When you think of a typical college town you generally think brick roads and ivy-covered buildings—aka quite the opposite of Arizona State. ASU is located in Tempe, which is in close proximity to Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix. One thing I learned during my four years at ASU is that Phoenix is huge. The amount of restaurants to explore are endless, but don’t worry…I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Phoenix / Scottsdale go-to’s to eliminate the stress for you! Remember, I like to #treatmyself when I go out to eat, so there’s a balanced mix of healthy and indulgent here!

Kaleidoscope Juice

Kaleidoscope is my all time fave juice spot. They have 5 locations throughout Phoenix and their mission is to “nourish everyone who comes in contact with Kaleidoscope Juice with [their] cold pressed juices, high vibe food, and uplifting shopping experience to encourage happy and purpose-filled lives.” If that doesn’t sound like me idk what does. Their smoothies are loaded with nutrients, unlike most smoothies, which are loaded with excess fruit and unnecessary sugar. The acai bowl (topped with homemade granola) is what hooked me to Kaleidoscope—it’s not too sweet and hits the spot perfectly. I personally like to add greens or protein to my bowl to kick the health factor up a notch. Kaleidoscope also offers coffee, packaged meals to-go, and delicious brunch items (dine-in or take-out) ranging from smoothies to breakfast burritos. This is the ideal place to hit after hiking Camelback, crushing your weekend workout, or when you need a healthy pick-me-up!

Pro tips: Their Madison location is connected to a spin/yoga and retail shop—the perfect place for a morning workout & healthy meal. And make sure to ask for their coconut whip when ordering your coffee!

The Montauk

Photo by: The Montauk

Going to the Hamptons is on my bucket list, so visiting the Montauk was my temporary escape. Located right in downtown Scottsdale, this restaurant is ideal for grabbing a drink with a girlfriend, having a cute date night, or enjoying weekend brunch with your crew. They serve exactly what you’d expect to order if you were actually in Montauk—deviled eggs, fresh salads, lobster rolls (hot or cold) & all kinds of rosé. The ambiance transports you to Long Island with their nautical-themed decor and East Coast-influenced menu. The Montauk is also a notable spot to hit before a night out in Scottsdale because it is walking-distance to the best the bars/clubs.

Culinary Dropout

Photo by: Culinary Dropout

I really should write a blog post dedicated solely to Fox Restaurant Concepts. I hate using the word ‘just’ but they really do just nail it. Culinary Dropout, one of Fox Restaurant’s creations, is a place I’ve gone to watch many Sun Devil games (win or lose) and it’s the restaurant my family went to celebrate my graduation. Culinary Dropout (specifically the Tempe location) has a killer cocktail menu and the most mouth-watering soft pretzels w/ provolone fondue. They also have a section in the back where you can order drinks and play games, like foosball and cornhole (#soMidwest). Seriously, you can’t go wrong with any of their dishes. It’s a great restaurant to either stick to your healthy diet or enjoy a gourmet, ‘home-cooked’ meal.

Pro tip: Order the pretzels.

Postino Wine Cafe

This is the tried & true place when you’re simply craving wine, bread, and cheese, aka the only things you need in life. With multiple locations around the greater Phoenix area, Postino is a fun, hip/rustic place to go for a good bottle of wine, cheese plate, and bruschetta board. (& yes, they offer gluten-free bread) My personal favorite bruschetta options include the Brie, Apple & Fig Spread, Warm Artichoke Spread, Ricotta, Dates & Pistachio, and the Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil.

Pro tip: On Mondays you can order a bottle of wine and board of bruschetta for only $25!

St. Francis

Photo by: St. Francis

Okay it’s like really hard to find the regular menu during quarantine, but I swear this place is worth it. Guy Fieri ate here so there’s your proof that it’s legit. St. Francis is a charming spot to visit when you’re craving a good, classic, gourmet meal. Their baked goat cheese is AMAZING (& yes I’m lactose intolerant, but I never leave the house without a Lactaid in-hand). If you’re looking for a unique date night spot with quality food I highly recommend St. Francis.

La Grande Orange

Photo by: La Grande Orange

La Grande Orange holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than a restaurant—it’s a coffee bar, bakery, pizzeria, wine store, and curated general market selling local Phoenix goods and serving up amazing food morning to night. I usually visited this place for breakfast on the weekends, but can also say their pizzas are very delicious. La Grande Orange is split into two sections: the retail section, which offers an order-in menu, bakery, and coffee bar, and the restaurant side, which serves cocktails, wine, pizza, and salads. LGO is a fun place to bring your family (especially when no one can decide what to eat) because everyone can order whatever they want at the counter (& support local Phoenix businesses).

Pro tips: order your coffee with their homemade nut milk, make sure to get a sea salt chocolate chip cookie, pick up a bottle of wine for later (their selection is really good), and grab a bag of their English muffins to-go!

Roaring Fork

Roaring Fork is the ultimate Southwest steakhouse. Keep this on your list as the place to go when you’re trying to woo your date or convince your parents that ASU is #classy. I suggest making a reservation because it is usually packed, but their bar section is first-come-first-serve. I guarantee whatever you get from the menu will be memorable, but I highly recommend the green chili mac-n-cheese as a side for the table. My favorite dishes are the rainbow trout, rotisserie spit-fired half chicken, and double-cut pork chop. I also recommend wearing loose pants when dining at Roaring Fork because you’ll want to savor every last bite!

The Parlor

This rustic Italian eatery was included on USA Today’s list of America’s 25 favorite pizza joints, from New York to California and I can attest by saying it is my favorite pizza spot in Phoenix! Located on Camelback near the Biltmore, The Parlor serves homemade pizzas, pasta, and pastries in a romantic yet modern setting. Their menu selection changes seasonally, but I promise anything you order will be a hit. When you want to experience authentic Italian dining, The Parlor is the place to go. It’s also my favorite take-out pizza spot when you’re craving lazy Friday night on the couch.

The Henry

The Henry really is the go-to place for any occasion—weekend brunch, coffee date, studying for exams, happy hour, dinner with the girls, date night, you name it and I guarantee the Henry will fit whatever occasion you are celebrating. Located on Camelback (also a great spot post-Camelback hike), The Henry is part coffee bar, part restaurant, part event space. It’s trendy, sophisticated, and serves delicious food and drinks. I used to frequent this place when studying for exams because the decor has that navy/white marble, sophisticated, cosmopolitan feel. This place is a must if you’re visiting Scottsdale—it’s chic and boyfriend-approved!

Keep these restaurants on-hand the next time you’re in Phoenix! (and make sure to DM me a pic if you eat at any of these spots!)