206 Best of phoenix 2023 | WWW.bestofphoenix2023.c0m | septemBer 28, 2023 Best Chicago Eats LUKE’S OF CHICAGO 1602 E. Indian School Road 602-264-4022 lukesofchicago.com The denizens of West Chicago would be lost without a good dog or beef sandwich every now and again, and though Portillo’s is the hulking behemoth that stole the spotlight, Luke’s remains the insider’s spot for the best Chicago-style eats. Cary Del Principe has the pedigree to do this food right. He comes from a family that knows the steam tables and deli slicers of Chicago grub stands, and the institutional knowledge shows. The Vienna dogs have the telltale steam magic, the sausage is fat and juicy with great char, and Italian beef stands that take the time to roast their own rather than using processed, cryovac beef are getting hard to come by in Chicago, to say nothing of Phoenix. Plus, Luke’s offers Chicagoland esoterica like corn roll tamales, pepper and egg sandwiches and a killer Maxwell Street Polish. The soda fountain is even loaded with RC Cola. Best New Mexican Cuisine RICHARDSON’S 6335 N. 16th St. 602-265-5886 richardsonsnm.com Richardson’s has been serving New Mexican cuisine in central Phoenix for 35 years, and it continues to reign supreme, serving massive portions and graciously drenching them with its red and green chiles. A visit to the restaurant almost feels like an occasion, thanks to its moody lighting; comfy, cozy booths; and ever- roaring fireplace that set the tone and feel delightfully old Santa Fe and, in an ever- evolving restaurant scene, old Phoenix. The Santa Fe Trail portion of Richardson’s menu reads like a compilation of greatest hits, including classic New Mexican dishes like chile relleno, carne adovada and enchiladas. If you can’t decide, the New Mexican Platter is a veritable smor- gasbord, featuring a cheese relleno, chicken burrito and tamale of the day, along with rice, beans, your choice of chile to top it with and a dinner plate-size tortilla. Bring your appetite — and plans for those inevitable leftovers. Best British Pub GEORGE & DRAGON: AN ENGLISH PUB 4240 N. Central Ave. 602-241-0018 gndphx.com There aren’t very many British pubs in the Valley, but out of the slim pickings, George & Dragon is undeniably the best. Grab a stool by the bar, a high-top table in the main dining room decked out with football flags and scarves or a table in the cozy side room filled with royal memorabilia. Start with a pint, such as a Boddingtons or Smithwick’s on tap, before digging into the menu. Highlights include the bangers and mash; the chicken curry, available as an entree or stuffed into a flaky pasty; and the Sunday roast, available, you guessed it, on Sundays. Mint sauce is available for those who wouldn’t contemplate eating lamb without it. Finish off with a sticky toffee pudding and maybe a game of darts. Best Irish Pub THE DUBLINER IRISH PUB 3841 E. Thunderbird Road 602-867-0984 dublinerpub.com The local Irish pub scene has gotten a wee bit smaller in recent years after beloved spots like Rosie McCaffrey’s, O’Connor’s and Rula Bula each went belly up. Thankfully, The Dubliner is still around and remains not only the Valley’s longest- running Irish pub but also its best. How has it survived? It ain’t just the luck o’ the Irish, fella. The northeast Phoenix spot offers all the comforts of an authentic public house — including Emerald Isle- style decor, imports like Smithwick’s and Harp on draft and a wall of whiskeys — plus a full menu of great Irish (Guinness- braised beef, Molly Malone mussels) and not-so Irish (their Reuben sandwich is top- notch) selections. Around the bar are the most colorful regulars you’ll encounter outside of County Cork, and the weekends always feature a mighty craic with sets by the Valley’s best Celtic musicians and bands. It’s been that way since Seamus
