176 B EST M E X I CA N BA K E RY La Purisima Bakery 2318 E. Indian School Road 602-957-2771 4533 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale 623-842-1400 purisimabakery.com There’s no bad time of day to enjoy some- thing from one of La Purisima’s two Valley locations. A pillowy, sweet chocolate concha with your morning coffee? Sounds like a great idea. A lemon-flavored cookie topped with sprinkles to finish off lunch? Perfect. A slice of strawberry cake as a midnight snack? Yes, please. La Purisima makes Mexican baked goods fresh each day, and its offerings include everything from empanadas and croissants to muffins and danishes. The bakery often makes colored conchas for special occasions, such as red, white and green ones for Mexican Independence Day or orange and purple when the Suns are in the playoffs. Prices are low, and service is friendly and efficient, so there’s no downside to stopping at La Purisima for a little treat whenever the mood strikes. B E ST C H U R RO S Dulce Churro Cafe 1674 N. Higley Road, #107, Gilbert 480-981-3628 1050 W. Chandler Blvd., #4, Chandler 480-900-7038 dulcechurrocafe.com The phrase “less is more” doesn’t apply at Dulce Churro Cafe. At the local dessert chain, a fresh, warm churro, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, is only the beginning. The churros come in several different shapes, including cylinders, loops and bites, but choosing a base is only your first decision of your visit. From there, you can choose glazes (strawberry, chocolate or icing), toppings (including Oreos, almonds or marshmallow) and dips (such as mango, caramel or chocolate). You can get your churro with a side of soft-serve ice cream, or enjoy the ice cream in a churro bowl or a churro sandwich. All the choices make for some decadent sweet treats, but it only works if the foundation, the churro itself, is high-quality. And fortunately, at Dulce Churro Cafe, it always is. 22222 B E ST AG UAS F R E S CAS Tortas Manantial 5950 W. McDowell Road, #101 623-873-0664 5185 W. Baseline Road, #102, Laveen Village 602-633-3039 And other Valley locations tortasmanantial.com During Phoenix’s brutal summer months, a cold drink in hand is practically a lifesaving accessory. Local chain Tortas Manantial makes some of the tastiest around. Its aguas frescas, beverages that are a mixture of fruit, water and sugar, are always light, sweet and refreshing. The options include classics like strawberry, watermelon, cucumber and pineapple, and we’ve never had a bad cup. If you’re looking for something a little heavier, Tortas Manantial also serves straight juice. And if you’re stopping for a drink around lunch or dinnertime, as the name suggests, the restaurant has a solid lineup of great sandwiches (the Hawaiiana torta, made with pulled pork and pineapple slices, is a favorite of ours). Just don’t forget to order a big agua fresca to accompany your meal. 22222 B E ST T EQ U I L A BA R Barcoa Agaveria 829 N. First Ave. 602-980-0788 barcoaphx.com For tequila and mezcal sippers, Barcoa is Phoenix’s premier destination for any season or vibe. Sit outdoors in its festive patio space during the gorgeous winter months, hang around the cantina housed inside or hunker down with a cocktail in the agave basement for a more intimate, speakeasy feel. Since it opened in 2020, Barcoa has won several Best of Phoenix awards, and it’s no wonder why — the drinks are made with high-quality, inter- esting ingredients, and the selection of spirits is unmatched, with a wide variety of mezcals. Expect to go way beyond the typical brands of tequilas and mezcals you see in the U.S.
