Five Favs: Top 5 Date Spots in the Valley
With the summer temps heating up, it’s time to stay cool inside some of the valleys best restaurants! For this Friday 5, Amy is sharing her top 5 dating spots in the valley!
4236 N Central Ave #100, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Asian-inspired kitchen & craft cocktail bar in Central Phoenix. Such a hidden gem. If you are a big Asian food fan, you will love this spot. They got it all, Pad Thai, Ramen, Dumplings, Steamed Buns (the chicken and waffle one is my favorite.) It’s a great spot to share plates too, perfect serving sizes. They have a house sriracha that is out of this world and they sell it there too! Their cocktail menu is everything and anything you could ever want, whether you take it tall, shaken, stirred, on the rocks, on a cube, wine, sake, beer, boilermakers. The atmosphere is really cool. They have a amazing open space inside and a rad outside patio (that’s where I usually sit.) The Clever Koi was Awarded “Best Happy Hour” by the Phoenix New Times! Their happy hour is from 3-6PM includes specially priced signature dishes; Kung Pao Chicken Wings, Pork Ramen, and Koi Burger, $4 draft beer, $7 wine by the glass, and $7-$10 classic cocktails. On Monday and Tuesday’s they have the best deal ever. “It Takes Two”- Choose any two rice or noodle dishes and pair it with four draft beers for $40 o, substitute any four of the cocktails from their classic list or a bottle of wine for $10. *really easy to make reservations on their website*
4. Ocotillo
3243 n. 3rd St. Phoenix, AZ
The ultimate trifecta- brunch, lunch and dinner! Ocotillo is such a rad space. It’s a pretty big property with a full restaurant, a small coffee house and area to host events. Amazing indoor/outdoor architecture design by TrueForm and Labahn Ryan architecture. Ocotillo is a New American seasonal cuisine with local Arizona Influence with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Brunch is one of my favorite meals ever. They have light bites, sweet, savory and classic. The Medjoul Dates and the egg white breakfast burrito are my go to’s, plus mimosas. Always get mimosa’s. The coffee bar is yummy too, with loads of freshly made pastries and they have a nutella latte. NUTELLA, guys. So good. Great triple threat if you wanna mix up date night for a date brunch or lunch.
3. Diego Pops
4338 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Three words: BRUSSELS SPROUT NACHOS. I can 100% say at first when I heard that I was so taken back? Brussel sprouts and nachos? No way! That makes no sense! Then, I ate them and boy was I WRONG. I will go there any day just for those nachos, they are life changing and they have this amazing garlic beet crema. Their tacos and burritos are on point too. I love tortilla soup, even when it’s 100+ degrees, I’ll always get it. Theirs is packed with chicken and avocado, it’s a dream. They have amazing cocktails and they also serve choco-tacos. plus they have this amazing pineapple wall paper inside that just makes me so happy. Happy Hour is Monday–Friday 3PM-6PM and ALL DAY SUNDAY. 1/2 appetizers, $3 Beers, $4 Diego Margaritas and $5 Wine & Sangria. It’s right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Super fun atmosphere with great covered patio!
308 N 2nd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Wait, what? I thought Crescent Ballroom was just a music venue? Oh no, they have the best burritos ever. Crescent Ballroom is pretty much my dream spot for a date. Live music and burritos are the way to my heart. Their kitchen is better known as Cocina 10- brought to you by Chris Bianco (might know him from Pizzeria Bianco and Pane Bianco.) It’s Mexican accented road food that was inspired by the I-10, and people and places that surround it. Their happy house is pretty killer. Monday 11AM-6PM and Tuesday–Friday from 3PM-6PM $1 chips and salsa, $4 bean and cheese burrito, $4 cheery bean dip, $3 fish tacos and $8 Lalo burger along with House red or white wine $4, well cocktails $1 odd and draft beers $1 off. Anything on this menu is heavenly. My personal favorite is the bean and cheese burrito-(it comes with a sticker of Mr. Bean on it, amazing!) I always get one to go! If there is ever a time an artist is playing there you love, go early get some grub and boogie on the dance floor all night. Amazing intimate music venue.
622 E Adams Street, Phoenix AZ 85004
Right in the heart of historic district downtown is one of my favorite restaurants, Nobuo at Teeter House. Winner of Food & Wine best new chef, 5 stars in Arizona Republic, 2007 James Beard Award winner, and Best Arizona restaurant. This place knocks it out of the park every day. Japanese cuisine is one my favorites, and Chef Nobuo Fukuda is the best. The humble home feels so comfy and like your having dinner at a friends house, but the menu is so forward-thinking, fresh, and modern. Every dish has so much detail and thought into it. They strongly encourage guests to leave behind the expectation of rice, sushi rolls, or teriyaki. The menus are subject to change with seasonal availability of ingredients, ensuring the best dining experience possible, every time. My favorites are: The Grapefruit & Himachi, House cursed Salmon, Pork Belly wrapped in banana leaf, Foie gras, Seabass and Mushroom. Teeter tots and Pork Belly buns. *all currently on menu* *make a reservation!*
Now go out and treat your hunny to one of these yummy spots!
