If you’re craving breakfast, barbecue or craft beer, head north of Northern Avenue.
About this guide
The restaurants listed are noteworthy and randomly selected from our rotating master list. We suggest you confirm information, and we solicit your help in correcting any errors in the guide. Price categories reflect average dinner entrée prices; drinks, tax and tip are extra.
Reading: Best mexican food west valley phoenix
Iconic Arizona Restaurant – IARBest New Restaurant – BNR
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3 Best WV Beer Bars
Enjoy a freewheeling night on the town, west-side-style.
1 Saddle Mountain Brewing company
This Goodyear brewery is running with the big dogs these days, having won the silver medal at the World Beer Cup in 2018 and the gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2017 for its Taildragger Clan-Destine, a Scottish ale. Try the “Rachel” sliders – pastrami, Swiss and coleslaw with Russian dressing. $15651 W. Roosevelt St., Goodyear623-249-5520, saddlemountainbrewing.com
2 Peoria Artisan Brewery
Chef Michael Mahalick’s menu is more elegantly executed than the beer-pub norm. Chicken bites boast the crisp, crackling skin of quality Southern fried chicken, and the IPA-brined main dishes and beer-based desserts cater to the craft-brew base. $10144 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy., Peoria623-572-2816, peoriaartisanbrewing.com
3 Ground Control
This gastropub/coffee shop/gelateria/wine bar has something for everyone morning, noon and night. Excellent pizzas, panini, salads and specialty coffee drinks. $4860 N. Litchfield Rd., Litchfield Park623-535-9066, groundxcontrol.com
Arrowhead Grill
8280 W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale623-566-2224, arrowheadgrill.com Upscale cocktail lounges are few and far between on the west side, so if you find yourself hankering for an expertly made martini while out west go to Arrowhead Grill. Get something fruity like a pomegranate-açaí martini, or put some hair on your chest with an AG Flight of Fancy: a tasting of three hand- selected spirits, like the American bourbon flight or Highland single-malt scotch flight. $$$
Abuelo’s
MEXICAN
16092 N. Arrowhead Fountains Center Dr., Peoria623-878-8282, abuelos.com Constructed to look like a Mexican hacienda, these Texas-based corporate restaurants offer hearty Mexican food with a Tex-Mex accent. Favorites: steak and enchiladas, fajita chimichanga, brisket tacos and chile con queso. Save room for chocolate flan or tres leches cake. Other location: Chandler (480-855-0960). $-$$
Bangkok Thai Bar-B-Q
Thai
13828 N. 51st Ave., Glendale602-993-2046, bangkokthaiglendale.comWimpy palates need not apply at this homey-looking West Valley operation, where the Thai food is authentic and plenty hot. Try the pad prik king, the larb, the curries and the excellent soups for proof. $-$$
Casa Terra
vegan
6835 N. 58th Dr., Glendale623-680-7468, casaterra.comChef-owner Jason Wyrick proves that vegan food and rabbit food are not synonymous at his gracious, white-tablecloth restaurant in downtown Glendale. His Latin-inspired menu features Italian arancini, Spanish salmorejo (think heartier gazpacho) and elegant, reinvented Mexican classics, including tamales, flautas and tacos. Don’t miss the smoked mushroom cazuela. $$
Cucina Tagliani
Italian
17045 N. 59th Ave., Glendale602-547-2782, cucinatagliani.comExposed brick, weathered doors and grape leaves give this popular West-sider a cozy Old-World feeling. Customers love the “Pick a Pasta,” first choosing a pasta, then a sauce, then ingredients, such as eggplant or prosciutto, to add. $-$$
Cuff
american
5819 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale 623-847-8890, cuffglendale.comThe best restaurant in Glendale? No small number of locals would nominate this freewheeling gastropub. Standouts include barbecue jackfruit and Cuff mac with sharp cheddar, but the star is the posole: Handmade pulled-pork-stuffed potstickers combine with starchy hominy and lip-smacking tomato gravy for a stick-to-your-ribs dish. Lunch and dinner daily. $$
Dapper & Stout
Coffee/Treats
6409 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale623-934-1226, dapperandstout.comTop-notch pastries and panini at this hot spot near downtown Glendale. Get the banana Nutella French toast. $
3 Hot Italian Eateries in the West Valley
If you’re west of the I-17 and crave Neapolitan-style pizza or homemade pasta, mangia at one of these ristorantes.
1 Fabio on Fire
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Owned by Fabio and Jenny Ceschetti, this bistro turns out Italian classics – cioppino, -roasted lamb, lasagne – as well as terrific wood-fired pizzas that could go crust-to-crust with the best pies in metro Phoenix. No surprise: Fabio is a third-generation pizzaiolo from Northern Italy. $$8275 W. Lake Pleasant Pkwy., Peoria, 623-680-5385, fabioonfire.com
2 CHAR Pizzeria Napoletana
Design your own Neapolitan-style pie at CHAR, choosing from sauces, toppings and even doneness level. Specialty pizzas like the garlic lobster, bacon and corn, farmers market and capricciosa do the flavor-pairing for you. $-$$25101 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy., Peoria, 623-249-5366, charpizzeria.com
3 Osteria Mia
This hip, high-ceilinged Italian bistro and wine bar in the Norterra shopping complex offers modern Italian favorites, from Parm-flecked artichokes with lemony aioli to balsamic-drizzled Brussels sprouts. The menu’s greatest strengths, however, may be thin-crust wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas. $$2530 W. Happy Valley Rd., Phoenix, 623-434-4604, osteriamia.com
3 Best Breakfast Spots in the WV
Start your day on the right foot with a delectable breakfast or brunch spread.
1 Hash Kitchen
From Valley dining scion Joey Maggiore comes this chic brunch spot. Expect hearty egg dishes including brisket and corn bread hash, a great Spanish frittata and a fiery Mexicana scramble, all of which are made to pair with the BYO Bloody Mary bar featuring 40 craft toppings. Burgers and sandwiches complement sweeter offerings such as lemon-ricotta pancakes and macaroon-like coconut-almond French toast. Four other Valley locations. $-$$9780 W. Northern Ave., Peoria, 623-471-5471, hashkitchen.com
2 Kiss the Cook
Eating in Nancy Wallace’s kitschy Downtown Glendale restaurant (open since 1982) feels like dining at your kooky aunt’s house – huge portions, lots of love and kitschy, country-themed art (wicker baskets hang from the ceiling, mugs and stuffed cats hold court on shelves). Wallace’s omelets are extra cheesy, her pecan cinnamon rolls are extra sticky and her signature “baker’s basket” of assorted fresh mini muffins is extra comforting – definitely worth a kiss of gratitude. $4915 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, 623-939-4663, kissthecookrestaurant.com
3 Colados Coffee & CrÊpes
The crêpes at this Avondale crêperie are thicker, sturdier, a little more browned and a little more generously packed with ingredients than your average French pancake. The Morning, stuffed with bacon, eggs, cheese and peppers, would be easy to scarf any time of day. The Chipotle, with drizzles of its eponymous sauce over ham and spinach, is messy and not as fiery as its name suggests. On the sweet side, the standout is the Nutella, with bananas, strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Other location: Goodyear (623-248-6187). $10685 W. Indian School Rd., Avondale, 623-215-3826, coladoscoffee.com
Dazzo’s Dog House
american
6143 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale623-934-3536, dazzosdoghouse.comThe Chicago native Dazzo family has been running this joint since 1979. Feast on a Chi-Town smorgasbord of Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago tamales and fries, along with the expected Chicago dogs and bratwurst selections. Cash only. $
Desert Rose Steakhouse
steakhouse
6729 N. 57th Dr., Glendale623-937-3004, desertrosesteakhouse.comDry-aged for a month, the 10-oz. filet mignon and New York Strip are winners. Bone-in pork chops and pasta dishes like salmon with dual pesto and red pepper sauces round out the extensive entrée list. $$$
Dillon’s
barbecue
20585 N. 59th Ave., Glendale623-566-8100, dillonsrestaurant.com This rambling, down-home restaurant is beloved for its barbecued ribs and chicken, pecan-smoked and served with comforting sides including mashed potatoes, steak fries, macaroni and cheese, barbecue baked beans and potato salad. Fish sandwiches and platters are stellar, too. $-$$
Don Ruben’s
mexican
4323 W. Cactus Rd., Glendale602-866-2900, donrubensmexicanfood.comThis cozy, family-owned neighborhood favorite serves Mexican and American classics, from carnita to grilled cheese. Get the plato magnifico for a sampling of la comida mexicana, and try one of their premium margaritas. $-$$
EEST Asian Bistro
pan-asian
3145 N. Dysart Rd., Avondale623-535-0902, eestasianbistro.comChinese, Japanese and Singaporean cuisines share the menu at this buzzy spot. $-$$
El Heroico Guaymas
mexican
6750 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria623-248-1734, heroicoguaymasrestaurant.comYou’ve had Sonoran cuisine – but have you tried Sonoran coastal cuisine? The menu features the usual mariscos – seafood apps, tacos, et al – as well as Guaymas region specialties like fish ceviche tostada, strewn with avocado and drizzled with gutsy salsa negra. $$
Eric’s Family Barbecue BNR
Barbecue
12345 W. Indian School Rd., Avondale623-248-0148, ericsfamilybbq.com The West Valley’s best new barbecue joint specializes in Central-Texas-style brisket, rubbed with little more than salt and pepper and smoked over mesquite, until it reaches a lovely ratio of carmelized bark to fatty flesh. Also pay heed to the pulled pork, pork ribs and uniformly delicious sides. $$
Flavors of Louisiana
Cajun/Creole
13025 W. Rancho Santa Fe Blvd., Avondale623-935-2357, flavorsoflouisianacajun.comForget blackened, salty faux Cajun. This is the real deal. Baton Rouge native Jennifer Landry Goff runs this little slice of the bayou, specializing in scratch-made specialties like jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp étouffée and boudin balls. Other location: Tempe (480-590-5634) $-$$
Garcia’s Las Avenidas
Mexican
2212 N. 35th Ave., Phoenix602-272-5584, garciasmexicanfood.comThis is where the famous restaurant chain started, and it still remains in family hands. All of the original dishes are still on the menu: machaca, tacos al pastor, albondigas and more. $$$
Haus Murphy’s IAR
German
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5739 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale623-939-2480, hausmurphys.com Don’t let the “Murphy’s” moniker throw you. Brett and Rose Hoffmann’s kitschy, cozy German restaurant is full Teuton. All the classics are here – bratwurst, sauerkraut, sauerbraten, a half-dozen schnitzels, strudel and tortes – but take a gamble on the chocolate sauerkraut cake, which is much better than it sounds. $$
La Piazza al Forno
Pizza/Italian
5803 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale623-847-3301, lapiazzaalforno.comFeatured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this Italian-American family-owned eatery serves a fabulous pie. Chef Justin Piazza tops his hand-tossed, wood-fired crust with San Marzano tomatoes and homemade mozzarella. Try the garlicky white pizza or the meaty Italian Stallion. Delicious pasta, panini and desserts, too. You gotta try the cannoli And the Italian wine cake. $-$$$
Litchfield’s
AMERICAN
300 E. Wigwam Blvd., (Wigwam Resort), Litchfield Park623-935-3811, wigwamarizona.comExpect delicious, organic foods like yellowfin tuna with watermelon, avocado, cucumber and radish; homemade pastas; risotto and fresh fish. Great steaks and chops, too. $$$
Mariscos Ensenada
Mexican/Seafood
4130 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix602-265-6525 This local restaurant chain is popular, and for good reason. The fish is fresh, simple and delicious. Try whole fish al mojo de ajo, and don’t miss the smoked marlin tacos. Other locations: Glendale (623-845-0513), Phoenix (602-353-8880). $-$$$
Mochilero Kitchen
latin
6791 W. Happy Valley Rd., Peoria623-440-5588, mochilerokitchen.comThis colorful Latin chic restaurant is the brainchild of siblings Jorge Cota and Meliza Miranda, who had the dandy idea to bring regional Mexican cuisine to an underserved area of town. Even those farther afield should visit to feast on Yucatán-inspired guacamole with crispy plantains, Michoacán’s succulent carnitas and Baja’s famed fish tacos, all in one place. Bring it all home to the Sonoran Desert with a prickly pear paloma. $$
Pho Avina
VIETNAMESE
4920 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale602-439-2547, phoavina.comHead to this gem for an inexpensive and satisfying meal crafted from creative appetizers: banh xeo, a rice crêpe filled with seasoned bean sprouts, pork and shrimp, and bo tai chanh, a lime-marinated, rare beef salad served with rice crackers. Also wonderful: the pho, crunchy egg rolls and fresh spring rolls. $
PT Noodles
vietnamese
1375 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear623-536-2099, ptnoodles.comAll the classics are here – pho, banh mi, spring rolls, rice vermicelli and rice dishes. Other location: Goodyear (623-536-2099) $
Restaurant Takamatsu
japanese/Korean
4214 W. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix623-842-0400, takatucson.netThis Japanese-Korean restaurant sports a sushi bar and tabletop grills for Korean barbecue. Don’t miss the jahp chae, sweet potato noodles with veggies. $$-$$$
Revolu
modern Mexican
15703 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria623-878-0215, revolutaqueria.comCome for the tacos (we’re partial to the carnitas and the El Potato Head, stuffed with chipotle smashed potatoes and chipotle aioli), stay for the tequila and cocktails made with fresh fruit juices. The mangorita is a highlight. $$
Rio Mirage Café
MEXICAN
12245 Santa Fe Dr., El Mirage623-583-7708, riomiragecafe.comLocated 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 like the carnitas with ranchero sauce. Other location: Surprise (623-975-1527). $$
Saffron Indian Bistro
indian
4330 W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale623-581-7576, saffronarizona.comThe focus is on complex and palatable homemade fare such as creamy butter chicken, spicy black pepper shrimp and dark, rich tikka masala that’s the Indian equivalent of mom’s marinara. Most dishes are milder than the norm here – even the onion-rich pepper gravy of chicken vindaloo barely registers any heat. $-$$
Saigon Kitchen
VIETNAMESE
14071 W. Bell Rd., Surprise623-544-6400, saigonkitchenaz.comWith time-honored family recipes in their arsenal, the Tran siblings bring Vietnamese staples up a notch with dishes like shaken beef, filet mignon sizzling on a steel and wood plank. Surprisingly, they offer a few incredbile Thai dishes as well, including pad Thai, six different kinds of curry and Thai fried rice. For dessert, cool off with fried ice cream or cheesecake. $$
Siam Thai Kitchen
Thai
5008 W. Northern Ave., Glendale623-931-2102, siamthaicuisine.comTry the Siam beef, chicken satay, duck with pineapple curry and tom ka gai soup at this attractive neighborhood restaurant. The owners operate an adjacent import grocery store. $
Ugly Tuna Sushi
Japanese/sushi
15459 W. Bell Rd.Surprise 623-248-1957, uglytunasushi.comDespite the cruel and hurtful name, there’s nothing unappealing about this Surprise sushi bar. Sweet and savory find a delicate balance in such well-executed classics as the eel-topped Dragon roll. $$-$$$
Urban Margarita
Mexican
6685 W. Beardsley Rd., Glendale623-561-6674, urbanmargarita.com Alongside a wide variety of cosmopolitan tequila and lime concoctions, this Mexican gastropub offers a menu of slyly uptown tacos. The shrimp boasts cubes of mango offset by a sriracha that puts up a little fight; the Baja has cod, cabbage and a mild sauce; and the carne asada carries a hint of orangey citrus in the marinade. $$
Vogue Bistro
French/American
15411 W. Waddell Rd., Surprise623-544-9109, voguebistro.comThere are plenty of American touches on the French menu, including burgers, meatloaf, and mac and cheese made with truffle oil. Look for trés French specials like cassoulet and stuffed sole. Lunch Tu-Sa; dinner M-Sa. $$-$$$
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