Anything good around 15th Ave/Thomas? (PHX)

[azhotdish]

I'm in this area every couple months for golf, and tomorrow I find myself there again and looking for something good to eat. I typically do Fry Bread House or Pane Bianco...looking for something different. Town Talk II is close - what else? Thanks.

[hohokam]

I'm becoming a fan of Restaurante Huauchinango (kinda sorta across 7th Ave from FBH). It's a no-frills Mexican joint specializing in Publan and DF-style food. So far, I've tried the tlacoyos (frijol), sopes (pollo con chiltepin), and huarache (al pastor). All are about $5.00 and plenty filling.

Also nearby is Li'l Mama's Soul Food, which I haven't tried yet, but have heard some good things about.

There's the burger place on the SE corner of 15th Ave & Thomas, which is OK for what it is, but nothing special.

A little farther up 19th Ave (past Town Talk) is Fattoush, a solid neighborhood Middle Eastern joint.

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Lil Ma Ma's
4306 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ

Restaurante Huachinango
4201 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ

Original Hamburger Works
2801 N 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Fattoush Restaurant
4426 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015

[Bill Hunt]

Wife just did Lil Ma Ma's, and sang their praises. Since she's from New Orleans, Southern cuisine is something that she knows well. If she liked it, well, that speaks volumns. I have not dined there, so can only do a second-hand opinion. Aparently, they gave the "right" answers, to all of her questions.

Hunt

[hohokam]

Thanks for the tip, Bill. Lil Ma Ma's has been on my "to try" list for a while. If your wife has some specific recommendations for what to order, I'm all ears. Thanks again.

[Bill Hunt]

Wow, what did she have? She mentioned speaking, at length, with the owners/chefs [?], and enjoyed the meal. She's in SF now, so I cannot easily ask her, but will, when she returns. Being from New Orleans, if she was impressed, then I think that I would be, as well. Info to come.

Hunt

[drewb123]

lil mama's is good but sa bit pricey for what it is.

[misohungrychewlow]

You can have a terrific, fresh, assemble-yourself stir-fry at Mu Shu Asian Grill, NW corner of 15th Ave. and Thomas. The Mu Shu is also good, too. McGurkee's south of the intersection has some good sandwiches.

[barry]

I have to second Mu Shu for a pretty healthy stir fry. You fill your bowl with large assortment of veggies, they add the chicken or beef, and you get a choice of white or brown rice or noodles. Definitely worth a try.

Barry

[ValleyFever]

The Persian Garden Cafe is right there too if you are open to vegetarian eating. Its worth checking out.

[sistinas]

If you like Vietnamese food, definitely give Da Vang a try. It's on 19th Ave in between Camelback and Indian School. I think they have some of the best pho in the Phoenix area. It's also really, really, really cheap.

[Safado]

Just in case you don't know, Pane Bianco is a sister restaurant of Pizzaria Bianco mentioned on the board several times. One of my favorite spots in town.

Sacks is a good sandwich shop on the SE corner of 3rd and Thomas, and just half a block down on the south is a fantastic little italian place called Pino's that's been there for like 25 years.

[jhenner]

You're really in the vicinity of a lot of good restaurants. I'm listing a few here. There are bunches more, but this will get you started

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Durant's
2611 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Phoenix Ranch Market III
1602 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Lola
800 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014

China Chili
302 E Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Switch
2603 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Matt's Big Breakfast
801 N 1st Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Drip Coffee Lounge
2325 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Baiz Market
523 N 20th St, Phoenix, AZ

Zoe's Kitchen
1641 E Camelback Rd # 101, Phoenix, AZ

Katz Delicatessan & Sandwich
5144 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ

George & Dragon
4240 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

[Bill Hunt]

Ah, the mention of George & Dragon, conjures up visions of really good fish n' chips. Have yet to get to the Codfater's, to test 'em, but they hold spot #1 in PHX-Metro now. Have not been, since the smoking ban took place, but that was the only rub, that I had. You usually entered through the pub and the smoke did filter into the dining room. Gotta' be better now.

Thanks for the reminder. I think that they will flourish, once the light-rail is done, though I'd still travel down there now, though I'd take the Landcruiser...

Hunt

[jhenner]

The Landcruiser? With the narrow lanes and construction, I'd feel more comfortable on a motorcycle or something similarly narrow.

Then again, I just cant drive anything bigger than a compact.

[Bill Hunt]

Nah, the LC just steps over the bumps, with nary a problem. This particular rig has never seen real off-road, except for Central Ave. Its predecessor spent most of its life in the CO high-country, and did 99% of the passes there and in Utah.

Now, for bringing back 19 cases of wine from Napa, this unit does that easily, if wife has meetings in SF, and flies back. Otherwise, I can fit 17 cases of wine into it, and run the rear AC all the way back to PHX. Just do not tell Sheriff Joe, please.

Gotta' get down and support George & Dragon, while they are boxed in. And, try Codfather, up near me on Bell Rd.

Hunt

[winedubar]

mcgurkee's is right on the corner of 15th ave and thomas..the jp turkey sandwich is fantastic.

tried a new spot, zuppa's, on thomas and about 5th ave...great chicken parm slider and italian wedding soup, shares a spot with a cupcake baker..yummm :)

i

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Zuppa's Bistro
503 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ

[mamamia]

Zuppa's has a killer chicken salad as well.

I ordered my holiday pie and a birthday cake for Little Beastie's 1st from the baker. She's a great find. She opens at 6am everyday for coffee and pastries.

501 W Thomas, right next to 5th Ave Cafe. Blink and you'll miss it.

[silverbear]

To the growing list, let me add Thai Rama on Camelback b/w 7th and 15th Avenues and Pepe's Taco Villa on Camelback just west of 19th Avenue.

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Thai Rama Restaurant
1221 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013

Pepe's Taco Villa
2108 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85015

[Beaver Street]

Crazy Jim's is a small Greek place on 15th Ave. - I believe they have an outpost in downtown Phoenix as well.

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Crazy Jim's Restaurant
4041 N 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015

[azhotdish]

Thanks all for the replies, you have given me a great list of choices. Lil Ma Ma's sounds great, will definitely be checking that out next time I'm in the area. Chicken parm sliders @ Zuppa's? Sounds like great comfort food.

[ValleyFever]

If your feelin the soul, the royalty of phoenix soul food is just across downtown at Mrs White's Golden Rule. Its not hip or new, but there is a reason it has been the gold standard of soul food in phoenix for over 40 years while other attempts to capitalize on the popularity of comfort food have been hit or miss.

[Bill Hunt]

Update: wife got back from dining in SF, and graced me with her menu at Lil Ma Ma's: fried okra (could have figured this one out on my own), red beans n' rice and fried chicken, as they were out of fried catfish. She tells me that all was very good to excellent, and that from a NOLA native. We want to try their fried catfish, as that is a litmus test.

Hunt

[Seth Chadwick]

I think one place that doesn't get a lot of love on this board but does serve a flavorful, solid Sonoran Mexican food is La Pinata at 19th Avenue and Osborn. It has been there for ages and if you are looking for a full stomach and some decent food, I recommend this place. I know a lot of people don't like Sonoran-style Mexican food, but J., windubar, and my ex-roommate Dave have all been my guest there and have found it a step above average.

When you get seated, you will get the traditional chips and salsa. Ask for the hot sauce, which is chipotle based and slightly sweet.

[winedubar]

i concur. i love this spot...always packed, with families who have been going there for decades...i heart la pinata

[Bill Hunt]

Seth,

I am not familiar with La Pinata, but will look into it, on your rec. Since wife's office is 5th & Thomas, maybe I can offer her lunch.

Thanks for the comment,
Hunt