Tired of these 110 degree days? I hear ya. However, I do have some ideas that will keep you busy as you wait for this interminable heat to break. Some of these activities include attending the “Westminster Show” of the Arabian horse world, seeing a Broadway show on tour, and enjoying an affordably-priced dinner during AZ Restaurant Week 2021. Basically, I have your weekend plans covered this month!
Restaurant Week was the brainchild of Tim Zagat, writer, and Joe Baum, restaurateur, to showcase New York City’s restaurant scene during the 1992 Democratic Convention. Twenty years later, Restaurant Week has become a tradition in many American cities. The event offers diners the opportunity to sample affordable prix fixe (fixed price) menus at some of the best restaurants.
Arizona Restaurant Association hosts this fall’s Arizona Restaurant Week during September 17-26 with 120 participating restaurants. To help you narrow it down, here is a list of my personal favorites along with new, interesting spots to try during this special week.
For more information and a complete list of participating establishments in this year’s AZ Restaurant Week, go to https://arizonarestaurantweek.com/. I plan on getting out there and trying something new…how about you? Drop me a line to let me know which you decide to dine at!
The Staples
A restaurant in the heart of Phoenix celebrating the flavors of the American Southwest with a wood-burning grill and full bar. Check out their Restaurant Week offerings.
Grassroots is a family-owned and operated restaurant and taproom in Scottsdale. They feature a ‘from-scratch’ menu of classic Southern-influenced cuisine and an extensive selection of craft beers and wines.
An all-day, award-winning diner serving high quality breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes. Here is a look into their AZ Restaurant Week 2021 menu.
Paul Martin’s Grill elevates classic American cuisine with a heightened focus on high quality ingredients. Choose from dishes like marinated skirt steak, buttermilk fried chicken, and cedar plank salmon.
Another great all-day option to hit during this Restaurant Week. Phoenix City Grille is locally owned and operated and considers their menu to be inspired by ‘American Contemporary’ cuisine.
A go-to for classic (and homemade!) Italian cuisine in the valley. Enjoy authentic pasta and a rotating, curated wine list. Get a sneak peek at their Restaurant Week deal.
Girls’ Night Out
Head to Barrio Queen for an authentic Mexican fine-dining experience, complete with flavorful dishes made from scratch. And don’t forget the tequila!
A modern take on the traditional neighborhood tavern serving creative New American dishes and great cocktails. You can view their fixed menu for Arizona Restaurant Week here.
MATCH is an upscale café, market and bar all in one, located in Downtown Phoenix. Their AZ Restaurant Week offerings include a three-course meal for just $44 per person; view the menu here.
Ocotillo mixes casual dining with an upscale, modern flare. They are located in the up and coming Midtown Phoenix area and feature an indoor/outdoor dining experience. For a look into their cuisine, check out their Restaurant Week menu.
The Gladly is a restaurant and whiskey bar in the Biltmore neighborhood. Their Restaurant Week menu is also $44 per person and features dishes such as pan seared scallops, coffee rubbed short ribs, and a whiskey bread pudding.
ZuZu is a neighborhood favorite and a staple for a day out in Old Town Scottsdale. They’re known for their “show stopping” milkshakes and brunch offerings.
Oldies, But Goodies
Enjoy globally-inspired dishes at one of Paradise Valley’s best restaurants, located inside the Hermosa Inn. They combine age-old traditional cooking methods with modern techniques and flavors.
Wood-fired cooking at it’s finest! Roaring Fork is a gem in Scottsdale and features bold American cuisine prepared over a traditional wood fire. Enjoy dishes like spit-roasted chicken and sugar-cured duck breast.
Pasta Brioni is a fine-dining restaurant featuring authentic Italian cooking. For 25 years, they have been making pasta from scratch, in-house at their Scottsdale location. Here is their AZ Restaurant Week 2021 listing.
T. Cook’s at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa
T.Cook’s features a Mediterranean-style menu with a rotating selection of bold flavors. The restaurant is located in the beautiful Royal Palms Resort on Camelback Road.
Contemporary dining with wine-friendly, freshly prepared cuisine. The Capital Grille is a classic fine-dining steakhouse in the valley. Here is their menu for the special week ahead.
The Stockyards Restaurant & 1889 Saloon
Arizona’s Original Steakhouse! The Stockyards opened its doors in 1947 and since has continued to embrace the culture and hearty flavors of the American Southwest.
Que Interesante
Cobre Kitchen and Cocktails
Cobre focuses on healthy dishes and uses only fresh, local ingredients. Here’s their ARW menu, featuring house-made pasta, striped sea bass and berry crumble.
Ladera is your go-to spot for local, authentic Mexican food in the valley. Another reason to check it out? They offer the largest selection of Mezcal Tequila in Arizona!
A modern take on a taqueria that boasts house-made street-inspired dishes, as well as handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy the upbeat environment in their Peoria or Uptown location. Here is their menu for Restaurant Week.
Huss Brewing Taproom
These taprooms in Tempe and Phoenix serve up freshly crafted beers, seven days a week. They also offer a selection of flavorful small bites to munch on while you drink your pint!
A dog-friendly meeting spot with farm-to-table food and drinks. Think dog park meets cafe and bar with locally-sourced beers and wines from around the valley.
The Golden Pineapple Craft Lounge
A fairly new spot located in Tempe with globally-inspired comfort food and handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy their interesting menu selection featuring Navajo fried bread, Sonoran dog, and tamale fries.
What a Deal!
Surf and turf, anyone? Buck & Rider is a seafood and steak eatery in Phoenix. They offer craft cocktails, a raw bar, sushi, and angus beef. Here is their ARW listing so you can take a peek into their offerings.
Elevated American fare with ingredient-driven, hearty entrees and cocktails, all served in a scenic atmosphere complete with glass walls and desert scenery. Check out my experience at their monthly in-house cooking class here.
Ocean Prime is a nationally acclaimed modern luxury restaurant, with a location in the heart of the valley. Part of the award-winning Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, their menu specializes in fresh seafood, steak and craft cocktails.
Preston’s offers fresh and flavorful dishes with a selection of cocktails, including a fan-favorite: personal shaker martinis. Their menu includes steakhouse classics with innovative touches. Here is their deal for AZ Restaurant Week 2021.
STK is anything but traditional. They are a modern steakhouse with a chic lounge, with a location here in Scottsdale. Their menu features a wide range of steak cuts, from wagyu to NY strip. Get a 3-course sampling for only $44 per person during Arizona’s Restaurant Week.
More Valley Activities
The Arabian Horse Association of Arizona is hosting the National Breeder Final during September 15-18 at Westworld of Scottsdale.
It is free to attend, and you can watch these incredible horses compete in a stunning venue. There will also be a shopping expo, food and drink cabanas at the venue. Check it out and see why Scottsdale is considered the epicenter of the Arabian horse world.
Another great idea to beat the last of the heat is to attend the broadway musical, HAMILTON, which is currently on tour at ASU’s Gammage Theater. The show will be in Tempe until October 10th, so you still have some time to plan your visit! Get your tickets and more information here.
