Kid Sister is a great wine bar that’s swapped the charcuterie and cheese routine for seasonally rotating tapas. Think savory broccoli toast with red curry and honeynut squash, and fuller plates like the beef tataki zhuzhed with black garlic and pickled mushrooms. And they keep it simple with the wine list—it’s effortlessly scannable and features orange blends, chilled reds, and low-ABV options.

This Phoenix spot is a long-time Arizona favorite, and for good reason: the fry bread. Native American fry bread is a pillowy, frisbee-sized fried dough that serves as a vessel for honey and jam or filling toppings like beans, vegetables, and meats and cheeses. Cecelia Miller of the Tohono O'odham Nation opened The Fry Bread House in the early 1990s, and it remains owned and managed by the family today.

You’ll find this Grand Avenue spot inside the restored Bragg’s Pie Factory building, but with the exception of the dessert menu, you won’t find many sugary treats. Instead, you’ll get a solid introduction to the different cuisines of the Mexican state of Sonora, which on any given day, might include a list of specials like the lime-cured halibut aguachile or bone-in ribeyes. Reservations open at the start of each month, but you can try your luck at the bar where you might find an empty seat.

The pies at Pizzeria Bianco have launched Phoenix’s food scene into the orbit of national conversation. Seriously, these pizzas are so famous they moved to Downtown Los Angeles, where a new Bianco’s debuted in 2022. Head to the original Heritage Square spot for pies like the Biancoverde, with mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, ricotta, and arugula, before a Diamondbacks game, or a weekday lunch when there’s less of a wait. Go with a group and order family-style so you can try everything.

Chilte is like that laidback cousin you only see during family reunions: liked by everyone, effortlessly cool, and randomly spent one spring break in Tulum with Kristen Stewart. Come for dinner to try Chilte’s experimental Mexican food, where you should start with an appetizer like the mussels with green chorizo in a broth made from wine and corn. Nothing tops the pozole recado entree, which comes with a huge, well-cooked pork tomahawk.

Eating at this anything-but-stuffy French restaurant feels a bit like getting a hug from a friend who’s wearing a very soft cashmere sweater. There’s a lot to love about this charming hideaway off of Roosevelt, like all the orange wine, low-ABV cocktails, and unpretentious takes on classic French dishes. Start with the baked brie or caper-topped tartare before moving on to the steamed mussels bathed in fumet with creme fraiche.

Bad Jimmy’s is basically the tattooed version of your classic American burger joint—a little rebellious, kind of loud, and always fun after dark. The menu at Bad Jimmy’s is tight, which comes in clutch when choosing between the Classic Double or the L.A. Burg after crawling the breweries and bars on Roosevelt. For the sides, get the criss-cut fries and the salad. Bad Jimmy’s has a soft serve selection perfect for filling your soft spot for chocolate, vanilla, or swirl.

Head to the original University location of this Texas-style barbecue spot for some of the best pork ribs, sausage links, and brisket in Phoenix. Sure, you’ll likely have to stand in line before calling dibs on one of the outdoor picnic tables, but that’ll give you some time to sort out your game plan: sandwich or a plate? Pulled pork or ribs? When they’re on the menu, get the oversized beef ribs and try the pastrami brisket. And whatever you do, don’t skip the sides.

Ollie Vaughn’s is your go-to for a low-key, high-reward brunch in Phoenix. The coffee is legit (hello, grapefruit espresso tonic), the croissants are flaky perfection, and the breakfast sandwiches here put your sad pocket granola bar to shame. You’re here for brunch, but this isn’t some bottomless mimosa circus that could send you into a Sunday spiral—don’t worry, there are mimosas on the menu though.

The move at Taco Chelo is to go with a bunch of people and order practically one of everything. Start with the crispy rolled tacos and snappy chicharrones before going all-in on the beef barbacoa tacos or beer-battered fish tacos. Add a round of house margaritas for the table and relish those Happy Hour prices ($5 cocktails and $15 buckets of beer) while watching the art walk crowds buzz by on their way to First Friday from the relaxed corner patio.