Bandera

3821 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

w w. writes: Once upon a time, I dated a much, much older man.  And we always came to Bandera for dinner and would have deep conversations about life.  Well, maybe our conversations weren't thaaat meaningful, but he liked me for my mind- I swear.

Anyhoo, the…

Carolina's Mexican Food

1202 E Mohave St
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Eric P. writes: Carolina's is likely the most 'authentic' and delicious Chihuahuan-style food in the Valley, at least that I've come across.  This is the style of Mexican food that I grew up eating, and although I love the whole spectrum, this type is my favorite…

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa

5350 East Marriott Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85054

Eli G. writes: I love when business trips make me stay in luxury resort hotels.

We came here for the annual AOPO conference:

http://www.aopo.org/aopo/

I stayed for two nights and I have to say I loved every minute (when I wasn't working). The resort is beautiful!…

Gainey Village Health Club & Spa

7477 E Doubletree Ranch Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Larry C. writes: Yoga here is rock and roll.  They literally have disco music going and its competitive yoga.  Its actually a nice change of pace from bay area yoga since not every session needs to be a ground breaking journey in self exploration.

Basketball here in…

Pei Wei Asian Diner

8787 N Scottsdale Rd
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Abe J. writes: Pei Wei locations are popping up all over the valley.
They are cheap, fast and good.
Typical pick 2 or 3 entres as you move along the line place.
The room is brightly lit and large posters of food make you want to eat more.

The Capital Grill

2502 E Camelback Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Julie D. writes: Huh.  Dang.  Darn it.  Shoot.  I was really looking forward to lunch here.  Parking at this location is beyond ridiculous, no, I didn't valet cause I wanted to shop after wards.  But who cares?  I was here for a great meal!  Things started off well,…

Mickey's Hangover

4310 N Brown Ave
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Bonnie G. writes: Is Mickeys the shit? No. Is it a decent and inexpensive place to grab a beer and some snacks without accidentally blowing some dude in a bathroom to coke set to a new JT hit in Scottsdale? Yes.

1) All those great drink specials? Yeah. A lot of times…

24 Hour Fitness

3233 E Camelback Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018

Stevey P. writes: 3.5 Stars.  Having been to many 24 Hour Fitness locations, this one is my usual stomping ground.  This location is just OK.  Other "Sports" locations here and in CA are newer and hence - cleaner, larger and with better equipment.

This gym does offer…

Inner Vision Yoga

1949 W Ray Rd
#8
Chandler, AZ 85224

Roger W. writes: i have been practicing on and off at inner vision since jan 2008. i had to stop running due to knee pain and decided that yoga would be the way forward. i did a 6 month unlimited package and was not dissapointed. two of the owners Jeff and Michelle…

Sabuddy

825 W University Dr
Tempe, AZ 85281

sarah k. writes: Very good Israeli restaurant right down the street from ASU.  It is a casual family-run place where you will find the usual suspects of Middle Eastern fare.  Excellent, cheap, and very large chicken shawarma sandwiches.  The combo plate is also…

C-Fu Gourmet Restaurant

2051 W Warner Rd Ste 13
Chandler, AZ 85224

kikiree K. writes: Dimsum - wide- array of selection, and affordable! 4/5

Our first time to C-Fu was about a year ago. We weren't impressed by the taste and quality of the dimsum there and left with so-so taste in our month. Today we went back again for their dimsum and…

Rula Bula

401 South Mill Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85281

Robert Z. writes: If you are like me, when you think of 112 degree weather and humidity in the single digits, the first thing that pops into your mind is Irish Food.  Okay maybe not, but this is one of the best places to go in "The Valley" for Irish fare.  Another…

Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor

4005 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Dan B. writes: I get a kick out of everyone raving about the OMGFABULOUS ice cream at the Sugar Bowl. Hey, maybe it's great but when I worked there in the not too distant past, there's one thing I remember about the ice cream in those big freezer buckets:

It's…

Kyoto Japanese Restaurant

7170 E Stetson Dr
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Kevin U. writes: "Real Japanese cuisine"  
For all those that think Teppan style is authentic Japanese food I hope my yelp opens your eyes.
Don't get me wrong I love to eat with a group of friends at Kyoto.  But know that the Teppan style cooking is an authentic…

Three Roots Cafe

1020 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281

Geoff O. writes: Three Roots is the best cafe in Phoenix, without doubt. Interesting conversations abound, good healthy food is sold with the excellent coffees and teas, and cool images of Buddhas, Beck, and the work of local artists can be found on the walls. To add…

Cafe Carumba

7303 E Indian School Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Julia T. writes: Great food, fantastic service! I love Cafe Carumba! I went for lunch on the 4th of July with my mom, and it was marvelous! I had perfect service here.  I have to say, gay men are the best! I have never had better waiters than when I have a gay man…

Giligin's

4251 N Winfield Scott Plz
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Dirty S. writes: I have to admit that I was very nervous when I first walked into this establishment.  Right when you walk in there is a grotesque 350 lb midget, dwarf, blob or whatever they like to be called.  He was serving drinks but i really think he wanted to…

Essence Cafe and Bakery

825 W University Dr
Tempe, AZ 85281

Elle T. writes: Caramel. Creme. Macaroon.
To die for.

I got one due to all the rave reviews and eagerly scurried to my car with takeaway coffee in hand, unwrapped the pastry delight, and took one bite...uttering "oh my god" * as I devoured the entire thing on the…

Pie Zanos Kitchen

4743 N 20th St
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Joshua W. writes: I met my Mom here for dinner tonight.  She works in the area and hits this place up at least once a week, so I decided to give it a shot with her.  Walking in, the atmosphere of the place is quite nice.  It was very cozy and a couple of the staff…

Bravi Tuscan Kitchen

5940 West Union Hills Drive
Glendale, AZ 85308

Kristin C. writes: If only one of these would open in Central Phoenix...because this is some awesome stuff!  We drove here from NW Phoenix - and it wasn't far at all. I've been told it was a cool sandwich and salad place.  That was a bit of an understatement.  

Bravi is…

Mary Coyle Ice Cream Yogurt

5521 N 7th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85013

Amy D. writes: Picture this:  Girl hasn't had a spot of sugar in two months.  Former NFL running back invites said girl for ice cream.  What better place than Mary Coyle?
As soon as we walked in (FIRST DATE), we got a corner booth.  Service was super-friendly.…

Thai Rama Restaurant

1221 West Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85013

Thomas S. writes: While it won't win any design awards, I did have a fantastic view to the west of a majestic Arizona sunset. I actually ordered to go and was able to sit while waiting and soak in the energy of Thai Rama. A slow Monday night had two straighty couples…

The Wrigley Mansion Club

2501 E Telewa Trl
Phoenix, AZ 85016

jason c. writes: Ever been on a date with someone you couldn't say anything bad about, but they just didn't do it for you?  That's how I feel about the Wrigley Mansion.  It really has everything you could ask for - a nice view, a cool bar, plenty of space to…

The Big Bang

501 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85282

Erin S. writes: I love this place. Its great for a fun relaxed night out, or for a friends birthday party or what have you. The music is good and interactive with the crowd, they help get you in a good mood. They take requests and do the best they can to sing…

SMoCA - Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

7374 E 2nd St
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Aunny D. writes: I agree with Maria C. I was fascinated by the James Turrell piece. I tried to capture it with my camera phone (Shhhhh, don't tell anyone. I know I wasn't supposed to take pictures!) but that was impossible. I went to see it during the middle of the…

US Airways Center

201 E Jefferson St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

matt G. writes: "Don't tell me Matt flew to Phoenix to watch a Warrior's game?"

"You bet I did!"

With playoff admiration, the Golden State Warriors are playing the Phoenix Suns in the rattlesnake city and must beat Suns and their final game versus Seattle to stay…

U.S. Egg

3238 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Brian A. writes: The question, of course, is: What do you order at a place named U.S. Egg? A hamburger, right? Right.  In doing so, you'll get to devour one of the best burgers to be found in downtown Scottsdale.

The second version of this two-store operation (the…

Harkins Valley Art Theatre

505 South Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281

Kristin C. writes: Fun fact: Dan Harkins was conceived here.  Yep, the guy who owns the chain of Harkins theaters was conceived here when his mom and dad ran the place way back when.  This is one of the big reasons why, when the place was looking a bit run down with…

Made Art Boutique

922 N 5th St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Jay S. writes: Many of the businesses in this area of the city are converted houses and Made is what started it all. It is my understanding that they got the idea of buying dilapidated houses, fixing them up real nice, and turning them into neat little shops,…

The Lost Leaf

914 N 5th St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Thomas S. writes: Major life accomplishments:
Not vomiting during Cloverfield.
Puberty.
Finding Lost Leaf
Seriously. Nestled among other small houses, sits the Lost Leaf. No signage that I could see. No address. Minimal lighting.
That just makes it even cooler. Recently…

The Gelato Spot

4166 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Julie D. writes: I ~heart~ Gelato Spot!  Yum yum, it only took me 3 samples to make my choice.  The hazelnut was nutty goodness, the pistachio was delis, but I went with the passion fruit.  Great location, I love the heated patio.  I didn't even mind the smell of…

Phoenix Zoo

455 N Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85008

Thomas S. writes: While I myself enjoyed my brief stint in a hanging cage at a club in Chicago, I doubt very much the animals here are happy about it. At least I got to get liquored up. These poor fellas get Phoenix tap water. Groddy!

As far as zoos go, this one rates…

Bacchanal Ristorante

3015 E Thomas Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85016

w w. writes: Bacchanal Ristorante is a really fun place to have a meal at.  They have live entertainment, including belly dancers, dancing and singing.  And if you happen to get caught up in the Greek spirit, they even let you break plates, for $2 per plate, of…

Mesa Arts Center

1 E Main St
Mesa, AZ 85211

Bosule P. writes: Beautiful architectural designs and statues.  Even at first glance, I was really taken aback at how beautiful the sculptures were.  Most, anyway.  I don't have much to say, except:  it's a beautiful place.  Lots to learn, lots to grasp, lots to see.…

Runner's Den

6505 N 16th St
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Heidi V. writes: I'm not a runner, but I like to workout and do a lot of walking.  Years ago when I was cross training for cycling I desperately needed a good pair of shoes.  I had heard nice things about the Runners Den and knew they had been around for years, so…

Famous Dave's Barbeque

3250 W. Frye Road
Chandler, AZ 85226

Cher T. writes: Full... so... full!!

It was over 36 hours ago that I had Famous Dave's BBQ... and I'm STILL full!! I was frustrated with my so-called-friends of my so-called-LIFE! and I decided to seek a nice evening instead a drama-filled night of pulling  Chinese…

FatBurger

414 S Mill Ave Ste 101
Tempe, AZ 85281

Vikram A. writes: Their turkey burger is one of the better ones I've had. The bun was nicely toasted and was a great alternative to a beef burger.

Majerle's Sports Grill

24 N 2nd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Kristin S. writes: + 35 minute wait was 10 minutes
+ Waitress was really friendly
+ Exposed brick!
-  A little on the small side...even with the back room its small for a sports bar  (This seems to be an ongoing thing here...cram as many tables as possible into once…

Great Wall Cuisine

5057 N 35th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85017

sarah k. writes: The Great Wall was my first dim sum experience, making me what you might call a tableau rosa*.  Since I know nothing about dim sum, all I can do is share my overall general biased by my own narrow existence perception of the place.  So here it goes.…