Having traveled a lot, I know how frustrating it can be to try to find great local places to eat. All too often, I find myself resorting to some unoriginal chain restaurant that I could have eaten at back home.  So to save you from that trap, I wanted to recommend some fabulous, one-of-a-kind restaurants that will make your desert dining experiences memorable.

Taco Guild $$ – 546 E Osborn Rd Phoenix, AZ 85012

This is a place I take anyone who visits me, and no one has ever been disappointed. This old, converted church creates an amazing ambiance for eating upscale street tacos with its high-arched ceilings that are painted with frescos of Rembrandt’s masterpieces. It’s also the place I go when I want to meet the girls for happy hour as they have $5 margaritas and $2 daily street tacos on special.  Admittedly, sometimes I just go there by myself because I love their four different types of complimentary salsa and their grilled romaine salad with bacon that tastes like steak but allows me to believe I’m eating healthy.

Lux Central $$ 4400 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012

This is not your average mom and pop coffee shop. This hipster coffee shop goes all out with its retro furniture, specialty roasted coffee beans, homemade pastries, and gourmet food. Lux also has a bar where bartenders serve up handcrafted drinks with delicate sprigs of mint and perfectly chilled glasses.  So whether you’re grabbing jalapeno mac and cheese and an old fashioned or a latte with Dutch pancakes, Lux is the place to be…and believe me, you won’t be the only one there.  Whether it is 9am or 11pm, there’s always a crowd.  If you’re looking for a place with lots of people and lots of action in a casual setting, this is the place to be.  Valley Bar $$ 130 N Central Ave Basement Phoenix, AZ 85004   The first time I went to Valley Bar a friend texted me and said, “Hey, if you see a dark alley, walk down it.  That’s where the bar is.”  I assumed he was joking, but I was wrong.  Needless to say, Valley Bar might be a place you’d miss as a traveler as it’s hidden in a basement down a dark alley; however, this underground bar is totally worth the search.  Everything about it feels so adventurous.  You might become part of some underground society just by getting in there.  Once there, you’re sure to have a great time with their collection of board games, ski-ball, pool, and shuffle board.      

The Henry $$ 4455 E Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85018

Ladies love this place because it is so artfully decorated. Whoever their interior designer was, they did an amazing job creating a space that feels super posh in both the indoor and outdoor seating areas. While The Henry is a great choice anytime, it is especially delightful to have breakfast in their flower-filled outdoor courtyard when the weather is nice. Compass Arizona Grill $$$ On Top of the Hyatt Regency Hotel 122 North 2nd St Phoenix, AZ 85004

If you want scenic views, the Compass Arizona Grill is for you.  This revolving restaurant provides a 360-degree view of the city from the top of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.  It’s great for romantic dinners as even the glass elevator ride up to the restaurant is scenic. You usually need a reservation for dinner so plan accordingly.  If you didn’t get a chance to make a reservation, or maybe the hefty dinner prices scare you away, do what I do and head over there Sunday through Thursday from 9:00pm -11:00pm for their late night drink and dessert specials.  You can have the same great view but with a much smaller price tag. The Tuck Shop $$ 2245 N 12th St Phoenix, AZ 85006   This is another place a traveler would never see if they were looking around for somewhere to eat.  The name of this place says it all as it is tucked away in a one of the historic downtown neighborhoods.  Set right next to residential homes, this restaurant has a classy yet distinctly homey vibe as you wait to be seated in what feels an awful lot like living room. Neighbors come here to grab a bite and a drink, and the owner welcomes them by name. The Tuck Shop does all of this while dishing up uniquely reinvented comfort food.   (Be aware that they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays.)       Cornish Pasty $$ Monroe Ave west of Central Avenue The first question people always ask about this place is, “What the heck is a pasty?” The simple answer is it’s a Hot Pocket, but that’s misleading as to the quality of food you should expect from this restaurant.  Imagine the basic Hot Pocket concept but with the most delicious contents on the inside and a golden brown, flaky, handmade crust on the outside. Every bite combines flaky pastry with hearty sustenance like lamb, beef, or veggies that will leave you with a somewhat cult-like devotion to this restaurant.        

House of Tricks $$$ 114 E 7th St Tempe, AZ 85281

While not technically in Phoenix, it’s close to Arizona State University and is only about a 15-minute drive from downtown Phoenix. I made an exception in including this restaurant on my list because it is my absolute, all-time favorite restaurant ever.  The unassuming garden area and house provide a tranquil respite from the bustle of life all while serving top-notch food and wine.  Last time I was there I had a sea salt wine that I haven’t been able to top since. I definitely recommend this local gem over the high-end restaurants on Mill Avenue, Scottsdale, or downtown Phoenix. (Make sure to get a reservation here as well, and note that they are closed for a month in the summer and on Sundays.)