202 FOOD & DRINK SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 | WWW.BESTOFPHOENIX2025.C0M | BEST OF PHOENIX 2025 covered by large, beautiful, leafy trees that transport you from the desert as you munch on woodfire brick oven pizzas and ornate salads. In the winter, heaters are spread throughout the patio area, and misters keep customers cool in the summer. Phoenix has plenty of patio dining, but Cibo’s all-weather area with blooming plants and flowers throughout tops the list. e e e B E S T P L A C E T O E A T B E F O R E A D O W N T O W N E V E N T THE DESMOND 1 N. FIRST ST., #103 602-466-1444 THEDESMONDAZ.COM Next door to downtown pub The Kettle Black, there sits a little restaurant perfect for starting off your night. The Desmond is owned by the same folks as the pub, so the drinks selection includes imported beers and craft cocktails. But here, instead of pairing your Guinness with fish and chips, you can enjoy it with excellent pizza. The Neapolitan-style pies are topped with flavorful ingredients ranging from creamy burrata and thin shaved prosciutto to spicy salami and roasted red peppers. When heading to a downtown event at the ballpark or stadium, our move is to go family-style. Gather some friends and split an order of crispy wings, a fresh salad, some bruschetta and your choice of pizza. With gluten-free crust and dairy-free cheese also available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy before a show. e e e B E S T P L A C E T O E A T B E F O R E A G L E N D A L E E V E N T KASAI 9824 W. NORTHERN AVE., PEORIA 623-259-6420 KASAITEPPAN.COM The west side of the Valley has seen a big come-up in its dining scene in the last several years, a trend fed by the number of events that take place in Glendale and beyond: Cardinals games, Rattlers games, big-name concerts at Desert Diamond Arena or State Farm Stadium, the spring training season. Folks who are out for a special event often want a great meal to start or finish the evening. We recommend Kasai, a local Japa- nese steakhouse with two Valley locations, one of which is Peoria. Kasai’s got plenty to choose from, including plated entrees and fun, delicious teppanyaki options, but we usually opt for the sushi menu and related raw options. The signature Kasai roll is an artfully plated, deep-fried delight with a fire accent, and the spicy yellowtail nigiri with garlic butter and jalapeno is so delicious that we usually get a second order. Cocktails lean fruity and sweet, which is right up our alley. A visit to Kasai adds an extra layer of enjoy- ment to any west-side night out. e e e B E S T O N E - T W O P U N C H VALENTINE AND BAR 1912 4130 N. SEVENTH AVE. 602-612-2961 VALENTINEPHX.COM 1912PHX.COM When planning a night out, many folks consider not only where to get a great meal, but also if there’s somewhere noteworthy nearby for a glass of wine before or dessert or nightcap after. Valentine, along with its sibling, Bar 1912, has curated a space where diners can have a progressive, vibrant night out without ever leaving one building. The restaurant is a love letter to the Southwest that continues to serve some of the most fun and thought-provoking plates in the city. Save room for a boundary-pushing dessert from three-time James Beard Award semifi- nalist Crystal Kass. You could enjoy that and a nightcap in the dining room. Instead, ask your server to take you over to Bar 1912. Grab a seat by the fire or at the bar and order one of the uniquely crafted cocktails that like- wise use Southwestern ingredients in surprising ways. e e e B E S T A C T U A L H I D D E N G E M DICK’S HIDEAWAY 6008 N. 16TH ST. 602-241-1881 RICHARDSONSNM.COM/DICKS-HIDEAWAY-1 Dick’s Hideaway doesn’t have a sign. And that’s kind of the point. In order to find this tiny, longstanding spot, you’ve got to know where you’re going. Walk through the tinted, unmarked door and you’ll see a small bar with a couple of tight tables. Snag a seat here, or keep going to find the back and side rooms that appear like hidden caves amid the dark- ness. Our favorite seat is at the bar, where we can watch the bartenders shake up classic cocktails and see the cooks work the grill. Plenty of folks stop by just to grab a drink, but the food at Dick’s is not to be missed. Part of the family of New Mexican restaurants that includes Richardson’s and Rokerij, the menu here is packed with green chile, spicy red chile and other staples that’ll light your face on fire, whether from the heat of the oven or the peppers. Tucked in a strip mall next to a bright and airy coffeehouse, Dick’s is a dark, secret spot that is a total find for those in the know.
