The Grind
Think baking a pizza at 1,000 degrees is crazy? How about cooking a burger. The Grind uses custom, only ones of their kind coal-fired ovens to cook their bun-bound masterpieces at or above that sweat-inducing heat — and ground beef isn't the only meat to get the treatment. A quick look over the menu reveals chorizo, portobello, turkey, and chicken sandwiches, as well as mesquite-charred wings, asparagus, and both herbed and sweet potato fries. Wash it all down with one of their classic cocktails, craft beers, or — if you're not feeling the booze — either a draught root beer or handcrafted milkshake. And don't worry if you're a bit to far north to make the trip — there's a second location in north Scottsdale.
Musical Instrument Museum
There's a lot more to the world of instruments than you're going to learn down at your local Guitar Center. Thankfully, that's why there's a place like the Musical Instrument Museum. Founded by a former Target CEO and inspired by the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels, Belgium, MIM is a 200,000 square-foot facility that gives you a taste of music influences from around the world, via a collection of instruments from roughly 200 countries and audio-visual exhibits that let you hear and see the instruments as they would normally be played. Oh, and the building's not too shabby, either.
Hotel Valley Ho
If you're looking for modern accommodations in the Valley of the Sun, you'd best take a look at the Hotel Valley Ho. Originally opened in 1956, this mid-century modern gem offers a variety of different rooms and suites — some complete with kitchens — to suit your needs. Along with the standard and tower spaces, the hotel offers an award-winning pool with a comfy bar and cabanas, contemporary fare at the on-site restaurant ZuZu, an on-site spa, and convenient access to nearby shops, restaurants, and art galleries. [Scouted by Brian]
Taste of Tops
If you're looking for the best booze selection you can get, what better place to go than a liquor store. Located adjacent to Top's Liquors, Taste of Tops makes up for its small size with the vastness of its offerings, boasting 24 rotating taps and a massive beer selection — think well over 400 — with a decent number of wines available by the glass. Of course, it's still kind of a liquor store, so rest assured that when you're ready to leave they'll be more than happy to sell you some brews to go.
Torched Goodness
When it comes to desserts, few dishes can match crème brûleé, and there's no place quite like Torched Goodness to get it. From inside this unassuming white food truck emerges all sorts of takes on the classic blowtorched treat, including flavors like s'mores, coconut, lavender, PB & J, and, of course, classic vanilla. The truck tries whenever possible to use organic and locally grown ingredients, and torches every dish to order. The downside? As with most food trucks, the Goodness moves all around the town, so you might have to travel if you want your fix right now.
Montelucia Resort & Spa
If you've ever flown into or out of Sky Harbor, odds are you spotted Camelback Mountain in the distance — but you probably didn't spot the world-class resort at its base. The Montelucia Resort & Spa offers more than just fantastic views of the mountain — inside its Southern Spanish-style stone walls, you'll find spacious, well appointed rooms, a 31,000 ft. spa and fitness center, three pools, arching entryways, excellent restaurants and bars, and plenty of space for enjoying the outdoors.
Pizzeria Bianco
What matters more to a pizza: which ingredients are used, or the freshness of the ingredients themselves? Pizzeria Bianco has been making a case for the latter for nearly 20 years. Founded by Chris Bianco, the renowned spot features a very short menu — a couple of appetizers, three salads, and six pizzas — but thanks to an attention to detail that includes house-made mozzarella, dough made the owner's brother Marco, and a wood burning oven, each pie is like an ode to simplicity itself. Just don't go expecting to pick up a pie on game day — they're closed Sundays.
Short Leash Dogs
Hot dogs come on a bun, or not at all. Right? Not so much at Short Leash Dogs. This food truck serves up fresh, high-quality dogs to hungry residents of the Valley of the Sun — with a twist. Instead of buns, Short Leash uses naan flatbread, and their toppings go far beyond the normal sauce and onions — think mango chutney, jalapenos, roasted green chilies, pinto beans, and mayo. Looking for something with a little more breading? Try out the cleverly-named Corn Pups.
