The Phoenix metro is home to some delicious and unique restaurants.
Whether you want to dine in an old church, along an airport runway, or with a real bull, Phoenix has a place for you.
We found some of the most interesting eateries that will be sure to impress your out-of-town relatives.
Scroll down to check out a few of the most unique places to eat in Phoenix.
The Hangar Cafe
The Hangar Cafe is a unique dining experience located at Chandler Municipal Airport, and is within walking distance from the runway. They have patio seating and shaded rooftop seating. If you visit on weekend mornings, you can eat and watch airplanes take off and land. They're not the giant commercial planes; these are much smaller. But, still fun to watch!
IF YOU GO:
The Hangar Cafe
1725 E. Ryan Road, Chandler, AZ 85249
480-899-6965
View their Facebook page
Taco Guild
If you haven't heard of Taco Guild, you probably have driven by it and not even realized. It's located in central Phoenix inside an old chapel that dates back to the late 1800s. Inside, you'll see vaulted wood ceilings, painted murals and stained glass. The bar is beautiful. The recommended food: tacos of course!
IF YOU GO:
Taco Guild
546 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix AZ 85012
602-264-4143
www.tacoguild.com
Rustler's Roost Steakhouse
When it comes to Rustler's Roost, the only question you have to ask is if you're ready for some rattlesnake. Yes, authentic rattlesnake is on the appetizer menu. This Western-themed restaurant, bar, and banquet hall is located near the Arizona Grand Resort. Make sure to snap a picture with Horney, the bull. Yes, he's real.
IF YOU GO:
Rustler's Roost Steakhouse
8383 S. 48th Street, Phoenix AZ 85044
602-431-6474
www.rustlersrooste.com
The Yard
If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind eating experience, you'll like the group of independent restaurants collectively known as The Yard. It features a large covered outdoor area that has lounge seating, along with outdoor games like cornhole. It's upscale enough to go out for date night, but also casual enough if you want to grab a drink with friends. Restaurants: Culinary Dropout, Barrio Urbano, Little Cleo's Seafood Legend.
IF YOU GO:
The Yard
5632 N. 7th Street, Phoenix AZ 85014
Organ Stop Pizza
Enjoy a pizza pie inside a giant mess hall and listen to the unique sound of a Wurlitzer pipe organ. (Fun fact: It's the largest of its kind in the world!) Organ Pizza has been a staple in the Valley since it initially opened in 1972. They also serve sandwiches, salads and desserts.
IF YOU GO:
Organ Stop Pizza
1149 E. Southern Avenue, Mesa AZ 85204
480-813-5700
www.organstoppizza.com
Rawhide Western Town
Feel like you've walked into the Old West at Rawhide Western Town! Strap on those cowboy (or cowgirl) boots and ride down the dusty roads on a real stagecoach. There are a bunch of shops that sell upscale Western souvenirs and knickknacks. They also have a live stunt show, a mechanical bull, petting zoo and panning for gold. Since we're talking about food, you don't want to miss the steakhouse (or the fried rattlesnake).
IF YOU GO:
Rawhide
5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler AZ 85226
480-502-5600
www.rawhide.com
It's a beautiful day in Arizona!! Stop in and enjoy our gorgeous garden patio! Say hello to our friendly birds!! pic.twitter.com/0suqCKeCe0
— Perch Brewery (@perchbrewery) April 28, 2016
The Perch Pub & Brewery
The Perch is something truly unique in the East Valley. This pub and brewery is also home to around 40 rescue birds--hence the name. So you can eat, sip and chat with some winged friends right around you.
IF YOU GO:
The Perch
232 S. Wall Street, Chandler AZ 85225
480-773-7688
www.perchpubbrewery.com
Compass Arizona Grill - Hyatt Regency
What better way to take in an Arizona sunset than from atop one of downtown Phoenix's hotels? Compass Arizona is a 360-degree revolving restaurant at the top of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. You will be given a bird's eye view of the downtown hustle and bustle, while the mountains paint a beautiful background for a sunset--no matter which direction your currently looking from.
IF YOU GO:
Compass Arizona Grill - Hyatt Regency
122 N. Second Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-440-3166
www.compassarizona.com
Little Saigon
Little Siagon is an authentic Vietnamese restaurant in the West Valley. It first appeared in Phoenix and then a decade ago moved to its current home in Glendale. It's family owned and operated. Food blogger, Joanie Simon, who runs JoanieSimon.com, says besides the food, the restaurant was built inside an old house.
IF YOU GO:
Little Siagon
7016 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale AZ 85302
623-939-6136
wwww.littlesaigonaz.com
Quiessence at the Farm (at South Mountain)
If you're looking for a farm-to-table experience in Phoenix, Quiessence is one to put on your list. The Farm at South Mountain is a real working farm in Phoenix. The restaurant is in the back of the farm, and its menu uses local ingredients from the farm and other farms. You'll feel like your in someone else's backyard...because you are!
IF YOU GO:
Quiessence at the Farm
6106 S. 32nd Street, Phoenix AZ 85042
602-276-6360
www.thefarmatsouthmountain.com
Of course, this list isn't exhaustive. There are many other unique restaurants around the Valley.
Related: 7 hidden speakeasy restaurants in Phoenix
- Hanny's (downtown Phoenix) used to be a department store. Then it was used firefighter training. Now it's a restaurant. Word to the wise, watch out for the elevator shaft.
- Lou Malnati's (Uptown Plaza) is a Chicago staple, but it opened its first out-of-state location here in Phoenix. Now that's cool!
- Postino's Wine Cafe (Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe) is known for its Bruschetta. They have multiple locations in the Valley, all built within unique spaces.
- The Stockyards (Phoenix) has a rich history here in Phoenix. It was a real cattle stockyard in 1919. The restaurant opened in 1947. A fire destroyed it in 1953, but it reopened in 1954 and is still here. It's even part of the City of Phoenix's historical register.
- Gertrude's (Phoenix) is located within the Desert Botanical Garden. It is named after Gertrude Webster who founded the garden in 1939.
- DeSoto Central Market (downtown Phoenix) is another unique eatery. Its located within the old C.P. Stephens DeSoto Six Motorcars dealership. Today, it features a variety of restaurants with unique creations.
- Rockin' R Ranch (Mesa) is an old Western town with gun fights, panning for gold and live stage shows.
