At both its North Scottsdale and Mesa locations, Rodizio Grill turns dinner into an occasion. As America’s First Brazilian Steakhouse®, the restaurant brings the lively spirit of southern Brazil to the Valley with a dining experience built for lingering, sharing, and celebrating. The centerpiece is the traditional rodizio service, where Gauchos carve an endless parade of rotisserie-grilled meats tableside. From savory garlic sirloin and tender tri-tip to sweet-and-spicy glazed chicken, every pass delivers something worth saving room for. And then there’s the grilled pineapple: caramelized, and impossible to skip. The experience goes far beyond steak. Guests can explore an abundant gourmet salad bar, Brazilian sides, and warm Pão de Queijo, the addictive baked cheese bread that diners can’t stop talking about. Pair it with a handcrafted Caipirinha, fresh- pressed juice, or a glass of wine, and the pace of the evening naturally slows into something more memorable. Whether it’s a birthday dinner, date night, family gathering, or business celebration, Rodizio Grill offers a festive atmosphere that feels both elevated and approachable. In a dining scene full of trends, this is the kind of experience that keeps people coming back hungry. RODIZIO GRILL BRAZILIAN FLAVOR, ARIZONA STYLE LOCATED IN NORTH SCOTTSDALE & MESA RODIZIO.COM In a modest building near 24th Street and McDowell Road, La Barquita has quietly built a reputation as one of Phoenix’s most soulful Mexican kitchens. Opened in 2005 by Jalisco native Jose Garcia, the restaurant is rooted in generations of family recipes—many traced back to his grandfather’s birria stand in La Barca, Mexico. That heritage comes through most clearly in the restaurant’s signature birria de chivo. The dish, a traditional Jalisco specialty, features goat meat slow-cooked in a deeply seasoned chile broth until tender, then served with its aromatic consommé for dipping or sipping. At La Barquita, it’s still prepared using Garcia’s family method, delivering rich, earthy flavors that feel both rustic and refined. More than just a restaurant, La Barquita is a living extension of one family’s culinary lineage—where every bowl of birria tells a story. Inside, the vibe is casual and colorful—a true neighborhood hangout where families, regulars, and first-timers come for the sprawling menu and generous plates. Molcajetes, homemade caldos (including pozole and menudo), mariscos tostadas, burritos and fajitas are other featured offerings. La Barquita even opens at 8am daily for breakfast chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, omelettes and pancakes. LA BARQUITA BRINGING GENERATIONS OF JALISCO FLAVOR TO PHOENIX 2334 E MCDOWELL RD, PHOENIX LABARQUITAAZ.COM | 602.275.5994 EAT 2026 | PHOENIX NEW TIMES | MAY 14TH - MAY 20TH 29
