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Compass Restaurant
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix - a destination for great dining!
by Emily Bernard & Chris Faust
Phoenix Arizona, once a small town in the Sunbelt of the southwest mostly reserved for cowboys and retirees, Phoenix has sprawled its way into being one of the largest cities in the United States. Along with growth and progress has come a taste for the good life. How better to taste the good life than with a plethora of good restaurants and fine food?
COMPASS AT THE HYATT REGENCY
122 North Second Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
(602) 252-1234
Hours: (Mon-Sat) 11:30 am-2 pm; (Sun) 10 am-2 pm; (Mon-Sun) 5:30 pm-10 pm
While the great food and elegant interior decor alone should draw you to this fine restaurant, it is the location that will take your breath away. Located high atop the Hyatt Regency on the 24th floor, Compass is the only revolving restaurant in Phoenix. The windows to the downtown are 20 feet high and offer 360 degrees of totally unobstructed viewing. Situated in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the Compass Atop the Hyatt Regency is convenient to all downtown's cultural activities. The nearby Symphony Hall and Herberger Theater Center makes this a great choice for 'Avant' theater or 'Apres' performance dining. Whilst enjoying the dramatic views of the new Phoenix skyline and the stars above, you will be treated to a fine example American regional cuisine. Staples of American dining such as fine steaks and seafood are complimented with southwestern regional specialties. Enjoy the vast and sprawling nature of downtown Phoenix and enjoy the flavor of the fine food at Compass Atop the Hyatt Regency.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: Set by discretion of management
CHRISTOPHER'S FERMIER BRASSERIE
2584 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 522-2344
Hours: (Mon-Sun) from 11 am
Christopher's Fermier Brasserie is a delightful marriage of food and wine. The setting is urban and the look is crisp and clean. The couple is Christopher Gross (Chef) and his wife Paola Embry Gross (Sommelier). They have created a fine melding of comfortable environment, eclectic and interesting foods and unusual wines. Their menu is French country style with touches of sophistication usually reserved for more a more formal style of French dining. Dinner at the Brasserie starts with soup or salad. My first choice is soup of wild mushrooms and foie gras prepared with port wine and Hudson Valley foie gras. Paola has a wine suggestion for each dish represented on the menu. Her selection for this soup is a 1983 Ramos Pinto port. This is a lighter style port and should work well with this preparation. The seasonal ravioli is my choice for a second course, and Paola has paired it beautifully with an Alaskan Pinot Blanc from Kuenta Bas. In addition to the main menu, Christopher has a different entrée special for each day of the week. Monday is roasted sweetbreads, with a suggested wine pairing of Au Bon Climant Pinot Noir. MMM sounds good to me. A lot of thought, preparation and experience have gone into this fine restaurant and it shows.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
DELUX
3146 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, Arizona
(602) 522-2288
Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. (seven days a week)
While a strip mall may not be the ideal place to find a gourmet hamburger, a strip mall in the Camelback Corridor is a different story. Delux is anything but the typical burger joint. Set in a sleekly modern and trendy interior design, the restaurant and the food have an upscale American diner twist. The gourmet hamburgers are premium, all-natural cuts of meat served on hand made French rolls and the accompanying cheese and veggie fixings couldn’t be fresher. The French and sweet potato fries are served in miniature shopping carts and are meant to be shared, but side orders are also available. Not only serving hamburgers, the menu also includes salads, chicken and a grown up grilled cheese with tomatoes and arugula. Don’t forget the bar, which boasts a myriad of beers, “luxury” spirits and wine. A great place for a date, the patio offers more intimate seating. And the best part, other than the great food, fashionable atmosphere and reasonable price, is that it’s open until 2 a.m. everyday. Also available for call ahead take-out.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10 - $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Close Early, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
DURANT’S
2611 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona
(602) 264-5967
Hours: (Mon-Thurs) Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Cocktails 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; (Fri) Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Cocktails 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; (Sat) Dinner 5 p.m.-11p.m., Cocktails 5 p.m.-1 a.m.; (Sun) Dinner 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Cocktails 4:30 p.m.-12a.m.
Driving through uptown Phoenix you’d never know that the oversized retro red Durant’s marquee was a good place to pullover for unbeatable American cuisine. Exteriors are deceiving in this case. As one of the oldest still-standing, family-owned restaurants in the city, Durant’s exudes charm, class and taste. The experience begins when you step through the back entrance. This entrance takes you through the kitchen where everyone smiles and says hello as they continue to chop and sauté. The host seats you in one of red leather booths surrounded by red velvet wall décor. Your server is wearing a tuxedo and welcomes you with a chilled relish tray. And the food is the heart of it all. There is absolutely something for everyone here, from prime cuts of steak to tender shrimp and an elegant crème brulee trio. The menu’s specialties also include liver dishes and Australian lobster tails. Entrees are all inclusive here, served with soup and salad plus a choice of side. The epitome of mouthwatering classic American value, Durant’s is perfect for any occasion.
Estimated cost per person = $30 - $40
Holiday Schedule: Closed for all major holidays.
PIZZERIA BIANCO
623 East Adams Street, Phoenix, Arizona
(602) 258-8300
Hours: (Tues-Sat) 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
The art of the gourmet pizzeria is showcased in this coveted downtown restaurant. Located in an old building in historic Heritage Square Park, Pizzeria Bianco has limited seating and only accepts reservations for parties of six to ten people. But the pizza and antipasto is so good that people actually start lining up outside the door at 4:30 p.m. Waiting for a table isn’t so bad, though, since Bar Bianco is right next door. You can put your name on the list and grab a glass of wine while you wait, then the host will announce your name in the bar when your table is ready. The demand for a table is lower on weekdays. The worthwhile pizzas offered range from the traditional Margherita to house specialties with arugula, pistachios and fennel sausage. Ordering a couple selections and sharing is a great way to taste the different flavor fusions. A few fresh salads and appetizers are also available. The menu is small and specialized, but the flavors of Pizzeria Bianco will exceed expectations.
Estimated price per person = $15 - $20
Holiday Schedule: Closed for all major holidays.
(ALICE) COOPERSTOWN
101 East Jackson, Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 253-7337
Hours: (Mon-Sun) 11 am-1 am
Alice Cooper is a sports jock that just happens to be a rock n' roll star too. Alice himself has an enviable 2 handicap and can whack the heck out of a golf ball. Alice and partners have put together a hybrid sports bar with tons of rock n' roll and sports memorabilia. Look out Hard Rock Café. Alice has gone one better though and has put together some fine grub as the backbone of this rock/jock concept restaurant. Cooperstown is a great value as well. The dishes are concept named from sports or rock events and people. Try the Ty Cobb salad, a huge traditional Cobb salad with blue cheese dressing. There are the burgers, a Harry Carry burger with grilled onions and melted jalapeno cheese and a side of chili, or the 300-hitter blue cheese and bacon burger. Alice also has Elvis's favorite sandwich the grilled PB & J, with smooth peanut butter mixed jellies, banana slices and marshmallow spread browned on both side in melted butter. No wonder the king was a little overweight. Other interesting dishes include Nightmare Chili, Megadeath, Meatloaf and the Big Unit Hotdog. Another don't miss is the New York Yankee cheesecake. Alice's is a can't miss restaurant for the whole family.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15 - $25
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
THE FISH MARKET & RESTAURANT
1720 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 80516
(602) 277-3474
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11 am-9:30 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 10 pm; (Sun) 12 pm-9:30 pm
The Fish Market is the foremost fresh seafood restaurant anywhere. Their only goal is to serve you the freshest of the fresh seafood available. The Fish Market has its own fishery, fishing boats, and oyster farm. The Fish Market in Phoenix has a retail fish market on the bottom floor where almost everything on the restaurant menu is available to go. "Top of the Market" is a high quality seafood restaurant on the second floor. An oyster bar located downstairs. A sushi bar and two full service cocktail bars are located upstairs. The Fish Market is "thee" place to go for fresh seafood in Phoenix. Fresh fish is flown in daily from San Diego, Mexico, Alaska, the eastern seaboard and the Hawaiian Islands. And yes, the fresh fish from Hawaii is fresh. Flown in overnight from the islands the Hawaiian fish was in the Pacific the night before it is on your plate. The selection is tremendous; here are just a few that may be available at any given time. Fresh Mexican baquetta, fresh Pacific mahi mahi, fresh Hawaiian ono, fresh Pacific long line caught swordfish, fresh Alaskan halibut, fresh farm raised Idaho rainbow trout, fresh Eastern sea scallops, fresh Hawaiian monchong, fresh Chilean sea bass, and fresh Half Moon Bay troll Chinook salmon. Well you get the idea; I could go on and on. The Fish Market has smoked fish of every kind, smoked on the premises. They make their own chowders and soups fresh daily, and they have a few select cuts of steak and wood fired pizzas for those not in the mood for fish. Fresh, fresh, fresh that's what it is all about at The Fish Market.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
MRS. WHITE'S GOLDEN RULE CAFÉ
808 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 262-9256
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 7 am-2:30 pm
Mrs. White believes in down-home original soul food and the honesty of people. Mrs. White's golden rule is, just tell the cashier what you had and she will ring you up. No tickets or checks just your good word. Often without enough room for those who are waiting Mrs. White's has simplified everything down to the basics. Open 5 days a week and closed on the weekends and all holidays. Everything on the menu is one price, $8.80 plus tax. Desserts and drinks are extra. Everything is made from scratch, and everything is cast-iron pan skillet fried. There are no microwaves or deep fryers at Mrs. Whites. In fact there is only one menu, a hand written chalkboard menu on the wall. The food here is really special. Entrées like fried chicken, smothered chicken (fried chicken smothered in gravy), pork chops, chicken fried steak, meatloaf (no fillers), and beef neck bone await you. Wow this is some original and truly American food. Sides include candied yams, rice and gravy, cabbage, ochre, red beans and rice, or black-eyed peas. Don't forget salad, mixed greens are collard greens and mustard greens, what else. Let's not forget Chittlins. Dessert most days is peach cobbler although Mrs. White sometimes makes apple pie or banana pudding. Mrs. Whites is closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but she will make you a Turkey, just bring in your own bird or call Larry and he will arrange one for you. This is a bit of Americana that should get historical status. Just hard working folks doing things the old fashioned way. While in Phoenix don't miss this gem of an institution. Who knows how long it may endure?
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10 - $20
Holiday Schedule: Closed for all holidays
GEORGE & DRAGON RESTAURANT
4240 North Central, Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 241-0018
Hours: (Mon-Sun) 10 am-1 am
Now here is a great place for fun, food and good English libation. The George & Dragon may be a name that is universal throughout the world for an English pub, but this George & Dragon has some deep down English culinary integrity. Yes, they have a dartboard; in fact they have many. Yes, they have English beers, but this G & D has 115 imported English and commonwealth beers. Yes, they have Banger, Scotch eggs, liver and onions, fish and chips, Shepard's pie and steak and kidney pie. The difference here is this George & Dragon makes all their breads, pastries and pie shells from scratch on the premises. How about the steak and kidney pie, this traditional dish features tender cubes of beef steak marinated in Guinness Stout with finely diced onions and lamb kidney in a hearty traditional beef sauce, served in a house-made puff pastry with chips and peas. You will feel like you are in jolly old with the traditional liver and onions, choice beef liver deliciously prepared in traditional gravy with sautéed onions and bacon served with mashed potatoes and peas. Deserts include the sherry trifle, apple and blackberry crumble or the popular homemade bread pudding. You will enjoy the food, enjoy the fun and camaraderie and any British import beer you can think of. Cheers mate, Bob's your uncle, Talleyho and Ta!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
MACAYO
4001 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 264-6141
Hours: (Sun-Thur) 11 am-11 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 12 pm
"Mug mania", what is it? Mayaco the somewhat Americanized Mexican restaurant has "Mug Mania". When you arrive ask for Senor Bob or Cha Cha. And who are Senor Bob and Cha Cha, they are the colorful ceramic mugs from 'Mug Mania'. You can choose one of these two decorative Sombrero topped mugs with you favorite 'Mugarita'. From then on, bring in your mug and you pay less for a 'Mugarita' refill, limit two per visit. Add to that a lively Mexican décor and some good hearty Mexican food and you are set. Macayo serves all the traditional Mexican specialties like albondigas, tortilla soup, mesquite grilled pollo asada, steak picado and tacos authentico. As well as regional specialties like chicken maximillian, chicken poblano, crab relleno or fajita quesadilla. Macayo has some "heart smart" recipes as well, try the Sonoran Beach tacos, with pico de gallo, tomotillo salsa fresh cilantro limes and rice. Macayo has 'heart smart fajitas' and much more. Among my favorites is the baja chimi, a spicy version of Macayo's chimichanga with your choice of chicken or beef, double topped with Macayo's relleno and baja sauces beneath a layer of white and yellow cheese. Look for the Macayo Macaw mascot symbol and you will have found the home of 'Mug Mania'.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
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