It’s that time of year when folks begin to seriously crave some mouthwatering barbecue, and Tom’s BBQ has been feeding that frenzy with “The Valley’s Best BBQ” for 35 years. The family-owned and -operated restaurant has built an enduring reputation among Arizonians with its authentic Chicago-style barbecued eats. From smoked bone-in chicken and chicken breast, hand- sliced beef brisket and burnt ends, to pulled pork, spicy hot links, ribs, and rib tips—all slathered in Tom’s house-made sauce—it’s easy to see why. Although best-known for its flavorful barbecued selections, they’re not the restaurant’s only well- loved specialty items on its extensive menu. Other standouts include additional Windy City favorites like Chicago dogs and grilled chicken sandwiches, Italian beef, and sausage, and the Chi-Town burger, which are all available with mozzarella cheese, sweet peppers, and hot giardiniera relish. Tom’s BBQ also provides catering options with buffet-style and full-service setups for a variety of occasions, such as church socials, family reunions, neighborhood block parties, fundraisers, and corporate events. Tom’s BBQ BrIng On The BArBeCue Tempe 480.820.0728 ChAndler 480.812-2733 TOmsBBQAZ.COm Dirty Blonde Tavern in Chandler is a favorite among the locals in the East Val- ley. This sprawling, neighborhood Sports Bar dishes out traditional American eats with a full-service bar. Dirty Blonde boasts High-Def TVs to broadcast all the Sports Networks so you never miss a play. They also offer weekly events like Karaoke & Team Trivia. It’s always a good time at this local watering-hole! Dirty BlonDe tavern LAID BACK, SprAwLINg SporTS BAr 4929 w. CHANDLEr BLVD., CHANDLEr DIrTyBLoNDETAVErN.Com 480.753.7175 Cultivate Coffee is a bright and airy café that seeks to cultivate a sense of community while serving the best high-quality coffee and tea beverages. Students, professionals, families, and neighbors alike all gather at Cultivate for their warm and inviting atmosphere. Stay a while for a pour-over coffee, or grab a latte for your morning commute. Light breakfast, pastry, and snack items are always available as well, and baked goods are often sourced from nearby local bakeries. Cultivate Coffee prides itself on sourcing coffee beans from ethically and sustainably responsible farms, and the baristas are skilled in brewing and preparing each drink to a guest’s request. Cultivate Coffee is a nonprofit coffee shop where the owners give back and cultivate the next generation of coffee professionals by running an at-risk youth internship program, teaching them to roast, brew, and meaningfully contribute to their community. 505 W. DunLap ave., phoenix | CuLtivateCoffee.org | 602.612.2115 BreWeD for Community Cultivate Coffee From breakfast to lunch, Munch A Lunch in Tempe offers Breakfast Sand- wiches, Salads, Wraps and Paninis. This is the perfect place to grab a quick meal on the go. Recognized as one of the Top 101 Dishes by Phoenix Magazine in 2022, give the #30 Super Munch a try. Whether you’re starting the day with a breakfast burrito or need a midday cobb salad, think of Munch A Lunch. Munch a Lunch UPBeAT SAnDWich ShoP 1403 W. 10Th PL., TeMPe AzMUnchALUnch.coM 480.968.2008 8 May 18th - May 24th | phoenix new tiMes | EAT 2023