66 Best of phoenix 2023 | WWW.bestofphoenix2023.c0m | septemBer 28, 2023 artists, voice actors and cosplay over Labor Day weekend at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. Since launching in 2008, it’s become Arizona’s largest and longest- running anime event and has been synon- ymous with both local anime fandom and inclusivity. Organizers Greg and Stacy Fennell eschew gatekeeping at their event, welcoming casuals and newbies eager to embrace, explore and experience their newfound anime obsession. It helped Saboten Con’s turnout swell, particularly this year when a record-setting 29,000 people swarmed the Sheraton and the nearby Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel. There was also a new gaming and esports side event called SaboSlam, which Greg says is aimed at making the convention even more all-encompassing. “If you’re into any part of [anime] culture at all, you’re going to find something to do over the weekend,” he says. Best Discount Movie Theater POLLACK TEMPE CINEMAS 1825 E. Elliot Road, Tempe 480-345-6461 pollacktempecinemas.com Not even Pollack Tempe Cinemas is immune to the evils of inflation. You’ll be shocked to know that in the last half- decade, ticket prices have risen from $3 to a whopping $3.50 per show, which of course means that the Tempe theater is still the best deal in town. Pollack Tempe Cinemas shows second-run movies (meaning the ones that have already been in theaters for several weeks or longer), plus a selection of popular modern classics such as the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and the original animated version of “The Little Mermaid.” And the movies aren’t the only great thing about the theater. Concession prices are similarly affordable, and owner Michael Pollack has tricked out the lobby with a fun assortment of cine- matic memorabilia, including a number of life-size statues of beloved film characters. Let’s all go to the movies. Best Luxury Movie Theater HARKINS CINÉ GRILL 25406 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria 623-473-9140 harkins.com/cinegrill It’s been a tough few years for movie theaters. So, Harkins — the largest indepen- dently owned theater company in the U.S. — did what you might expect from a plucky Arizona-based favorite: Wrap their future around a Sonoran hot dog. It takes Best Supporting Actor on the menu of Ciné Grill, the company’s first foray into dine-in movie theaters that debuted at Lake Pleasant Towne Center in July. Besides the tasty menu — yes, there’s booze, mocktails and seltzers, too — there are plush recliners, personal tabletops and call-to-order push buttons in case you forget to add a side of crispy roasted Brussels sprouts to your movie-going meal. Ciné Grill delivers the luxe that movie nights have needed. If Peoria is too far of a drive, Harkins plans to open a second Ciné Grill in 2024 at the former Paradise Valley Mall site near Cactus Road and Tatum Boulevard. Best Place to See a Classic Movie MAJESTIC NEIGHBORHOOD CINEMA GRILL 1140 E. Baseline Road, Tempe 480-908-3059 And other Valley locations majesticphx.com When we’re in the mood to catch classic films on the big screen, it’s hard to beat the diverse selection being screened at the Valley’s three Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grills. Sure, your neighborhood theater might have multiple showings of “Barbie,” but how about showing more than one or two older movies a week? The folks at the Majestic mix the old and the new, programming a curated lineup of cult classics, arthouse fare, grindhouse flicks, anime imports, all-time favorites and even celluloid oddities (“Reefer Madness” anyone?) to complement their slate of the first-run releases. There are also weekly series like the horror-focused Cinematery Tuesdays and monthly 35 mm screenings of repertory films. And you won’t want to miss lively events like movie parties featuring singalongs, interactive props and special food and drink pairings. Each Majestic location also has a full bar, in case you’d like some suds or spirits to enhance your cinematic experience. Best Staycation Spot ANDAZ SCOTTSDALE RESORT & BUNGALOWS 6114 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480-368-1234 andazscottsdale.com Correct us if we’re wrong, but the point of a staycation is to get away from regular life and pretend that we’re on vacation and not just a few miles from our dentist’s office. It’s hard to do that if we’re out and about in the city, so when it’s time to take a staycation, we opt for Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, where there’s plenty to keep us busy. Besides the understatedly luxe rooms, Andaz offers guests three pools, one of which is adults only, plus complimentary activities like a nightly happy hour, yoga and meditation classes and more. And those are just the things that are included in your stay; paid experiences include spa treatments,
