Keegan's Grill

A solid spot for pub fare, camaraderie, and a game.  Not destination eating by any means but a comfortable setting with a comfortable menu.

The 'Must Try'- Rosemary Chicken

Snooze an AM Eatery

Great creative menu, good execution, and some of the best Benedict in town.  It also offers some of the heaviest meals you will eat before 10am so we recommend to not eat here prior to any important meetings or events.

The 'Must Try'- Pancakes are good but we give the edge to the Benedict

Frank & Albert’s

Immerse yourself in a setting inspired by Mr.Frank Lloyd Wright himself and savor some of the better Southwestern infused upscale comfort food this side of anything offered at Kai.  It truly captures the essence of its famous namesake.

The 'Must Try'-  The Rocky Point Grouper

Wild Game Grill

This place has carved out a great niche for those who want to catch the game but are hampered by kids in tow and dietary restrictions.  They've got a great atmosphere for sports, a menu full of lean and unique meat options, and a nice corner to drop off the kids.

The 'Must Try'- Head off the beaten path with some Ostrich Ravioli

Short Leash Hot Dogs

One of the founding and prominent players in the now well established local food truck scene.  Perfect marriage of innovation and high quality ingredients as well as one of the best ways to enjoy Naan.

The 'Must Try'- The Bear Dog

Angry Crab Shack and BBQ

Looking for a casual and reasonably priced spot to enjoy the splendors of the sea?  This is your place.  A great environment that many of the the better heeled local establishments would love to replicate.  Only complaint is that we wish you'd get more flexibility to mix, match, or resize some of the bags.


The 'Must Try'- The Shrimp Bag with all of the Extras

Make it at home: Tarbell's Scotch Beef with Red Wine Gravy

Tarbell's is a long standing Biltmore cooridor staple with a reputation for fresh excellence.  This recipe is one of our favorites.

The Recipe: Tarbell's Scotch Beef with Red Wine Gravy

Beef and Veggies:

1 6-7 pound cross-rib or chuck roast

4 ounces vegetable oil

2 stalks celery

2 medium carrots

1 yellow onion

1 tsp chopped garlic

3 Roma tomatoes

2 cups red wine

1 quart water

Fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, and oregano

1. In heavy-bottomed pan, heat vegetable oil.
2. Season beef with salt and pepper and sear on all sides until dark brown. 
3. Remove to small roasting pan.
4. Sauté all vegetables in same heavy pan until light brown, and deglaze with red wine.
5. Add to beef.
6. Add water and aromatic herbs, cover, and cook at 350⁰ until fork tender, about 2-1/2 to 3 hours.

Red Wine Gravy:

2 ounces flour

2 ounces melted butter

1 quart beef stock

1 quart veal stock

1/2 bottle dry red wine

2 sprigs fresh thyme

3 cloves garlic, peeled and halved

1/2 a yellow onion.

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1. In small pan, combine flour and butter to make a roux.
2. Add liquids, thyme, garlic, and onion and simmer to reduce by half.
3. Strain, discarding solids.
4. Season gravy to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve Scotch Beef surrounded with sautéed, seasonal vegetables. Serves 4-6

Blanco

Mexican as seen through the Sam Fox lens which means strong design, good ambiance, attentive service, and food that is solid but not spectacular.

The 'Must Try'- Braised Short Rib Enchiladas

The Gladly

 Think of it as the Citizen Public House adapted to the more straight laced and corporate Biltmore crowd. Still has an incredible menu with the best salad known to man. The burgeoning Bernie Kantak culinary empire gets our vote for the best contemporary American in our fair city.

The 'Must Try'- The Pan Seared Scallops

Bertha's Café

The prices are beyond reasonable, the portions plentiful, and the food compares favorably to the other similar spots in East Phoenix such as Over Easy, LGO, and Acacia.  Be prepared to leave full.  I think Callaway ought to relinquish its trademark because when you depart you be thinking that his place should be called the home of the Big Bertha.

The 'Must Try'- The Banana Bread Pudding

Tarbell's

It exemplifies the casual elegance that Phoenix, particularly the Biltmore area, is renowned for.  This is the type of restaurant you eat at before a night at the symphony.  The food, the service, and the atmosphere are all excellent.

The' Must Try'-  Tar's Scotch Beef

The Parlor

 
Somewhat over hyped, think LGO, but still a very worthy dining experience.  While the pizza is good, my best experiences have always been sampling some of their great home-made pastas.

The' Must Try'- The best Cacio e Pepe I've found in Phoenix

Vincent on Camelback

Once you properly adjust your expectations 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'- Sautéed Veal Sweetbreads with Blue Corn Meal

                                           

Arriba Mexican Grill

Nandos, Macayos, Mi Amigos, Arriba, Carlos O'Briens, Julios, Mata's etc...It's all just a sea of cheese and mediocrity if you ask me.  A sea of cheese and mediocrity.

The 'Must Try'- Hatch Chicken Especial

Giuseppes on 28th

A great Italian nook tucked away in yet another Phoenix strip mall.  The lunch menu is solid but the real treats are brought out for dinner.  The bolognese is the second best in Phoenix behind Pinos.  The Osso Buco gets a lot of attention and rightfully so.  The service is great, just don't get stuck eating outside.

The 'Must Try'- Gotta be the Osso Buco

Central Bistro

Enjoyed the meal but when you have two Italian heavyweights in the neighborhood, Noca and Trattoria Bianco, you can't help but think that this place comes off as sort of corporate and inauthentic in comparison.

The 'Must Try'-  The Burrata Salad

                                                 
                                                              

Trattoria Bianco

Only a fool would ever have doubted a Chris Bianco inspired concept.These family inspired recipes will have you wishing you had your own Italian Nonna who could tuck you in with the tastiest comfort food from the Apennine Peninsula.

The 'Must Try'- The Potato Gnocchi

                                                    
                                                           

Noca

The fiery Claudio Urciuoli, is the wizard of the Mediterranean Sea...bringing time tested old world techniques to our local ingredients and those pulled from the sort of close sea. Anyone else notice that the Camelback Biltmore corridor is fast turning into Little Italy?  

The 'Must Try'- The Sea Bass Cioppino

                                                   
                                                                 

Seasons 52

Say what you want about the other Darden entities but Seasons 52 capitalizes on a concept that is here to stay.  What is it?  Accessible food that is tasty, healthy, and reasonably priced.  They make it very easy to feel good about what you eat.

The 'Must Try'- Carmelized Sea Scallops

                                                 
                                                    

Zin Burger

Most Fox Restaurants (FRC) offer more style then substance but Zinburger is a glorious exception that marries both.  Families and hipsters alike enjoy the contemporary takes on our favorite Drive-In classics.

The 'Must Try'- Samburger+Zucchini Fries+Crème Brûlée Shake