12 N E W T I M E S B I G G A M E G U I D E Feb. 9th-Feb. 15th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com corn, Cajun, or sweet potato fries. (6751 North Sunset Boulevard Suite E101, Glendale; hotnjuicycrawfish.com) A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD Haus Murphy’s For a quarter-century, this cozy, classic restaurant has been dishing out authen- tic German cuisine in Glendale. Haus Murphy’s is known for its Original Okto- berfest Pretzel, the sausage sampler, juicy bratwursts, house-made sauerkraut, and quite a variety of schnitzels that include a one-pounder. The German aesthetic extends, of course, to the bar, which offers giant bottled biers you can enjoy beneath string lights on the vaguely European patio — a lovely slice of Old World in the West Valley. (5739 West Glendale Avenue, Glendale; hausmurphys.com) La Mejor Barbacoa Just southwest of Old Towne Glendale, you’ll find La Mejor Barbacoa sandwiched between an auto repair shop and a transmission repair shop. Blink, and you may not find it at all. Good thing there’s a sign, and three flappy banners advertising barbacoa, menudo, and Micheladas. Inside this golden-yellow restaurant, you’re greeted with neon beer signs, worn but elegant tables and chairs, oversized house plants, and a friendly, family-like staff. The barbacoa is worthy of its place on the sign, but so is the pozole and menudo. Most items come with house-made tortillas, a green sauce, and a slow burner of a red sauce (which a staff member will warn you about personally). In the mood for something sweeter? Flip the two-sided menu for mango con chile, ice cream, fruity shaved ice, and aguas frescas. (6522 North 59th Avenue, Glendale: directoriodigital.online/lamejorco- midamexicana) La Piazza Al Forno This is the classic lunch-spot pizza joint, except surprise, the pizza is incredibly upscale, well-known, and awarded. Seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, La Piazza Al Forno in Old Towne Glendale is a trailblazer in bringing wood-fired, artisanal pizza to the West Valley and greater Phoenix. Not to mention, it’s what’s left but also what’s best of pizzaiolo’s Justin Piazza pizza empire (thanks COVID). Plus it’s a certified Verace Pizza Napoletana restaurant, meaning your pizza will arrive with the crispy-chewy crust and expected San Marzano tomatoes. Oh, but it’s absolutely a great dinner spot as well. (5803 West Glendale Avenue, Glendale; lapiazzafamiglia.com) Little Saigon The family-run Vietnamese restaurant relocated to downtown Glendale from Christown Mall a while back, but the bungalow looks like it set up shop decades ago. Little Saigon is spotted by the adorable courtyard and white-fenced entrance and remembered by the food. Menu highlights include the shrimp-stuffed spring rolls, the banh xeo crepe, anything served in a hot pot, and the coconut boba smoothie. However, classics like pho tai are easy orders here. (7016 North 57th Avenue, Glendale; facebook.com/littlesaigonaz) The perfect lunch: pho at Little Saigon in historic downtown Glendale.| LAUREN CUSIMANO
