I lived in Arizona for most of my childhood and I’ve been going back once or twice most years since I moved away fourteen years ago. So, what’s on my must-do list when I return, beyond visiting family and long-time friends? Eating!

There are a handful of Phoenix-area restaurants that are not merely tasty; these places cause deep-rooted cravings. As a bonus, each is an affordable option for families with children.

Here’s a list of the eateries I try to squeeze in during any trip home.

Best Burgers and Dogs
Don’t let the name scare you! Chuckbox, located just across from Arizona State University in Tempe, is THE place to go for a grilled meaty treat before or after a Sun Devils game. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches are cooked as nature intended…over a huge flaming open fire. You might as well order some beer battered onion rings or deep fried zucchini while you’re at it. Portions are huge, prices are low. The atmosphere is rustic, with wooden plank benches and glass mugs of beer or root beer. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Best Pizza and Subs
With several locations throughout Arizona, Streets of New York makes the best pizza in Arizona as far as I’m concerned. It’s not fancy; it’s just cheesy, saucy, crispy, chewy pizza goodness. Not in the mood for pizza? Get a sub instead. My Scottsdale-resident parents are devotees of the Best of Everything hot sub, layered with Capocolla ham, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pepperocini, and tasty Italian dressing all served on a warm, chewy roll. Yum!

Best Ice Cream Parlor 
Nothing beats an old-fashioned ice cream parlor for a special treat, especially when you have kids! Slide into a bubblegum pink booth in Old Scottsdale’s Sugar Bowl and order my favorite, a Blarney Dream – a tall layered sundae of green mint syrup, vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge, and butter pecan ice cream, topped with whipped cream and a cherry. If that sounds too exotic, order a standard banana split, hot fudge sundae, or one of their many flavors of shakes. While you’re here, take a peek at the Family Circus drawings that adorn the walls. Artist and Sugar Bowl fan, Bil Keane, featured the Sugar Bowl in a bunch of his cartoons.

Best Coffee House
Back before Starbucks took over the world, Coffee Plantation was the forerunner of the coffee movement in the Phoenix area. My high school pals and I used to drive to Tempe on weekends to go to the original Coffee Plantation on the college town’s main street, Mill Avenue. The original location recently shut down despite its numerous loyal fans, but you can still grab a good cup of joe or an Italian soda (with cream or without) in one of two Scottsdale locations. 

Best Mexican Food
While good Mexican food can be found in my adopted hometown of San Diego, for me, nothing beats Arizona’s Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine. I couldn’t narrow it down to just one, so here’s my top three picks.

Ajo Al’s has three locations in the Valley of the Sun and one in Arrowhead, Arizona. One of their house specialties, and my dish of choice, is the Pollo Con Queso – a fried chicken burrito topped with spicy cream cheese and melted cheese.

Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen is a newer find for me. A unique dish, and my husband’s all-time favorite, is the Chicken Poblano. A fresh poblano chile is filled with seasoned chicken, then breaded, cooked until crunchy, and smothered with enchilada sauce and melting cheese. If you’re a tamale fan, you must try Macayo’s green chile tamale! There are numerous Macayo’s locations to choose from throughout Arizona and Nevada.

Rosita’s Fine Mexican Food offers kitschy décor and delectable dishes in Tempe. I used to wait tables here during college and I never tired of the extensive menu. Back then, I even stopped by on my days off to get my fix of chicken enchiladas with zesty red sauce, spinach enchiladas with creamy white cheese, or crispy flautas topped with guacamole.

Do you have a favorite Phoenix area restaurant that should be added to the list? Leave a comment below!

You might also like:

• Beach Day in Zihuatanejo, Mexico

• 4 Phoenix Fun Spots for Kids

• San Diego Zoo’s Best Beasts, Eats, and Treats

• Top 5 Things to Do in San Antonio, Texas