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

Stax Burger Bistro

In a field littered with the grass fed flotsam of a hundred failed burger ventures stands out a menu that truly merits a visit.  While most burger joints go big, their slider sized offerings are just the right side and allow you to explore the menu.

The 'Must Try'- Mix and match.  We like the Kobe and Buffalo

Sushi J

Sort of loud with a cheap karaoke bar feel but don't let the 'also ran' atmosphere dissuade you from some of the freshest and best executed Sushi in the West. Go for the culinary artistry not the scene.

The 'Must Try'- Tough to beat the sashimi lunch

Fatty Daddy’s

The Fatty Daddy’s Cookie Cup certainly deserves points for creativity with its macaroons and torched marshmallows.  The execution is still inconsistent but, given the enthusiasm of the owners, we see that gap quickly eliminated.

The 'Must Try'- Can't leave here without trying your own version of the cookie cup

Ahipoki Bowl

A welcome addition to our landlocked Valley and it will likely grow an extra star or two once we get more acclimated to the Poke phenomenon. Would like a little more guidance from the staff and maybe a few more garnish options to make it more substantial.

The 'Must Try'- The Poki bowl...it's what they do

RNR Gastropub

A tried and true, albeit loud, spot to gather with friends or coworkers and located in a prime spot in Oldtown Scottsdale.  The standard pub fare is hit and miss but there enough items that will even add to your evening.

The 'Must Try'-  Get social with the Dirty Chips

Leoni’s Focaccia

Naturally the focaccia is the showcase item here but don't discount the quality meats and cheeses stuffed between the light and savory bread.   Definitely worth the effort of having to deal with the Scottsdale/Shea intersection and worth the added cost of in order to get a truly delicious sandwich.

The 'Must Try'- We dig the soppressata but anything will do so long as it is in between their bread

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

The Great Australian Bakery

The almost identical twin of the Cornish Pasty that is pleasing palates on the other side of Old Town.  The rolls and tarts add a distinctive Australian twist to the concept. Only complaint is that they are a tad small for the price paid.


The 'Must Try'- The Aussie take on the Shepard's Pie

The Shake Shack

The New York equivalent of In-And-Out, superiority complex and adjusted prices included. Anyways, the burger almost does live up to the hype.  A very solid offering, one of the best in the $5-$7 range.  Their potato roll buns serve notice to everyone else out there surrounding their beef in subpar bread.  

The 'Must Try'-  Smokeshack

The Yard

They do a pretty good job "manufacturing" fun for those who typically don't have the ambition or wherewithal to generate some on their own.  Good restaurants and a safe bet to hold your next office party.  Also, the parking/valet situation is a mess.


The 'Must Try'- All the favorites from Culinary Dropout and Barrio Urbano but we recommend something shareable like the soft pretzels.

Hiro Sushi

From the outside it looks a typical Scottsdale strip mall.  But open that door and you will be instantly transported to an awesome Izakaya style restaurant you'd likely find tucked away on one of Tokyo's busy side streets.  While they do have menu items that cater to our Western tastes the experience is far more enriching when you leave the familiar script and get a little more adventurous. 

The 'Must Try'- Their Chirashi

Noble Eatery and Bakery

This place has the pedigree and expectations that come from Claudio Uriciuoli and his time at Noca and his apprenticeship with Nancy Silverton.  A very simple setting and concept executed at a high level by one of the best craftsmen in the Valley.


The 'Must Try'- The menu board varies but is always good

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.

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

El Conquistador

Greeted by some of the better chips and salsa in the area and followed up with a  menu of solidly executed classics.  One tip though, Mole is only served on Tuesdays and Weekends They also do some great things with pork and green sauce.



The 'Must Try'- Make the effort for the Mole 

Little Miss BBQ

Some of the best BBQ I've had but the wait, location, and inconvenience of the whole experience really test your commitment to those slow cooked meats. Still, the closest you will get to the Austin gold standard of Franklin's. True culinary artists.

The 'Must Try'- Screw it, you've been waiting in line forever...order a bit of everything