chacónne patisserie | choco almond croissant
There’s maybe no better way to start your day than with a pasty from Chacónne Patisserie and a cup of coffee. While any selection will yield a satisfied smile, we often opt for the Chocolate Almond Croissant. Perfectly crispy and flaky, the pastry also has a bit of chewiness to it, making for a total textural treat. You can grab one at their two locations, or brave the heat at the Uptown Farmer’s Market and pair it with a Beal Beans coffee like we do!
pedal haus | day drinker light lager
Summertime in Arizona is best enjoyed poolside. And with that, an ice cold one is quite an enhancement. For those looking to crack a brew before the sun goes down, Day Drinker Light Lager from Pedal Haus is a fitting pick. Sporting a mellow 3.6% ABV and a light, crispy flavor profile, you won’t fall asleep before dinner or wreck your palate with in-your-face hops. It won silver at the 2026 world beer cup and is widely available at retailers so you don’t have to head to the brewery to grab a pack.
guest pick: adam allison | a modo mio
A little gem of a place in Mesa called A Modo Mio. The owner is from Italy and they have a great pastry team that comes in every morning and makes legit Italian baked goods. I like to go in for breakfast and get the pistachio croissant, the cinnamon cannoli (which is more like a little cookie) and a cappuccino. Extra points for dunking the cookie in the coffee
hunu | orange cream soda
Founded by two Arizona brothers, HUNU delivers everything you want from a great soda. Their Orange Cream flavor perfectly captures that nostalgic creamsicle taste with bright citrus, smooth vanilla notes, and crisp carbonation. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and one of the best healthy sodas we’ve tried.
shift kitchen & bar | pickle fries
The Pickled French Fries at Shift Kitchen & Bar have been a menu staple since day one, and for good reason. The potatoes are soaked in pickle brine before being fried to a perfect crisp, creating a flavor that’s completely unique. Paired with their secret dipping sauce, they’re worth the visit alone.
capital farms | smash burger
Many Arizona burger lovers will tell you the smash burger at Capital Farms is among the best in the state. Made with Corriente beef raised on their own Wickenburg, Arizona ranch, it’s a masterclass in simplicity. Perfectly smashed, expertly cooked, and packed with flavor, this burger proves that great ingredients speak for themselves.
banham cheesecake | traditional
Banham Cheesecake offers a variety of outstanding flavors, but we keep coming back to the traditional version. Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced, it’s everything a great cheesecake should be. No gimmicks, just exceptional execution.
lamp pizzeria | marshmallow milkshake
In our experience, most marshmallow flavored shakes or ice cream miss that spark of a perfectly toasted treat, ending up as a more “vanilla” experience. The Marshmallow Milkshake at Lamp Pizzeria off of Pima and Pinnacle Peak flips that script. Not only does the shake itself taste like melted marshmallow in a glass, but little bits of the confection also fill the cup. A wonderfully browned sweet marshmallow tops the dessert, demanding attention before the first sip.
dr. hummus dips and spreads | the italian
As certified food lovers, we tend to get a bit snacky. And having a delicious but not wholly unhealthy option in the fridge is always a good idea. For that, we love the spreads and dips from Dr. Hummus. Locally owned, and produced using all natural ingredients, their lineup can satisfy anyone’s flavor desire. The Italian is great to spread on a veggie sandwich or the hummus is a perfect pick to scoop up with their pita chips.
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