15 Feb 20th-Feb 26th, 2025 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | in the food. Classic Mexican dishes get an elevated twist thanks to chef and co-founder Roberto Centeno. Bring a group and share platters of perfectly crisped chicken served with rich beans, fluffy rice, tender tortillas and bright, spicy salsas. Enjoy the feast with craft cocktails or a glass of wine for a delightful date night experience. DAHLIA TAPAS TEQUILA AND WINE 2221 N. Seventh St. Want to impress a date? Take them to Dahlia, one of the most romantic spots in town. Deep purple walls, fresh flowers on each table and candlelight set the tone for a delicious dinner and drinks. The menu is split into three sections: small and large tapas and charcuterie boards. Start with the fresh pan con tomate and make sure to get in an order of the potato croquettes. Dishes such as steaks are available, and there’s a rotation of specials, so make sure to ask. Our favorite way to end the night at this downtown haunt is with a tipple that combines a cocktail with dessert. In the Beso de Noche, cookie dough whiskey is topped with vanilla whip and chocolate shavings. TACO VIVA 2815 E. Indian School Road The newly built and mural-decorated Taco Viva instantly fit into its Arcadia-area neigh- borhood. This modern, bright and cheery taco shop serves tacos, vampiros, tostadas, mulas and fries topped with your choice of protein. We’re partial to the bright red al pastor, tender carne asada and unique mushroom options. As your meal makes its way down the line, a friendly cook will post the question “con todo” to which the answer is a resounding “yes.” Load those suckers up with onions, cilantro, guac and salsa. Just be warned, the orange salsa packs a seriously spicy punch. PRINCESS PITA 2620 W. Broadway Road. Mesa Formerly known as Princess Market, this staple on the border of Mesa and Tempe has a new name but the same great food. Now called Princess Pita, this destination for Middle Eastern food is part grocery store, part dessert shop and part restaurant. As a whole, it makes for a fun trip. Enjoy a meal, then order a dessert and pick up some groceries to cook at home later. We’re big fans of the aromatic chicken shawarma and tender kofta kabab. Entree plates come with tahini-filled hummus, a lightly dressed fresh salad, rice, and soft, warm pita. The counter-service restaurant also offers wraps, shareable appetizers and salads. For dessert, make sure to check out the cases of succulent baklava, which come in many different shapes and sizes. One unique way to enjoy the honey-soaked sweet is in Princess Pita’s baklava cheesecake. Crushed nuts and tangy filling contrast with the flaky dough to create a decadent dessert that isn’t too sweet. THE CHUCKBOX 202 E. University Drive, Tempe The Chuckbox isn’t flashy. It’s not high- tech or cutting-edge. Heck, it still requires cash. But all of the things it’s not are why we love this Tempe institution. Housed inside a rustic cabin, it’s a stark contrast to the Miami-style high-rises that tower above it. The menu is tight, focusing on large mesquite-broiled burgers that sizzle and char over the flame that’s inches away from the counter. Options include a classic burger, cheeseburger, double cheese- burger, bacon burger or chicken The tapas menu at Dahlia is tight but filled with creative dishes. Make sure to order the Potato Croquettes.(Photo by Tirion Boan) Top 100 Restaurants from p 14 The Chuckbox is a staple of Tempe. (Photo by Jacob Tyler Dunn) >> p 16
