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

Sassy’s Cafe & Bakery

Shabby Chic meets the family dinner.  Think of  a poor man's Sweet Cakes Cafe... complete with the sandwiches, cookies, and the scores of women gathering for the lunch and the latest gossip.  Sandwiches above average but man those cookies are something special.  

The 'Must Try'-  The cheesesteak is good but the real reason you are here is those cookies

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

Cafe Rio

Utah's culinary contribution to the world which means something overly sweet, cheap, and served in large portions.  A more tasty and less heralded lunch alternative to Chipotle.


The 'Must Try'- Sweet Pork Salad

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

Flancers

Yes it sort of has the ambiance of a low grade frat house with a menu that appeals to the same crowd but that's alright because these sandwiches are top notch.   Factor in the very personable service and you have one more place in the East Valley worth visiting.

The 'Must Try"- The most complete Cheesesteak in Phoenix.

Streets of New York Pizza

For those moments when you don't need VPN certified, can't tolerate Dominoes, and just need something good and cheap for the family on a weekday night.

The 'Must Try'- Have the kids in tow?  Stick with standard pepporoni

All Pierogi Kitchen

There's something wonderful and filling and comfortable about Pierogi's and this place is the proverbial candy store for those who are suckers for the dumpling concept.  Complete hole in the wall that closes at 6pm but the Ukranian family that own this place run a tight ship that is worth your patronage.

The 'Must Try'-  They have a ton of Pierogi options.  Sit back and let your appetite take over.

Republica Empanada

This might be apocryphal but many in Latin America claim that God didn't rest on the 7th day, he celebrated by creating the empanada. A few visits to Republica Empanada and you will become a true believer to this sentiment.  While the place might have a serious hipster facade the owners behind the scenes are the genuine real article. 

 The 'Must Try'- The Lunch Special, but make sure you save room for a dessert empanada

The Valley Dining Guide for Fans of the Chicago Cubs

A warm welcome to our dear friends from the Windy City.  Chances are you've either been to the Valley before our you have a random Uncle who now resides in one of those fancy retirement communities that dot our landscape.  While you might be familiar with what the greater Phoenix area has to offer we are confident in our ability to introduce you to some new gems during your stay.  And the great thing is they are all moments from your beloved ball park.

Let's get started...

A Hearty Way to Start Your Day
The East Valley is home to many long time transplants from the Midwest so there are plenty of hearty 'corn fed' options that will start your day on the right foot.  Here's a few we like.

1. Over Easy- A beloved recent addition to the breakfast landscape that offers the from scratch cooking, throw back décor and Midwestern hospitality. Sit back, enjoy the local hospitality, and do yourself a favor by ordering some waffle dogs. Don't ask, just order.
2. Cracker and Co- Another destination that will serve a full day sustaining breakfast.  Your dishes will be swimming in creams and calories but don't worry, you're on vacation.
3.  Liberty Market- The crown jewel of historic Gilbert.  Owner Joe Johnston has done a marvelous job creating a menu and atmosphere that captures the farming roots of the area in a modern bistro setting.

Loving Lunch
 While you may be spending most of your afternoons at the diamond you don't need to waste all of your calories and food budget there as well.  There are numerous places close by that can provide you with a memorable lunch.

1. Cornish Pasty- The folks at the Cornish Pasty Company have transformed this simple staple into a family of sweet and savory meat pockets that have a flavor to satisfy most appetites.
2. Empanada Republic- How about a meaty or sweet pocket with a Latin flare?  The Republica has the best empanada options from virtually every nation south of Mexico. 
3. Rancho de Tia Rosa- This place is spacious and decorated ceiling to floor with some of the most kitschy Mexican decor  but don't let that distract you from the best Mole and salmon tacos in town.
4. The Queen Creek Olive Oil Mill- As it is a good 20 miles southeast of the stadium this is best enjoyed as a half day excursion. Come to tour the working olive mill and stay to enjoy the myriad culinary delights that are enhanced by this timeless oil. 

Supper Time
Pass up the temptation to drive into Scottsdale or Phoenix and savor the up and coming East Valley scene.  There are plenty of options to suit most tastes and here are a few of the most distinguished.

1. Beaver Choice- You walk in and it looks like Ikea, You look around at the patrons and you swear you are at a Bingo night in Duluth. Enjoy the Prairie Home Companion vibe of this place and sit back for an evening enjoying the best Scandinavian and Canadian food in all of Phoenix.
2. Joe's Farm House- The farm is a wee bit of a drive but the journey is easily rewarded upon your first bite of a fontina burger.  The artfully renovated mid century farm house has been re-purposed into something called 'agritopia'and it will open your eyes to what it means to eat farm fresh.  Cap off your visit with one of their date shakes.
3. Backyard Taco- With all of the hipster joints turning a small taco into $5 affairs it is nice to find the old dives that serve them up right.... sizzling hot and cheap.  A solid spot that provides a great authentic street taco experience.

We could go on and on but we figure that this should tide you over during your desert stay.  Any more suggestions and you might have to take up a more permanent residency.  Feel free to visit Bitesizedphoenix.com for a list of more approved suggestions that cover the entire Valley of the Sun. Remember, just because you might be spending your afternoons at the diamond doesn't mean you have to tolerate its food.


And remember Cubs fans...this is the year!
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Backyard Taco

With all of the hipster joints turning a small taco into $5 affairs it is nice to find the old dives that serve them up right.... sizzling hot and cheap.  A solid spot that provides a great authentic street taco experience.


The 'Must Try'- Tacos al Carbon

Grimaldi's Pizza

One of the few places where coal doesn't get a bad rep.  Outside of wood fire there is no better way to toast a pizza. A lighter and tastier option when you are in the mood for a New York slice.

The 'Must Try'- Large cheese with extra mozzarella

Casanova Brothers Pizza

A solid NY style slice that is a great weeknight option.  But what really sets this place apart is their customer service. They are so nice and welcoming that you will be wondering how they could possibly be from New York. 

The 'Must Try'- Straight up slice of cheese

Pita Jungle

 After the first couple of visits the menu might come off as a little insipid.  Don't let that deter you because your tastebuds need time to detox from all of the fatty burgers you once consumed. You will quickly find a menu full of dishes to feel good about.

The "Must Try'- Lemon-Zataar Salmon Salad

Beaver Choice

You walk in and it looks like Ikea, You look around at the patrons and you swear you are at a Bingo night in Duluth, You glance at the menu and are captivated at some of the dishes,  You order a few things and you now understand why this gets such high reviews from someone like Howard Seftel.

The 'Must Try'- The Chicken Schnitzel Cordon Bleau

Organ Stop Pizza

You don't go for the pizza, you go because you want to be a kid again and enjoy the electric atmosphere created by that Wurlitzer Organ. One of the few places in town that can satisfy two distinct demographics- kids and retirees.

The 'Must Try'- The Organ, the true star of the show

Fired Pie

Think of it as Chipotle for Pizza.  While the pizzas are slightly above average their price point and speed of service make an attractive inclusion into your lunch routine.

The 'Must Try'-The Tomato Basil

China King

Damn good Dim Sum.  Reason enough to give strip mall Chinese restaurants an honest shake. Finally another Chinese spot in the valley worth patronizing.

The 'Must Try'-  Shrimp Shu Mai

Dutchman's Hideout

Somebody tell the Dutchman that he no longer needs to hide out.  This place is the quintessential Arizona that I envisioned as a small kid.  Great western atmosphere with a western menu that is enhanced with some modern garnishes.  Well worth the drive.

The 'Must Try'-  The Ribeye

Sauce Pizza and Wine

This place is a welcome anomaly in the Fox family.  Not nearly as pretentious as its culinary siblings, and a huge step up from its QSR competition. Your ideal weeknight dinner companion.


The 'Must Try'- The chicken pine nut salad accompanied by the sausage caramelized onion pizza