Salty's Guide to Central Phoenix
Food Scene
There are many great restaurants close by. These are just a few or our favorites to appeal to a broad array of tastes and styles. If you want more recommendations let us know.
Gastro-pub blending Asian and local flavors. One of the owners is a neighbor and also one of the best mixologists in the state.
83 locals recommend
Clever Koi
4236 N Central AveGastro-pub blending Asian and local flavors. One of the owners is a neighbor and also one of the best mixologists in the state.
Southwestern flavors at their best. Weekend brunch is amazing too. Make a reservation.
63 locals recommend
Richardson's Cuisine of New Mexico
6335 N 16th StSouthwestern flavors at their best. Weekend brunch is amazing too. Make a reservation.
North of Missouri on 7th Ave, East side of the street. Best-closest Mexican in our opinion. Other nearby choices: Los Dos Molinos, Rito's, Presidio, Los Compadres, Joyride, etc. Carolina's is a hole-in-the-wall adventure. Many to choose from; feel free to ask for recommendations.
27 locals recommend
La Piñata Mexican Food Restaurant
5521 N 7th AveNorth of Missouri on 7th Ave, East side of the street. Best-closest Mexican in our opinion. Other nearby choices: Los Dos Molinos, Rito's, Presidio, Los Compadres, Joyride, etc. Carolina's is a hole-in-the-wall adventure. Many to choose from; feel free to ask for recommendations.
Complete your cowboy adventure day at Stockyards Steak House. Less frills like you would get (and have to pay for) at a high end steakhouse and the food is great. We recommend this over Rustler’s Roost if you’re looking for the cowboy western vibe.
19 locals recommend
The Stockyards Steakhouse
5009 E Washington StComplete your cowboy adventure day at Stockyards Steak House. Less frills like you would get (and have to pay for) at a high end steakhouse and the food is great. We recommend this over Rustler’s Roost if you’re looking for the cowboy western vibe.
Durant's
2611 N Central AveOld-school Steakhouse. Make a reservation.
Copper Star Coffee
4220 N 7th AveBest-closest coffee shop / cafe to get your daily hit.
Lux Central
4402 N Central AveGreat coffee and food. People watching.
Yummy breakfast/brunch. Some interesting and delicious gastronomic choices to get your day going in the right direction.
87 locals recommend
Vovomeena
1515 N 7th AveYummy breakfast/brunch. Some interesting and delicious gastronomic choices to get your day going in the right direction.
Harumi Sushi
101 W Adams StBest sushi (in our opinion).
China Chili
302 E Flower StBest-closest Chinese. A bit pricier than the others, but worth it
Hula's Modern Tiki
5114 N 7th StDistinctive and great vibe. Consistently good service.
Spinato's Pizzeria
5509 N 7th StBest-closest NY style pizza.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
100 E Camelback RdBest-closest Chicago style pizza.
Fry Bread House
4545 N 7th AveAuthentic Native American cuisine.
The Farm at South Mountain
6106 S 32nd StWonderful outdoor breakfast experience.
Classic English Pub. Great hangout for sporting events particularly European soccer matches.
23 locals recommend
George and Dragon English Pub
4240 N Central AveClassic English Pub. Great hangout for sporting events particularly European soccer matches.
Hiking
Phoenix is famous for its inner city mountain preserves. Some excellent hiking awaits you and it's all close by. Here are a few or our favorites and iconic hikes and/or hiking areas.
Ascending Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail is about as good as it gets. Of course, the whole world knows this, so my recommendation is to do this during the week when school is in session. If you go on the weekend be prepared to wait for parking.
1752 locals recommend
Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
East McDonald DriveAscending Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail is about as good as it gets. Of course, the whole world knows this, so my recommendation is to do this during the week when school is in session. If you go on the weekend be prepared to wait for parking.
Piestewa and Camelback offer the best summit views close to home.
18 locals recommend
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail
Piestewa Peak Summit TrailPiestewa and Camelback offer the best summit views close to home.
South Mountain is frequently rated as some of the best hiking in the world. A wide variety of skill and interest levels available. Ask for a recommendation.
350 locals recommend
South Mountain Park
10919 South Central AvenueSouth Mountain is frequently rated as some of the best hiking in the world. A wide variety of skill and interest levels available. Ask for a recommendation.
If you're really into hiking and looking for a full day hike there are some out of this world recommendations I can give here. Depends on time of year, so please ask.
169 locals recommend
Superstition Mountains
If you're really into hiking and looking for a full day hike there are some out of this world recommendations I can give here. Depends on time of year, so please ask.
Excellent hiking, but putting here to point out that we had our best horseback riding experience here. If Corral West Adventures is in business we recommend going here rather than to the Scottsdale based outfits.
33 locals recommend
White Tank Mountains
Excellent hiking, but putting here to point out that we had our best horseback riding experience here. If Corral West Adventures is in business we recommend going here rather than to the Scottsdale based outfits.
Golf
Phoenix metro has about 185 golf courses. Here are just a few of our favorites.
AZ Biltmore is an iconic property. 2 Golf courses located here. Also worth checking out the restaurants and a walk around the resort. Good news is staying with us will cost half to third of what you would pay to stay here
Arizona Biltmore Golf Club
2400 Biltmore Estates DriveAZ Biltmore is an iconic property. 2 Golf courses located here. Also worth checking out the restaurants and a walk around the resort. Good news is staying with us will cost half to third of what you would pay to stay here
Encanto? Really? Yes, it's just down the street. Cheap and good golf. Don't knock it. Remember, you're here to experience Phoenix. Trust me on this one.
41 locals recommend
Encanto Golf Course
2775 N 15th AveEncanto? Really? Yes, it's just down the street. Cheap and good golf. Don't knock it. Remember, you're here to experience Phoenix. Trust me on this one.
Another relatively inexpensive yet highly representative Phoenix area course in most people's top choices.
95 locals recommend
Papago Golf Course
5595 E Karsten WyAnother relatively inexpensive yet highly representative Phoenix area course in most people's top choices.
Wigwam will get you out to the western suburbs. Resort has lots to offer including 3 18-hole courses to choose from. Frequently has a groupon to take the bite off the greens fees for what are truly extraordinary courses.
70 locals recommend
Wigwam Golf Club
451 N Old Litchfield RdWigwam will get you out to the western suburbs. Resort has lots to offer including 3 18-hole courses to choose from. Frequently has a groupon to take the bite off the greens fees for what are truly extraordinary courses.
Rounding out the list of top 5 courses representative of Phoenix golf
34 locals recommend
Raven Golf Club
3636 E Baseline RdRounding out the list of top 5 courses representative of Phoenix golf
Bonus. I have a special place in my heart for this course. Try it and you might develop the same feeling.
14 locals recommend
Arizona Grand Golf Course
Arizona Grand ParkwayBonus. I have a special place in my heart for this course. Try it and you might develop the same feeling.
Sightseeing
Heard Museum
2301 N Central AveNative American Art
As the name suggests every first Friday of the month a variety of art events are hosted and the Phoenix Art Museum is open for free to the public. More info at https://artlinkphx.org/first-fridays/
129 locals recommend
First Friday Roosevelt Row
333 E Roosevelt StAs the name suggests every first Friday of the month a variety of art events are hosted and the Phoenix Art Museum is open for free to the public. More info at https://artlinkphx.org/first-fridays/
Mind blowing variety of desert plants in a peaceful aesthetic setting.
1231 locals recommend
Desert Botanical Garden
Mind blowing variety of desert plants in a peaceful aesthetic setting.
Bars / Speakeasies / Taprooms
The sheer number of taps will blow your mind. Broad selection of local and remote beers and meads you won’t find elsewhere. Attached shop with excellent and knowledgeable help finding new things to try.
8 locals recommend
Kings Beer & Wine
2811 N Central AveThe sheer number of taps will blow your mind. Broad selection of local and remote beers and meads you won’t find elsewhere. Attached shop with excellent and knowledgeable help finding new things to try.
Noel thinks every beer Wren House makes is drinkable and they make a wide variety of styles and experiments too. A little far but worth the trek if you’re looking for a standout brewer. Happy to let you taste before you commit.
48 locals recommend
Wren House Brewing Company
2125 N 24th StNoel thinks every beer Wren House makes is drinkable and they make a wide variety of styles and experiments too. A little far but worth the trek if you’re looking for a standout brewer. Happy to let you taste before you commit.
The Breadfruit & Rum Bar
1 E Pierce StThe rum selection. Try the signature cocktail.
UnderTow
3626 E Indian School RdLook it up. You must! Reserve a time.
Esplanade is often overlooked due to proximity to the Biltmore shopping. Located in the esplanade this speakeasy is easy to miss. That’s kinda the point but if you’re looking for a nice chill cocktail place check it out.
32 locals recommend
MercBar
2525 E Camelback RdEsplanade is often overlooked due to proximity to the Biltmore shopping. Located in the esplanade this speakeasy is easy to miss. That’s kinda the point but if you’re looking for a nice chill cocktail place check it out.
Rough Rider
1001 North Central AvenueDelightful old-timey drink and food menu. A speakeasy at its finest.
Neighborhoods
Shopping, restaurants, and a growing number of wine bars serving up Arizona local wine to taste. It's just a straight shot down Indian School. Definitely want to plan an evening out there.
1378 locals recommend
Old Town Scottsdale
3200 N Scottsdale RdShopping, restaurants, and a growing number of wine bars serving up Arizona local wine to taste. It's just a straight shot down Indian School. Definitely want to plan an evening out there.
Westgate Entertainment District - Cardinals Stadium, Coyotes Hockey. Tons of restaurants and things to do.
97 locals recommend
Westgate
Westgate Entertainment District - Cardinals Stadium, Coyotes Hockey. Tons of restaurants and things to do.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Transportation
Some of our guests have gotten by with Uber/Lyft but most get a car. Phoenix is pretty spread out. We are in the middle of it all and typically a reverse commute to destinations. There is a light rail that runs thru downtown and out to ASU. The closest stop is a 1.2 mile walk.
Don't miss
Uptown Farmer’s Market
Wednesday’s and Saturday’s. Up to date info: https://uptownmarketaz.com
What to pack
Water
If you’re going hiking take water.