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 

Breadcrafters Bakery & Cafe

It has a lot of the elements that you look for in a great neighborhood bakery.  What keeps it from joining the Varsity lunch list? The space is awkwardly cramped.  The lackluster soups detract from otherwise solid sandwiches.

The 'Must Try'- The Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich

Nee House

Your prototypical strip mall Chinese joint with the big exception that it also showcases some great Hong-Kong centric dishes available to the savvy diner. Generous portions, good lunch value, and spotty service.

The 'Must Try'- The Szchehuan Stirfried Scallops

La Bocca Wine Bar & Urban Kitchen

It certainly looks the part of a sleek urban wine bar. Unfortunately the menu struggles to hold up its end of the bargain.  The bread shines with the bruschetta but weighs down their pizza.  


The 'Must Try'- Get a selection of bruschetta 

Castillon Family Mexican Restaurant

 

The menu might look familiar but the experience is a step above your typical and traditional Mexican.  Taking the best from their New Mexican and adding some new wrinkles, Castillon's will quickly become your go to lunch spot when you get the craving to go 'south of the border'.

The 'Must Try'-  The absolutely tasty and innovative chorizo filled Rellenos

Carolina's Mexican

As much a part of the fabric of Phoenix as the Saguaro, Suns, or Goldwater.  Long standing staple cheaply serving the Sonoran classics that we were raised on.

The 'Must Try'- Screw the calories, go Chimi

Eden's Grill

Perhaps the best gyro lunch combo that $8 can buy.  You will also enjoy some of the best pita around,  it just takes a while to get to it because you will be mining a giant pile of tasty thinly shaved gyro meat to reach the bread.

The 'Must Try'- The Chicken and Beef Kabob Lunch Combo

Modern Grove

Takes a page from the LGO/Liberty Market blueprint for creating the neighborhood friendly market/bar that seems to be ever popular these days. While the flavors might not sing like the other two the price points keep them in the game.



The 'Must Try'- Strawberry Chicken Salad

Paradise Valley Burger Company

The creativity of this ambitious menu helps PV Burger stand out in the difficult terrain between the fast food and gourmet burger price point. A slight upgrade in their ingredients and this place will quickly outgrow the strip mall in which it resides and move to the upper echelon of the Phoenix burger scene.

The 'Must Try'- The Beach House Burger

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

Cafe Allegro at MIM

A casual setting that lets you take in the museum and desert setting while enjoying a menu that is painstakingly local and 'responsible'.  While some dishes are hit and miss it still provides the perfect respite from a hectic day at the office.

The 'Must Try'-The menu changes frequently, but when available the Tilapia is tough to beat.

Chino Bandido

A hearty meal for hearty people.  No frills setting but you will be pleasantly surprised at how well they meld some meaty Asian fare with some South of the Border garnishments.

The' Must Try'- Jade red, emerald chicken, jerk fried rice and Cuban black beans