Mexican/Garlic Pork Chimichanga
Rank: 58
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.
Mexican/Chicharron con Salsa Verde
Rank: 66
The new headliner in Phoenix is, unsurprisingly a Mexican restaurant. And while Tacos Los Vales has amazing options all over the menu there is a clear winner here that is a must order. The chicharron con salsa verde is the best thing on the menu, by far. Chicharron is usually fried pork belly, and that is what it is here too, and you can have it in a quesadilla or in a taco. I would recommend doing both, as the more ways to consume this meat the merrier. The meat not only melts in your mouth, as it should, it packs a punch of flavor. Simply put, you will love every way you consume this chicharron with green salsa and it is a must try in Phoenix.
Sandwiches/Smoked Brisket Bahn Mi French Dip
Rank: 90
The Farm at South Mountain is a fantastic place to get a sandwich, and the fact you can stroll around and forget that you are in Phoenix due to the setup of The Farm is great. It is great place that has a wonderful atmosphere, but that is not what I care about here. These rankings only care about how damn good that sandwich was. I mean with the sandwich being a Smoked Brisket Bahn Mi French Dip, that should say a lot to how good it will be. But my god that brisket is flavorful, the tomatoes, cheese, arugula, and au jus this is dipped in is phenomenal. The baguette it is served on is also of course fantastic, and while I am sure there are other good items on the menu, there is nothing that will top this sandwich, so make sure you order it!
Italian/Italian Pork Sandwich
Rank: 105
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/Machaca Tacos
Rank: 107
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.
Mexican/Oyster Tacos
Rank: 113
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.
Native American/Green on Frybread
Rank: 116
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: 152
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.
Chinese/Sesame seeded Bao buns
Rank: 211
While everything here is phenomenal I think it is obvious that an order of Bao buns is a simply must here. No matter which Bao you would like to try I can assure you that you will love them here. Ensure you obtain one of the Bao orders that has the sesame bottom because that sesame bottom adds a nice little crunch to this Bao. If you are unaware Bao buns are similar to dumplings but are bigger and the sesame seeding is not common in a dumpling, however the seeds on the Bao buns here are amazing. Adding some more structure and crunchiness is something I never thought I knew I needed, and Happy Bao’s showed me this.
Kebab Shop
Rank: 216
Kabob Grill N’ Go represents a noteworthy place to snag Kebab in Phoenix, which is a yet another edition of amazing food in Phoenix to the list. Here, I do not have a specific recommendation because everything here will knock your socks off. Just be sure to order as much as your stomach can handle here because these meats are so beautifully seasoned. The veggies accompanying them are cooked perfectly and the meat just melts in your mouth.
Bagels
Rank: 238
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!
Indian
Rank: 254
The Dhaba is my first installment of noteworthy Indian food in Phoenix, and it is a glorious spot at that. Once again I have no specific recommendations here as the whole menu is glorious. There are so many options for great Indian cuisines, but I can guarantee the Dhaba is making some of the best in the city at almost every item on their menu.
Burgers
Rank: 258
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: 262
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: 282
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: 299
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: 302
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: 304
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: 338
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.
Thai/Pineapple Curry
Rank: 345
Thai is always a fantastic call, and if you are in the mood for my favorite curry in Phoenix, look no further than Attaros Thai. This Pineapple curry here has so much flavor. I know it was pretty spicy too (granted I ordered the spiciest option), but the spice was damn good. So, if you are looking for spicy too I know Attaros will come through for you. While I tried other items on their menu, the Pineapple Curry clearly takes the cake.
Pizza/Pizza Muffins
Rank: 399
While “Pizza Muffins” have become a little more popular at some chain pizza places these days. Floridnio’s was making these before it was cool, and thank god because theirs are actually good. I mean better than good, these pizza muffins are great! The sauce on the side is of course used to the max, but the pizza muffins themselves are definitely worth a trip if you are in the moods for a bit of a different take on the pizza journey some evening.