Chino Bandido Takee-Outee
Chino Bandido blends Mexican and Asian cooking styles and is wildly popular among the locals.
Penelope Corcoran of the Arizona Republic wrote:
“How about a chile relleno, egg foo yung, jerk chicken, fried rice and black beans, all on the same plate?
Are we in heaven?
Chino Bandido Takee-Outee is a Chinese-Mexican joint with Caribbean nuances where almost anything is possible, the only limitation, they say, is your imagination.”
Address: 15414 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85023
Phone: (602) 375-3639
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Over Easy
Traditional breakfasts and some non-traditional choices make Over Easy a must stop while in Phoenix. Freelance photographer David Griffin is AroundTheTrackOnline.com’s number one source for great finds and he describes this one as the “most outstanding” breakfast on the entire NASCAR tours.
The portions are huge and the variety is vast. Omeletes (smoked salmon and mushroom shown here), griddle items, eggs and some Over Easy specials make this a great stop if you’re looking for a solid “known” breakfast favorite or if you care to try something just a little bit different….like the “Over Easy” – toasted brioche, with sautéed spinach, fried eggs, natural jus, bacon and scallions.
Address: 4031 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Phone: (602) 468-3447
Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Matt’s Big Breakfast
Matt’s uses a pretty basic philosophy when preparing a meal: prepared simple with high-quality ingredients. Those ingredients include cage-free eggs from humanely-raised chickens, grain fed natural Iowa pork, Angus beef and organic, local produce when available.
Griffin is very specific when ordering at Matt’s – it’s the Chop & Chick: two eggs and a skillet seared Iowa pork rib chop, with a pesto sauce on top or the Carmelized Banana & Pecan French Toast.
Address: 801 N. 1st Street, Phoenix, AZ
Phone: (602) 254-1074
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday – 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Giuseppe’s Italian Kitchen
Classic Italian dishes, bruschetta, hot Italian sandwiches, cold subs and all the “fixins” are part of this very popular restaurant with the locals. An example is the Bolognese Ragu made with six different meats, or the Italian mac and cheese with four cheeses and ham. Meals range from $8 to $15 with sandwiches between $5 and $8.
Address: 2824 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 381-1237
Hours: Monday-Friday: 10:30-2:00 and 4:30-9:00
Saturday-Sunday: 3:30-9:00
Website: www.giuseppeson28th.com
Other Favorites:
T-Bones Steak House
Once a “must see” on the tour, T-Bones is an “old-west” steakhouse with a fantastic view of Phoenix. The menu is limited with steaks, chicken, salads and the usual “sides”. Steaks are cooked over an open first just outside the front door giving a great aroma staring from getting out of the car.
Reviews vary on the food quality, but all agree the view of Phoenix is worth the trip.
Address: 10037 S. 19th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85041
Phone: (602) 276-0945
Thee Pitts Again
This BBQ joint has all the usual meats: ribs, brisket, pork, chicken, ham and turkey; plus mesquite smoked shrimp and catfish. Meats are slow-cooked in some cases taking nearly 20-hours to prepare. The owners not only operate the restaurant; but also competitively cook in contests with wins in Arizona, California, Nevada and Indiana. Thee Pitts Again was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on Food Network.
Address: 55 W. Bell Road, Glendale, AZ 85308
Phone: (602) 966-7488
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café
This is a small café that has fantastic soul food, especially fried chicken, catfish and pork chops. Mrs. White’s has all the traditional sides like mixed greens, black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese and on Friday’s it’s okra gumbo.
Address: 808 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (602) 262-9256
Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.