Phoenix
Phoenix is a huge city and one that obviously posts some amazing food. The highlight here is definitely the Mexican food, but this massive desert city provides great food of many varieties. Since I am currently living in Tucson, I will be adding to this page fairly often as I head up to Phoenix on occasion. Enjoy the desert and some killer grub while living it up in Phoenix!
Mexican/Garlic Pork Chimichanga
Rank: 49
Los Dos Molinos has two locations, and I have only been to the south-central location, so I can only speak to that one. But my god it is a glorious place I ordered the Garlic Pork Chimichanga, and I have absolute confidence that their entire menu hits. However, this chimichanga is definitely the way to go if that is your thing. The meat is so flavorful, and has a perfect amount of spice to it. In addition to that the chimi is covered in a glorious NM green chile(you could order the red if that is your MO, however green is always my move). The tortilla is delicious and the guac is also so delectable. So please come to the number one place in Phoenix when you are in town.
Italian/Italian Pork Sandwich
Rank: 65
In Little Italy in Scottsdale there is a small, legendary spot that serves an amazing Italian sandwich, and that place is none other than the Blind Pig. I am unsure why the best thing on their menu is only available for lunch, but the Italian Pork Sandwich here is absolutely phenomenal, and simply must be devoured by all. It is perfectly seasoned pork with some amazing roma tomato salad, pesto, broccolini, and of course slices of sharp provolone. This sandwich currently takes the cake as the best food in Phoenix, and you would be hard pressed to find a better lunch in Phoenix.
I hear that the dinner offerings here are also delicious, but I have not tried them for myself. With that being said I have faith the dinner options would also be delicious, just most likely not as noteworthy as their glorious sandwich.
Mexican/Oyster Tacos
Rank: 76
Otro Cafe is a fantastic Mexican restaurant in Phoenix that offers a variety of delicious food. All of their items are fantastic, but two were a little better than the rest. The huevos rancheros were damn amazing, and some of the best I have ever had. However, after 4pm they serve fried oyster tacos and they are damn delicious. I know they do not show on their menu online, and oysters in a desert seems like a bit of a stretch. But I am telling you to have some faith and give them a try. They are fantastic.
Mexican/Machaca Tacos
Rank: 91
Carolina’s represents the definition of the hole-in-the-wall that I am all about, and I love it! While everything here is delicious the machaca tacos are simply a must. This meat is not an easy one to get right, but my god Carolina’s knocks it outta the park. If you are unaware, machaca is a dried pork that is generally fairly spicy. And it is pretty spicy here, but nothing too crazy. Their hot sauce is definitely more spicy than the meat. So please do not be afraid to order the machaca tacos here. This machaca is so unique to this area I would argue this Carolina’s is a must stop for all those who are in Phoenix, as it is a deliciously unique cuisine you simply cannot find in most of the world.
Native American/Green on Frybread
Rank: 102
The Stand is the definition of a hole-in-the-wall spot that I pride myself on always finding. The Stand is quite literally made out of cactus ribs and arrowroot, and is just on the side of a road somehow the most remote part of Scottsdale I have been to. While the whole menu was delicious I definitely believe the “Green on Frybread” is easily the best of their offerings. The Frybread is really tasty, and the green chili is just absolutely delectable.
Mexcian/Burritos
Rank: 132
El Norteno is such an iconic Mexican joint in Phoenix it is amazing. You must bring cash, and sadly when I went, I only had enough cash for one AMAZING burrito. That was quite a shame, and I am confident the whole menu here is damn fire. I can say this assertively with just how perfect this burrito was. It was easily the best burrito of my life, and I am without a doubt planning another trip to El Norteno to sample the whole menu, this may make Norteno a riser. So, for now, it comes in at a respectable 39, but be on the lookout for a jump here in the next update.
Bagels
Rank: 204
I really do not want the ranking of Bagelfeld here to have anyone thinking these bagels are subpar, because they are not in anyway! I have had many a bagel in NYC, in Philly, and many a town. But here at Bagelfeld you will be devouring the second-best bagel I have ever enjoyed. While I have no recommendations here as I believe every bagel here is amazing, it must be stated that obtaining a few homemade cream cheeses is a must. Pairing them with your bagels will leave you craving more, forever, because these bagels are INSANE!
Burgers
Rank: 213
The Chuckbox is yet another fantastic restaurant in Phoenix that provides with great food close to the airport. The burgers here are not only huge, but tremendous. I tried the Tijuana Torpedo, and it was amazing, I also have a big thing for green chili. So, if green chili is not your cup of tea, do not fret the burger options here may not have the most variety, but each one surely is fantastic. Watching them grill those huge burgers in front of you is a delight and then devouring them right after is even more spectacular.
Chinese/Orange and Teriyaki Chicken
Rank: 222
Here we have the first Chinese entry in the Phoenix list and it is a worthy addition for sure. China Chili has an abundant menu and I have little doubt that most of the menu would be noteworthy. I tried many dishes here, and the two favorites definitely stood out over the rest of the offerings I enjoyed. The Orange and Teriyaki Chicken were a cut above the rest of the menu that I was able to try, and I simply must recommend them to anyone who is hankering for some epic Chinese food. China Chili boasts some of the best Orange Chicken I had in my life, and the Teriyaki Chicken is no joke either, it is a glorious place with glorious chicken.
Pizza/Pepperoni
Rank: 243
Myke’s Pizza is almost like a mini scavenger hunt for legendary pizza. It is located within Cider Corps in downtown Mesa. Once you have completed the requisite scavenger hunt you will be rewarded with some amazing pizza. Here I certainly recommend the pepperoni as it is one of those pepperonis that are gorgeously cupped across the board. The sauce, cheese, and crust here are also phenomenal, so come by Myke’s and you will not be disappointed.
Thai/Hot and Sour Soup
Rank: 256
Tottie’s represents an amazing Asian Fusion joint that serves a bountiful of incredible dishes, however there is one that stands out above the rest. The Hot and Sour Soup here is one of the most flavorful soups I have had the pleasure of devouring. There are so many different flavors that hit you all at once while eating this soup, and each one is amazing and unique. While the rest of the menu is definitely high quality, the Hot and Sour Soup stands above the rest.
Burgers/Green Chili Burger
Rank: 259
Here we have a second burger joint in Phoenix. While it is not the highest ranking burger joint, it is one that has the best vibes. It is a dive bar that loves their sports, and it is an amazing atmosphere. Having a burger that is noteworthy enough to make my list and such a great dive bar really is what makes Harvey’s Wineburger stand out.
Pizza
Rank: 261
Venezia’s Pizzeria is a solid pizza joint right by the airport that makes this a must-stop if you are flying into or out of Phoenix. The proximity to the airport definitely makes this a great place to start when arriving in Phoenix, even if you are not starting off your stay in Arizona with Mexican food. The pizzeria provides a variety of pizzas that should entice everyone, while I was only able to try one of the pies thus far, it was definitely enough to be discussed here.
The Italian Stallion is the pizza that I went with, and oh my it was fabulous. You can see a picture of it above, and I promise it tastes even better than it looks. The classic mix of meat and a little heat always fair very well on a slice, but Venezia definitely makes a pie that has a little extra deliciousness.
Mexican/Tacos
Rank: 294
Tacos Chiwas represents some stellar tacos that can be found in Phoenix. While this is by no means the first stop while in Phoenix, the tacos here are definitely worthy of a trip. I tried many of the options on the menu, and my personal favorite was the Tacos Chiwas, their namesake. Unsurprisingly these were my favorite of the tacos on the list; however, they did not separate themselves enough for me to say they are the only tacos worthy of your tastebuds. Tacos Chiwas is a great spot to snag some fire tacos, but definitely do not come here expecting to be blown away. However, if you are looking for a spot for a wide array of consistently good tacos, you have found your spot.