JADSJBD

Hi all, I am going to be in Phoenix with a conference in mid April . I'll probably have lots of questions, but first of all would like some help with moderately priced restaurants. We are a small group of University students and professors, so we have a variety of pricelines. We may not all be going out together, but one of the professors asked me to try to get some info. We love Italian and would be interested in any other interesting suggestions. Thanks a bunch!

giro

You can walk to Pizzaria Bianco located at 7th st and Adams. Don't be misled by it's name "Pizzaria", although it serves only pizzas and salads it has been rated as THE BEST PIZZA IN AMERICA. It opens at 5 pm and lines form at 4. If you arrive later expect to wait 90 minutes or so (less on weekdays). It is not to be missed IMO. Located in a old birck house, all pizza's are made by the proprietor in an open area and made with only the best and organic ingredients.
A short cab ride (16th st and Thomas area is Cafe Barrio, the best traditional mexican in phx. It is more expensive...more for the professors than students.
A good italian restaurant is called Cibo's (near 5th ave and Fillmore). It is a bit pricey but has an excellent reputation.
If i think of others i will return!

JADSJBD

Thanks for the response Giro. I meant to ask about Southwestern/Mexican restaurants as well, so I'm glad you added this one. Speaking of cabs, are they readily available?

sf7307

I've never eaten here myself, but it was recommended on this forum previously - Barrio Cafe.


http://www.barriocafe.com/

jgwagner4

I agree about Pizzaria Bianco... It should not be missed.

For South by Southwestern, Sam's Cafe in the Arizona Center can be a fun experience. Also, I recently went to a new restaurant called "1130" in the Arizona Center and it was very nice, especially for the price. The Arizona Center is only a few blocks from the Hyatt.

For inexpensive but good Mexican I would suggest either Los Dos Molinos (take a cab) or Macayos (take the light rail up Central Ave).

Macayos: http://www.macayo.com/
Los Dos Molinos: http://www.losdosmolinosaz.com/
Sams Cafe: http://www.canyoncafe.com/azcenter.htm
1130: http://www.1130therestaurant.com/
Pizzaria Bianco: http://www.pizzeriabianco.com/index2.html

ashAZ

If you decide you'd love some NY style deli, check out the Downtown Deli on Central between Monroe and Adams. The best cornbeef in town; all sandwiches are huge, and the prices are right.

sf7307

A short cab ride (16th st and Thomas area is Cafe Barrio, the best traditional mexican in phx. It is more expensive...more for the professors than students.

We mentioned Cafe Barrio to some people we know who live in Phoenix, they hadn't heard of it previously but went and reported back that they loved it! We're going to try it in June.

JADSJBD

Thank you all for the suggestions. I've checked the online menus for all of these, and look forward to trying them.

jkgourmet

Phoenix food here. Barrio Cafe is quite good, but the wine list is way over priced and they don't take reservations. Taxi's are expensive and not so easily available here - I ALWAYS recommend renting a car. Sam's Cafe is fine, but nothing special. Macayo's is gringo mexican crap - don't bother. Tradiciones (16th and Roosevelt) will make you feel like you've visited mexico for a few hours - great service and good authentic mexican food. Los Sombreros, Carlsbad Tavern and richarson's are all very good, but a bit farther way. well worth it, IMO. I like pizza, but waiting for 2-4 hours for anything except surgery or an airplane is not something I'm going to tolerate, so Bianco is just not in my agenda. I admire his marketing skill, however, and envy that he can get people to line up at the bar for $10 glasses of wine for hours before they get to eat. If you have 8 people, you can make reservations, and if you dont' mind the prices, then I'd say go to Bianco's.