214 FOOD & DRINK SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 | WWW.BESTOFPHOENIX2025.C0M | BEST OF PHOENIX 2025 ordered a hybrid Guinness-and-Budweiser, someone would toss you out on your arse. At George & Dragon, you ask for a Black & Trash, order the wings with a side of house- made ranch and start figuring out which Bowie song you’re about to butcher. e e e B E S T I R I S H P U B IRISH WOLFHOUND PUB 16811 N. LITCHFIELD ROAD, #102, SURPRISE 623-214-1004 IRISHWOLFHOUNDPUB.COM On a recent Saturday afternoon, the vibe inside the Irish Wolfhound Restaurant & Pub was convivial. Regulars were greeted by name as they entered the bar and offered their usual drink. At tables, families ate lunch, while around the bar, new and old friends chatted over pints. The TVs showed a selection of sports. This far West Valley outpost has only been open for about 15 years, but it feels like an essential mainstay in the neighborhood. Musicians liven up the joint on certain weekend nights, and weekly karaoke nights pack the place with enthusi- astic singers and supporters. The classic Irish pub decor (Guinness signage, photos of the old country) is the backdrop for a good selection of beer and liquors and a menu filled with American fare and classics like shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash. e e e B E S T G E R M A N R E S TA U R A N T HAUS MURPHY’S 5739 W. GLENDALE AVE., GLENDALE 623-939-2480 HAUSMURPHYS.COM With so many great restaurants in the Valley, it’s easy to blink and realize that it’s been years or even decades since you darkened the door of a dining mainstay. We hadn’t been to Glendale German eatery Haus Murphy’s since before the pandemic, and we’re pleased to say that it hasn’t changed. It’s got the same comprehensive menu of Teutonic favorites, including hearty schnitzel platters, tangy beef roulade and the restaurant’s renowned giant pretzel with mustard and beer cheese. And the decor, with its wood paneling and German-themed wall decor and knickknacks, feels dated in the best way, like you’re visiting your Old Country grandparents. Suffice it to say that we won’t let another five years pass before once again darkening the door of Haus Murphy’s. e e e B E S T F R E N C H R E S TA U R A N T LE SANS SOUCI FRENCH RESTAURANT 7030 E. BELLA VISTA DRIVE, CAVE CREEK 480-488-2856 LESANSSOUCIRESTAURANT.COM Elegant food in a cozy setting — that’s Le Sans Souci. The little restaurant on the border of Carefree and Cave Creek cele- brated its 30th anniversary this summer. That’s three decades of classic French fare — dishes such as duck l’orange, sole meuniere, croque monsieur and creme caramel — served graciously in a low-ceilinged brick home with tile floors and tasteful prints dotting the walls. When you eat at Le Sans Souci, you’ve got options, including a prix- fixe dinner menu, an a la carte dinner menu, lunch, brunch and even an early bird menu if you feel like dining before 5:45 p.m. There’s a full bar for all your cocktail needs, and lovely desert views as you enter and leave the parking lot. En conclusion, c’est tres chic. e e e B E S T I T A L I A N R E S T A U R A N T FABIO ON FIRE 8275 W. LAKE PLEASANT PARKWAY, #101, PEORIA 623-680-5385 FABIOONFIRE.COM Fabio on Fire is, well, fire. This aptly named West Valley restaurant serves our favorite lasagna in town, along with other tender pastas, wood-fired pizzas and house-made gelato. The standout food comes thanks to chef and owner Fabio Ceschetti, whose family roots originated in Puglia, Italy. Ceschetti studied the culinary arts in northern Italy and worked at restaurants in his home country and London before making
