When people think of hanging out in Phoenix, food may not be the first thought on their minds. But, that doesn’t stop this area from boasting a wide range of delicious culinary experiences. Everything from delicious brunches to elevated dining, quick snacks, to cool drinks, it’s all on the menu!
So, what typically brings folks over to Arizona’s “Valley of the Sun”? The state capital of Phoenix is a beloved destination for everyone interested in everything from masterfully designed golf courses to immersive spas and, of course, the beautiful landscape as epitomized by the Desert Botanical Garden and Papago Park for some serious cactus action. Nevertheless, you would be mistaken if you thought that’s all there was to this extremely sunny corner of the world. There is a world of natural beauty and inspiring culture to be discovered here as well.
For those who love history, science, and the arts, museums are on offer. The Phoenix Art Museum has exhibitions ranging from Renaissance to modernist works. Native American culture is on display at the Heard Museum, minds light up over at the Arizona Science Center, and you can actually “see” music at the Musical Instrument Museum!
Get outside and hit up the Phoenix Zoo. Camelback Mountain also offers epic views at the end of a moderately difficult hike. Nearby ghost towns will raise your Old West spirits. Then there’s sports action with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, the NFL’s Phoenix Cardinals, the University of Arizona teams, and even NASCAR to enjoy. Face it; you’ll be busy here!
But hungry bellies cannot live on fun alone. So once you’ve booked your tee time on the back nine, emerged from your deep tissue massage, and surveyed the shopping along Camelback Road, it’s time to find some grub. If you’re ready to take a bite out of The Valley, here’s your culinary guide to this amazing town.
1820 W Northern Ave #110, Phoenix, AZ 85021
Black Restaurant Week Listing | Website | Instagram | Facebook | (602) 675-2212
There’s nothing quite like a taste of the Caribbean out here in the desert! Phoenix is blessed with the island vibes of Ms. Martha’s Kitchen, whose eponymous owner grew up in St. John’s, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eagerly absorbing West Indies cooking traditions in her family kitchens, she brings her own authentic island cuisine experience to her tables. Seeking to offer a soul-satisfying experience, the ethos of service will come through in every bite. Try out the empanada-like Jamaican patties to start. The curry chicken bowl will hit that sweet spice spot in your gut, as will an ox tail entrée with some rice and peas on the side.
4220 W Northern Ave Ste 104, Phoenix, AZ 85051
Black Restaurant Week Listing | Website | Instagram | Facebook | (623) 248-5131
If you’re looking for a great Jamaican restaurant that is also packed with awesome events, then Ocho Rios Jerk Spot is the place for you! With regular happenings like Cigar & Whiskey Wine Down Wednesdays, Rum Punch & Brunch Sundays, and special celebrations like Cinco de Mayo, there’s always a good time to be had here! And oh yeah, there’s also an incredible menu! Jerk chicken is, of course, a reliable standby. Enjoy that with some traditional Jamaican fried bread on the side. The large snapper plate will remind you that these flavors do indeed come from the Caribbean, and sweet potato pudding is a great way to top it all off.
1712 E Broadway Rd Unit 3, Phoenix, AZ 85040
Black Restaurant Week Listing | Website | Instagram | Facebook | (602) 612-3578
You might think about athletes being all about living on meat to build their muscles, but that would mean you have never heard of Chef Krystal Mack! Having served as a personal chef for NBA players, her brainchild food truck Trash Panda Vegan is also an approved supplier for Super Bowl LVII! Her healthy plant-based comfort food has folks swarming her truck like ants to a picnic. We’re talking here about “rib” sandwiches, fully loaded “hot dogs,” mac and “cheese” delights, and so much more. From “guilt-free” Taco Tuesdays to daily fresh-pressed juices, fill up on some yummy nutrition you can feel good about.
45 W. Jefferson St., Suite K, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Black Restaurant Week Listing | Website | Instagram | Facebook | (602) 872-7100
In the Eastside neighborhood about a quarter mile from A. Philip Randolph Heritage Park, The Avenue Grill boasts some of the best Jacksonville soul food and seafood, including fried chicken, lobster, salmon, and grits with extra butter. Open six days a week, it’s known for its wings; salads featuring grilled salmon, steak, shrimp, chicken, or lobster; homemade burgers; and tilapia platters with shrimp and oysters. News4Jax consistently ranks it as having the best fried chicken, best burger, and best breakfast, so any meal sounds like a win.
3950 E Indian School Rd Suite #100, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Black Restaurant Week Listing | Website | Instagram |Facebook | (602) 675-1459
No need to wait for Sunday: At Brunch & Sip, brunch is served every single day! More than just another breakfast spot, this is yet another Larry White Phoenix spot, in partnership with his wife, Rasheedah. Lively and warm, this spot makes everyday feel like a lazy weekend, ready for a little overindulgence. Check out items like crab cakes Benedict, crack some eggs over a short rib hash, or venture into a pile of the Hangover Fires swimming in turkey sausage gravy. Pair whatever catches your fancy with a flight of mimosas or the house “brunch punch” to really get the early party started!
2302 N Central Ave #2, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Black Restaurant Week Listing | Website | Instagram | Facebook | (480)525-0234
Long a purveyor of sublime and incredibly flavorful spices, Brooklyn-born chef Nik Fields has come to Phoenix with her hip-hop-inspired dishes on offer at the Chic Chef. Fusing her passion for cooking with her love of serving people in a congenial atmosphere, there’s a lot to love in this little space. Check out her Cajun shrimp deviled eggs — called La Di-Da-Dis — or maybe her Wu Tang Cocktail served up in a to-go Chinese food container! It’s all about the love, be it for music or making your taste buds dance. Before you leave, be sure to pick up some of her spices to bring home and make your own kitchen magic!
2155 E University Dr Ste 104, Tempe, AZ 85281
Black Restaurant Week Listing | Website | Instagram | Facebook | (480) 438-6399
If there’s anything as instantly satisfying and energizing as fresh 100% natural juice, we haven’t found it yet! Set in an incredibly chill and welcoming setting, Pure Juice N’Joy is the spot to load up on your vitamins and micronutrients coming straight from the source. Fruit and veggie selections such as the Green Glow and Berry Bliss afford your body all the nourishment it needs. Protein shakes add vanilla-flavored, plant-based protein powders to mix with bananas, oat milk, and coconut flakes. It really is wellness in a glass, concocted using vegan ingredients with love and compassion for all those thirsty folks seeking a healing elixir.
808 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Black Restaurant Week Listing | Website | Instagram | Facebook | (602) 262-9256
The White family’s most famous restaurant! Matriarch Elizabeth White first set up this beloved local chicken spot way back in 1964. Since that time, many prestigious people ranging from Hollywood celebrities to Washington politicians have come here to enjoy Mrs. White’s astounding recipes. Larry White Sr. keeps hold of the reigns of Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café, generously allowing customers to experience his mother’s culinary secrets. The home-like feel of this special place is a testament to its legacy. You have to check out the Piping Hot Smothered Chicken just to get the vibe. From there, move on to the Southern Fried Chicken, Moist “Succulent” Pork Chops, and slap some black-eyed peas on the side, please!
1220 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Black Restaurant Week Listing | Website | Instagram | Facebook | (602) 340-1304
Best fried chicken in all of Phoenix? And maybe the west itself? To be honest, you had us at Larry White, Jr.! Once again, Grandma White’s wonderful traditions continue to hatch among her descendants. Larry spent a lot of time enjoying the chicken and waffles phenomenon in Los Angeles and just had to make his own mark in The Valley of the Sun. Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles features “Hood Classics” like the Double D (two breasts and a waffle) and the Tre-Tre’s (two legs and a waffle). The soul food doesn’t stop there with the shrimp and grits, blackened fish dinner, and “Stupid Fries” topped with chicken, gravy, cheese, and more! And by the way, breakfast is served all day here!
When you think about it, Phoenix has done a lot in recent years to up its foodie game. With amazing eateries continuing Southwestern traditions and all kinds of international cuisine popping up, folks are discovering more and more culinary experiences. Celebrity chefs are setting up shop, Michelin is handing out stars, and critics are flying in from both coasts to get a taste of this emerging scene. It’s all part of how this metropolis is on the rise, growing from a premier destination of deep-service spas and classic golf courses to one of America’s most dynamic and alluring cities.
So it’s nice, along with all that mesmerizing growth, to find a little taste of soul food, Creole kitchen fare, and fried chicken so good it makes Southern folk homesick. Family recipes, comfortable settings, and a vibe of familiarity are the secret sauces that make these restaurants pop, and Phoenix visitors and locals alike benefit from these delicious experiences as the cherry on top of a fantastic ice cream sundae of a city.
Author: Black Restaurant Week
Content Team
