My family and I went to the Phoenix area to visit some family for a few days over Christmas Break. We weren’t sure if Phoenix was going to have anything in the way of exciting food, but we were pleasantly surprised.
Whether it’s a family vacay or a girls/guys trip, Phoenix is definitely a great spot to go. There are so many food options you’ll be sure to find something everyone can love. This is a great area not only for sightseeing but for good ol’ togetherness. Any group can make delicious, delicious memories here.
Café Zupas
Photo by Jessica Citronberg
This was our first stop after getting off the plane. This kale and quinoa salad was the perfect pick-me-up after being let down by the 60-degree weather in Arizona. It was warmer at home #stillsalty. Topped with blueberries, dried cherries, pistachios, grapes, and shaved parmesan, every bite was delicious. Pair it with a cup of the mushroom bisque and you’re golden.
Juan’s Authentic Mexican Food
Photo by Jessica Citronberg
After my aunt raved about this place all afternoon, we knew it was going to be a good spot for dinner. This deli-style dive served their entrees on paper plates, all with sides of Mexican rice and beans. I had the Carne Asada tacos – the meat was cooked to perfection, and paired well with the avocado spread.
Snooze
Photo by Jessica Citronberg
There are two types of people in this world – people who love breakfast food, and liars. Especially people that have visited this brunch institution that started out of Denver.
Try the flight of pancakes, where you get to choose three different pancakes. Why don’t more breakfast places do this? This is innovation. We sampled the sweet potato, drunken punk’n and blueberry danish pancakes – all incredible.
The sweet potato pancake was light and fluffy and topped with candied pecans and a dollop of butter. Better than the french fry form, for sure. The Drunken Punk’n Pancake was doughy and soft and topped with maple pepitas (spiced pumpkin seeds). The blueberry danish pancakes had a lemony cream cheese filling that was light and airy, and paired perfectly with the blueberry and sweet cream drizzles. Not to mention the almond streusel crumbled on top – this could easily be transformed into a five-star dessert.
This place also has a whole section on their menu for eggs Benedict (as well as other egg options). Try the Late Harvest Benny: griddled roasted pepper grit cakes topped with a plethora of vegetables including roasted cauliflower, butternut squash, leeks and baby kale. Plus a smoked cheddar hollandaise. OK Snooze, I see you.
In-N-Out Burger
Photo by Jessica Citronberg
A west coast institution, we would’ve been shunned back home if we didn’t capitalize on the opportunity. Mouthwatering. Cheeseburger. Animal fries. Milkshake. Done.
Humble Pie
Photo by Jessica Citronberg
The Phoenix area is not known for its pizza, but this family restaurant and its wood burning oven are definitely part of the conversation. I had the fig and prosciutto pizza – this is a funky fresh combo that isn’t necessarily original because you can get it all over the country, but this interpretation of it was incredibly well done.
Topped with goat cheese and caramelized onions, this pie came to the table bubbling. The bottom of the crust was a sweet and delicious fig spread. The prosciutto chunks added a savory crunch to every bite – definitely worth the trip.