Lunch spots featured on ‘Check, Please! Arizona’
Aug. 5
A good lunch spot can help brighten anyone’s day, and on our local Arizona PBS program “Check, Please! Arizona,” we’ve featured lunch spots from a classic sandwich shop to the best pasty’s in Arizona. View the list below to find your next lunch spot among these highly recommended Arizona restaurants.
Fair Trade Café
Fair Trade Café goes beyond coffee, offering a variety of freshly made breakfast and lunch dishes, including bagel sandwiches, breakfast burritos and more.
Describing the café’s menu, owner Stephanie Vasquez highlights it as an “eclectic collection of hearty favorites,” set in a space that exudes an eclectic, comfy and cozy vibe.
“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Frank Altier enjoyed the Cuban sandwich, recommending the café as a great stop for anyone in the area and complimented the cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
You can visit Fair Trade Café at 1020 North 1st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Forêt
Forêt is a French-inspired breakfast and lunch spot owned by Chef Sam Greenhalgh and his mother. Nestled in the old Anderson Feed store in Flagstaff, Forêt caters to a diverse clientele, including NAU students, workers and tourists.
“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Laura Swarts recommends the Omelet au Fromage, praising it as the creamiest eggs she has ever had. Her pro tip: go early or late after lunch to avoid crowds. Check out Forêt for a delightful French culinary experience.
You can visit Forêt at 2 S. Beaver St #170, Flagstaff, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Joy Bus Diner
Started by Chef Jennifer Caraway, who founded the Joy Bus Foundation, the Joy Bus Diner nonprofit restaurant helps to make our Valley a happier place, one meal at a time. The Joy Bus Diner serves breakfast and lunch, and the money goes to the foundation to serve more meals to cancer patients.
“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Cathy Bonnell shared this restaurant as her top spot in the Valley. Bonnell visits the Joy Bus Diner once a week without fail, mostly for her favorite dish, the avocado toast.
You can visit Joy Bus Diner at 3375 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Proper Meats + Provisions
Proper Meats + Provisions is a first-of-its-kind boutique butcher shop featuring hand cut, Arizona-raised meats. Located on historic Route 66 in Flagstaff, the deli side of the business features a sandwich menu of 15 to 20 different sandwiches, all made from scratch in-house.
Guest Ara Lynn Nowack suggested Proper Meats as her top pick. Proper Meats is the one restaurant she frequents all the time for lunch. “I like that there’s never a wait, and it’s a great place to go after work,” she said.
“The French Dip is just fantastic,” Nowack said. “It’s very tender roast beef, and it has the best bread, and I just love the au jus sauce.”
You can visit Proper Meats + Provisions at 110 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Cornish Pasty Company
Cornish Pasty Company is known for its hand-made pasties featuring a flaky pastry pocket filled with meat and vegetables. The eatery offers more than 40 kinds of pasties, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Cornish Pasty Company is a modern twist on a classic concept in a unique and casual environment. At the downtown Phoenix location, you can even watch the pasty makers work from a window.
When asked about Cornish Pasty and its atmosphere, “Check, Please! Arizona” guest Adrienne Fairwell explains it as “very laid back and casual. So if you are going for lunch, and you are not in a hurry, this is absolutely the place.”
You can visit Cornish Pasty Company at 7 W. Monroe Street, Phoenix, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Worth Takeaway
“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Ivan Martinez has been to Worth Takeaway sandwich shop about 15 to 20 times before reviewing it for our local program. Martinez said he loves supporting local businesses, but it definitely helps when the food is amazing.
Worth Takeaway co-owner Kelsey Strothers said her crew loves to take a classic sandwich and add their own spin on it or experiment with brand new ideas.
“There’s something comforting about a sandwich,” host Mark Tarbell said, “and when it’s good, man, does it hit the spot.”
You can visit Worth Takeaway at 218 West Main Street, Mesa, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Feringhee Modern Indian Food
If you’re looking for amazing Indian food right in Arizona, Feringhee Modern Indian Food has you covered.
Kishore Thadikamalla, the general manager, said Feringhee Modern Indian Food combines different parts of India to offer guests the best variety of dishes.
“For somebody wanting to experience what Indian food is, this is the place,” Thadikamalla said. “We will give the whole experience.”
Guest and Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke said Feringhee Modern Indian Food has become one of his favorite spots. He said the food is “a culinary expedition through India,” and he loves its proximity to both the Chandler Fashion Center and Chandler Museum.
You can visit Feringhee Modern Indian Food at 3491 W. Frye Road, Chandler, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Hundred Mile Brewing Company
At Hundred Mile Brewing Company, guests enjoy only the best. Focused on community and offering elevated comfort food, Sue Rigler, owner of Hundred Mile Brewing Company, said guests will find a variety of delicious dishes to accompany their drinks.
Guest and Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said guests feel right at home with its bright, open environment and the big patio for guests to enjoy games outside.
He said his go-to dish is the Mayor Woods chips. After ordering them every visit, Rigler renamed the chips in honor of the mayor.
You can visit Hundred Mile Brewing Company at 690 N. Scottsdale Road, Unit A, Tempe, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Joe’s Real BBQ
The name says it all! Joe’s Real BBQ offers many styles of barbecue cooked carefully and to perfection.
Joe Johnston, a partner of the company, said the restaurant transports people back in time to enjoy a pleasant and social environment while offering multiple types of barbecue and a sauce mixed between both Kansas City and Texas style. He said the ingredients come right from Arizona.
“It’s an homage to Arizona highways and the glory of Arizona as an exotic place to visit,” Johnston said.
Guest Frank Marazita said that for guests looking for something sweet after their meal, right next door is Topo, an ice cream shop also owned by the owners of Joe’s Real BBQ. Guests can try an Arizona classic by ordering the prickly pear soft serve.
You can visit Joe’s Real BBQ at 301 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, AZ, or you can visit their website for more information.
Local Jonny’s Tavern and Café
Right in the heart of Cave Creek, Local Jonny’s Tavern and Café brings the community together to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and amazing food. Jonny Oughterson, co-owner of the restaurant, said Local Jonny’s is the perfect place to dine at any time of day.
“I love being a part of this community,” Oughterson said. “Everybody has really taken care of us here, and we like to do the same.”
Guest Ashley Flores said Local Jonny’s is right in the heart of the Cave Creek Community. Charmed with the Western flair, she said it provides a comforting and relaxing environment.
You can visit Local Jonny’s Tavern and Café at 6033 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Happy Baos
Happy Baos is a one-of-a-kind restaurant tucked in the bustling Mekong Plaza. Matthew Ma, the owner of Happy Baos, said the restaurant is a mixture of Northern and Chinese cuisine where all of the noodles, dumplings and baos are handmade.
Ma said the restaurant’s slogan, “Happy Baos, happy mouths,” is how he wants guests to feel.
Guest Katie Smith explained because the dishes are large and family style, she usually goes for a few dishes to share for her entree.
You can visit Happy Baos at 66 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Beginner’s Luck
Tucked in Old Town Scottsdale, serves guests a variety of dishes throughout the day. Bernie Kantak, chef and owner, said he and his business partner think of Beginner’s Luck as their homage to diners.
“I want the guests to feel super happy the whole time they’re here,” Kantak said. “I want them to leave with a full belly and a big smile on their face.”
Guest Caryn Lewis said Beginner’s Luck has a nice vibe, and, because of their extensive patio, is a perfect place to have a meal outside.
You can visit Beginner’s Luck at 7240 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Soul Cafe
Sheila Bryson, owner and executive chef, said Soul Cafe is the heart of the community and brings together people from all over through flavorful comfort meals and unique cocktails.
No matter the time of day, Bryson said guests will always find what they’re looking for.
“I want my guest experiences to be like they’re coming home,” Bryson said. “I get up in the morning, and I feel so grateful that I have this community to come to.”
For guest Brooke Morrison, nothing beats Soul Cafe. As a travel blogger who has tried meals all over the world, Morrison said it’s 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 Road, #1, Scottsdale, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Otro Cafe
Otro Cafe serves up dishes for all times of the day and has an inclusive menu to accommodate dietary restrictions so everyone can enjoy. Doug Robson, chef and owner, said Otro Cafe has hints of his experience living in Mexico City and San Antonio, Texas, where guests can find a variety of delicious meals.
Guest Jessica Wenger-McPhaul has celiac disease limitations so she often has to settle on dishes when she eats out. At Otro Cafe, she gets to have her pick.
Robson also said he wanted the menu to appeal to everyone, no matter where they are from. He said they pay close attention to the ingredients they use and have options for those with dietary restrictions.
You can visit Otro Cafe at 6035 North 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ, or visit their website for more information.
Want more Arizona restaurant recommendations? Watch “Check, Please! Arizona” for inspiration for your next meal out, or view one of our other lists here!
