationally recognized cuisine). I love all their food (great mole sauce), but always mention the Sunday brunch that most people don't know about including the best Bloody Mary ever!!! “
Also recommended by Shannon of Moxie
“It’s gay friendly, the food is amazing, there is no other restaurant in Phoenix like it. It has over 180 tequilas and it has a great atmosphere.”
Try the pescado del mar, table side guacamole, the duck and the pork (cochinita pubil) and margaritas are amazing.
Also recommended by Joelle Guymon of Phoenix Edge
“Three words: Tequila Lobster Quesadilla! Three words: Chef Silvana Salcido. You cannot believe this amazing food! You think you know Mexican food? Not until you’ve tried Chef’s creations! Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere! And be yourself…this is a “family” owned restraint!”
Try the Enchiladas de Hongos, Guacamole Casero – prepared tableside and REAL margaritas – top shelf tequila, hand squeezed lime juice…no fake mix!
Also recommended by Joseph Betancourt of Apollo’s
“This place has a great vibe and is one of the few places in the valley to get Gourmet Mexican! In a city that is over-run with “the berto’s,” it is refreshing to see a Chef take time to prepare and present wonderful dishes!!! A Phoenix MUST!!!!
Try Sangria…of course…then there’s the mean Chicken Mole…all dishes are like water for chocolate…can’t go wrong with any dish!!!
Chino Bandido (Chinese/Mexican fusion)
15414 N. 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.375.3639 | $
Recommended by Fai Mo of Apollo’s
“Excellent hole in the wall fusion restaurant. It’s very casual and is a mix of Chinese and Mexican foods. It sounds weird but is delicious! Let them know it’s your first time there and sample different selections. Beer and win served as well. Close to host hotels.”
Try Combination with #1 in a quesadilla and #4, white rice, black beans.
Coronado Café (American)
2201 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.258.5149 | $
Recommended by Michael Weakley of 1 in 10
“It has amazing food in a gay friendly atmosphere and it is NOT a chain. The food is fresh and makes me feel like I am eating somewhat healthy home cooking. The owners are two gay guys that are friends and are two cool guys, very friendly.”
Try the meatloaf, it is amazing.
Also recommended by Fai Mo of Apollo’s
“Gay owned and operated, cute little house converted to a restaurant. Great for lunch and dinner. Close to Hilton hotels.”
Try the Kobe Beef burger…best I’ve ever had. Chicken corn chowder soup and all desserts.
Coup de Tartes (French)
4626 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ (Map) | 602.212.1082 | $$$
Recommended by Scott Bowerman of Apollo’s
“It’s a quaint atmosphere privately owned restaurant (house turned into restaurant). Seasonal menu with excellent tasting food and friendly staff. They have delicious desserts with a full time pastry chef on staff. One of only two restaurants in the valley which allows you to bring in your own wine ($8 corkage fee).”
Try the Brie Brulee, Australian Filet or Chilean Sea bass, and Chocolate/Banana Tart
Fajita’s (Mexican)
9841 N. Black Canyon Highway, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.870.4030 | $
“Great atmosphere, great food, great service.”
Try any of the fajitas!
Fez (Moroccan)
3815 N. Central Ave, # B, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.287.8700 | $
Recommended by Sharon Kagley of Chaos
“The food is great, the service is great and the martinis are EXCELLENT! And the owner is usually there and he is super nice.”
Try the Strawberry/Blueberry Cashew Salad with chicken or lamb (or for those vegans out there – no meat is required!). Order a full salad instead of a half – a half will leave you wanting more! It is light and filling at the same time.
Also recommended by Carlos of Apollo’s
“This place has it all with great drinks, great atmosphere, great staff and the best manager in town, Thomas! They also have a great Happy Hour from 4-6:30 with 2-4-1 well, draft and bottled bear as well as their great margaritas!
Try starting with a pomegranate margarita, then some garlic and rosemary fries and then get a Casablanca chicken sandwich.
Harley’s Italian Bistro (Italian)
4221 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.234.0333 | $$
Recommended by Chris of Phoenix Edge
“Best Italian food I’ve ever eaten.”
Try the chicken dishes, they are the best. Everything is good though.
Jillians (American)
21001 N. Tatum Blvd, Suite 44-1400, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 480.538.8956 $
Recommended by Carissa Duryee of the Screaming Unicorns
“This is one of my favorite restaurants because they have awesome food, a huge selection of games, a bowling alley, a bar, and a separate sit down restaurant all in one.”
Try any of the waffle cut cheese fries, the buffalo chicken wrapper and the Garden burger.
The Old Spaghetti Factory (Italian)
1418 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.257.0380 | $
Recommended by Doug Figueroa of San Diego
“It is a classic restaurant with great Italian Food. I miss the restaurant the most and wish they had one here in San Diego.”
Try the Manager’s Special. Spaghetti with meat sauce, mushroom sauce, mizithra and clam sauce. Yummy!
Also recommended by Christina Pellett of Phoenix Edge
“I love the Victorian atmosphere of the restaurant and the great food. The prices are very affordable for the amount of food that you get. It’s great for large groups as well as an intimate dinner for two.
Try the manager’s favorite with half mushroom sauce and half mizithra cheese (a very rich shredded cheese made from goat’s milk). Also, their lasagna is amazing.
Oregano’s (Italian)
1008 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.241.0707 | $
Recommended by Joshua Magallanes from Seattle Arsenal
“Great atmosphere, large portions, great drinks…accommodates large parties.”
Try the turkey stuffed sandwich and for dessert, the pazooki, it’s great.
Phoenix City Grill (American)
5816 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.266.3001 | $$
Recommended by Joe Williams of Off Chute Too
“It’s got great service, excellent food and reasonable prices. Nice atmosphere.”
Try any of the pasta dishes and all of the desserts. They have excellent steak and fish choices.
Richardson’s (Southwestern)
1582 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.265.5886 | $$$
Recommended by Don Welsh of Monsoon
“Reliably excellent New Mexico style food”
Try the rellenos, daily specials…everything.
Silver Dragon Chinese Restaurant (Chinese)
8946 N. 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.674.0151 | $
Recommended by Fai Mo of Apollo’s.
“My favorite authentic Chinese restaurant and I am very picky about Chinese food. Ask for the Chinese menu to order the authentic dishes. Less than 1 mile from the Sheraton Crescent.”
Try Family Dinner E if in a group of 4-5. Other favorites include Walnut Shrimp, Salt and Pepper Pork Chop and Beef Chow Fun.
Spinato’s Pizzeria (Pizza)
1219 E. Glendale Ave. Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.277.0088 | $
Recommended by Dawn Applegate of the Screaming Unicorns
“Great pizza started from a family in Chicago so family owned!”
Try Mamma Spinato’s “Signature” Fresh Spinach Pizza…Fresh baby spinach carefully marinated in Mamma Spinato’s “Secret Seasonings,” then baked with fresh roma tomatoes and diced garlic to give it the most authentic taste on our menu…our most popular!
Texaz Grill (Steakhouse)
6003 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.248.7827 | $$
“Great food at a great price. It is a small bar and grill that has been around for many years. They have very large portions of everything.
Try “Freddy’ Filet!”
Zoe’s Kitchen (Miscellaneous)
521 W. McDowell, Phoenix, AZ (map) | 602.716.0070 | $
Recommended by Cindy B of the Mavericks
“It’s healthy eating with a good taste and decent prices. Best chocolate cake in Phoenix.”
Try the Chicken roll ups chicken quesadillas.
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