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We love getting our snack on. In Phoenix, you can do that almost anywhere: every square mile of this city holds something new and wonderful to taste and try. We’ve 10 must-eat foods to enjoy, both sweet and savory, that have graced our plates in the Valley, and now we’re sharing our experiences with you. You’re welcome in advance.
Carne Asada Fries at Filiberto’s
1845 E Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283
Do you like meat and potatoes? Do it the Arizona way, with a big ol’ plate of fries topped with sour cream, guacamole, cheese, and of course, carne asada steak. If you’re looking for something similar in burrito form, ask for the California burrito. There are a lot of food spots in the Valley with similar names, but Filiberto’s is the only ‘berto’s you will want every time. Trust us.
Beef Bulgogi at B-Bob
1135 S Dobson Rd Suite 102, Mesa, AZ 85202
Hot, mild, or somewhere in between — bibimbap is a great versatile Korean dish with tons of flavor no matter which way you order it. And thanks to B-Bob, located inside Asiana Market on Dobson, you can order your meat of choice, toppings galore, and a sauce that suits you perfectly. We recommend the beef bulgogi, topped with B-Bob Spicy sauce — or maybe use the Sweet Teriyaki if you’re shy about the heat.
Chorizo Egg Burrito at Salazar Brothers
926 E Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283
The first thing to have when you touch down in Phoenix is breakfast at Salazar Brothers Mexican Food. Take our word for it, there’s nothing like their Chorizo Egg burrito to start off a sunny day in the Valley. Whether you’re local or from out of town, this is where the magic happens.
Cupcakes from Sprinkles Scottsdale ATM
4501 N Scottsdale Rd Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
If you’re craving sweets in the dead of night, it’s almost a rite of passage to make your way to Scottsdale for a cupcake. That’s right, cupcakes are available at 3 in the morning, courtesy of Sprinkles and their legendary Cupcake ATM. Intrigued yet? Visit it for the full automated effect.
Nigiri & Gyoza at Teharu Sushi Restaurant
9845 S Priest Dr, Tempe, AZ 85284
If you’re going to have sushi in the Phoenix area, there are some good shops, but none is more fun, fast, and friendly than Teharu. Teharu offers plates of fresh-cut nigiri (including yellowfin tuna, salmon, and even octopus). If you’re the kind of eater who needs cooked meals instead, grab a platter of hot, tasty gyoza dumplings from the conveyor belt and dip ’em in some soy sauce for good measure. The steaming goodness will fill you up, no doubt.
Cocoa Hazelnut Croissant at Tous Les Jours
1133 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202
Another staple of Asiana Market in Mesa, Tous Les Jours is a French bakery that features savory croquettes, decadent lattes, and our personal favorite of the pastries: a cocoa hazelnut croissant. Be honest. You want one, too, don’t ya?
Calabazitas at La Casa de Juana
3941 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85048
A mainstay of Sonoran cuisine, calabacitas (sometimes written with a “z”) is a squash dish, mainly made with zucchini, that’s also tossed in butter, cheese, and salsa. It’s a filling and flavorful way to fill your belly, and La Casa de Juana is a Mexican eatery that features this exact meal on its vegetarian menu. Order, and enjoy!
Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak at Forefathers
8707 S Priest Dr Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85284
Yes, you can go the traditional route with a Philly cheesesteak made at Forefathers. You can go with the peppers and the steak, or you can branch out with chicken, mozzarella, and marinara — but our chosen route often includes chicken, provolone, and Buffalo sauce for a sandwich with a kick. For the fries, you could ask for sauce or just get some perfectly cooked sweet potato fries instead. That sweetness might cool your mouth a bit, too!
Lox Spread at The Bagel Man
5035 E Elliot Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044
While there are numerous bagels at The Bagel Man to enjoy, and various cream cheese spreads to choose from, the star of the show at this true East-Coast-style bagel shop is the lox cream cheese, and whether you use it on an egg bagel or an everything, you’re sure to be transported back to New Jersey or NYC, wherever you get your favorite bagels, with every bite you take.
Breakfast Pastries at MFG Coffee
522 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007
The coffee might be in the name, but something about the banana bread at MFG Coffee (provided by Jonathan Robins Bakery) is but one of the several pastries here that have won hearts and minds alike. If you’re dying for a sweet treat to go alongside your Miel latte or your Aztec Mocha, this is the place to get it.
