May 27th, 2008

Five Great Date-Night Restaurants in Phoenix

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1. Joe’s Real BBQ
Sometimes date night means taking the kids along. The outdoor porch at Joe’s provides a fenced in area to let the kids run wild while the parents sip down homemade root beer and chopped beef brisket sandwiches. Kids often love the sides like apple sauce and mac and cheese. Don’t forget dessert options which include lemon or root beer cake and giant chocolate chip cookies big enough to share. 480.503.3805

2. Oregano’s
Get there early. Oregano’s has incredible pizza, pasta, appetizers and more. There are a million ways to slice the menu but here’s one killer combination you can’t go wrong with: Start with the “Medium Gold” wings (you have to ask for this by name, it’s not on the menu). It’s a baker’s dozen of 14 meaty, drumstick-only wings served in a special medium-hot sauce mixed with honey barbeque. Next choose a salad, like the Pablo Picasso, and select the smaller size (which is still large) because you need to save room for the next two courses. Then try a thin crust pizza: the sausage is great, especially when combined with pepperoni and garlic. Though you will probably feel quite full at this point, order a Pizookie anyway. It’s an almost-completely-baked cookie in a miniature pizza pan served with ice cream on top. The Pizookie makes a great date-night snack on its own as well. 480.882.9336

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3. Tradiciones
Tradiciones features big platters of carne asada or pollo to share. And delicious fruit drinks and festive atmosphere — complete with live mariachis — make this place ideal for a fun night out. The restaurant also makes an excellent pre-D’Backs dinner since it’s only minutes from Chase Field.
Beware: it’s closed on Mondays. 602.254.1719

4. My Big Fat Greek Restaurant
Taking another couple with you? Head to My Big Fat Greek Restaurant and order some dipping platters to start off. The Aegean Club is an incredible grilled chicken and gyro sandwich served with freshly made pitas, and it’s big enough to share. Go to the Chandler Blvd./I-10 location on the weekend evenings for belly dancing. Need to take the kids? Don’t worry: they eat for free during select times. 480.726.3036

5. Barrio Cafe
When you go to Barrio Cafe you’ll want to get a babysitter and set aside the entire evening. Drive downtown and enjoy one of the best Mexican food experiences anywhere. Start with the guacamole, assembled tableside: it’s some of the best you’ll find in the Valley. And make sure to enjoy the secret ingredient: pomegranate seeds (or Craisins in the off-season). Next, choose from some of the mouth-watering entrees. The pibil — pork roasted for 12 hours — is incredible, as is the chicken poblano. You’ll want to save room for the hot carmel filled churros, served with ice cream. 602.636.0240