Where You Should Eat When Visiting: Phoenix, Arizona
/Phoenix, Arizona a.k.a "The Valley of the Sun" is known for a lot more than just sunny skies. It's a great place to relax, sight-see, and get some good eats! Check out my recommendations below of 3 affordable and fantastic restaurants you need to visit during your next visit.
Don't leave Phoenix without dining at Matt's. Matt's has three locations in the Phoenix area. You can even get your fix before your flight at the Sky Harbor International Airport in Terminal 4. Matt's is well-known for popular breakfast specials including the Chop & Chick which was featured on Diner's Drive Ins and Dives.
Chop & Chick
I tried this dish during my visit and it was pretty tasty. My pork chop was slightly under-seasoned but overall its a solid pick. If your looking for something more traditional then order the Waffles and Bacon. This waffle is a classic.
Keep in mind that Matt's draws a crowd so plan on visiting early. My bill for two entrees was under $25.
Forget Chicken and Waffles, Chicken and Donuts are what's hot in Phoenix! This popular local restaurant features crispy Korean fried chicken served with your choice of sauce and fresh cake donuts.
Fried Chicken & Donuts
Donut sandwiches, chicken wings, and ramen are additional items featured on the menu. I found the concept of eating chicken and donuts together quite intriguing.
I couldn't leave the restaurant without trying a donut sandwich. I ordered the Welcome Griddle. This sandwich consists of a fried egg, bacon or sausage, and cheddar cheese, all stuck in between a cake donut. It's then topped with a sweet maple glaze. The idea of the dish is really unique. I was slightly intimidated before I took my first bite. Prepare yourself. You'll get a sugar rush after eating this sandwich. The sweetness of the maple glaze and donut are intense.
My husband and I shared a breast, thigh, and drum combo and requested an extra cake donut. Our total meal including the sandwich costs about $15.
Chris Bianco is the Pizza King of Phoenix. He's well known for his legendary pizzeria that even earned him a James Beard Award in 2003. If you love pizza that's cooked in a wood-burning fire oven then this is the place for you.
The Wiseguy
I take much pride in pizza. I was born in New York and later raised in Virginia, so I consider myself to be a pizza snob. I've tasted pies from all over and it takes a lot for me to give a pizzeria praise. However, I ate some of the best pizza of my life at Pizzeria Bianco. No lie. I'm not sure what Chris Bianco puts in his dough but it tastes like crispy, thin crust pizza magic. I ordered the Wiseguy which comes with fennel sausage, house smoked mozzarella, and wood roasted onion.
Love at First Slice
I decided to hold off on the onions and added tomato sauce to my pizza since this pizza doesn't come with it. When my husband and I got to the last slice of the pie, a serious stare down ensued. After a few tense seconds and giggles we agreed to share the last slice. Be prepared to fight with friends over last slice privileges. Our bill came up to $25 including a Ginger Ale.
Have you ever visited Phoenix? What are some of your favorite restaurants? Drop me a line below and let me know!
