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

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

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

  

Dilly's Deli

A long-standing Phoenix spot serving up solid soup and sandwiches for the hurried business lunch crowd.  Still stands out in an increasingly competitive and creative sandwich landscape.

The 'Must Try'- Dilly Club with Bread Bowl of Chowder

The Normal

The place is reminiscent of the Hotel Valley Ho with its 'hipsterish' take on the mid-century modern look.  The menu has a fresh local approach to comfortable diner fare.  The dishes while somewhat original don't really fulfill the their promise.

The 'Must Try'- The After School Special Brisket Sandwich

Cafe Lalibela

Even though I can still hardly make out the difference between the majority of these dishes and what one encounters at the local Delhi Palace I do say that I love what these guys are doing with lentils and veggies!  The prices are splendid and this place could easily turn me into a 4 day a week vegetarian.  Three cheers for Injera!

The 'Must Try'- I'm not exactly sure how it's pronounced but try it!  Veggies never tasted so good.

Los Reyes De La Torta

 The heavy weight of the heavy sandwich. The place responsible for introducing Phoenix to the meaty and complex splendor that is the Mexican torta.  Uncinch the belt, this sandwich will be with you for awhile.

The 'Must Try'- The Del Rey Torta

Curry Corner

It is very tough to go wrong with a plate of Tandoori and a pile of Naan.  Curry Corner has some of the best Indian in the Valley and they cater to the chap that seeks a quality, quick and affordable lunch.

The 'Must Try'- The Mixed Tandoori Grill

The Oakland A's Spring Training Dining Guide for Phoenix

Well A's fan, 2013 was pretty good but I imagine expectations are inching higher.  The road back to the playoffs this year all starts at Spring Training and Phoenix welcomes you with open arms.  We want to do you a solid and provide you with the insiders guide to the best eats that are close to your "Muni".  Whether you like to pull a "Billy Beane" and are in search of an undervalued gem or you want to splurge while you are down here we've got you covered.  All of these are close by so you have no reason to travel far.

Here are our favorites.


The Most Important Meal
You don't be driving to the game with some serious hunger pangs.  You want to be happy and not subject to hunger driven extortion that comes in the form of a $7 hot dogs come lunch. Here are few spots close by that will start your day right.

1. Essence Bakery-A great chance to got a great French inspired breakfast without dealing with the European snobbery.  Take your pick from the menu but don't leave with getting a few macaroons for
   
   the road. 
2. Over Easy- A great throw back to the breakfast you remember having as a kid.  Sit back, enjoy the local hospitality, and do yourself a favor by ordering some waffle dogs. Don't ask, just order.
3. Farm at South Mountain- This place is a world away from the Phoenix urban desert.  The kind of place you take the kids to on a Saturday morning before the game to get some fresh food, kill some time, and take in some crisp air.
4. Crêpe Bar- Sure this place has crepe's in all their traditional glory but step off the beaten path for one of their regionally inspired offerings like the breakfast burrito crepe.  After all we are just north of the border.

Lunch Time
While you can't argue with action on the diamond most ball park food is beyond suspect.  Save your digestive track and your wallet a little pain by taking in a few of these places prior to the opening pitch.

1. Rehab Burger- A triple threat that will give you a spot to wet your whistle, mellow out, and enjoy Old Town's best hamburger.  Who says you need to be by the beach in order to have a cheeseburger in paradise.
2. Defalco's Italian Eatery- Craving some Italian Sausage?  Look no further then the closest thing that Scottsdale has to something that could survive in North Beach.. This long time staple has a deep menu and enough options to make multiple visits.
3.  America's Taco's- We are just a few hours from old Mexico so we can claim some authenticity.  Straight from Sinaloa this place serves up some of the best Carne Asada and Al Pastor in Phoenix.. Complete the meal with some Mexican corn on the cob or elote.
4. Rula Bula- Brussels Sprouts never tasted so good.  The place is tops for ambiance and good Irish comfort food.  The perfect place when you want to visit Mill Ave but don't want to deal with the college debauchery.

Dinner
Dinner is the best time to cut loose and open up the wallet.  You are centrally located to some of best options in the Valley.  Here are a few that are all close to the ball park action.

1. Gertrude's- Not only are you minutes away and in the most lush desert setting in the Southwest you will also be treated to the culinary wizardry of some of the best minds in the business. This place brings the best Arizona has to offer by utilizing fresh ingredients directly from the farm and pasture to the plate
   Gertrude’s brings the best Arizona has to offer by utilizing fresh ingredients directly from the farm and pasture to the plate. - See more at: http://www.gertrudesrestaurant.net/about/#sthash.LRhjmM68.dpuf
2. Caffe Boa- Chances are that you will want to head back down to Mill Avenue to take in the buzz generated by Arizona State University.  Boa offers perfect melding of Italian and American offerings.
3. Stockyards- Touted as the 'Original Arizona Steakhouse' this is a great place to experience our western heritage.  A completely red blooded experience.
4. A Mexican Double- We couldn't select just one great spot for Mexican in the area.  Here are two of our favorites. The Mission is Mexican 2.0.  But the menu goes far south of old Mexico and offers a fresh take on many of the core dishes that define Latin cuisine.  Also, the Barrio Queen, the latest offering from local legend Silvana Esparza, has the area's best and widest selection of tacos.

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. 
We want to a reward your "Green Collar" baseball with a red carpet Spring Training experience.

Sacks Art of Sandwicherie

One of the better options at this price point.  The selection and quality put it at the front of the class with the bonus cookie helping to distinguish it from its peers. I do appreciate their naming conventions, as it reminds me of all of those peaceful afternoons spent sleeping during my Art History class.


The 'Must Try'- The Encore

Cornish Pasty Company

I now understand why the average life span of a 15th Century Cornish miner was like 30 years... these Pasties pack a wallop.You will be amazed at what these guys can put in these things.


The 'Must Try'- The Oggie Pasty

Essence Bakery Café

A great cafe that offers a sleek setting for some fresh eats, but it is the pastries that justify a trip across town.  Owner/Baker Eugenia Theodosopoulos and her French training is much appreciated and we relish being able to get a world class macaroon without having to put up with French snobbery.

The 'Must Try'- No brainer, it's a couple macaroons

Portillo's

It's kind of like In-N-Out for mid-westerners.  Good meal that regional nostalgia sort of inflates.  Does serious  business.  Very good Italian beef.

The 'Must Try'- Italian Beef Sandwich

                                                    
                                                     

Spinatos Pizzeria

The Phoenix pizza scene is fast becoming one of the best this side of the Mississippi so sometimes it's easy to overlook some of our long standing gems.  Spinato's is Chicago influenced but their sweet sauce and adaptations create a nice spin on our understanding of the "deep dish."

The 'Must Try'- The Spaghetti and Ricotta Calzone