Phoenix is the heart of what we locals call the Valley of the Sun. More than 20 cities and towns comprise this bustling metro area and all have something unique to offer visitors. In previous posts, we’ve highlighted the can’t-miss things to do and places to eat in the greater Phoenix’s East Valley and West Valley.
This week: Things to do in downtown Phoenix. Downtown encompasses roughly 100 square blocks from Seventh Avenue in the west to Seventh Street in the east, and the train tracks south of Jackson Street in the south to McDowell Road in the north.
Things to do
Crescent Ballroom
If you’re in the mood for live music, head to Crescent Ballroom where local and well-known national acts take to the stage most every night of they year. Get there early and chow down on the fantastic Mexican food at Cocina 10.
Details: 308 N 2nd Ave., Phoenix 85003. 602-716-222
Crescent Ballroom
Arizona Science Center
Ride a skycycle on a tight rope or take a trip to outer space in the IMAX planetarium at the Arizona Science Center. With more than 300 hands-on exhibits in seven themed galleries, there’s lots to see for both kids and adults alike.
Details: 600 E Washington St., Phoenix 85004. 602-716-2000
Arizona Science Center
CityScape Phoenix
In the heart of downtown, CityScape is a hub of shopping, dining, entertainment, events, and nightlife. Gypsy Bar, Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails, and Stand Up Live are just a few of the spots to explore.
Details: 1 E Washington St., Phoenix 85004
CityScape Phoenix
Lustre Rooftop Garden at the Hotel Palomar Phoenix
Grab a spot at the chic rooftop bar or relax in a poolside lounge chair and take in the skyline views of downtown at Lustre. Soak up the sun or enjoy a warm night under the stars while enjoying craft cocktails and creative menu items.
Details: 2 E Jefferson St., Phoenix 85004. 480-478-1765
Lustre Rooftop Garden
Wednesday Wind Up
Skip the bagged lunch at your desk and join the community for sunshine, food trucks, games, music and more at this weekly event at Civic Space Park.
Details: 424 N Central Ave., Phoenix 85004. 602-262-7490
Wednesday Wind Up (Credit: Downtown Phoenix Inc.)
Festivals and Events
Mark your calendar for events throughout the year such as September’s Roosevelt Row Chile Pepper Festival, ALAC’s Dia de los Muertos Festival, the Rainbows Festival and Street Fair, ice skating at CityScape, McDowell Mountain Music Festival, Viva Phx music festival, and many more.
Viva Phx Music Festival (Image credit: Shaunte Glover via ValleyHype.com)
Roosevelt Row
With an eclectic mix of art galleries, boutique shops, coffee houses, restaurants and more, this downtown neighborhood was recently named by USA Today as one of the country’s 10 Best City Art Districts . The neighborhood’s monthly First Fridays art walk brings the community together for a night of arts, music, food and more as more than 70 art galleries and spaces open their doors for free.
First Fridays art walk on Roosevelt Row
Explore the street art scene
They can be found prominently on the sides of buildings, tucked away in alley, and just about anywhere else there’s a space to create art. Take a stroll through downtown, especially along Roosevelt Row, and see the creative, colorful work of local street artists.
Mural by Jesse Perry at Pallets Food and Bar on Roosevelt Row
Shop local at the weekly farmers’ market
Locals pack the lot at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market each Wednesday night and Saturday morning for the weekly open-air farmers’ markets. Dozens of local and regional vendors gather each week to offer their produce, honey, baked good and lots more.
Details: 721 N Central Ave., Phoenix 85004
Orpheum Theatre
This beautifully restored 1929 venue is home to a variety of concerts and performances throughout the year. Even if you can’t make it to a show, you should take a tour of the historic building. They over free tours throughout the year, based on availability. Contact them for more info.
Details: 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix 85003. 602-495-7139
Orpheum Theatre
Valley Youth Theatre
The young actors at the Valley Youth Theatre have some serious acting chops. The award-winning VYT, where Hollywood star Emma Stone got her start, hosts a number of memorable family-friendly productions throughout the year, including the upcoming A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail.
Details: 525 N. 1st St., Phoenix 85004. 602-253-8188
Heard Museum
Located just a couple light rail stops from the heart of downtown is the acclaimed Heard Museum. In addition to its acclaimed collection of American Indian art, the museum hosts a number of popular events throughout the year such as December’s ornament marketplace, February’s World Championship Hoop Dance Contest, March’s Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market, and more.
Details: 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85004. 602-252-8840
Hoop dancing at the Heard Museum
Herberger Theater Center and Phoenix Symphony Hall
From classic productions, to one-man/woman shows, to ballet, opera, seasonal favorites and more, these two spots will keep your cultural calendar fill. Take a quick midday culture break with the Herberger’s Lunch Time Theater.
Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum showcases both contemporary and classic art from a variety styles from around the world. The museum offers free admission each Wednesday night from 3-9.
Details: 1625 N Central Ave., Phoenix 85004. 602-257-1222
Phoenix Art Museum
Catch a game
Get your sports kicks year-round in downtown. US Airways Center is home to the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and the Arena Football League’s Arizona Rattlers. Next door at Chase Field, MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks take the field all summer long.
Details:
US Airways Center: 201 E Jefferson St., Phoenix 85004
Chase Field: 401 E Jefferson St., Phoenix 85004
Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Kids can get hands-on at this fun and educational interactive museum that stimulates the senses. Climb high in their Schuff-Perini Climber, make your way through the noodle forest, pedal through the tricycle “car wash,” and more.
Details: 215 N. 7th St., Phoenix 85034. 602-253-0501
FilmBar
This ain’t your typical movie theater. FilmBar is a 21-and-over only theater with more than 20 craft beers on tap and a dozen types of wine to sip while checking out an eclectic mix of new, classic, indie, and cult flicks. Can’t stick around for a movie? The bar is open for non filmgoers, too.
Details: 815 N. 2nd St., Phoenix 85004. 602-595-9187
Heritage Square at Heritage and Science Park
Take a step back to Phoenix’s pioneer days at this late-1800s square. See what life was like at that time with a guided tour of The Rosson House Museum, a fully-restored 1895 Queen Anne Victorian house. While at Heritage Square, grab a meal at the famed Pizzeria Bianco or Nobuo at Teeter House, or enjoy a pint at the The Rose and Crown pub.
Details: 115 N. 6th St., Phoenix 85004
The Rosson House Museum at Heritage Square
Where to eat
Cibo, Pizzeria Bianco, Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana, and La Piazza PHX
This batch of pizzerias has made downtown Phoenix a must-visit pizza destination. James Beard award winner Chris Bianco’s Pizzeria Bianco has been named by numerous publications as the best pizza in America. La Piazza PHX and Pomo are the city’s only two spots to receive the stamp of approval from Vera Pizza Napoletana (True Neapolitan Pizza), an Italian trade association that authenticates and promotes the pizza standards of Naples. Cibo, housed in a charming 1913 bungalow, offers artisan pizzas and handmade pasta.
Details:
Cibo: 603 N 5th Ave., Phoenix 85003. 602-441-2697
Pizzeria Bianco: 623 E Adams St., Phoenix 85004. 602-258-8300
Pomo: 705 N 1st Ave., Phoenix 85004. 602-795-2555
La Piazza PHX: 1 N 1st St., Phoenix 85004. 602-795-7116
The Margherita (front) and Bufala at Pomo Pizzeria.
to receive the stamp of approval from Vera Pizza Napoletana (True Neapolitan Pizza), an Italian trade association that authenticates and promotes the pizza standards of Naples – See more at: http://www.thehotsheetblog.com/downtown-phoenix-pizzerias/#sthash.oFKsLYwi.dpuf
Matt’s Big Breakfast has received national attention for its simple yet delicious fare and is known for long waits due to the hordes of hungry morning people getting their Matt’s fix. – See more at: http://www.thehotsheetblog.com/downtown-restaurants-lunch/#sthash.PRaQQNqb.dpuf
Matt’s Big Breakfast has received national attention for its simple yet delicious fare and is known for long waits due to the hordes of hungry morning people getting their Matt’s fix. – See more at: http://www.thehotsheetblog.com/downtown-restaurants-lunch/#sthash.PRaQQNqb.dpuf
District American Kitchen and Wine Bar
Stop into District for dinner, or grab a quick bite with their “Nothing Over $9 at Noon” lunch menu. The locally-sourced menu updates seasonally and they even use herbs from their own on-site garden.
Details: 320 N 3rd St., Phoenix 85004. 602-817-5400
Compass Arizona Grill
Dine on delicious seasonal cuisine while taking in the panoramic views of greater Phoenix at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix’s revolving rooftop restaurant.
Details: 122 N 2nd St., Phoenix 85004. 602-440-3166
Compass Arizona Grill at Hyatt Regency Phoenix
The Arrogant Butcher
Rubs elbows with the city’s movers and shakers at this bustling CityScape restaurant. Steaks, seafood and more are on the menu, but don’t leave without indulging in their house soft pretzels and provolone fondue.
Details: 2 E Jefferson St., Phoenix 85004. 602-324-8502
Hanny’s
This is one of the best place’s to be if you’re up late in downtown. The kitchen cooks until 1 a.m. and the bar pours for another 30 minutes after that. Let the bartender mix you up one of their classic cocktails while dining on pizza, sandwiches and salads. Don’t leave without checking out their upstairs bathrooms and downstairs basement (we won’t ruin the surprises as to why).
Details: 40 N 1st St., Phoenix 85004, 602-252-2285
Welcome Diner
Another late-night favorite is the cozy Welcome Diner, serving up delicious comfort food, such as biscuits and fried chicken, until 2 a.m. six nights a week (closed Sundays).
Details: 924 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix 85004. 602-495-1111
Welcome Diner
Short Leash Hotdogs Sit…Stay
One of the most popular food trucks in the city has put down brick-and-mortar roots along Roosevelt Row. In addition to the fantastic wiener creations—such as the Bear with peanut butter, smoked gouda, bacon, BBQ sauce and cracker jacks—the sans wheels location offerus up breakfast items and an expanded menu of sides.
Details: 110 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix 85004. 480-620-8479
Food Truck Friday
Each Friday afternoon, the parking lot at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market comes alive with hungry downtowners and food trucks that satisfy their cravings. The lineup of trucks rotates, but you’re likely to see Short Leash Hotdogs, Emerson Fry Bread, Mamma Toledo’s Pies, and more.
Details: 14 E Pierce St., Phoenix 85004
Food Truck Friday
Matt’s Big Breakfast
They keep it simple at Matt’s. Fresh local ingredients. Deliciously addictive fare. Friendly service. It’s what keeps the locals coming back, even with waits regularly reaching more than an hour during peak times, and it’s why they were featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
Details: 825 N 1st Ave., Phoenix 85004. 602-254-1074
Matt’s Big Breakfast
The Breadfruit and Rum Bar
This award-winning spot uses only fresh, simple foods when creating their Jamaican cuisine creations. Love rum? They’ve got more than 100 rums of all different styles and distillation techniques.
Details: 108 E Pierce St., Phoenix 85004. 602-267-1266
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
If you’re looking for something a little more than a rum and coke, head to this spot located in the historic Luhrs Building. Whether you’re looking for something, sweet, sour, simple, strong, or anything in between, their talented staff will find the perfect cocktail for you.
Details: 1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix 85003. 602-340-1924
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Phoenix Public Market Cafe
This casual community spot is a serves up fresh, local, seasonal cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their airy patio is a popular spot to dine and drink on a beautiful Phoenix day. Don’t pass on their deliciously tempting pastries.
Details: 14 E Pierce St., Phoenix 85004. 602-253-2700
Fresh-baked pastries at the Phoenix Public Market Cafe
Angels Trumpet Ale House
Craft beer fans, this is your place. They’ve got 31 rotating taps that feature a variety of unique beers from around the globe. The food menu is equally creative with items such as a PB&J with marshmallow and bacon.
Details: 810 N 2nd St., Phoenix 85004. 602-252-2630
Angels Trumpet Ale House
Check out some of the above restaurants and more in our Restaurants for Lunch in Downtown Phoenix blog post.
Did we miss something? Share your favorite downtown activity or restaurant in the comments below!