Best Empanadas REPUBLICA EMPANADA 204 East First Avenue, Mesa 480-969-1343 republicaempanada.com Empanadas, those little pockets of dough stuffed with any number of fillings, are one of our go-to comfort foods. There’s some- thing about that crispy little half-moon that just soothes the soul. When we’re craving one, we hit up Republica Empanada in downtown Mesa. Our favorites include the creamy black bean and mozzarella, as well as the Cubana (pernil, ham, mozzarella, and dill pickle) and the veggie-heavy Pura Vida (chickpeas, mushrooms, carrots, spinach, celery, and bell peppers). We prefer our empanadas savory, but there are dessert varieties if you like them sweet. We often wash down our empanadas with one of Republica Empanada’s many flavors of Jarritos Mexican soda. Best Barbecue LITTLE MISS BBQ 4301 East University Drive 602-437-1177 8901 North Seventh Street 602-314-6922 littlemissbbq.com When you mention barbecue in Phoenix, Little Miss is the first place anyone thinks of, as this barbecue joint is synonymous with ’cue in the Valley. There are currently two locations, one near Tempe and a newer spot in north Phoenix’s Sunnyslope neigh- borhood. This year, the grill masters have another surprise in the works. They’re transforming a retro A-frame building on Central Avenue into their third location, bringing their award-winning food closer to downtown Phoenix. At Little Miss, the meat is sold by weight, inside sandwiches, or on classic plates with sides including ranch-style beans, jalapeño cheddar grits, and potato salad. Sliced and chopped brisket are the stars, but pulled pork, ribs, and sausage links all make excellent choices. When visiting the Sunnyslope location, make sure to check out the special item of green and red chile burritos for a Southwest spin on barbecue. At either restaurant, be prepared to wait, or if short on time, place orders ahead online. Best Ribs DANKY’S BAR-B-Q 4727 East Bell Road, #31 602-996-2016 dankysbbq.com Located in a north Phoenix strip mall, Danky’s Bar-B-Q serves some of the best ribs in town. The tender meat falls off the bones, held together only by an almost candied crust that crackles when cut into. Hot links and juicy pulled pork round out a three-meat plate, which comes loaded up with side options like creamy, peppery mac and cheese, pork-studded beans, and sweet cornbread. If a full meal sounds too heavy, Danky’s has a solid sandwich menu, including the Hot Southern Mess, which slaps pulled pork, beef brisket, hot barbecue sauce, jalapeños, and onions on a bun. Wash it all down with a local beer served on tap at this hidden-gem bar and barbecue joint. Best Pizza LA PIAZZA AL FORNO 5803 West Glendale Avenue, Glendale 623-847-3301 lapiazzafamiglia.com La Piazza al Forno seems like a shop from a different time. Walk around Historic Downtown Glendale, past the town square, and stumble across this corner pizzeria, complete with red brick walls and a glowing neon sign. Inside, pizza beckons. This restaurant serves classic Neapolitan pizza and Roman style. The former is stretched thin, and cooked for 60 to 90 seconds in a devilishly hot oven to create a light dough that’s charred on the edges. Roman-style square pizza dough includes olive oil, making it crisp and hearty. A standout on the menu is the Lasagna Neapolitan pizza, in which ricotta and sausage toppings create a perfect blend of two classic Italian dishes. Best Pasta GUIDO’S CHICAGO MEATS & DELI 10893 North Scottsdale Road, #121, Scottsdale 480-951-0636 guidosofchicago.com If you’d like to make an authentic Italian meal at home for your friends and family, Guido’s Chicago Meats & Deli will fulfill all of your pasta needs. Gnocchi, linguine, and tagliatelle are available to take home, as are lasagna noodles. Once you’re home, it only takes a few minutes to boil pasta so good you’ll swear you’re eating in a small restaurant in Florence. Open since 1983, Guido’s also welcomes guests in the restaurant, which seats up to 50. Checkered red tablecloths and an unas- suming vibe makes the establishment a neighborhood favorite. Diners can choose from an extensive menu including calzones, hot and cold subs, bread, and 210 BEST OF PHOENIX 2022 | WWW.BESTOFPHOENIX2022.C0M | SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
