Fun Places to Eat in or around Phoenix
 

Me again...the one taking an almost 13 year old to Arizona. She likes to eat burgers,
bbq and yummy desserts. Any suggestions of fun places to eat.

I have limited knowledge of restaurants in the east valley, but I would suggest TGI Fridays at Bank One Ballpark (you overlook the Diamondbacks baseball field) on Washington Street and 5th Street or Rainforest Cafe at Arizona Mills Mall on Baseline in Tempe. You can see Arizona Mills Mall from US-60 east of the I-10/US-60 split just passed downtown.

Sorry I can't be of more help!

We never got into Oregano's on our visit. The wait was too long but it sure looked like a fun place (not too far from ASU)

I realize that it's a chain, but our kids love The Melting Pot fondue restaurants; the first one we tried was in Phoenix or Scottsdale...check the menus on their website to see if your child would like it...

These are in Scottsdale: Sugar Bowl for yummy ice cream deserts (old fashioned ice cream parlor) El Paso bbq, chain but good. There is also Pinnacle Peak Patio in North Scottsdale and the Satisfied Frog in Cave Creek but they may be farther than you are willing to travel.

Famous Dave's for bbq at the Chandler Fashion mall is good and it's a fun atmosphere. The Chandler mall is awesome for teens, too.

My husband and I go to the Phoenix almost every month. We love Oregano's! There is 3 locations that we know of and have found if you go around 5:00pm you really don't have much of a wait. The thin crust pizza is the best in the world and the dessert "pizzookie" is to die for! I think your 13 year old would love it. I agree with the Sugar Bowl also.

I agree Oregano's is great. I think you will have a good time on Mill Ave in Tempe which is the main area near ASU. There are several good restaurants there - if you like Greek there is My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, Rula Bula has Irish pub food, PF Changs is there, a buger place called Islands, etc. It also has a movie theatre and a Cold Stone Creamery for dessert.

You didn't mention Mexican food but in my humble opinion a trip to Arizona would not be complete without it. The place I think has the best atmosphere is Abuelos at 3440 West Chandler Blvd in Chandler across the street from the mall. You can check out the menu at www.abuelos.com It is my mother's favorite mexican restaurant. My favorite is Casa Reynoso but it is not a fun place to eat.

ceg already said it, the sugarbowl in scottsdale.

If you do The Melting Pot fondue place, just order the cheese and chocolate fondues. The main dishes are not worth the cost or hassle.