Must eat places (Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa: price, food, yard)

[Bondurant]

Originally Posted by ReadyFreddy

I found nothing special about Carolina's, tortillas included. I feel so left out.

You're not alone. It's not bad but I don't see how it stands out over other hole-in-the-wall joints. Guerrero's in Tempe was walking distance from my old place and just as good. Carolina's is not worth a special trip in my opinion.

[MGotcha]

Try Los Reyes de la Torta 9230 N 7th street.
Great Tortas and agua frescas. Definitely no frills atmosphere!

Los Reyes De La Torta - Home

[AZtrails]

Originally Posted by AZPam

I still like Tee Pee on Indian School (?) for a hole in the wall mexican place. Talk about being around forever!

The Tee Pee is still around? You're right, that's a name out of the past! It used to be very solid.

[dacubz]

Originally Posted by Bondurant

I love Chino Bandido.

Chino Bandido

Gotta love Chino's! We eat there at least twice whenever we're in town. Gonna get our fix at the Phoenix location during spring training.

[Howard Roark]

It is not always true that big chain restaurants are a must to avoid. If you find a menu item you really enjoy at a big chain restaurant, you are marching to the beat of someone else's drum to act finicky and turn up your nose. Who are you impressing?

With that intro - On the Border Carne Asada tacos washed down with cold Dos Equis from the tap - or Negril Modelo. OTB is all over the valley so I'm sure one is in Mesa.

I am sure Outback, Red Lobster, Bucca De Beppo, Roys, and a bunch of other non-locals have great dishes you just cannot avoid either.

[Jukesgrrl]

Originally Posted by AZtrails

... Two of the Valley's remaining old time steak houses are Durant's in downtown Phoenix (Central & Virginia), and the Pink Pony in Scottsdale's Old Town (Scottsdale Rd near 1st St). Decades ago, the latter used to attract the Spring Training crowd to it's bar and has some old memorabilia. I haven't eaten at either in years, so I can't give you a meaningful review.

The original Pink Pony, owned by the Briley family, closed in 2009. It reopened with new owners and that venture quickly failed. It recently reopened a second time, this time with Reed Groban, formerly of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, as chef. He says that he is "totally revamping the Pink Pony menus 100 percent." He does plan to retain the prime rib, a Pink Pony specialty, but he's updating it with "a pastrami-spice rub," whatever that may be. It remains to be seen if the Cactus League ballplayers can afford the new prices.

[rgscpat]

So what do people think of Monti's on Mill Ave. in Tempe? It qualifies as venerable. And, though it's no hole in the wall, I guess you can say they have cut holes in the walls from time to time, as the huge building is somewhat organic.

[KidArizona]

Originally Posted by rgscpat

So what do people think of Monti's on Mill Ave. in Tempe? It qualifies as venerable. And, though it's no hole in the wall, I guess you can say they have cut holes in the walls from time to time, as the huge building is somewhat organic.

Monti's is great, the location is really to start or end a pub crawl or pre- or post- concert at Marquis

[kytoaz]

I had what i consider to be one of the worst steaks i've ever eaten at the pink pony. really dig the old school vibe but the food was a little too old school for my taste.

harlowes in tempe has awesome breakfast.

[SmurfOnABoat]

Gotta have breakfast at overeasy....


OVER EASY Cafe