Is there anywhere decent to eat in Glendale?

[wolive]

We will be attending the Fiesta Bowl National Band Championship on New Year's Day at the University of Phoenix Stadium. I cannot seem to find any non-chain restaurants in the area of the stadium. I grew up in Scottsdale, but Glendale is like a foreign country to me. We are looking for something casual, but except for one easily pleased vegetarian who must be accommodated, we are open to anything. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[azkitch]

Don't forget Cucina Tagliani, 2 locations on Bell (Hell) Road. One at 83rd Ave. south side, the other NE corner of Bell and 59th. Good Italian, large portions reasonable prices.
kitch

[wolive]

Thank you all for the suggestions. It's great to know that there are several good choices in the area.

[booamy]

Dillon's BBQ has three locations but it is not a chain. The one that would be closest to the Stadium is at Thunderbird and the 101. They have a huge menu and everything that I've had on it has been really good.

[silverbear]

I think of Glendale as having three distinct zones:

The oldest zone is Downtown Glendale and the surrounding established neighborhoods. Here you'll find some nice places like Haus Murphy (German), Pedro's (Sonoran Mexican), and Siam (Thai).

To the north, you'll find the Arrowhead area and the whole Bell Rd. corridor. Near the mall, chains predominate, but in smaller strip malls, there are some interesting Italian, Indian, Thai, and other international restaurants. One of my favorites is Mi Cocina Mi Pais, an Ecuadoran restaurant just on the Phoenix side of the Phoenix / Glendale border.

To the west, you'll find the Westgate area adjacent to the stadium. This is the part of Glendale I know the least. My impression is that it's very chain-centric, but maybe there are some hidden finds there.

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Haus Murphy's of Glendale
5739 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301

Mi Comida Restaurante Latino
4221 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85053

Pedro's Mexican Restaurant
4938 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301

Siam Thai Cuisine
5008 W Northern Ave # 1, Glendale, AZ

[wolive]

Thanks Silverbear. All of your suggestions sound like decent possibilities. I hope one of them is open on New Year's Day.

[1wino]

Westgate is home to Sweet O Wine Chocolate, an independent place that, despite its decadent name, also serves up nice salads, Panini and apps. Also excellent hot chocolate and chocolate lava cake if you're in the mood. They're usually open on game days, but call first.