Dannie’s guidebook
Favorite Restuarants Near Us.
This is a list of places that we love to go that are within a 15 minute drive of our house. We tried to keep it electic, but these are some our our favorites.
AMAZING Sunday Brunch. But great food always and atmosphere, plus, DOGS! Great for going out or with a family. Yard games too!
84 locals recommend
O.H.S.O. Brewery- Paradise Valley
10810 N Tatum BlvdAMAZING Sunday Brunch. But great food always and atmosphere, plus, DOGS! Great for going out or with a family. Yard games too!
The short rib tacos are amazing... my favorite. Sit on the patio, take a walk along the canal, and grab a cocktail. Plus free cookie on your way out!
191 locals recommend
Chelsea's Kitchen
5040 N 40th StThe short rib tacos are amazing... my favorite. Sit on the patio, take a walk along the canal, and grab a cocktail. Plus free cookie on your way out!
The outdoor seating is amazing. Great views of the McDowell mountains.
36 locals recommend
The Vig McDowell Mountain
10199 E Bell RdThe outdoor seating is amazing. Great views of the McDowell mountains.
Monday and Tuesday nights after 8pm is LADIES NIGHT! A bottle of wine and a board of bruchetta is only $20!
96 locals recommend
Postino Kierland
7030 E Greenway PkwyMonday and Tuesday nights after 8pm is LADIES NIGHT! A bottle of wine and a board of bruchetta is only $20!
As the name suggests... great burgers, great beer. Oh, plus build your own Mac and Cheese.
164 locals recommend
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
4222 N Scottsdale RdAs the name suggests... great burgers, great beer. Oh, plus build your own Mac and Cheese.
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
4000 N Scottsdale RdNew York style brick oven pizza. Amazing.
Good food, great outdoor seating. You can walk around the well-lit outdoor mall of Kierland before or after your meal. Tropical feel, great cocktails. A bit on the fancy side, but still very good.
40 locals recommend
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store
15205 N Kierland BlvdGood food, great outdoor seating. You can walk around the well-lit outdoor mall of Kierland before or after your meal. Tropical feel, great cocktails. A bit on the fancy side, but still very good.
SUPER pricy, but if you're looking for a place to get dressed up and have an amazing steak, this is it.
79 locals recommend
Dominick's Steakhouse
15169 N Scottsdale RdSUPER pricy, but if you're looking for a place to get dressed up and have an amazing steak, this is it.
Modern Margarita
5410 E High StGreat Tacos! Great Margs!
Salty Sow
4801 E Cactus RdSuper close, and good food.
Mellow Mushroom
740 S Mill AveGreat family place. Yummy pizza.
Flo's - New Asian Cuisine
16495 North Scottsdale RoadOld west feel. Bar with good eats.
Great Habachi grill. Yummy cocktails. Great atmosphere
44 locals recommend
Kasai Scottsdale - Japanese Steakhouse
14344 N Scottsdale RdGreat Habachi grill. Yummy cocktails. Great atmosphere
SOL Mexican Cocina | Scottsdale
15323 N Scottsdale RdHigh end Mexican food. Sooo good!
Great Chicago style pizza! I think you have to order ahead for chicago style, but worth it! Try the pazookie, Pizza + cookie = amazing.
33 locals recommend
Oregano's Pizza Bistro
4602 E Cactus RdGreat Chicago style pizza! I think you have to order ahead for chicago style, but worth it! Try the pazookie, Pizza + cookie = amazing.
Old Town Scottsdale Restaurants
Old Town Scottsdale is South Scottsdale. There's a beautiful Canal running through, lots of shopping and places to be seen. There's the fashion district, the arts district, and the old west town. It's just perfect. Probably a 20 minute drive from our house with plenty of parking (roughly $15 on Uber or Lyft). Rent a scooter and have fun down there!
High class Mexican food. Margs are out of this world. Great outdoor seating. Definitely one of my faves! Also a location in Desert Ridge a little closer to our house, but I like this location better.
193 locals recommend
Barrio Queen
7114 E Stetson DrHigh class Mexican food. Margs are out of this world. Great outdoor seating. Definitely one of my faves! Also a location in Desert Ridge a little closer to our house, but I like this location better.
The patio seating is by far the best. Look at the canal as you dine. Perfection.
314 locals recommend
Olive & Ivy
7135 E Camelback RdThe patio seating is by far the best. Look at the canal as you dine. Perfection.
Culinary Dropout
7135 E Camelback RdGreat food, great location.
Diego Pops
4338 N Scottsdale RdVery fun vibe, Mexican food. Great location.
High end Mexican food in an actual historic mission. Absolutely beautiful.
284 locals recommend
The Mission
3815 N Brown AveHigh end Mexican food in an actual historic mission. Absolutely beautiful.
Old Town Tortilla Factory
6910 E Main StGreat patio, great Mexican food!
Blanco Tacos + Tequila
6166 N Scottsdale RdGreat tacos!!!!
Central Phoenix Restaurants
Central Phoenix isn't quite the same as downtown Phoenix. There's a different vibe there and it's still amazing. 15-20 minute drive and you can get to some pretty great local places.
Windsor
5223 N Central AveAmazing burgers and food, great beer selection.
I mean, the name says it all right? Fantastic. Watch out, some nights are special promotions and you might be waiting in line for a while. But the prickly pear marg is amazing!
102 locals recommend
Joyride Taco House | Central
5202 N Central AveI mean, the name says it all right? Fantastic. Watch out, some nights are special promotions and you might be waiting in line for a while. But the prickly pear marg is amazing!
Also in Kierland near our house, but this location has a special flare. Mondays and Tuesdays are Ladies' night! $20 for a bottle of wine and a board of bruchetta!
215 locals recommend
Postino Central
5144 N Central AveAlso in Kierland near our house, but this location has a special flare. Mondays and Tuesdays are Ladies' night! $20 for a bottle of wine and a board of bruchetta!
Ok, think, 3 restaurants in 1, yard games, lights, and lots of fun. Seriously, this place is amazing.
118 locals recommend
The Yard
5640 N 7th StOk, think, 3 restaurants in 1, yard games, lights, and lots of fun. Seriously, this place is amazing.
We've really only gone here after a bike ride on the canal (which is recommended if you have bikes). Great food, great cocktails!
11 locals recommend
Spoke & Wheel - Phoenix
8525 N Central AveWe've really only gone here after a bike ride on the canal (which is recommended if you have bikes). Great food, great cocktails!
This is more downtown, but definitely worthy of a mention. Supposedly the best brick fired pizza in the country, and it's ridiculously good. Highly recommended.
237 locals recommend
Pizzeria Bianco
623 E Adams StThis is more downtown, but definitely worthy of a mention. Supposedly the best brick fired pizza in the country, and it's ridiculously good. Highly recommended.
Bars!
Ok, if you came to Phoenix for the night life, we can recommend some places! These are going to be scattered all around, but here are places we recommend.
Right in the Desert Ridge shopping mall, this bar is wine and beer only. But it also has board games and some outdoor seating. Such a fun place. HUGE selection of drinks.
The Whining Pig Desert Ridge
1405 46Right in the Desert Ridge shopping mall, this bar is wine and beer only. But it also has board games and some outdoor seating. Such a fun place. HUGE selection of drinks.
Wait, did you want a speakeasy-like place that's hidden? Ok, this is the place! We love cocktails and this place has some amazing craft cocktails. You have to go to the Whining Pig downstairs at Desert Ridge Shopping mall, then go around the corner down a hallway and it's hidden underground! This place is amazing and the atmosphere is unbeatable!
Pigtails Desert Ridge
21001 N Tatum BlvdWait, did you want a speakeasy-like place that's hidden? Ok, this is the place! We love cocktails and this place has some amazing craft cocktails. You have to go to the Whining Pig downstairs at Desert Ridge Shopping mall, then go around the corner down a hallway and it's hidden underground! This place is amazing and the atmosphere is unbeatable!
CB Live
21001 North Tatum BoulevardLive music, drinks, it's super fun!!
This bar is in Old Town right on Scottsdale Rd. It's on the second story so there's a perfect people-watching patio. But inside is amazing. Great craft cocktails.
73 locals recommend
Second Story Restaurant & Liquor Bar
4166 N Scottsdale RdThis bar is in Old Town right on Scottsdale Rd. It's on the second story so there's a perfect people-watching patio. But inside is amazing. Great craft cocktails.
Typical bar in the party area of Old Town Scottsdale, definitely in the middle of it all.
51 locals recommend
Wasted Grain
7295 E Stetson DrTypical bar in the party area of Old Town Scottsdale, definitely in the middle of it all.
Wine and beer bar that's small, but super great. Great selection and a huge bar! Very close to our house.
Gwin Wine and Beer
7342 E Shea BlvdWine and beer bar that's small, but super great. Great selection and a huge bar! Very close to our house.
Great food, but a crazy nightlife in Desert Ridge.
33 locals recommend
Sandbar Mexican Grill - Desert Ridge
21001 N Tatum BlvdGreat food, but a crazy nightlife in Desert Ridge.
Handlebar J
7116 E Becker LnWestern themed bar with good food. Super close to our house.
Brunch!
If you like to brunch I've got a few places for you! Most are close to home, some are a little further out.
Extremely modern brunch location. Loud music, amazing food. Try the mimosa flight, it's spectacular... you might need to share.
32 locals recommend
Hash Kitchen North Scottsdale
14838 N Frank Lloyd Wright BlvdExtremely modern brunch location. Loud music, amazing food. Try the mimosa flight, it's spectacular... you might need to share.
Think a typical cafe, with great food, and a BACON FLIGHT... yes, you read that right... a flight of different bacons... worth. it.
15 locals recommend
The Oink Cafe - Paradise Valley
4326 E Cactus RdThink a typical cafe, with great food, and a BACON FLIGHT... yes, you read that right... a flight of different bacons... worth. it.
Ok, this has been mentioned, but the brunch on Saturday and Sunday includes a mimosa. and it's amazing. The breakfast tacos are amazing.
84 locals recommend
O.H.S.O. Brewery- Paradise Valley
10810 N Tatum BlvdOk, this has been mentioned, but the brunch on Saturday and Sunday includes a mimosa. and it's amazing. The breakfast tacos are amazing.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
615 S College AveGreat food, great mimosas!
Places To Go, Things to Do!
A list of places that we like to go to in and around Phoenix.
Outdoor shopping mall with a splashpad, lights, and LOTS of shops. Don't forget Kierland Commons across Scottsdale Rd. that is more of the same greatness!
428 locals recommend
Scottsdale Quarter
15279 N Scottsdale RdOutdoor shopping mall with a splashpad, lights, and LOTS of shops. Don't forget Kierland Commons across Scottsdale Rd. that is more of the same greatness!
Again, more outdoor mall/shopping. There are more practical stores here, but usually on the weekends they have 2 locations with live music. Lots of food, treats, a splashpad and lights.
285 locals recommend
Desert Ridge Marketplace
21001 N Tatum BlvdAgain, more outdoor mall/shopping. There are more practical stores here, but usually on the weekends they have 2 locations with live music. Lots of food, treats, a splashpad and lights.
More shops and places to eat. Store called Pinspiration where you can create your own pinterest project. My favorite nail salon called MV3, they give you wine or a mimosa as you get your nails done! Win!
39 locals recommend
High Street
5415 E High StMore shops and places to eat. Store called Pinspiration where you can create your own pinterest project. My favorite nail salon called MV3, they give you wine or a mimosa as you get your nails done! Win!
Lots of shops, tourist shops, Native American jewelry, Western wear, bars, etc. great to walk around. Close to the party district.
1379 locals recommend
Old Town Scottsdale
3200 N Scottsdale RdLots of shops, tourist shops, Native American jewelry, Western wear, bars, etc. great to walk around. Close to the party district.
High end, indoor shopping mall. Head south to the waterfront with lots of places to eat and get treats. 5th Street has a bunch of cute shops.
734 locals recommend
Fashion Square
High end, indoor shopping mall. Head south to the waterfront with lots of places to eat and get treats. 5th Street has a bunch of cute shops.
Beautiful park with pond. Right next to the canal where you can walk, run, or ride a bike along the canal looking at the mountains and beautiful sights.
13 locals recommend
Granada Park
6505 N 20th StBeautiful park with pond. Right next to the canal where you can walk, run, or ride a bike along the canal looking at the mountains and beautiful sights.
Awesome little center with the Aquarium, Dinosaur Museum, Butterfly Museum, and so much more!
603 locals recommend
OdySea Aquarium
9500 East Vía de VenturaAwesome little center with the Aquarium, Dinosaur Museum, Butterfly Museum, and so much more!
Talking Stick Resort Casino
Talking Stick WayResort and Casino, need I say more?
Topgolf
9500 Talking Stick WayGreat views while you play!
Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse
6823 E Cave Creek RdWhere the Wild West is still very much alive.
Beautiful Lake in the middle of the desert! Rent boats, paddle boards, eat on the dock, swim. So fun!
239 locals recommend
Lake Pleasant
Beautiful Lake in the middle of the desert! Rent boats, paddle boards, eat on the dock, swim. So fun!
More boating, paddle boarding, and water fun. Beat the heat in the water!
12 locals recommend
Bartlett Lake Marina
20808 E Bartlett Dam RdMore boating, paddle boarding, and water fun. Beat the heat in the water!
All the beautiful desert plants in one location. Absolutely perfect.
1231 locals recommend
Desert Botanical Garden
All the beautiful desert plants in one location. Absolutely perfect.
Things To Do With Kids!
If you're traveling with kids, it can be hard. These are things that will completley entertain the little ones, but also be cool for you too!
We spend so much time here. Small enough to see it all in one day, but big enough to be completely entertained. Monkey Village is a favorite, as well as the little orangatan. 2 splash pads help to stay cool while you're there.
864 locals recommend
Phoenix Zoo
455 N Galvin PkwyWe spend so much time here. Small enough to see it all in one day, but big enough to be completely entertained. Monkey Village is a favorite, as well as the little orangatan. 2 splash pads help to stay cool while you're there.
Train rides, carosel rides, 2 play grounds, and a whole room of model trains. Some activities are even free! In the summer they have concerts in the park, in the winter it turns into a wonderful place to see Christmas lights!
212 locals recommend
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E Indian Bend RdTrain rides, carosel rides, 2 play grounds, and a whole room of model trains. Some activities are even free! In the summer they have concerts in the park, in the winter it turns into a wonderful place to see Christmas lights!
Aquarium, Butterflies, Dinosaurs, and more. There's something for every kid here!
603 locals recommend
OdySea Aquarium
9500 East Vía de VenturaAquarium, Butterflies, Dinosaurs, and more. There's something for every kid here!
Super close to our house! This indoor trampoline park is brand new and super fun! Not to mention the Ninja Warrior obstacles to complete!
11 locals recommend
Sky Zone Phoenix Trampoline Park
4857 E Greenway RdSuper close to our house! This indoor trampoline park is brand new and super fun! Not to mention the Ninja Warrior obstacles to complete!
A little further of a drive, but amazing. Doesn't have a huge variety of animals, but you can see the animals up close! Watch a tiger show, watch them feed the animals! And take a Safari ride where you can feed giraffes!
215 locals recommend
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
3505 Arizona 260A little further of a drive, but amazing. Doesn't have a huge variety of animals, but you can see the animals up close! Watch a tiger show, watch them feed the animals! And take a Safari ride where you can feed giraffes!
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
215 N 7th StGreat children's museum right down town.
Arizona Science Center
600 E Washington StScience museum geared toward kids right downtown! So fun!
Legos and kids go together like peanut butter and jelly.
52 locals recommend
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona
5000 S Arizona Mills CirLegos and kids go together like peanut butter and jelly.
If you're here around Christmas, they transform the Princess into a winter wonderland, but without the winter. Lights everywhere, train rides, ice skating, light shows, hot chocolate and smores. Definitely a family tradition for us!
39 locals recommend
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 E Princess DrIf you're here around Christmas, they transform the Princess into a winter wonderland, but without the winter. Lights everywhere, train rides, ice skating, light shows, hot chocolate and smores. Definitely a family tradition for us!
One of the biggest splash pads around. Not to mention it's beautiful there!
428 locals recommend
Scottsdale Quarter
15279 N Scottsdale RdOne of the biggest splash pads around. Not to mention it's beautiful there!