What expats recommend in Phoenix
For $278, you can get an exam, CBC/liver & kidney check, Heartworm & tick test, fecal exam, 3-year rabies, and 1 year of heartworm prevention. The clinic is clean, and the staff is friendly, making it a great option for pet owners.
Little Miss BBQ may be an option for catering. It's a hit with everyone and has a customizable menu.
The Maricopa County Animal Shelter has been a dream to work with, providing well-kept and healthy animals for foster care, including Jalen, a pitbull/basset hound mix. They offer a detailed report of an animal's time in their care, including information on vaccinations, preventative medicines, and nail trimming.
The Desert Botanical Garden has all kinds of fall events, including food and adult beverages to go with them. Lots of music and night time things to do there throughout the holidays.
Take her to Lucero. It’s a “rooftop” bar and they serve food, I’m sure they have a happy hour. It’s supposed to rain tomorrow but if it doesn’t you can eat and chat outdoors and if it does there’s big windows giving you a great view of Tempe while you watch the rainfall on comfortable seating.
The AZ Burners pop-up gallery event IGNiGHT is a great opportunity to learn about the local AZ Burner community, ask questions about Burning Man, and get a sense of the AZ Burner art, culture, community, without the long drive and all the dust. It features mutant vehicles, interactive arts, activities, fine arts, live DJs, and AZ Burner workshops, making it a fun and engaging event for all ages and family-friendly.
Barro's is a consistent and predictable option for pizza in Phoenix. Ordering well-done gets a crispy crust.
As the largest fish store in the Valley, The Ocean Floor offers an impressive selection of fish and aquarium equipment, making it a destination for any aquarium enthusiast. While their prices can be high, the experience of browsing their vast shelves and viewing the impressive aquariums is well worth the visit. Located at 2347 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85015, it's easily accessible and a great place to spend an afternoon.
A concert at the Musical Instrument Museum is a great option for a chill night out. The space is great, with free parking and close proximity to Desert Ridge restaurants. The performances average around 90 minutes, so you'll still be home at a reasonable hour.
Tortoise and Hare is a run club that meets at their location, offering group runs. They do a group run on the last Thursday of the month, which includes a free run and a free pizza, as well as other runs throughout the week.
Walter Studios is a great place to dance, especially for those who enjoy the rave scene. It skews to an upper 20s to lower 30s crowd, but you'll also see plenty of older folks, making it a welcoming space for people of all ages.
Dr. Sharan at Radiant Smiles in central Phoenix is amazing. She's been my dentist for several years, and spoiled me for anyone else.
The Phoenix Public Library hosts a free DnD for adults every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, usually at the Burton Bar location but temporarily at the Devonshire recreation center off of 28th st and Indian School. It's a great opportunity to meet other players and join a game without any commitment or cost, and walk-ins are welcome.
Living Streams Children's Center is a daycare that offers infant care and is located in the area of uptown central Phoenix and west towards Glendale. The community at Living Streams is wonderful, even for non-religious families. Our baby started at 3 months and absolutely loves everyone there. We can't say enough good things.
Check out @dirtcupstudios on instagram for amazing and unique mugs, and to see if they can make a replacement for your favorite mug. They are located in the Phoenix area, which might be a good starting point for finding the original potter or a similar artist.
LA Fitness is a great spot to play casual indoor basketball, with a group of guys in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, as well as some younger kids. They play 3x a week in the mornings, with 10-15 guys, and it's a low-ego, good cardio game. You'll need to pay for the gym membership, but it's a decent club.
Brick Road is a cozy and welcoming coffee shop that has just opened in the Melrose district of Phoenix. What sets it apart is its unique focus on a diverse and inclusive community, as evidenced by the article's headline: 'Be Gay, Drink Coffee.' The shop offers beverages and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. It's the perfect spot for a quiet morning cup or an afternoon catch-up with friends. Located at 117 E Melrose Ave, Brick Road operates from 7 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and from 8 AM to 4 PM on weekends. The shop is within walking distance of several other local businesses, making it an ideal stop for a quick break or a leisurely stroll. With its friendly ambiance and focus on inclusivity, it's a place that truly reflects the Phoenix community's values.
La Parrilla, a Phoenix favorite, serves up authentic Mexican cuisine in a cozy, traditional setting. The restaurant offers many dishes, including carne asada and pozole. A standout feature is the $10 menu, which offers a choice of four dishes, making it an excellent value for a hearty meal. If you're craving tacos al pastor or a family-style meal, La Parrilla delivers a genuine dining experience that won't break the budget. Located at 3023 E Broadway Rd, La Parrilla is open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and until 11:00 PM on weekends. With its warm atmosphere and friendly service, it's a spot for those looking for authentic Mexican flavors without the hefty price tag.
Viva Cantina is a Mexican restaurant in downtown Phoenix, offering authentic and flavorful dishes that will transport you to the heart of Mexico. The restaurant's menu includes traditional favorites like chiles en nogada and carne asada, along with modern twists on classic recipes. One of the standout features is the live mariachi performances, which add a lively and festive atmosphere to your dining experience. On Arizona Restaurant Week, Viva Cantina offers a special menu that is delicious and reasonably priced. At $$, the menu is a great value for the quality and quantity of food provided. You can enjoy a full course meal for a fraction of the regular price, making it a perfect choice for those looking to explore authentic Mexican cuisine without breaking the bank.
Step into Bella Bella Mozzarella Co., a new tasting room in Scottsdale that offers a delightful pairing of fresh mozzarella with Arizona wines. The experience is a true culinary journey, where you can taste the authentic flavors of Italian cheese alongside the rich, locally produced wines. The unique combination of ingredients creates a symphony of tastes that is both refreshing and satisfying. The cost for a tasting is $15 per person, making it a worthwhile stop for those looking to explore the local food scene. The tasting room is open from 11 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Sunday, providing ample time to enjoy the offerings. To find it, head to 18021 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. This place is a spot for anyone who appreciates the art of pairing fresh ingredients with quality wines.
