100 Things to Do In Downtown Phoenix

I love correlations. One is this; since we are downtown real estate guys we know all the great things to do and places to go in Downtown Phoenix. I’d like to say we know them all, yet that’s pretty much impossible. That said, we do know a bunch of stuff to do, places to go, great restaurants and other things downtown. More important, we know people who know… our wonderful downtown Phoenix clients and friends. Thus, we have been inspired to write a series we call 100 things to do in Downtown Phoenix… an assignment both fun and daunting. BTW we ended up with more than 100 things to do in Downtown Phoenix, but didn’t think you’d mind.

We will be breaking down the list of 100 things to do in Downtown Phoenix into categories like Best Place for Dinner in Downtown Phoenix, Best Place to Listen to Music in Downtown Phoenix and others… we thought you would find that more user-friendly.

Without further fanfare here is The Caniglia Group’s
Top 100 Things To Do in Downtown Phoenix, AZ.

SIGHTSEEING AND TOURS OF DOWNTOWN PHOENIX:

Chase Field Tours: Just what the name says, a tour of one of America’s great baseball fields. A real treat even if you don’t like baseball. Chase Field is an engineering marvel.

Segway Expeditions: Custom tours of Phoenix and Tempe where you travel by Segway.

Phoenix Tours, LLC: Sightseeing tours of Phoenix, Scottsdale and the Heard Museum

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX:

Chase Field: Chase Field is home the Arizona Diamondback Baseball team as well as a great venue for concerts, corporate events, wedding and more. In July 2011, Chase Field will play host to the MLB All-Star Game.

US Airways Center: Best known as home to the Phoenix Suns NBA basketball team and National WNBA Champion Phoenix Murcury. US Airways center hosts a wide variety of concerts and events including the American Idol Tour show.

Diamondbacks Baseball Tickets and Info: Catch a baseball game in one of America’s premier fields. Come early and enjoy the sights and sounds of a live baseball game.

Phoenix Suns Basketball Tickets and Info: Sun’s basketball games are action packed events with some of the top players in the country driving the lanes.

Phoenix Mercury Basketball Tickets and Info: Three-time national champions, the Phoenix Mercury games are great fun and a reminder of days gone by when passion was the name of the game.

MUSEUMS OF DOWNTOWN PHOENIX:

Phoenix Art Museum: We locals are very proud of our Phoenix Art Museum. The variety of art and exhibitions is wondrous and always stimulating.

Arizona Science Center: A wonder of science for all ages. The Center was recently renovated and offer a variety of experiences and special exhibitions like Body Works.

Heard Museum: The Heard is often cited as the finest western and Native American history museum in the world; A must see for museum and history lovers.

Phoenix Children’s Museum: PCM is more a learning and engaging center than museum. A great place to bring your children to play and experience the variety of exhibits and experiences the Phoenix Children’s Museum offers.

Rosson House Museum: The Rosson House is located in Historic Heritage Square… also the home of Pizzeria Bianco. This area of Phoenix was once called Millionaires Row and Rosson House is a fine example of period revival architecture.

Arizona Jewish Historical Society & Museum: Located in the home of Phoenix’s first synagogue, the AJHS celebrates Jewish Heritage in Arizona. They currently have an exhibit of Jewish Pioneers in the Arizona Territory exhibit. It is located at 122 E. Culver Street next to the Burton Barr Library.

Wells Fargo Museum: Wells Fargo bank has a rich history and their museum has some excellent art, guns, and things of the old and wild west.

Musical Instrument Museum: This museum is not located in the downtown Phoenix area, yet it is an amazing place and well worth the 15-20 minute drive to North Phoenix where it is located. It is described as “the most amazing museum you will ever hear”.

THEATERS IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX:

Herburger Theater Center: The Valley’s top theater for the performing arts. Everything from off-Broadway productions, Phoenix Youth Theater and dance productions can be seen at the beautiful Herberger Theater.

Phoenix Symphony Hall: Home to the Phoenix Symphony and the Arizona Opera. Under the leadership of Michael Christie, the Phoenix Symphony offers wonderful programs that will delight all.

Orpheum Theater: The Orpheum is one of my favorite theaters. Built in the 1920’s and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Check out the calendar of event for live theater productions at the Orpheum.

Comerica Theater: To be honest, this is not one of my favorite venues. Too sterile and I think the sound system is sub-par. I’d love to hear from others to confirm or deny my opinion.

Space 55: Space 55 is community, grass-roots theater in action. It’s small, the productions are unique and it is highly affordable. We like that combination. Hop on over to 7th St. and Pierce St. for a night of live theater.

The Black Theater Troup: This group is instrumental is providing education and performing opportunites for aspiring black actors. Visit their site to see what’s happening.

Valley Youth Theater: A world-class, nationally recognized non-profit theater. We target young people ages 3–19 to participate in and attend quality live theatre productions. Go to VWT and learn stage craft.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater: Thank heavens we have this theater to keep this wonderful art form alive and vital.

FilmBar: A totally fun place to watch independent and specialty movies in downtown Phoenix. Plus, you get to drink adult beverages from a selection of over 30 craft beers and 15 wines by the glass. Intimate, engaging and totally urban.

AMC Theaters: Looking to watch a movie in downtown Phoenix. AMC is the place for current movies.

ART GALLERIES AND EXHIBITS IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX:

Phoenix Art Museum: A world class art gallery and museum. Far too much to say about this here, so take a look at their web site for news and events.

Bentley Art Gallery: Features contemporary art and sculpture from a variety of international artists. Bentley is located in the historic warehouse district south of the downtown area.

Artlink A.E. England Gallery: Located in Civic Space Park, this gallery features both established and upcoming artists. Easy to get to by foot or light rail and you can pop over to Fair Trade Coffee for a beverage or a bit to eat.

Blink Art Gallery: Showcases local and emerging artist with rotating exhibits. Located at 610 E. Roosevelt.

Gallery SUHU: A newer gallery in the Roosevelt Arts District at 5^th Street and Roosevelt. Open during First and Third Friday nights.

Eye Lounge: is a collective, artist-run, contemporary art space committed to fostering emerging and established visual artists in downtown Phoenix. Located at 419 E. Roosevelt. Check the web site for the current exhibits.

Modified Arts: One of the more innovative galleries in Roosevelt Row. They are going through some changes so make sure and visit the web site before heading over there.

WHERE TO LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX:

Shamus McCafferies: A pint of Guinness and some great Irish Music… need we say more? Live music on Friday nights for sure.

Crescent Ballroom: A live music venue with food and a great, reasonably priced bar. The big room has a good sized stage and intimate listening area… a great place to hear a band. The lounge has music as well and is free except for the food and beverage.

The Nash: Looking for great Jazz? The Nash certainly has it. Downbeat Magazine voted it a Great Jazz Venue in 2014 and it won a Best of Phoenix in 2013. Located in Roosevelt Row, The Nash has become a locals favorite. Give them a call at 602-795-0464.

The Duce: An amazing venue that offers Karaoke a couple nights a week and a variety of live music events. Best to like their FaceBook page for the latest happenings.

Turf: Another downtown Irish pub style hangout with music on Wednesday and Friday nights.

Chars Has The Blues: Known as the house that blues built, Chars is a top choice for live music lovers. Best of all you can listen to live music 7 nights a week at this local favorite located on 7^th Ave south of Camelback.

The Press Room: A new music venue from Danny Zellesko of Live Nation fame. It opened in March 2014 and offers a wide variety of intimate concerts in the downtown historic warehouse district a block south of Jefferson near 4th Ave. 602-396-7136.

Carly’s Bistro: Near the ASU downtown campus on Roosevelt, Carly’s is another locals favorite for many reasons including the live music that happens every night at 10:00 pm.

Steve’s Greenhouse Grill: Located across the street from the Hyatt, Steve’s offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights. More of a restaurant than a music house.

Lost Leaf: Another restaurant/bar near the ASU downtown campus that knows the value of live entertainment. Never a cover charge and music every night with an emphasis on jazz. Check out their site for more info.

Trunk Space: Located on Grand Ave at Roosevelt, Truck Space is in a space of its own. They specialize in non-commercial entertainment including music, circus acts and more. You will never hear top-40 music cuts here, they don’t allow it. If you want something unexpected and interesting, The Truck Space is your place.

BEST REALTORS TO HELP BUY A HOME IN PHOENIX:

The Caniglia Group: For over 20 years Shelley, Steve and Erik have been helping people have a great real estate experience. They are market experts, great listeners and genuinely care about their clients.

BEST PLACES TO SHOP IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX:

Bunky Boutique: A sweet clothing store that shares space with Giant Coffee on 1^st Street south of McDowell. Rachel named the place after her grandmother and features a wonderful assortment of both women’s and men’s clothing and accessories. A must visit when shopping in downtown Phoenix and winner of numerous Best of Phoenix awards. Read The Caniglia Group’s review of Bunky Boutique.

R & R Surplus at the Duce: Andi and Steve, the Duce’s proprietors, came from the clothing world where they made a name for themselves with Fatigues. Now they offer R&R Surplus, an eclectic mix of reused clothing for men and women. While your checking out the threads you can grab a bite to eat and wash it down with an adult beverage… what a great way to spend the afternoon.

Bards Books: I am so glad I found Bards Books. It is one of those rare stores that make you glad you came. Tall stacks of books in a warm, cozy setting make you feel welcomed and special. Sven, the owner, has new and used books and can order any book you want.

Culture Fresh: Located at 455 N 3rd Street at Arizona Center, this is a trendy boutique that caters to hip-hop styles and locals. Sweet.

Retro Ranch: Looking for retro furniture, cloths and more… this is the place. Retro Ranch is in the Melrose district at 4303 N. 7th Street.

Growop: It is a creative group of artists and entrepreneurs in Downtown Phoenix designed as an incubator for these individuals to develop and grow their small businesses. You’ll find it at 906 N 6th Street in downtown Phoenix.

Figs Home and Garden: An eclectic urban furnishings boutique fashioned with Asian, Indian, Indonesian, and European furnishings, antiques, accessories, garden, architectural elements and a large selection of gifts. Figs is located in midtown Phoenix on 7^th Ave.

Urban Outfitters Phoenix: Located in CityScape, Urban Outfitters is filled with clothing for the urban dweller of all ages.

Charming Charlies: Another national chain who decided downtown Phoenix is the place to be. CC specializes in fashion accessories for ladies.

Mercantile: Looking for help with your hair, need some sweet vintage clothing. Merchantile at 801 N. Central offers both.

TOP PICKS FOR RESTAURANTS AND DINING IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX:

The Best Breakfast in Downtown Phoenix:

Matt’s Big Breakfast: A top choice for locals and visitors alike. The hash browns are to die for! Don’t take our word for it though; check Matts out on Yelp and the Urban Spoon.

Fa-Me Cafe: Fa-Me opened in early 2015 and had already become a top spot. Great service and exceptional fool are what you can expect. They offer affordable lunches too.

Vovomeena: A local’s favorite near Willo and FQ Story Historic Districts. Fun menu and intimate.

LoLo’s Chicken and Waffles: Just what the name says plus a lot more. You’ll have to wait till 9:00 am for your meal though… Larry likes to sleep in a bit after a long day and night at work.

The Cafe at the Phoenix Public Market: We really like this place. Very community centric. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner but I find myself going there a lot for breakfast.

The Best Lunch In Downtown Phoenix:

The Downtown Deli: This place has been around for about 50 years. That only happens when you are very good; They are!! They are located near Adams and Central. Check out The Downtown Deli on Yelp.

Arrogant Butcher: This place is pretty new to the downtown scene and people are loving it. It is the brainchild of Scottsdale food guru Sam Fox. The AB is modestly upscale with a fine American bistro menu. We like it for lunch as the prices are a bit lower and we can enjoy are favorites for a bit less. Here is what they are saying about the Arrogant Butcher on Yelp.

Pomo Pizzaria has quickly grabbed the attention of downtown dwellers and workers. The Neapolitan style pizza is tasty and fast from the kitchen. Yelpers give it 4.5 stars.

Pane Bianco: Located next to Lux Coffee on Central, Pane Bianco is Chris Bianco’s (Pizzaria Bianco fame) midtown take out lunch and dinner place. The brick over backed breads are to die for and the cheeses and other fillings are always delectable. Yelp gives Pane Bianco nearly 5 full stars… a rarity.

Pita Jungle Downtown: Pita Jungle, located in the Roosevelt Historic District is a top choice for lunch among the locals. The food is fresh and tasty. The restaurant is a great example of adaptive reuse located in the historic Gold Spot building. Definitely worth a trip for both the food and location.

Bowl of Greens: Located at 555 N. Central, this build your own salad place has won the hearts and stomachs of students and locals alike. It’s reasonably priced and has a ton of option to create your own salad masterpiece.

Desoto Central Market: A new place (April 2015) and quite special. This is a great adaptive use and multi-restaurant project at Roosevelt and Central Ave. Lots to choose from and a kickin dog friendly patio. Right on the Roosevelt Light Rail line. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

The Best Dinner in Downtown Phoenix:

Pizzeria Bianco: Not too much I can add to the accolades already bestowed upon this legendary restaurant. How many places lay claim to the best Pizza in the country? Pizzeria Bianco does. The food really is exceptional and if you are okay with a long wait, it is worth it. We recommend you come very early or perhaps come for lunch.

Majerle’s Sports Grill: Majerle’s makes most of the lists of top places in downtown. Named after NBA great Dan Majerle, this place puts out a great burger, has beautiful staff and is our favorite place to catch dinner before a game. They made our pub and bar list too.

The Arrogant Butcher: This place makes our dinner list as well. I just haven’t found anything on the menu I didn’t like… a lot. Sam Fax is a great restaurateur and his staff is very well trained.

Cibo: Although I love Pizzeria Bianco, I’ll take Cibo over it most of the time. The pizzas are excellent and I like the affordability of their wines. The large outdoor patio is a real plus too. Fresh, tasty and great service are always mentioned in the reviews and we agree.

The Breadfruit and Rum Bar:This local’s hang is a mix of fun, food and more fun. The Jamaican influenced food is spicy and fresh. Check out their menu and you’ll get hungry right now. Did we tell you they specialize in rum cocktails too? YoMan.

Taco Guild: Located in a 1893 former church, Taco Guild is a treat. The stain glass windows and open beam ceiling set the stage for a great meal and time.

Durants: No downtown restaurant guide would be right without Durants. It’s one of those timeless steak houses with red leather booths and stylized service that has scarcely changed since it opened in 1950. You’ll find it at 2611 N. Central Ave. 602-264-5967. BTW… try the horseradish sauce… it will wake up your senses.

Urban Vine: Located in the former Coronado Cafe location, Urban Vine captures flavors not found everywhere and nestled in a sweet bungalow home is special.

Grand Avenue Pizza: Not a fancy place, but it has made late night life in the Grand Avenue area much more fun.

THE BEST BARS AND PUBS IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX:

Locally Owned and Local’s Favorites:

Seamus McCafrey’s: Irish through and through at this locals favorite. It would be very hard to not have a good time at Seamus McCafrey’s where you are either Irish or wish you were.

The Filmore Vig: this is the number 3 of this popular bar/restaurant format and became a fast neighborhood favorite. Good outdoor patio, 2 bars, sports on TV and the good is tasty.

Bliss Rebar: Both a bar and restaurant, we like the bar side best and the huge patio offers some great people watching.

Mother Bunch Brewing: Great local brew house and has very good food. 20 Local Brews on Tap too and a new 2014 add to our 100 things to do in downtown phoenix.

Ghost Lounge: Located in the Hotel San Carlos, the Ghost Lounge brings together the old and the new. Drinks, music and dancing are on the fare as well as a good meal.

Alice Cooperstown: A top spot to catch a drink before or after a ball game or concert. Maybe you’ll even see Alice Cooper if you are lucky. Big place, big patio and great rock and roll atmosphere.

Carly’s Bistro: Carly’s is another top spot for locals. It is located on Roosevelt Row and has won Best of Phoenix for their Bloody Mary’. They often have live music and the food is quite tasty too.

Chambers on First: A newer addition to downtown and proof that you can’t have too many Irish Pubs. Warm interior, good food and drink plus live music on the weekends.

The Duce: Fun, eclectic, out of the ordinary is what many say. Located a bit south of the ball parks, The Duce is an experience unlike any other. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights are karaoke nights and a lot of fun. Great food with Chicago flair is available as well. More popular Fall though Spring when the weather is cooler and they have more events happening.

Coach and Willies: A fun place most often packed before and after sporting events. Located south of the ballpark.

National Chain Bar/Restaurants in Downtown Phoenix

Lucky Strike: This is a national chain place that mixes an upscale bar with bowling. Located in CityScape, Lucky Strike has become a strong favorite of the business crowd. Read what we wrote about Lucky Strike when they first opened in CityScape.

Hooters: Not one of my personal favorites, yet I do like the wings and scenery. That said, I’d pick one of our local places since you can go to a Hooters in many other cities and I like to experience the local scene when visiting a city.

Tilted Kilt: What downtown could be without a Titled Kilt. It is located on the upper deck of City Scape at 2 E. Jefferson.

Hard Rock: I feel pretty much the same about this as Hooters.

COFFEE HOUSES IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX:

We could write all day about the great coffee houses in Downtown Phoenix. In fact, we have. You can also view our YouTube video about coffee houses along the light rail in downtown Phoenix.

Lola Coffee: Located in the Roosevelt Historic District on 3rd Ave, Lola’s offers a great cup of java and plenty of space to work, read, and reconnoiter.

Lux: Jeff and Tara Fischer are the soul behind Lux. I say this because Lux is so much more than its coffee (don’t’ tell Jeff this as roasters can be a little sensitive). Lux is an urban community within the larger one. Locals, lots of them, see it as a home away from home. It just feels good. They also feature local artists, have a great music mix going and lots of space to lounge. They moved next door to their old location last fall, so you only have to take an extra few steps to get there and they added a lo of parking too.

Giant Coffee: Giant Coffee is another Matt Poole concept place. He and his wife own Matt’s Big Breakfast and the Roosevelt too. It is a large open place with an industrial warehouse feel and big windows looking out over 1^st Street. Bunky Boutique shares space here so you can enjoy a great Latte while you shop.

Fair Trade: Fair Trade has two locations, one at 1^st Ave and Roosevelt and one in Civic Space Park. Each have a different feel. They like to say they serve coffee with a conscience as social issues are as much a part of their lives as the coffee and food. I like the 1^st Ave place best as it is more intimate.

Vovomeena: Also known for its breakfast, Vovomeena is the place to get cold brewed and regular brewed coffee.

Copper Star: If I’m up in the Melrose district around 7^th Ave and Indian School I like to stop off at Copper Star. I really like their lattes. Housed in an old gas station, Copper Star is a great local coffee house.

Cartel Coffee Lab: Located on 1^st Street below Adams, Cartel has a strong local following. They do their own roasting and are noted as being coffee savvy. A great choice if you are at the Convention Center.

Conspire: We mentioned these guys under the Art Gallery section as well. This place feels like you went next door to hang out with a friend for a cup of joe. Very earthy and neighborhoodish.

Urban Beans: Located on 7^th Street and Osborn, Urban Beans offers a nice cup of java, a bit of art and tasty food. Very popular on Sundays when they open their omelet breakfast bar.

YOGA CLASSES AND GYMS IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX:

Phoenix Yoga: One of the older yoga studios in the area specializing in Kundalini Yoga. They are known for great depth and knowledge and offer classes for beginners to advanced practitioners.

Urban Yoga: I think the name is right for this yoga studio. They offer a variety of yoga styles as well as wellness services, a retail boutique and more. Located at One Lexington, Urban Yoga is easy to get to by light rail.

Downtown YMCA: Besides a full suite of exercise programs, the YMCA offer yoga classes including a Saturday Yoga in the Park program. Look at their schedule of classes for times.

Desert Song Yoga: Located in uptown Phoenix on N. 7^th Street near Camelback, Desert Song has been offering yoga and Tai Chi classes for about 20 years.

Peaceful Roots: A yoga and holistic healing center in uptown near 7^th Avenue and Camelback.

Gold’s Gym at CityScape: This is one of Gold’s Guys elite facilities. It has everything you can imagine in a high level workout facility. You can buy a day pass or join long term membership programs. Lots of options and now they offer Zumba Fitness.

BUYING AND SELLING HOMES IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX

The Caniglia Group at North&Co.: Steve, Erik and Daniel specialize in helping people buy and sell homes and condos in Uptown, Midtown and Downtown Phoenix. Whether you live in the greater Phoenix metro area, happen to be visiting our fair city, or have a child attending Arizona State University’s Downtown Phoenix campus, The Caniglia Group is your best choice for real estate.