663114 Wed Oct 28 15:23:16 -0700 2009 15 6 Southwest 0 5138469 we're at the Biltmore in Phx for a conference next wk and I'm looking for an interesting - southwest would be great, not especially interested in mexican since we've got lots at home - place to go fo dinner I've got several great suggestions for high end places but nothing for budget ie 15-20$ entree course or less Wed Oct 28 15:23:16 -0700 2009 52756 sonomajom 1 5138700 Here is my list of recs: Rokeriji or Dick's hideaway for southwestern. Hiot up Rokerji Happy hr For Sushi-Hana BYOB and just plain old Good For BBQ-Stacy's no alcohol just good ol bbq Italian- La Fontanella GREAT SPOT ate there the other night. Hula Grill- New! just had great fish at great prices there and cool cocktails (Hawaian, Tiki) Maizies- Mon nights 3.25 for burger and fries-Delish! Pizzeria Bianco-Long wait but Great reasonably priced food. Let me know if you have naymore questions Wed Oct 28 16:36:25 -0700 2009 5138469 63433 drewb123 1 5138839 Just a couple of miles east from the Biltmore on Camelback, you have Padre's (Southwestern/Mexican) and Lola (Spanish tapas). The Parlor (or Parlor or Parlor Pizzeria), which is even closer just announced (via Twitter) some new dishes for fall: http://twitter.com/TheParlorPizza . You can find their regular menu (in pdf format) here: http://www.theparlor.us/Images/Parlor%20-%20Main%20Menu728.pdf . Another Southwestern option that's not too far away is Sierra Bonita Grill. Many of their starters are hearty enough to serve as entrees, especially when paired with a salad. These places might not fit your definition of "interesting", and Padre's and Sierra Bonita might be too Mexican-y; however, they are all nearby, locally-owned, and in your price range. Wed Oct 28 17:25:33 -0700 2009 5138469 86822 hohokam 1 5138870 We recently just stayed at the AZ Biltmore and we went to McCormicks and Schmicks happy hour and for under $20 you can eat and drink well. Wed Oct 28 17:39:04 -0700 2009 5138469 97452 Beach Chick 1 5140227 About 3 miles from the Biltmore is Chelsea's Kitchen at 40th Street north of Camelbackhttp://www.chelseaskitchenaz.com. Now I'm not absolutely sure they fit exactly in your price range, so you may want to confirm - however, they have very good southwest selections with minimal mexican spin. They have very nice patio dining that would be perfect now that things have cooled off. Another option nearby is Houston's at 24th St and Camelback. A second on the Maizie's Cafe recommendation, too. Thu Oct 29 09:21:45 -0700 2009 5138469 1090109 AllPhoenix 2 5140584 I second Chelsea's kitchen and will add the rest of the LGO family: Postino is a very affordable option and is excellent now that the weather is cooler. You can't go wrong with LGO for pizza, etc. Thu Oct 29 11:06:41 -0700 2009 5140227 137248 danieli10 1 5140320 Note that Mccormick & Schmick's and Houston's are both chains, and both have multiple locations throughout california (inclusing SF). I wanted to second Dick's Hideaway. Excellent food, with many entrees within your budget. Not southwest, but if you're looking for lunch as well, Pane Bianco for phenomenal sandwiches (only open for lunch). Also a good way to get a sense of Bianco's food if you're not willing to wait 2+ hours for the pizza. Also nearby, Delux has very good burgers under budget, and La Grande Orange is another nice pizza/salad option. Thu Oct 29 09:47:50 -0700 2009 5138469 24418 crsin 1 5140382 I'll throw in an option under the "interesting" category ... try Chino Bandido. http://chinobandido.com/ Thu Oct 29 10:03:59 -0700 2009 5138469 11583 ipsedixit 2 5140407 Jade red and snickerdoodles......aaaaarrrrrrgggghhhhhhhlllllll Ahem - yes, very good suggestion. Thu Oct 29 10:11:16 -0700 2009 5140382 1090109 AllPhoenix 3 5141296 Along the same lines of Chino Bandido, might also check out Fry Bread House. Thu Oct 29 15:02:54 -0700 2009 5140407 11583 ipsedixit 1 5140436 Karey's Kitchen on 40th St / Thomas (SE corner, behind Blockbuster); it's about a 10 minute drive from the Biltmore. It's Filipino-Mexican fusion, and definitely interesting eats. Lots of great choices there, but whatever you order, definitely order some lumpia. The menu rotates basically everyday. http://kareyskitchen.com/menu.aspx Check their Twitter page for the current specials: http://twitter.com/Kareyskitchen Thu Oct 29 10:19:13 -0700 2009 5138469 67548 azhotdish 1 5140909 Have to throw in my recommendations. One is Postino, which is a wine bar that serves sandwiches, salads, and wonderful bruscheta. Parking is terrible there, so just Valet. It is a really wonderful place, pretty hip and cool. Food is quite reasonable, but if you dig into the wine, the bill can add up (unless you are there early in the day - when all glasses at $5/per). This is the go to place for us, we take all our out of town guests there, and have always had great times there. For something ethnic, and completely different, try Little Rangoon. It is a Mom and Pop place serving food from Burma. I have been there multiple times, and each time have had something unique, and like nothing I have ever eaten before (try the green tea salad for instance). I am always amazed how cheap it is (usually around $30 per couple, with apps, a glass of wine, and enough food leftover for lunch the next day). It is not a dive - but has a nice upscale atmosphere, in a nice Scottsdale shopping plaza. I can't say enough great things about this place, and think this is one of our unsung gems in the valley. Plus, right now, they are offering %30 of your entire bill (alcohol included) - I thought it was an amazing value before the additional discount. Chino Bandido is something unique to Phoenix, and is a dive (in the best sense of the word). Mix between Chinese, Jamaican, Mexican, and Japanese. You will not leave hungry. it is quick service. Thu Oct 29 12:47:17 -0700 2009 5138469 45848 Booger 2 5141229 Chino Bandido did not get properly linked above (some place called "Bandid0s" in CO was linked to instead). Let's see if I can get this new fangled place link doohickey to work... Thu Oct 29 14:40:54 -0700 2009 5140909 86822 hohokam 2 5141242 Postino is a MUST. I second that. They do $5 galsses of wine everyday but sat I think, till 5 pm Thu Oct 29 14:45:48 -0700 2009 5140909 63433 drewb123 1 5149773 Thx everyone - now the challenge is picking one! but I'm happy with that challenge Mon Nov 02 12:41:40 -0800 2009 5138469 52756 sonomajom 1 5156039 frank & albert's the new casual restaurant at the biltmore is fantastic. it has an open kitchen and you can eat inside or out. its comfort food with a southwestern twist. i highly recommend the fish tacos, the fried chicken breast with mac and cheese and creamed corn, the burger, and the duck fat fries. for breakfast i loved the huevos rancheros. the bar is very lively and upbeat bar. excluding drinks tax and tip its hard to spend more than $70 for dinner. Wed Nov 04 13:33:51 -0800 2009 5138469 69187 biga290