Arizona may not be the most diverse state in the country, but the Grand Canyon State is home to some of the tastiest restaurants.
Unless if you’re driving, you’ll likely start your Arizona journey at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which has been described as America’s Friendliest and Tastiest Airport. Summer is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to escape the dreary cold temperatures, than Arizona may be your next vacation spot.
Anyhow, let’s get to the main point of this post — the good eats in Arizona!
Let me start with the Waffle House in Apache Junction. Okay, Waffle House is a no frills breakfast, lunch, and dinner restaurant — especially the breakfast, which always hits the spot! Plus the Waffle House is open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, so you’ll never need to worry about the Waffle House being closed when you want to order a quick meal after hours or on holidays!
For the main course, I tried the Two Egg Plate with scrambled eggs (with grilled mushrooms), bacon (which came with four strips of bacon, which was good!), and Texas toast. The grilled mushrooms were an extra $0.50, but I didn’t mind because I like mushrooms and the mushrooms perked up my classic breakfast plate.
Yes, Einstein Bros. Bagels is a bagel and coffee chain, but I don’t care about what I’m munching on — especially if I just got off the plane!
I made a pit stop at Einstein Bros. Bagels and ordered the Nova Lox bagel on a six cheese bagel along with a strawberry banana smoothie. The smoothie (not pictured) was fresh and quenched my thirst, but the Nova Lox was scrumptious for a chain bagel! The lox and cream cheese were delicious, and the bagel was toasted just right.
I’ll be back, even if it’s not in downtown Mesa, just for the Nova Lox.
Dirtwater Springs is a shack-style restaurant in Apache Junction. It’s not the biggest restaurant, but it’s quite cozy and the staffers are very friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant. They have everything from classic American eats to unique Tex-Mex plates. They even have daily specials, which are great if you want to order something that’s not on the menu.
When I dined at Dirtwater Springs, I ordered the Crispy Chicken Salad, which turned out better than I expected. I like crispy chicken, but I wasn’t in the mood for French fries, so that’s why I ordered it. It was served on a bed of greens, tomatoes, and shredded cheese, along with garlic toast as well as my choices of ranch and honey mustard — and yes, I had both condiments! Nom nom nom…
Mickey D’s Cafe, not to be confused with McDonald’s, is a breakfast and brunch restaurant in Apache Junction. It’s arguably the best breakfast and brunch restaurant in Apache Junction, too.
Mickey D’s biscuits and gravy are the highlight of their menu, but I decided to be adventurous and opted for the Mushroom and Swiss Chicken Sandwich with fries and a side of honey mustard. Overall, it was pretty good, and I’d recommend it if you’re not in the mood for breakfast.
Last but not least, the Philly Up food truck proved that I don’t have to be in Philadelphia or Wilmington, Delaware, to enjoy a Philly cheesesteak! This food truck checks off all the boxes. Their menu features Philly cheesesteaks, gyros, and even Philly cheesesteak and/or gyro fries! Yes, Philly cheesesteak and/or gyro fries!
I had the Philly cheesesteak fries. The steak was perfectly seared and seasoned, the cheese sauce was creamy and not too salty, and the fries were crisp but not greasy. The portions were huge, but I expected nothing less since it was event food at the Blues and Brews Festival. It was so good!
I’ll definitely try Philly up again, and who knows, maybe I’ll even give them a catering call one day!
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