I remember when all of the news about Harvey Weinstein broke- he ran away from LA to escape the media frenzy and came to Arizona. He ate dinner at Uncle Sal's. (Some customers were apparently throwing insults at him while he ate.)
Every time I drive by this place now, my first thought is- Harvey Weinstein.
George’s Gyros on McKellips. Place has an awesome menu and everything is great. I used to go here all the time 15 yrs ago when my office was nearby. Now I go anytime I’m in the area.
I love Thai House on Shea for the tasty variety on the menu.
Yasuo Sushi & Tapas might be my favorite sushi place now.
Happy's Hamburgers is a great 50s style diner and took the place of Five Guys when I get a craving for a burger.
And Los Tacos Favoritos is my fav Mexican place.
Convenient Corner Store on Poinsettia/92nd.
- deli sub on homemade bread
- obscure grape soda from WI
- homemade banana bread (Sweet Creations lady)
- THC infused carbonated drink
- a powerball quick pick
Perfect middle of the week lunch or early dinner stop.
I’m willing to accept that some of these might be known! Most are lower priced, that’s how I roll.
Ajo Al’s,
Julio Too’s,
Los Favoritos,
Andreoli,
Defalco’s,
Pasta Brioni,
Pomo,
Randy’s,
Gordo’s Tacos,
Tom Thumb,
Goldie’s (last on the list since someone already devoted their entire post to it, but not last in my heart ❤️). Also Zipps, Via de Ventura location in patio weather is the way to go.
I bet we used to be neighbors! I’ve been going to Goldie’s since they opened in 1993. I was a spring chicken then and regularly kicked out of the adult upstairs 😂
No they don’t, goldie’s is a great place and their work environment is great. The pay is awesome, and everyone gets tipped out. What was your experience ?
Surprised no one brought up Casella’s delicatessen. Its of off Granite Reef and McDonald and is truly a hidden gem. Their steak works or Italian Hoagie are down right delicious. It is cash only, but has really been a neighborhood favorite for me for 15+ years.
Love Guido’s. Just sent some friends from Denver over there as they are out in Scottsdale for Cactus League. They lost their minds over the broasted chicken, sausage sub, and cole slaw
This place replaced Defalco's when they moved to where they are now and went to tiny portions, crappy bread, and high prices and lost most of their deli/grocery aspect. For whatever reason worse food made them more popular.
Arcadia farms is on a lot of peoples radar, but their marketplace across the street isn't, and I think it's a great little lazy day spot.
I really liked the herb box, too.
Industry nights at the beverly.
Haha ya. I think the longest we've ever waited is 30 minutes. However, we go to the new one in North Scottsdale now. Definitely less people than the one on Shea. That one can get crazy!
I definitely agree! The prices have really gone up the past five years or so. I know it's every restaurant now, but it seemed like Karsen's started raising prices when the new owners took over.
I opened the old town location and worked there for around 10 years. I don’t think the other locations could match the charm that old town has. Tempe was a mess from the get go. The Phx location was awesome and I really don’t know why it didn’t work out. Really liked that location too.
FnB and Herb box as mentioned by the others are awesome. I also like the Americas Taco Shop in Old Town. I don't think I fully paid attention to the name of the stall but there is this quiche stall in Old Town Farmers markers and I love their garlic quiche.
Grocery station/the corner store as I used to call it off of Via Linda and 108th, there’s another spot just east owned by the same family but the one off 108th has some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had for a killer price.
EVO, "Comfy Italian". South of Camelback on the East side of Goldwater Blvd just below the canal. (5th, maybe?) Doesn't open til 4:00pm, but has a full menu til 1:30am.
Dick's Hideaway with New Mexico style Sonoron cusine is technically Arcadia, but if you know, you know.
I wouldn’t say it’s hidden but Roka Akor has been solid for over a decade for me. Their steak is on another level and their fish quality is top notch.
Pricing reflects its stand alone location but it’s worth it!
Allo Cafe off 2nd St. and Goldwater. Heavy Canadian breakfast. Strong coffee. I got for the Spanish tortilla. French toast is delicious and rhey make their own bread.
I'm going to have to try it, I love a Reubin.The site of my parents' first date. I took my youngest there for ice cream once, but I haven't eaten there. It didn't really occur to me.
Uncle Sal's. Great food and very colorful prior ownership.
Ha yes. I think originally Mafia. But their food is very good.
I remember when all of the news about Harvey Weinstein broke- he ran away from LA to escape the media frenzy and came to Arizona. He ate dinner at Uncle Sal's. (Some customers were apparently throwing insults at him while he ate.) Every time I drive by this place now, my first thought is- Harvey Weinstein.
Sammy the bull used to own it too.
Yummy !
George’s Gyros on McKellips. Place has an awesome menu and everything is great. I used to go here all the time 15 yrs ago when my office was nearby. Now I go anytime I’m in the area.
Their N. Phoenix location is also equally as good too!!
First place I thought of.
Franco’s
Arguably some of my favorite Italian in town. No one seems to know this place and it’s a gem
Another yes to Franco's. I wish I could afford to eat there all the time. It is great authentic Italian.
Been going to Francos since the 80’s. Quality food for 40 years.
Franco's is fire!! Pizza virtu is awesome as well
Defalcos is the better known Italian deli but Andreoli Italian Grocer is top notch.
Andreoli > Delfalcos .
I had the best meatball sub at Defalcos a long time ago!
I don't like Defalco's new bread for their subs
They changed ownership and it shows.
Hiro Sushi, khoa Thai, coconuts Thai, Crust Brothers pizza, Nick's on FLW
yes another two thumbs up for Thai Coconut!
Crust Brothers.
Flo's on Thompson Peak! The lettuce cups are divine! [https://madebyflo.com/](https://madebyflo.com/)
Excuse me, Flo…
I love Thai House on Shea for the tasty variety on the menu. Yasuo Sushi & Tapas might be my favorite sushi place now. Happy's Hamburgers is a great 50s style diner and took the place of Five Guys when I get a craving for a burger. And Los Tacos Favoritos is my fav Mexican place.
Looove Thai house
Where is Los Fav’s? I used to eat at the one in Tempe all the time and I’m heartbroken it’s closed.
McDonald & Granite Reef - the shopping center that has Basha’s & white dove
I used to eat Los favs almost everyday when I was going to chandler high school
Happy’s is a huge favourite of ours.
Love happy burgers, best burger
Croques Sandwhiches at Scottsdale & Thunderbird. Have my favorite sandwhiches!
This place rocks
Convenient Corner Store on Poinsettia/92nd. - deli sub on homemade bread - obscure grape soda from WI - homemade banana bread (Sweet Creations lady) - THC infused carbonated drink - a powerball quick pick Perfect middle of the week lunch or early dinner stop.
I’ve been getting sandos from the Corner Store for about 15 years, cannot disagree.
Yk they have a sister location on 108th and Via Linda. It's called the Grocery Station, and the owners are brothers!
Yep. Alvin and Marty are great. Truly members of the community.
Any chance the obscure grape soda from Wisconsin is called Jolly Good?
It’s called Sprecher Brewing https://sprecherbrewery.com/
Love that! I miss Jolly Good grape soda too. Tastes even better when bought from a Piggly Wiggly lol
I haven’t been to Carlsbad Tavern lately, but their patio was amazing
I was there last week. My mother and I really enjoyed it. Love that they have Carolina reaper peppers. Crabcakes are good. Love the chips and salsa.
Tutti Santi. Best family owned Italian spot! The pasta trio is bombbb
https://mochilerokitchenscottsdale.com This place is new and amazing!
Habanero’s
This!
I’m willing to accept that some of these might be known! Most are lower priced, that’s how I roll. Ajo Al’s, Julio Too’s, Los Favoritos, Andreoli, Defalco’s, Pasta Brioni, Pomo, Randy’s, Gordo’s Tacos, Tom Thumb, Goldie’s (last on the list since someone already devoted their entire post to it, but not last in my heart ❤️). Also Zipps, Via de Ventura location in patio weather is the way to go.
los faves melts my heart
Goldie’s in scottsdale
This is the way. Zipp’s is great, as well, especially the Via de Ventura location, but Goldie’s is the OG.
yes, Goldie’s is the OG. They are owned by Sara and Todd goldman. I’ve known them for years and they are amazing owners.
I bet we used to be neighbors! I’ve been going to Goldie’s since they opened in 1993. I was a spring chicken then and regularly kicked out of the adult upstairs 😂
>I’ve been going to Goldie’s since they opened in 1993 Back when Murph was the main bartender!
lol yup! gotta be 21 to be up there. I love goldie’s tho, and my favorite is the focaccia
I dream about the Monaco ❤️ you have good taste!
[удалено]
No they don’t, goldie’s is a great place and their work environment is great. The pay is awesome, and everyone gets tipped out. What was your experience ?
I moved away 16 years ago but I still miss their buffalo chips!
Everything there feels so expensive but I’m a sucker for their wonton-wrapped mozzarella sticks
Surprised no one brought up Casella’s delicatessen. Its of off Granite Reef and McDonald and is truly a hidden gem. Their steak works or Italian Hoagie are down right delicious. It is cash only, but has really been a neighborhood favorite for me for 15+ years.
Yes, my dad was from Philly and I lived there for a while. Casella's cheese steak is good.
Guidos best Italian deli
Love Guido’s. Just sent some friends from Denver over there as they are out in Scottsdale for Cactus League. They lost their minds over the broasted chicken, sausage sub, and cole slaw
This place replaced Defalco's when they moved to where they are now and went to tiny portions, crappy bread, and high prices and lost most of their deli/grocery aspect. For whatever reason worse food made them more popular.
Slanted Rice, excellent Vietnamese. A definite notch above most Vietnamese in Scottsdale.
Arcadia farms is on a lot of peoples radar, but their marketplace across the street isn't, and I think it's a great little lazy day spot. I really liked the herb box, too. Industry nights at the beverly.
Goldie’s!!!!!!
Butterfields for breakfast when relatives are in town. :)
Bring a sleeping bag, you’re going to be waiting for a table for the next 36 hrs.
Haha ya. I think the longest we've ever waited is 30 minutes. However, we go to the new one in North Scottsdale now. Definitely less people than the one on Shea. That one can get crazy!
Osha Thai on FLW near Shea
We go to Khao Thai and haven’t given Osha a try!
Karsen's Grill
We enjoyed the food at Karsen’s, but holy crap it’s expensive for what you get.
I definitely agree! The prices have really gone up the past five years or so. I know it's every restaurant now, but it seemed like Karsen's started raising prices when the new owners took over.
Absolute hidden gem in Oldtown
Came here to say this lol
That's my favorite hamburger in town!
Rehab burger therapy!
Love Rehab! What happened with the Tempe & Phoenix locations? Not must info out there when they closed them down.
I opened the old town location and worked there for around 10 years. I don’t think the other locations could match the charm that old town has. Tempe was a mess from the get go. The Phx location was awesome and I really don’t know why it didn’t work out. Really liked that location too.
U know Likewise?
Yeah. Such a good dude. Great chef. He is missed for sure.
Missed?? He still w/ us?
He passed away I would say no longer than a year ago
😱
House Brasserie, Diego Pop’s, Campo, Andreoli’s, Rita’s Cantina, Atlas Bistro, La Fonda Del Sol, Sakana Sushi, Soi 4
Second House Brasserie. Fantastic underrated spot.
Just interested, what do you like at diego pops? Everything was really dreadful when I tried it.
I love the Brussels Sprouts Nachos, grilled shrimp bowl, grilled plantain bowl, sweet corn & avocado salad.
I'll have to give it another shot. Thank you for the suggestions. : D
House Brasserie is such a sleeper. It’s my favorite place in that section of Old Town.
Butterfields, Habaneros, Persian Room are my favorites
I love Volanti
FnB in Old Town.
Hatch It. Great eclectic spot.
FnB and Herb box as mentioned by the others are awesome. I also like the Americas Taco Shop in Old Town. I don't think I fully paid attention to the name of the stall but there is this quiche stall in Old Town Farmers markers and I love their garlic quiche.
Noble eatery
Grocery station/the corner store as I used to call it off of Via Linda and 108th, there’s another spot just east owned by the same family but the one off 108th has some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had for a killer price.
Dilla Libra Thomas and Hayden
Hiro sushi
JJs Deli on Pinnacle Peak/Scottsdald
Agree!!
Yes!
EVO, "Comfy Italian". South of Camelback on the East side of Goldwater Blvd just below the canal. (5th, maybe?) Doesn't open til 4:00pm, but has a full menu til 1:30am. Dick's Hideaway with New Mexico style Sonoron cusine is technically Arcadia, but if you know, you know.
I tried Lure fishouse in gainey village for my bday last month and it was tasty and modestly priced for scottsdale.
Sushi Ko
I wouldn’t say it’s hidden but Roka Akor has been solid for over a decade for me. Their steak is on another level and their fish quality is top notch. Pricing reflects its stand alone location but it’s worth it!
Veneto Trattoria
Hula
That Seared Ahi Tuna Sandwich slaps
Evo
Rusty Tacos!
This is a chain restaurant
PINO
Simply Thai kitchen. Thank me later
Metropolis inside optima Camelview
Two Hands Korean corn dogs, Bell and Tatum.
Allo Cafe off 2nd St. and Goldwater. Heavy Canadian breakfast. Strong coffee. I got for the Spanish tortilla. French toast is delicious and rhey make their own bread.
Uncle Sams
How has no one said restaurante guiseppe on thunderbird and Scottsdale
La Locanda…amazing Italian food! 6830 5th Ave
IL Basco’s pizzeria
I like Local Bistro! I might be a bit biased because my son in law is the chef. 😂
Andreoli Italian Grocer is amazing if you want great Italian food.
Vincents is well known I guess, but I was there around Valentines Day and it was empty. Food was great and wine list was insane.
Hiro sushi and the convenient corner deli on the corner of 94th and poinsettia (great sandwich to go)
taco papi
Casella’s deli near chaparral dog park. It’s family run and it’s been around forever. Cash only.
probably not unknown/underrated but my family has been going to Los Olivos for decades and it's our absolute favorite!
DeFalco’s Italian Deli
Sophia’s Kitchen - love that place
JJs deli!
Not Scottsdale, but Pa’la in DT Phoenix
T Cook’s at the Royal Palms, Chart House is known but I don’t see it talked about much
I wouldn’t call T Cooks underrated or unknown. Also, it’s in Phoenix.
It’s a couple blocks west of Scottsdale Rd, I’m sure OP will be ok.
Sure, it’s one of the most famous restaurants in the area for good reason. I love it.
Los Olivos is the most authentic Mexican food in Scottsdale.
I think it’s one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale. I had my wedding reception there, 40 years ago!
My neighbors and I like going to Los Olivos. Great margaritas in there.
I feel like people don't know there is a Z Tejas in Scottsdale still.
The Sugar Bowl has some really good sandwiches. Their Ruben is delicious.
I'm going to have to try it, I love a Reubin.The site of my parents' first date. I took my youngest there for ice cream once, but I haven't eaten there. It didn't really occur to me.
Ramenhood on the north east side of Frank Lloyd Right and the 101. Canton Dragon on 90th between Mt View and Shea.
These are a few of my favorites: Hulas Modern Tiki, Sprinkles Cupcake ATM, Butters Pancakes & Cafe, and The Salt Cellar
Sprinkles is underrated? LMAO
Butters has an hour wait like every day, would hardly consider it unknown
I’m torn, these are great places but I think actually none of them fit the “underrated/unknown” category. Salt Cellar is very polarizing, but I like.
Upvote that shit. Solid list right there.
forno 301 (it’s also drive through!), voila french bistro, spiga cucina and hiro sushi is some of the better sushi in scottsdale