Camelback and Central

This post is part of a series on my favorite spots in Phoenix. To read the other posts, follow these links: Swansong (Best places in Arizona), UnderTow, Barber Parlor, Phoenix Breweries, Changing Hands / First Draft Book Bar, Bonus Round, Renaissance Hotel.

The final location is a bit of a stretch; I wasn’t sure what to call this region so I decided to hone in around the biggest intersection nearby: Camelback and Central. Around here, there are many great restaurants that I want to do a quick run-down of for your culinary pleasure.

The first few establishments are part of Brick & West, a great block of amazing eateries just up the road from the crossroads.

Joyride

First is Joyride, a nice modern take on the taco shack. It has an incredible atmosphere and great lighting. The bar is always aglow with nice tranquil blues and the sheen of copper. For taco Tuesdays, you can get some great deals on their delicious tacos and margaritas. I highly recommend you stop in for a bite! I personally enjoy the burritos done chimi-style.

Windsor

Just across the street is Windsor, a great eatery with a great cocktail menu. What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in style and quality. The food is a mix of hometown comfort food and modern cuisine. What really shines through are the cocktails. If you are an individual who enjoys a good infused liquor, then this is the place for you!

Churn

Sharing the building and back patio with Windsor is Churn, an ice cream parlor that perfectly captures the charm of the 50’s retro style. They make all of their ice cream, and they have a wonderful rotating menu and seasonal items to boot. One of my favorite concoctions was the walnut whiskey ice cream, as well as the toasted coconut. They also have sundaes, milkshakes, and delightfully oversized cookies that you can eat solo or with a nice scoop of ice cream in between!

Midtown Plaza

Just down the street close to the actual intersection itself is the Midtown Plaza, filled with tons of shopping and interesting eats. This is where Phoenix’s first Lou Malnati’s opened, the famed Chicago pizzeria chain. It’s also home to one of the first Phoenix Shake Shacks. You can also find Gadzooks, an award-winning sandwich shop with some of the most interesting sandwiches I’ve had in quite a while. There’s also a very nice grocery shop and ice cream parlor as well. Given the cluster of goodies, it’s hard not to see why I’m such a fan of the area!

With that, my time in Phoenix, on this blog, closes for now. Arizona really grew on me and will have a special place in my heart. I truly hope to visit again and see even more of the natural wonders and tasty treats the state has to offer. I will admit, I had my biases before moving there, but having spent so much time there, I can’t help but see all that good the area has to offer. My advice? Give a place a chance. A long chance. It takes time to get to know a place or area, for better and for worse, but it opens up your world like no other.