My Slice of the Pie Pizzeria

On the surface it seems like a pretty standard NY style pizza joint.  But what earns it the extra star is the customer service and the fresh infusion of southwestern flavors into the standard pizza menu.  

The 'Must Try'- The Al Pastor Pizza

The latest fast casual export from Utah.  As with the other options (Cafe Rio, Cafe Zuppa, Rumbi) it is focused on providing families with large quantities of safe options for a cheap price. Nothing really stands out as exceptional but several sandwiches can serve in a pinch as suitable lunch options.

The 'Must Try'- Disregard your better judgement and get the all you can eat weekend French Toast

Tortilla Fish

The fish taco torch has been officially passed from Rubios.  Tough to find better seafood at this price.  Fresh and flavorful fish that can be dressed a variety of ways as well as a few other solid earth bound options.  Also, a friendly staff that works hard to ensure your experience is up to par.

The 'Must Try'- Get a standard fish taco and a machaca style fish taco

Mod Pizza

A slightly tastier and moderately more hip pizza place then its fast casual corporate cousin, Fired Pie.  A solid Thursday night option when you want something quick and easy for the family.

The 'Must Try'- The Tristan

Los Cerritos

Slightly smaller menu then the local "betos" type spot that you find in every town but with items that are about a half star above those offerings.  The kind of place you frequent after a night out with the guys.

The 'Must Try'- The Carne Asada fries are pretty novel

Vincent’s On Camelback

Once you properly adjust your expectations and assuming you don't show up at the same time that the gray hairs are partaking of their 'Early Bird'' meals you will find find out why this is one the long standing dining landmarks in Phoenix.  French food is a lot tastier and less pretentious when it has spent a little time in the Southwest.

   The 'Must Try'-  Sure the famed duck tamales are great but we are partial to the Wild Boar Loon

Sushi Broker

Good sushi but we all know that the scene is just as important. This place has an a great vibe for a congenial happy hour and a creative menu that satisfies the purist and the novice alike.

The 'Must Try'- The Surfer

Crudo

Chef Cullen Campbell has created more then another great Italian restaurant, he's given us a stamped passport to further explore the culinary excellence of the famed peninsula .  Each dish is expertly crafted and the menu is set up to allow you the chance to affordably navigate and enjoy his craft.


The 'Must Try'- Many splendid options but you absolutely must get the Squid Ink Risotto

Steak 44

The good folk behind the masterful Mastro's have created a steakhouse for the next generation.  Yes, the meat is all expertly executed but the real treats come when you explore the supporting cast which are a clear step above the traditional steakhouse sides.


The 'Must Try'- The Crispy Shrimp

Check Please Arizona- Arcadia Tavern

You've got our review of the Arcadia Cafe...here's what the folks of Check Please Arizona thought.

Postino Arcadia

Assuming you have enough patience for the parking lot and enough coolness to fit in with the crowd this is a great place to socialize and get the best bruschetta in town.   This elder statesman of the new Phoenix has been a long standing favorite for Happy Hour


The 'Must Try'- Pick four spot of bruschetta and pick four more

Relish Burger Bistro at the Phoenician

Price and quality on par with the best burgers in the Biltmore corridor.  But Relish has something those spots don't have, a prime location at the Phoenician.  Get a great sandwich and soak in a little bit of the resort vibe.


The 'Must Try'- The Cowboy Burger

The Henry

Classic Fox in terms of great design and superb service execution.  The place is comfortably sophisticated  and reminds me of the residence of a Southern  Virginia aristocrat...complete with a fancy cupboard of single malt scotch. Perfect fit for the Arcadia jet set.

The 'Must Try'-   The Pork Ribs with Sides

Flower Child

Another slick offering from the man who is determined to provide a restaurant for every profitable taste in Phoenix.  While the restaurant's raison d'etre isn't even in the same neighborhood as the philosophies of the 'hippie' the dishes are tasty.  Be careful, the menu is tricky and next thing you know you just accidentally dropped $17 on a tiny protein bowl.

The 'Must Try'- The Sesame Beef Bowl

Mamma Mia Subs & Brick Oven Pizza

Not top tier Valley pizza but at the insanely attractive price point it easily enters the conversation as a reliable lunch option. One of the better New York slices in East Phoenix.

The 'Must Try'- A couple slices of cheese

Milagro Grill

The folks behind Macayo's took note of the proliferation of $10 burger spots and applied the same principles to the beloved taco.  Some good options but they can't keep pace with the creativity and ambiance of other Valley high end taco spots like Barrio Queen.

The' Must Try'- The Short Rib Tacos

SaBai Modern Thai

You enter and you are a little disoriented.  There are no customary photos of the Thai royal family and you pause to ask yourself if anything good come out of a building that once housed a Wendy's. But the service is efficient, the ambiance surprisingly charming, and the food on par with the better Thai spots in the area.

The 'Must Try'- Avocado Curry with Chicken (Something off the beaten path)

Desert Jade

We need to send a modern day Marco Polo back to the Orient because Chinese food in Phoenix is seriously lacking.  Like many we want dependable Chinese in the area and we want this to be the spot.  Most nights, however, we have to get the itch scratched with PeiWei.

The' Must Try'- Wor Wonton Soup

Ole Brass Rail Bar and Grill

The working man's breakfast hole that has been feeding locals cheaply  since long before many of us could identify Phoenix on the map.I also hear this place is a good place to get a burger, drinks, and some live music.

The 'Must Try'- Just bundle a bunch of breakfast together.  It will be fine and it will be under $10

Giant Rustic Pizza

The great thing about the Phoenix pizza scene is that we are big enough to have pizza options for almost every occasion.  Where does Giant Rustic Pizza fit?  It is the ideal spot for some cheap NY style lunch slices or to take the kids for dinner on a weeknight.  It's not Pomo or even Spinatos but you will be hard pressed to find a better pizza lunch deal for under $6.

The 'Must Try'- The 2 slice daily special