As Arizona’s stay-at-home order lifts, local restaurants are starting to open their doors for sit down meals, while still offering take out and delivery options. As exciting as this is, it’s important to continue to practice social distancing while being out and about again. Most restaurants and shops understand how important this is, so their employees are taking precautions like wearing masks, providing hand sanitizer, and seating guests at least six feet apart. Here’s a few local restaurants to check out if you’re itching to get outside, and step away from the house for a few hours.
Before You Go… Make sure to practice safe social distancing when you indulge in good food! One simple measure is to stay six feet away from others. When everyone keeps their distance, more people can feel safe and comfortable when going out in public. If your grocery store hasn’t been wiped clean of face masks and hand sanitizers, be sure to bring those PPE’s along with you. This way, you can reduce the risk of your hands and face coming into contact with germs or spreading germs to others.
Chandler: Located in the heart of downtown Chandler is Mingle + Graze, the hub for anyone and everyone obsessed with cheese boards. When it comes to the delicate art of a charcuterie board, this place doesn’t mess around. (Another perk is that they are pro-BYOB.) If you are craving a good steak, check out the DC Steakhouse. It’s decorated like an old-school steakhouse, complete with white tablecloths and fancier apparel. This place exudes nostalgia, while serving up mouthwatering steaks, seafood, and pasta.
Scottsdale: Calling all breakfast enthusiasts! A local favorite, the Daily Dose, is open for dine-in. This place has everything from yummy omelets, to syrup-drenched french toast. Another great brunch place is Scramble, which is famous for their signature “brizza” (breakfast pizza…best of both worlds.) Another place that’s confirmed dine in is the Paradise Valley Pizza Company. Here, you can ensure that your pizza is made from scratch and your desserts are anything but ordinary. (Looking at you, Lucky Charms cannoli.) Also, Grassroots Kitchen and Tap has nutritious soups, salads, and entrees that are filling and worth every penny.
Phoenix: The Tee Pee, a Mexican food restaurant located in the Arcadia area of Phoenix, makes some of the best street tacos and is even vegetarian friendly. Cool off this summer with some of their frozen margaritas, while enjoying authentic Mexican food. For some tasty comfort food, head to Commander Hamburger located in The Churchill in Downtown Phoenix. This delicious burger joint offers an array of tasty burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and soft serve ice cream to satisfy any sweet tooth. Not in the mood for burgers? The Churchill is home to a handful of other local restaurants including Freak Brothers Pizza, Foxy Fruit Acai and Smoothies, Provecho and more.
Glendale: In the mood for some filling Mediterranean bites? Try out some of the best gyros in Arizona over at Al’s Gyros! Pick from a variety of tasty pitas, kabobs and salads to fill you up. For some authentic Filipeno and Asian dishes, head over to Lutong Bahay Restaurant. The restaurant is a “point-point” type of fast-food joint where you pick your food by pointing to the dish you would like on the steaming table. Plus, the menu is constantly rotating so you will never grow tired of the options. Or, to satisfy a seafood craving, grab some crispy fish and chips at Oscar’s Pier 83.
Surprise: Craving some yummy Mediterranean food? Swing by Pita Wraps for some of the best gyro sandwiches, pitas, and hummus appetizers! Whether you have a vegetarian friend or family member joining you, or are just really needing some chicken shawarma, this place will not disappoint. Another gem in Surprise is Bonfire Craft Kitchen and Tap House. If you are hungry for bonfire ala carte meats like baby back ribs, or beef brisket, this is the place for you! You can enjoy a half pound or full pound of these house smoked meats, paired with bread, pickled onions, and dill pickles.
All Over The Valley: If you’re searching for some classic American food choices, then go to one of Culinary Dropout’s many locations across the Valley. You deserve some soft pretzels and provolone fondue.
If you are in desperate need of a pizza fix, Oreganos is now welcoming customers inside! They are taking measures to ensure that their dining area, patio, and bar seating options are all enforcing social distancing. And, haven’t you been craving their iconic pizza cookie dessert?
Looking to enjoy some good, healthy dishes? Flower Child, located in Arcadia, Uptown, Desert Ridge, and Scottsdale, has some excellent healthier options that can even be gluten free or vegan. Pita Jungle is another healthy, local option that has a wide variety of entrees, so the whole family can enjoy. (Even your picky eaters.)
Supporting local restaurants during this economic downturn is very important. These businesses need your help to stay afloat. If you are prepared to go out in public, be sure to consider these incredible local restaurants while practicing safe social distancing.