So you've found yourself in town for some special occasion.
Whether that's for a wedding, elopement, graduation, or photo session - I get this question a lot from my folks from out-of-town I figured I’d put together a list of some of my favorite spots around the Valley.
And just to be clear: I’m not getting paid to advertise any of these. These are just genuinely some of my favorite places to eat around Phoenix, Tempe, and the surrounding area.
Whether you’re looking for a nicer dinner, a really good burger, a quick breakfast, or a post-session treat, here are 7 spots I’d happily recommend to my clients.
1. Wren & Wolf — Phoenix
If you’re in the mood for something a little more upscale, Wren & Wolf is such a good pick. It definitely leans more fancy, so it’s a great option for a nicer dinner while you’re in town for a wedding weekend, an elopement, or a graduation celebration.
For lunch, I love their steak frites. For dinner, their wagyu is incredible. Honestly though, you really can’t go wrong with anything there.
They also have a quiet speakeasy inside called Trophy Room, and one of the things that makes it so fun is that they make you put your phone in lockers before you go in. It sounds intense, but it actually makes the whole experience better because you’re kind of forced to be present and talk to the people you came with. You will probably have to make a reservation for both though, just FYI.
2. The Stand Arcadia — Phoenix
The Stand in Arcadia is one of my favorite casual spots, especially if you want something fun and unfussy. It’s *subtly* Pulp Fiction-themed, which already gives it points, but the food is also just really good.
Their burgers are so solid, and I’m weirdly particular about fries, but I love the cut of theirs. The secret sauce with them is also very, very good.
This is a great stop if you want something more laid-back but still memorable.
3. First and Last — Downtown Phoenix
If you’re a sandwich person, First and Last is absolutely worth it.
Their sandwiches are amazing, and yes, the line can get a little wild if you hit it during the lunch rush, but there’s a reason for that. It’s delicious.
My recommendation is the Little Jerry, which is an Italian chicken cutlet sandwich on fresh baked focaccia. So, so good.
If you’re downtown for grad photos, wedding prep, or just exploring Phoenix a little, this is a really good lunch option.
4. Bagelfeld’s — Phoenix + Tempe
For bagels, Bagelfeld’s is one of my favorites in the Valley.
A very important note: the Phoenix location usually sells out before 11 AM on weekends, and they open at 6 AM, so go early if you really want it. They also opened a Tempe location, which I have yet to visit, but I imagine it's still just as great.
My personal favorite order is either a blueberry or sesame bagel with their brown butter cream cheese. That spread is actual crack. And the texture of their bagels is just... different. I've never been to New York, and forgive me if this is slander, but I imagine a Bagelfeld bagel could put up a good fight against a New York bagel.
This is such a good breakfast option if you’ve got an early photo session, grad shoot, or wedding day getting-ready morning and want something good before the day really starts.
5. Beach House — Uptown Phoenix
Beach House is one of my favorite spots for Cali-Mex food in Uptown Phoenix.
I spent a lot of afternoons there after school since it was within walking distance, so it’s one of those places that feels nostalgic to me too. The food is great, and it’s a fun option if you want something more casual and sunny.
A couple things to know: it’s all outdoor seating, and it can definitely get busy, especially around dinner rush. Might be best for takeout.
I always get the fried fish tacos, or the shrimp ones. It barely sees the light of day before it's inhaled.
6. Harvey’s Wineburger — Near Uptown Phoenix
Harvey’s Wineburger has been around forever, and if you want a true old-school Phoenix dive bar burger, this is the spot.
And yes, it is a dive bar. So just know that going in. If you’re expecting quiet, polished and trendy, this is not that. But if you want a genuinely incredible burger, it 100% delivers.
I really do think they have one of the best burgers in town - something about that red wine they put in the patties (hence, wineburger) does it in for me.
My go-to there is the Garlic Patty Melt, and it never disappoints.
7. LIX Uptown — Phoenix
If you want dessert, LIX Uptown is such a fun stop.
Everything there is lactose-free, which is amazing, and they always have really unique rotating flavors. My favorite one I’ve had there was the Gansito cookie flavor, which I still think about.
The owner and everyone working there are usually super nice, and the back area is such a cool place to sit, hang out, and eat your ice cream.
It’s a great little treat spot if you’re wrapping up a shoot day, celebrating after graduation photos, or just want something sweet while you’re in town.
That said.
If you’re visiting the Valley for your wedding, elopement, graduation, or photo session, I hope this gives you a few good places to start. There are obviously a ton of great places to eat around Phoenix, but these are some of my personal favorites that I’d actually recommend to my clients.
Again, none of this is sponsored — I’m not getting paid to advertise any of these places. I just love good food, and these are spots I genuinely enjoy.
And if you’re planning a session with me and want food recommendations based on what part of town you’ll be in, I’m always happy to send over a few ideas!
