8 of Phoenix’s signature dishes and drinks
From the tequila sunrise to fry bread, these are the most famous area delicacies that we created (or perfected).
Geri Koeppel
March 26, 2024
As you venture into Phoenix’s vibrant food scene, you’ll find a fusion of flavors that clearly embody the essence of our city. If you’re looking for a true taste of Phoenix, here are eight of the most famous drinks and dishes that were created here, perfected here, or otherwise represent our diverse culinary landscape.
Cheese Crisps at Rosita’s Place
Phoenix
A cheese crisp sounds simple: It’s a flour tortilla topped with cheese and baked to a crisp in an oven. But there’s an art to it, and family-owned Rosita’s Place, founded in 1964, is a great place to get one. They start with a fresh tortilla and offer onion, chilies, jalapeños, tomatoes, and/or meat, including chorizo, chicken, carne asada, and more. The Mexican-themed decor — complete with Saltillo tile and high-back carved wood chairs — makes it a fun place to hang a while as well.
Chimichanga at Macayo’s
13 Valley locations
Local lore says the chimichanga was created when a burrito was accidentally dropped in a deep fryer, but there’s some discrepancy about whether it first happened at Macayo’s or at Tucson’s El Charro. No matter which tale is true, Macayo’s is the king of the chimichanga locally. In 2010-11, it led a charge to get it named an official state food, and in 2021, it set a Guinness World Record for the longest chimi ever made at 25 feet, 7 inches. A variety of meats and toppings are offered, and at lunch, it’s a steal at $12.99.
Fry Bread at Fry Bread House
Mesa and Phoenix
The unassuming Fry Bread House was launched in 1992 by Cecilia Miller, a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation who moved to the city with her husband, a reverend. She wanted to provide traditional home cooking to other Native people who had been displaced from their ancestral lands. In 2012, the eatery won a James Beard Award for being an “American classic” and it’s received umpteen honors from local media. The deep-fried dough, flat with puffy edges, is slathered with beans and/or meat — try the red chili beef — along with cheese, lettuce, and other toppings. It also comes as a dessert with honey, powdered sugar, chocolate and butter, or cinnamon and sugar.
Original Chopped Salad at Citizen Public House
Scottsdale
The average visitor might not know about this legendary chopped salad, but among locals, it’s one of the most-raved-about dishes in town and even has its own Facebook page. It was born as the Stetson Chopped Salad at the now-defunct Cowboy Ciao in Old Town by executive chef Bernie Kantak and carried over as the Original Chopped Salad when he opened Citizen Public House in 2009. Its current incarnation includes smoked salmon, couscous, chopped baby arugula, dried sweet corn, tomatoes, toasted pepitas, dried currants, Asiago cheese, and buttermilk-herb dressing. It’s composed in colorful, photo-friendly rows and hits notes of salty, sweet, smoky, and herbal on the palate.
Sonoran Hot Dog at Carniceria Los Amigos
Guadalupe and Phoenix
Although Sonoran dogs are, of course, from Sonora, Mexico, Phoenix has adopted them as a signature dish because they’re ubiquitous at late-night sidewalk carts, food trucks, carnicerias, taco shops, and spiffy Scottsdale eateries alike. We like the friendly ambiance and flavors here, including the mixture of mustard, tangy mayo, dollops of avocado salsa, copious amounts of powdered cheese, grilled spicy pepper on the side, and the soft yet substantial bolillo roll. Pro tips: The Guadalupe location has a couple of tables but in South Phoenix, it’s only “para llevar” (to go). Also, brush up on your Spanish; you’ll need it.
Prickly Pear Margarita at Gertrude’s Restaurant
Phoenix
If you’ve been in Phoenix for five minutes during the span of late summer to early winter, you’ve probably seen prickly pear fruits. They’re deep pink, egg-shaped protrusions on top of the flat pads of Opuntia genus cactus. The taste is difficult to describe other than sweet and delicious. Enjoy it while being surrounded by desert flora and fauna at Gertrude’s within the Desert Botanical Garden, one of the city’s jewels. Garden admission isn’t required to eat there, but we strongly suggest it so you can learn more about the 50,000 desert plants on site. The gift shop sells bottles of syrup, too.
Tequila Sunrise at the Arizona Biltmore
Phoenix
Phoenix is famous for its stunning sunsets, but did you know it’s also the home of the Tequila Sunrise? According to the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, longtime bartender Gene Sulit concocted it in the 1930s for a guest who wanted a refreshing poolside cocktail. Although it’s been corrupted over the years to include grenadine, the OG was made with the deeper-hued crème de cassis, which drifted to the bottom of the glass and helped create the hues that mimic a soft dark-to-light sunrise.
Tepary Bean Burger at Valentine
Phoenix
Tepary beans are organic heirloom beans often called “the original superfood of the Sonoran Desert” because they’ve been an integral part of the Indigenous diet here for hundreds of years. Though many places mash them into hummus and serve it as a starter, Valentine makes it a main dish on the brunch menu. As always, Valentine knocks it out of the park using the beans to craft a crispy outside, creamy inside veg burger served on a squash bun with amaranth tempeh and avocado. It comes with a side of kicky “salsa secca tots.” Explore the menus for more examples of Chef Donald Hawk’s culinary wizardry using native ingredients — even in the coffee drinks.
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9 best dog-friendly patios in Greater Atlanta
You and your furry best friend will be welcome at these local spots designed for sociable animal lovers.
Spring is here, and the warmth in the air is drawing everyone — humans and dogs alike — outside. Looking for a place to get brunch, dinner, or drinks where your furry bestie can come along? We always recommend using the BringFido app to run a location-based search, but we’ve made it easy on you this time: Here are our top recommendations for dog-friendly patios in Atlanta.
Slow Pour Brewing Company
Lawrenceville
Located on Clayton Street in downtown Lawrenceville, Slow Pour is proud to be Gwinnett’s first craft brewery. Here, you’ll find a long list of beers on tap, a large tasting room, and regular trivia or comedy night events — plus an outdoor space that’s perfect for you and your canine companion. Slow Pour even stays on theme with its signature food truck Good Dog, where you can sit, stay, and eat your fill of hot dogs and soft pretzels.
Lucky’s Burger and Brew
Roswell
At this American bar and grill, you’ll find both outdoor and covered patios featuring artificial turf, regular live music, and plenty of space to relax for both you and your pup. Lucky’s is widely known for being dog-friendly — in fact, the restaurant itself is named after the owners’ golden retriever. And if you can’t get your fill of the savory burgers, you’ll find additional Lucky’s locations in Town Brookhaven and Marietta Square Market, too.
Lazy Dog
Alpharetta
Lazy Dog Restaurant on Haynes Bridge Road is a chain restaurant that’s designed for you to put your feet up and get comfortable. According to patrons, the restaurant is very dog-friendly, and sitting on the patio feels almost like being inside. Enjoy a cocktail with your meal or stop by on Saturday or Sunday for weekend brunch.
El Tesoro
Edgewood/West End
With locations in Edgewood and West End, El Tesoro is your new go-to if you’re craving authentic Mexican and your pup doesn’t want to be left at home. Street-style tacos, margaritas, and family-friendly games draw customers to these two restaurant locations. And in the winter months, El Tesoro has you taken care of with heated tents and fire pits allowing you to enjoy outdoor dining.
HOBNOB
Alpharetta
Make your way up north to Halcyon in Alpharetta to check out HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern, a sports bar with both outdoor seating and a rooftop area. Enjoy some bourbon and a steak while your dog naps at your feet. Halcyon not convenient? You’ll find additional HOBNOB locations in Brookhaven, Perimeter, Atlantic Station, and Vinings.
Pickle & Social
Buford
This Gwinnett-based restaurant calls itself the “ultimate hangout spot,” offering food and drinks, live entertainment, and indoor and outdoor pickleball courts that all combine to allow you — and your dog — to #BeMoreSocial. Join in a game of pickleball or cornhole, or order a signature drink, sit back, and enjoy the live music. Either way, Pickle & Social welcomes both you and your pet to come out and enjoy the day.
StillFire Brewing
Suwanee
StillFire Brewing in Suwanee welcomes dogs both inside and outside of its taproom. StillFire’s craft beer and homey atmosphere have won 29 national, international, and regional awards in the past three years. Snap a photo of your dog to post on Instagram and you might even get a feature on @pupsofstillfire, an account that reshares all of the brewery’s favorite four-legged patrons.
Grindhouse Killer Burgers
Decatur
Originally launched in 2009, Grindhouse Killer Burgers now boasts locations in Decatur, Piedmont, Brookhaven, Athens, the Atlanta airport, and Memorial Drive. Dogs are welcome to accompany their families for dinner or a drink on the patio. Grab one of the restaurant’s signature burgers or build your own, and don’t forget to try a specialty cocktail, too.
Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall
Old Fourth Ward
Ladybird is found along the Beltline (mile marker 9.25) in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward district. With a whopping 10,000 feet of outdoor space, Ladybird has a 4,000-square-foot patio that’s perfect for a weekend brunch with your furry bff. The restaurant’s menu of “elevated campfire cuisine” also includes a local beer list and bespoke cocktails.
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Steps to take if it feels like the Dallas pollen count is killing you
Hold on to your tissues; it’s allergy season in DFW.
You know you’re in DFW when those pesky seasonal allergies hit. From the annoying watery eyes to the never-ending runny nose and sneeze marathons, the allergy struggle is real. And the crazy weather in Dallas doesn’t help, either. So, if you’re caught in the eternal battle against seasonal sniffles, you’re not alone.
Recent studies have shown that approximately 30% of adults and 40% of children in the United States suffer from allergies, which you can largely blame on pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. Here in Dallas, we’re not just joining the allergy club; we’re basically at the top of the charts for pollen and mold issues. Between the warm climate and high levels of humidity, North Texas has the perfect environment for these types of allergens to thrive. Aren’t we lucky?
When is allergy season in Dallas?
The typical “allergy season” tends to peak in December, January, May, and September for Dallasites. Obviously, limiting time outdoors to avoid too much exposure to allergens like pollen, trees, weeds, and grasses is a good start, but what if that’s not practical, or enough to keep allergies at bay?
What can I do if I suffer from seasonal allergies in Dallas?
For those suffering from seasonal allergies in the Dallas area, there are several treatment options. Simple remedies include nasal rinses, over-the-counter antihistamines such as loratadine or cetirizine, nasal corticosteroid sprays like fluticasone or mometasone, and decongestants such as pseudoephedrine. For those with more severe allergies or those who do not respond well to other treatments, allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy may be a good option*.
What else can I do?
According to the experts at Texas Allergy MD, there are some less medicinal – but very practical – things you can do during allergy season to limit your reaction to seasonal allergies in North Texas.
- On high pollen count days, limit exposure outdoors or try to schedule any outdoor activities for later in the day when pollen counts diminish.
- Change clothes and brush or wash your hair after being outside, as pollen and other allergens tend to cling to hair and clothes.
- Wear sunglasses to act as a physical barrier between your eyes and the allergy-causing particles in the air.
- Use a saline solution to rinse pollen from nasal passages and soothe dryness at the same time.
- Using natural barriers like a bit of Vaseline around your nostrils to trap particles before they get into your nose can help, too.
- Hats and layers can help make it harder for pollen to stick to your hair, and easier to remove from an outer layer of clothing once inside.
- Keeping windows closed and using air purifiers can help once you’re inside as well.
Not just pollen…
Even though pollen and its resulting hay fever are the most commonly complained-about allergy here, there are other specific types of seasonal allergens in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, each with some corresponding strategies to remedy them.
Humidity = more mold
In Dallas, mold spores can be a common allergen, especially during humid and rainy months. To prevent exposure to mold spores, it is important to keep indoor humidity levels below 50%, fix any water leaks or damage promptly, and regularly clean and inspect areas prone to mold growth such as bathrooms and basements. Treatment options for mold allergies include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, and allergy shots.
Dallas does dust
Dust mites thrive in warm and humid environments, making them particularly prevalent in Dallas. To reduce exposure to dust mites, regularly clean and vacuum your home, wash bedding in hot water weekly, and use allergen-proof pillows and mattress covers. As with other seasonal allergies, symptoms caused by dust mites can be managed similarly to mold or pollen symptoms.
No matter what allergies you’ve got this time of year, know that you’re not alone, and there are a whole range of strategies and tactics to help provide relief.
*Please note that while we strive to provide helpful recommendations and information, we are not medical professionals. It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your health or lifestyle.
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