Many of the Valley’s restaurants celebrate the region’s rich architectural and cultural history while bringing guests into the modern age through repurposing, immersive experiences and innovative, ever-changing menus. Here are six of our favorites.
Culinary Gangster
This small family restaurant in Scottsdale is known for its big, juicy burgers made with prime beef. The casual sit-down family restaurant offers an all-day breakfast menu with chicken and waffles ($18), the Chi-Town Burger ($14), and many innovative quinoa bowls, including chicken avocado quinoa ($15) and sweet potato quinoa ($15).
14891 N. Northsight Blvd., Scottsdale, 480-572-1857, culinarygangsteraz.com
Oliver’s Modern American
Housed in what was once Scottsdale’s first Polynesian-style Dairy Queen, built by Ralph Haver, Oliver’s Modern American combines traditional cooking practices with locally sourced ingredients, offering new takes on old classics like baby back ribs with sweet potato puree ($32). Also try the blackened salmon ($31) or the fig and apple salad ($15), all prepared with new, innovative techniques.
3205 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, 480-582-0006, oliversaz.com
Taco Guild
Taco Guild is known for its innovative and internationally inspired dishes served in a former Methodist church built in 1893, before Arizona became a state. With dishes like the Chipotle Cherry Steak Taco ($10) or Chile Relleno ($15), you’re sure to enjoy the innovative atmosphere and history of the former Methodist church-turned-taco shop.
546 E. Osborn Rd., Phoenix, 602-264-4143, tacoguild.com
Organ Stop Pizza
A mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ is the centerpiece of this East Valley pizzeria, which offers live music and create-your-own pizza and pasta ($10-$18).
1149 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, 480-813-5700, organstoppizza.com
The Salt Cellar Restaurant
Located three floors underground, this historic landmark is considered one of the best and most innovative seafood restaurants in Arizona. Salt Cellar sources its seafood from around the world, so guests can feel like they’ve traveled to multiple countries in one evening. With dishes like Shrimp San Remo ($45) and Alaskan Halibut ($56), guests can grab fresh seafood from the desert daily.
550 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, 480-947-1963, saltcellarrestaurant.com
The Enchantment
Imagine leaving the parking lot and being instantly transported to an enchanting Mexican village. That’s the kind of innovative – and immersive – experience you’ll get at El Encanto. Each location has a different name and restaurant atmosphere – El Encanto Uno in Cave Creek, El Encanto Dos in Desert Hills, and El Encanto De La Fuente (“of the Fountain”) in downtown Fountain Hills. Enjoy dishes like Camarones con Salsa Autentica ($23) and Tacos de Pescado Asado ($19).
Several Valley locations, www.elencantorestaurants.com
