With yet another cloudless, 110-plus-degree Fahrenheit Phoenician summer already well underway, there is no better time for an indoor outing. To help keep Valleygoers cool, 10 Phoenix restaurants are offering special menus and deals throughout the Metro (and beyond). As summer temperatures rise, so too are the following restaurateurs heating up their menus to compete with the season and offer fellow heat-refugees/foodies the right mise en place for their next dining experience. Whether it be the casual, midday brunch or romantic evening out, local Zonies can decide from these 10 diverse spots.
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Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill
True to its name and logo of a heraldic lion holding a drink, Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill’s comestibles are fairly typified à la Americana bar and grill, though the four-soon-to-be-five chain restaurant is now offering a limited “Summer Fresh Menu” through September, the likes of which adding seasonal entrees such as Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon, artisanal flatbreads like Caramelized Pair and Prosciutto and even non-alcoholic refreshers such as Hibiscus Basil Lemonade. Those looking for a festive outing may look no further than Thirsty Lion and its summer menu prepared for the heat. thirstyliongastropub.com
The Henry
Reservations are well encouraged for the Gatsby-esque, Fox Restaurant Concepts bistro and self-ascribed “The Greatest Neighborhood Restaurant” located in the heart of Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood. Offering a seasonal carte du jour, The Henry features an array of summer dishes such as Whipped Ricotta and Artichoke plated with spring asparagus, mint, lemon chili and grilled bread, or a sweet pain perdu, Cinnamon Swirl French Toast made from local brioche and topped with whipped cream cheese frosting and cinnamon caramel (to name but two). Ensure to call ahead before Sunday brunch. Thehenryrestaurant.com
Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey
A resident of Phoenix’s Melrose district, Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey is a Scandinavian-aestheticized and award-winning, fine dining sushi bar that specializes in pairing sushi with spirits for epicures. “Sunset Hour” happy hour runs from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and all-day happy hour takes place on Mondays. Sandfish is also hosting a number of summer highlights, including Nigiri Bites such as Albacore with ponzu, kimchi and scallions, Yellowtail with jalapeno and burnt blood orange, or four Makimono dishes like Cucumber with yuzu kosho aioli or Tuna with shallots and tobanjan aioli. To top off dinner, check out the Matcha Pudding with anko, dango and shiso granita. sandfishsushiwhiskey.com
Over Easy
Spanning the Copper State with 16 locations, Over Easy is a breakfast and brunch chain previously featured on the Food Network, Bon Appétit Magazine and Travel + Leisure. Down to Earth and family-friendly, the chain introduces their host of seasonal entrees through September, including Key Lime Pancakes topped with white chocolate, graham cracker mix, whipped cream, lime zest and creamy lime glaze, or a savory Hickory Hash with crispy onion strings, eggs over easy, a drizzle of spicy barbecue over pork carnitas, bacon, cherry tomatoes, charred red onion, bell pepper and green chile. eatatovereasy.com
Miracle Mile Deli
For expats formerly of the Five Boroughs and/or Tri-State area living in the Valley, Miracle Mile has been one of few in Phoenix to offer a familiar slice of New York City since 1949. This July, the delicatessen boasts its tried-and-true, all-beef Kosher Hebrew National Hotdog Special which includes the titular pièce de resistance in addition to fries and drink, with add-ons such as sauerkraut, chili or coleslaw available for a nominal fee. Staying faithful to their Brooklyn roots, the chain also offers a milkshake and ice cream float special all summer long for a price fitting of its Norman Rockwell vibe. miraclemiledeli.com
Hamburguesas Y Cervezas
What deifies the proverbial “Great American Experiment” more than Mexican Hamburger from Downtown Phoenix luncheonette, Hamburguesas Y Cervezas? Just as the eatery’s name implies, the unique conjunction of American pastime meets Hispanic flavor offers such entrees as the Chorizo Burger, a half-pound chuck and Schreiner’s chorizo blend with smashed tots, roasted poblano, white onion, mustard, lettuce and pepper jack on a brioche bun, or the Vegetariana served with guacamole. Summer highlights include discounted Mexican drafts alongside their signature burgers. hamburguesasycervezas.com
Kona Grill
Touting the moniker of “America’s Grill” and spanning multiple states, Kona Grill is another familiar chain restaurant with two locations in Desert Ridge and Gilbert. In observance of the summer solstice and on throughout the season, Kona will offer their limited “Summer Features Menu” which highlights entrées such as Horseradish Crusted Mahi Mahi with edamame, corn succotash, tomatoes and basil oil, or their other featured dish, Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna with shiitake mushrooms, tomatoes, onion, sesame salad and ginger lime mayo. Dessert includes lemon sponge cake with raspberry sauce. konagrill.com
Volanti Restaurant & Lounge
Visitors of the unique Volanti Restaurant & Lounge overlooking the runway at Scottsdale Airport can partake in refreshing summer options like the Sesame Ginger Salad. While diners dream of their next adventure amidst the nearby takeoffs and touchdowns, they can enjoy the Sesame Ginger Salad’s savory combo of napa cabbage, carrots, red and green peppers, almond, scallion, wonton strips and sesame ginger vinaigrette. ($15, add chicken for $7, steak or shrimp for $10 or salmon for $12). volantiscottsdale.com
Beginner’s Luck
Old Town Scottsdale’s newest resident of a transitional restaurant that offers an impressive triple triad of three distinct, noteworthy menus for breakfast, brunch and dinner, Beginner’s Luck has kicked off their summer celebration by promoting their Original Chopped Salad every Wednesday through August, a signature dish that comes packed with smoked salmon, couscous, arugula, pepitas, asiago, currants, dried sweet corn, tomatoes and buttermilk dressing. Breakfast goers with a sweet tooth can enjoy sweet or monster kolache, or their mesquite date nut bread with cream cheese. beginnersluckaz.com
Butterfly Burger
Located just north of the Valley in the beautiful and well-worth-the-visit flora/fauna of Sedona, Butterfly Burger is but one of six area-specific restaurants founded by renowned chef Lisa Dahl. With unique dishes such as “A Vegan’s Dream,” one lentil-walnut sofrito burger with roasted Campari tomatoes, lettuce and Pimentón aioli on a grain bun, or “2019 Burger Champion The Waco” with Tillamook white, aged cheddar, 4 Roses bourbon, maple caramelized onion, bacon confit and dijon on an artisan bun, the restaurant also offers seasonal-appropriate dessert such as the Sweet and Salty Sundae. butterflyburger.com