Hit the streets for lunch and find many options in the “downtowns” of the Valley. From the office, spill out onto the street and voila! There are multiple options of all kinds for that midday meal. Here are our picks, by downtown: Downtown Phoenix — Hanny’s Built in the old Hanny’s Department Store location and making full use of that fact is this ultra-urban hot spot for … [More]
Hillstone Restaurant: A Biltmore Classic
A timeless appeal is what one can expect from Hillstone on Camelback Road in the Biltmore area. This classic cuisine fused with many of the more popular concepts, like sushi and steakhouse, truly does have a bit of it all. In the heart of this business district, at lunch it is reservations only as the place is hopping with business meetings. The bar is open for dining as … [More]
Here’s Your Number
Here are some great dining experiences where you order from the counter and then get presented with a number — and you’re on your way to a great meal. These gourmet choices think of you as more than just a number. The Original ChopShop Co. This quick-and-to-the-point spot in Old Town Scottsdale offers healthy takes on rice bowls, salads, juices and fresh-made drink … [More]
The Herb Box
Founded by catering guru Susan Smederovac-Wilcox in 1995 as a catering company, The Herb Box filled a niche in its original location in DC Ranch that quickly became all the rage. This eatery has evolved to include three locations. With innovative menus and now spirits and other libations, The Herb Box is known for a great neighborhood urban experience that is second to … [More]
Isn’t It Always about the Burger?
Time and time again, the classic hamburger beats out over many other choices on a menu. So much so that the gourmet burger joint has become its own genre for diners. Here are our current tops: Hopdoddy Burger Bar This interesting concept is all about custom orders. Customers pick the type of burger they want and take a seat — and before you know it, it’s on the table and … [More]
ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho
It is not often that our lunch hour can be so tranquil. At ZuZu, the innovative American kitchen at Hotel Valley Ho, the setting makes the most of our great Arizona climate. Inside or out, this poolside retro locale is the ideal getaway for that important or well-deserved lunch. Inspired by the neighborhood grills of the 1950s, ZuZu offers up a variety of options for lunch … [More]
Patios Are Back
Outdoors is a part of our life here — even at 100 degrees or higher. We discovered some of the best patio midday dining that will take us through the heat. Ocotillo This new campus hot spot has several outdoor areas that are going to work for any weather — fully covered or open and hot. The lunch menu will work, too, for patrons no matter where they decide to settle. 3243 … [More]
Craft 64
Craft beer and modern Italian fare is a great way to not only describe this new Old Town Scottsdale hot spot, but a great way to entice patrons. Artisan wood-fired pizza is going to be the lunchtime crowd attraction, however. Quickly becoming known for offering more than 30 craft beers and a sommelier on staff offering up great wines, owners Josh Ivey (the resident sommelier), … [More]
Breakfast and Lunch Spots
A great new trend is the restaurant that focuses on only the mornings and early afternoons. All kinds of concepts are popping up. Here are some of the most fun. Morning Squeeze Eclectic and fun, this bright morning and lunch spot serves up many of the “old diner” plates with a bit of a gourmet twist. With a full coffee and liquor bar, this is the perfect weekend spot as … [More]
Grassroots: A Down-to-Earth Experience
From-the-ground-up is the best way to describe this family-owned eatery that is becoming a true standard for the lunch crowd. “Grassroots” is very much the mantra let alone the fare for this Southern-influenced American cuisine hot spot. All high-quality ingredients with from-scratch technique makes for an appetizing experience. Chef/owner Christopher Collins, a seasoned … [More]
