Caldwell County BBQ – Brisket
Brisket is the true measuring stick of a barbecue joint. Just enough smoke, never too much, with the perfect moisture level, it’s a true science. And nobody does it better in Arizona than Caldwell County BBQ. With locations in Gilbert, Chandler, and Peoria, Caldwell County has plans to expand into Scottsdale in 2026.
Parch – Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Tucson-based Parch is doing a great job of infusing the flavors of the Sonoran Desert into seriously good non-alcoholic drinks. The current lineup includes Desert Margarita, Spicy Piñarita, Prickly Pear Paloma, and the newest addition, Sedona Spritz. These are hyper-refreshing and perfect for sunny Arizona days by the pool, on the patio, out on a hike, or wherever you find yourself across the state. They are non-alcoholic, but if you want to spice things up a bit, you can always add your own spirit. Each can is packed with desert botanicals and ingredients like Sonoran Desert sea salt, making every sip taste like Arizona. They are easy to drink and definitely something you will want to keep stocked in your fridge.
Cornish Pasty Co. – The Italian
Cornish Pasty takes everything you love about an Italian sandwich and brings it all together inside a perfectly baked pasty. This dish brings the all-star lineup of Italian ingredients, including pepperoni, salami, and capicola, along with fresh mozzarella, basil, and roasted tomato, served with a side of marinara. Everything is made in-house, and you can tell. The vibe at all Cornish Pasty locations is punk rock with great music, a killer beer selection, and those signature pewter platters that make the whole experience feel a little different in the best way. With multiple locations across Arizona, it is easy to track down this one-of-a-kind bite that you will not find anywhere else. It is unique, hearty, and it rocks.
Chateau Tumbleweed – Red Blend
Chateau Tumbleweed is a winery and tasting room based in Clarkdale, a small town inside the Verde Valley American Viticultural Area in central Arizona. While they do not grow their own grapes, they do source from some of Arizona’s most esteemed vineyards. One bottle worth picking up: Le Blend. It’s a mix of a half dozen grapes sourced from partners in Willcox, and designed to be on the light, fruity side of things. That profile makes it a wonderful pair with food. Whip yourself up a steak covered in some Ra Seasonings (seen on pg ???) or grab some Stone Grindz Chocolate (seen on pg ???) and enjoy with this easy drinking wine. According to Chateau Tumbleweed, this bottle has become one of their most popular choices!
Pinnacle Brewing Company – Seeing Dubbel
Pinnacle may be one of the newer breweries on the Arizona beer landscape, but they’re already speaking our love language with their thoughtful, European-inspired approach, and Seeing Dubbel is a stunning example. This beer brings everything we love in a classic Belgian Dubbel: dark stone-fruit character, warm star anise and clove, caramelized brown sugar, and that historic Trappist-style yeast complexity that feels both soulful and comforting.
The Bar Arcadia – Hot Wings
The Bar in Arcadia is one of our all-time favorite bar bars: not quite dive-y, definitely not fancy, just the kind of place where real people go to unwind. Members of our crew grew up in Wisconsin, which basically means they were raised in dive bars, and to them, this spot instantly feels like home. And the wings? Unreal. Some of the best in the Valley. We love heat (like REALLY love heat), and their “Blow Out Your O Ring” sauce absolutely delivers. If spicy isn’t your thing, our other go-to is the John Blaze Honey Hot, which is the perfect sweet-heat balance and just as addictive. Oh yeah, and their kitchen is open until 1:30 am.
Special Guest: Mo from Alt AZ 93.3 – Taquitos Jalisco’s
My go-to bean and cheese burrito will always and forever be at Taquitos Jalisco’s on Gilbert and Broadway. I’ve been going there for 25 or 26 years. The recipe has never changed, and no other restaurants I’ve been to can replicate what they have. Then you pair it with a horchata?! It’s over. You’re staying in. It’s a blockbuster night.
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