There are several fantastic restaurants featured on our original show “Check, Please! Arizona” that are owned and operated by women. To celebrate Women’s History Month, we compiled a list so you can check out some of these locally-owned Arizona restaurants!
Rough Rider
This downtown Phoenix restaurant transports patrons to the 1900s era of Teddy Roosevelt with its vintage decor and expertly crafted cocktails. Rough Rider is located in a formerly abandoned mailroom, and though slightly reclusive, it is worth the adventure.
“The best way to describe the ambiance is a pleasant surprise,” owner Kyla Hein said. “You feel like you’re being transported into a different time and place. It’s an immersive experience.”
“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Yasmin Abdelatif enjoyed the roast chicken served with celery root puree and a rosemary compound butter that Abdelatif described as “almost like a gravy.”
You can visit the Rough Rider at 1001 N Central Ave, Phoenix, or check out their website for more information.
Atria
Widely considered one of the most talked-about restaurants in Arizona, Atria prioritizes local produce while crafting dishes with a modern, creative twist. Located in Flagstaff, chefs at Atria pride themselves on presenting something unique to their guests each time they walk through the door, with a seasonal menu that strives to bring you the freshest farm fare possible.
“I want people to come in and be blown away by the fact that they’re getting flavors and things they haven’t seen here in Arizona,” Chef de Cuisine Maribel Silva said.
“Check, Please! Arizona” guests marveled at the presentation of the dishes, and the plating creates an experience alongside the meal with an intentional design that is a feast for the eyes.
You can visit the Atria at 103 N. Leroux St., Flagstaff, or check out their website for more information.
Canton Dragon Asian Bar and Grill
This family-owned Chinese restaurant offers a cozy and relaxing environment where everyone feels like family. Canton Dragon Asian Grill and Bar boasts a diverse menu with a prioritization of fresh ingredients served in the Canton style of cooking. This style puts its greatest emphasis on the freshness of the produce and meat, minimizing processed foods to ensure a healthy and flavorful dish.
The environment of the restaurant is familial, and restaurant manager Phoebe Carnell aspires to “make our customers feel like they’re at home.”
“Check, Please! Arizona” guests enjoyed a variety of dishes and praised the shrimp and salt and pepper squid. Guest Jennie Orr de Lopez loved the shrimp toast and was excited to find the familiar dish.
“The shrimp were really delicately cooked inside,” Orr de Lopez said. “They were plump and juicy.”
You can visit Canton Dragon Asian Bar and Grill at 10190 N 90th St, Scottsdale, or visit their website for more information.
Fair Trade Café
Inspired by a transformative visit to a coffee plantation in Costa Rica, former science teacher Stephanie Vasquez embarked on a journey of discovery about her daily coffee ritual. This exploration led to the creation of the Fair Trade Café in downtown Phoenix, a haven where only fair-trade coffee is served.
A standout feature is their unique coffee flights and The Phoenix, a cold brew concoction with agave and cinnamon, offering a taste reminiscent of a churro.
“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Kelsey Rogers shared her delight in The Phoenix cold brew, noting its churro-like flavor.
You can visit the Fair Trade Café at 1020 North 1st Avenue, Phoenix, or check out their website for more information.
The Hidden House
Located near downtown Chandler, The Hidden House is a lovingly restored historic home that captured the original owner’s attention around three decades ago. Transforming the cottage into a dining destination, the restaurant expanded to include an outdoor patio and a spacious barn-like structure at the back, exuding a cozy farmhouse atmosphere and accommodating around 100 guests.
Owner Katia Brenuig describes the menu as eclectic, featuring a mix of Asian, French, Southwestern and American dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. She recommends the pineapple upside-down cake for dessert, promising a delightful end to the meal.
Guest Erica Maxwell enjoyed the sweet corn and chicken chowder soup, finding it “very flavorful and filling,” and she recommended focusing on the ambiance for an exceptional experience.
You can visit The Hidden House at 159 West Commonwealth Ave, Chandler, or check out their website for more information.
Habeneros Grill and Mexican Cantina
Habeneros Grill and Mexican Cantina is a cherished fast-casual gem in Scottsdale that captures the essence of family-owned warmth while offering an enticing all-day menu. Adriana Salazar, the passionate owner, takes pride in crafting everything from scratch, ensuring a fresh and authentic dining experience.
“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Paola Boivin, Director of the Cronkite Sports Bureau at ASU and a self-proclaimed happy hour expert, kickstarted her meal with a unique jalapeno margarita featuring jalapeno chunks, describing it as an “amazing way to start the meal.”
You can visit this restaurant at 10392 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, or visit their website for more information.
The Italian Daughter
The Italian Daughter, conceived by Melissa Maggiore Meyer as a heartfelt tribute to her late father, the renowned restaurateur and chef Tomaso Maggiore, is an inviting haven where guests are welcomed into the warmth of Meyer’s own home.
During her visit for “Check, Please! Arizona,” guest Paola Boivin ordered the Prosciutto Di Parma + Burrata, describing the presentation as “like a work of art” and praising the burrata for its “smooth and soft” texture. Meanwhile, Ted Simons, host and managing editor of “Arizona Horizon,” savored the zuccotto, a pumpkin cake, as the perfect ending to his meal, expressing that “everything was just right.”
You can visit The Italian Daughter at 23655 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, or visit their website for more information.
Farish House
Nestled near the historic Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix, Farish House, owned and helmed by Chef Lori Hassler, invites guests to savor what she lovingly refers to as “French grandma food.” The ever-changing menu boasts delights like cassoulets, petit filet, stews and mac and cheese.
The restaurant’s unique charm extends to each room, with decor that reflects its rich history. The patio, adorned with live jazz music, provides a delightful setting for indulging in desserts and coffee.
“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Pedro Sanchez ordered Farish House’s award-winning tiramisu and said, “It’s the best tiramisu I have had in my life.”
Visit Farish House at 816 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, or visit their website for more information.
Chino Bandido
Chino Bandido, a culinary gem founded by Eve Collins and her late husband, Frank, 32 years ago, seamlessly blends Mexican, Caribbean and Asian flavors in a way that captivates the palate.
At Chino Bandido, patrons place their orders at the counter, choosing from a diverse menu that includes highlights like the popular Jade Red Chicken, a sweet and sour dish with a spicy kick. What sets this establishment apart is the ability to customize each dish, whether in a bowl with rice and beans or wrapped in a quesadilla or burrito.
However, what truly sets Chino Bandido apart is not just the innovative combinations but the warm and welcoming ambiance created by Collins. Described as someone who “never met a stranger,” Collins’ inviting personality transforms this restaurant into a community hub.
You can visit Chino Bandido at 310 W Bell Road., Phoenix, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Soul Cafe
Soul Cafe brings together people from all over through flavorful comfort meals and unique cocktails.
Sheila Bryson, owner and executive chef, said Soul Cafe is the heart of the community.
When creating the menu, Bryson said she took inspiration from her favorite meals. She said the most popular dish is the buttermilk fried chicken, which has been on the menu since the doors first opened.
For guest Brooke Morrison, nothing beats Soul Cafe. As a travel blogger who has tried meals all over the world, Morrison said it is her favorite spot. She said they have the comfort food everyone wants in their life.
You can visit Soul Cafe at 7615 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, #1, Scottsdale, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Essence Bakery
Essence Bakery is the perfect community spot for those looking to start their morning off with delicious pastries.
Eugenia Theodosopoulos, chef and owner, said she spent time in Paris learning from the best pastry chefs in the world and brought her skills back to Phoenix, Arizona.
Running the bakery, she said, wouldn’t be what it is without that all female kitchen. She said she loves working along side women and the support that comes with it.
You can visit Essence Bakery at 3830 E. Indian School Rd., AZ and you can visit their website for more information.
Want more Arizona restaurant recommendations? Watch “Check, Please! Arizona” for inspiration for your next meal out or view another one of our lists here!
